Change Ups: Cardiologist named AHA fellow

Change Ups: Cardiologist named AHA fellow

Diaz-Sandoval

Larry Diaz-Sandoval, an interventional cardiologist with Metro Health, has been named a fellow of the American Heart Association by the Council on Peripheral Vascular Disease, recognizing excellence, innovations and leadership in the field and active volunteer leadership and service in the AHA. Diaz-Sandoval has a decade of experience in cardiology and cardiovascular disease. He is board certified in cardiovascular disease and interventional cardiology and joined Metro Health’s heart and vascular medicine practice in 2011.

ARTS

Grand Rapids Public Library Board of Library Commissioners announced the election of James Botts, president; and M. Jade VanderVelde, vice president/secretary.

Muskegon Museum of Art marked its 100th year anniversary and raised $7.1 million — 95 percent of its goal — as part of its INSPIRE campaign, to ensure the long-term operation of the museum following its planned separation from Muskegon Public Schools, effective 2014.

The Air Zoo in Kalamazoo announced Troy A. Thrash is its new president and CEO. Thrash previously was executive director and CEO of the Da Vinci Science Center in Allentown, Pa.

ASSOCIATIONS

Marsha D. Rappley, dean of Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, has been appointed chair of the Association of American Medical Colleges Council of Deans.

AWARDS

The National Association of Town Watch has honored Consumers Energy with a National Electric Utility Award for its participation in the National Night Out crime and drug prevention program.

The State Historic Preservation Office, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, announced the Grand Rapids Storage and Van Co. Building, 1415 Lake Drive SE, is among seven properties and historic districts added to the National Register of Historic Places.

BANKING

Lake Michigan Credit Union announced the promotion of Jodi Wildfong to district manager. Wildfong is a 12-year LMCU employee who previously has worked as a teller, head teller, assistant manager and branch supervisor.

BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION

Associated Builders and Contractors Inc. West Michigan Chapter announced it nominated Julie Byrne to its board of directors. Byrne is group vice president at CSM Group.

Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. announced the appointment of Frank Stanek, president. His previous positions with O-A-K include project superintendent, director of operations and vice president. He serves on the O-A-K Michigan board of directors, its corporate board of directors, and the West Michigan Associated Builders and Contractors board of directors.

DESIGN

Sean Sommerfield, owner/creative director of Visual Biscuit Studio, announced he is closing the design and modeling company to establish a partnership with digital illustration firm Dart Frog Creative.

EDUCATION

Ferris State University announced Andrea Wirgau has been appointed assistant director of its Doctorate in Community College Leadership, a program designed to help train future leaders of community colleges. Wirgau joined Ferris in 2010 as the DCCL coordinator and has played a key role in development of the Extended and International Operations’ program.

FOOD INDUSTRY

Shoreline Fruit LLC announced John Sommavilla has been appointed CEO, replacing Ken Swanson, who retired in December. Sommavilla previously was president/CEO of Coles Quality Foods Inc. in Muskegon, and executive vice president of supply chain for Spartan Stores Inc. He has served on Shoreline Fruit’s board of directors for the last year.

GRANTS

Grand Rapids Community Foundation announced it awarded a $25,000 grant to the West Michigan Miracle League, which provides children with mental and physical disabilities an opportunity to experience baseball. The donation will go toward building a first-of-its-kind baseball field in West Michigan for special needs children. Construction is slated to begin in the spring in Plainfield Township.

HEALTH

Dr. David Alfonso of Plastic Surgery Associates is now a fellow of the American College of Surgeons.

Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital announced the addition of physician assistant Ashley Wharton, its 1,000th current employee.

Dr. Raisa Platte has joined Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogynecology Institute of Medicine, a division of Grand Rapids Women’s Health. She is the first fellowship-trained physician to join its practice.

Allegan General Hospital’s board of trustees announced veterinarian Jim Connell, owner of Town and Country Veterinary Hospital, was elected to its board.

Michigan Blood announced it has been named exclusive provider of blood components to Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital.

HUMAN SERVICES

American Red Cross announced Kelly Hudson is regional communication officer for Red Cross of West Michigan. Hudson will develop strategic communication plans, distribute press releases and act as a media spokesperson. She previously was executive producer/content manager for FOX 17’s morning show.

INSURANCE

Farm Bureau Insurance announced the addition of agent Kenneth Rieth.

Sue Harig has joined Lighthouse Group as an account manager in its benefits department.

LEGAL

Warner Norcross & Judd LLP named four attorneys partners: Scott R. Carvo, general litigation and restrictive covenant, employment, tax litigation and e-discovery; David C.C. Eberhard, real estate, construction, financial services, corporate and business law; Gaetan Gerville-Reache, appellate attorney and litigator representing individuals, corporations, banks and domestic and foreign governments in state and federal courts; and Jennifer L. Remondino, estate and tax planning, family business succession planning and estate administration.

Rhoades McKee has elected Stephen J. Hulst and James R. Poll to shareholders. Hulst joined the firm in 2006 and concentrates his practice in litigation. Poll has been an associate with the firm since 2006 and concentrates his practice in insurance defense.

NONPROFITS

Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women announced its board members and directors for 2013: president, Kay Staszel, KMS Group; vice president, Joe Belsito, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge; treasurer, Jason Goei, Eastern Floral; and secretary, Sanda Matei, Comerica Wealth Management. New directors: Monica Sparks, WJRW 1340; Deborah Phillips, Priority Health; and Deidra McClelland, The Skye Group.

Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge attorney Jane C. Hofmeyer as been appointed to the Community Media Center’s board of directors. CMC provides media services to the Greater Grand Rapids area, including TV channel GRTV, radio station WYCE-FM and online news source The Rapidian.

The West Michigan Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure announced the appointment of Jennifer Jurgens, executive director.

SERVICES

Tom Winquist, owner of Invisible Fence Westland, is the recipient of 2012 Regional Dealer of the Year Award for the Mideast region by the Invisible Fence Brand.

TRANSPORTATION

M&K Quality Truck Sales announced the promotion of Ted Pilecki to COO. Pilecki will oversee operations in nine locations.