BUSINESS PEOPLE Northwest Arkansas

James McCarty was named manager of environmental quality at the Beaver Water District in Lowell. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biological engineering and master’s degree in biological engineering, both from the University of Arkansas. He plans to graduate in spring 2018 with a doctorate in biological engineering, also from the University of Arkansas.

Phillip Palmer PT, DPT, and Melenna Kaundart, PTA, recently completed a Parkinson Wellness Recovery training program, which teaches Parkinson diseasespecific neuroplasticityprincipled exercises aimed at slowing disease progression, improving symptoms, restoring function and increasing longevity and quality of life. They are physical therapists at Sparks Medical Center — Van Buren.

Dr. Serena Pierson, board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, recently joined the medical staff of Northwest Health, practicing at Willow Creek Women’s Clinic in Johnson. She has been practicing in Northwest Arkansas for more than three years. Pierson received her medical education at University of Minnesota Medical School, Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. She then completed her obstetrics and gynecology residency at Parkland Health & Hospital System, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Joseph Kennon, RN, CEN, CPEN, has been selected as a Great 100 Nurse Honoree by The Great 100 Nurses Foundation. Kennon, who has 20 years of critical care experience, is a certified emergency nurse for both adults and children. He serves as team lead manager in the Boreham Emergency Center Chest Pain Observation Unit at Sparks Regional Medical Center in Fort Smith. He will be honored, along with other nurses from across the state, during an award ceremony April 11 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Little Rock.

Marissa Kargas was named evening co-anchor at KNWA Northwest Arkansas News. She joined KNWA in 2011 as a general assignment reporter before moving to the weekend shift, producing and anchoring the KNWA and FOX24 weekend newscasts. In 2014, she started to co-anchor KNWA Today and the FOX24 News. She graduated from San Diego State University,

Dr. Steven F. Spencer, board certified in family medicine, joined Washington Regional’s Har-Ber Family Clinic. He earned his medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed his family medicine residency at the University of Alabama/Huntsville Hospital. He has provided care in Northwest Arkansas since 1994, the past 11 years at the Washington Regional Emergency Department.

Jason Wildeman was recently named vice president of outpatient services for Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas. He joined Mercy in 1999 and has been an occupational therapist, a clinical coordinator, director of home health services and executive director of home health services. Wildeman is a registered occupational therapist with the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapy and a licensed occupational therapist with the Arkansas State Medical Board. He received a bachelor of science in occupational therapy from University of Central Arkansas in Conway.

Rachel Cox was named executive director of Healing Gardens of NWA in Rogers. She was CEO and executive director of Soul’s Harbor NWA, director of development and marketing at Havenwood, program director of the Teen Action and Support Center and director of communication at the United Way of Northwest Arkansas.

Pat Bates, director of human resources for Beaver Water District, recently completed a management training and leadership skills course for water/wastewater managers and supervisors. She joined the water district in 2008. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an accounting emphasis from Fort Hays State University in Kansas. Bates also has completed course work in the Operations Management Master of Science Program at the University of Arkansas.

Bill HagenBurger, plant engineer for the Beaver Water District, recently completed a management training and leadership skills course for water/wastewater managers and supervisors. He joined the water district in 2001. He earned a master’s degree in civil engineering from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., and a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Villanova University. He is a registered professional engineer in Arkansas and holds a Grade IV Water Operators License.

Briefs are for people in Northwest Arkansas who are new hires, were promoted, received an award from outside their organization or received a certification. Email: cswanson@nwadg . com or send your item to: Christie Swanson, P.O. Box 7, Springdale, AR. 72765. Information must be received by noon Wednesday prior to the Sunday the item is to be published.

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