Names and Faces

Thomas L. Smith Jr. has joined the Helena office of Tetra Tech as a senior civil engineer. He holds a bachelor's degree in geological engineering from Montana Tech and has worked as a consultant on a wide variety of environmantal, mining and geotechnical projects, including site assessments, landfill closures, leaking tanks and remediation, mine exploration and reclamation projects. He will fill lead and support roles for a variety of projects across the firm.

Lanie Plovanich has joined the Montana Municipal Insurance Authority as a workers' compensation claims examiner. She comes to MMIA with seven years of experience with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, as both a customer service representative for self-funded groups and as a claims adjudicator.

Student Assistance Foundation recently announced two new employees.

Rebecca Smith will work in SAF's Client Assistance Recovery Education (CARE) Department.

Kristi Hernandez will work as a specialist in the Records Management Department.

Cindy Zipperian recently joined New West Health Services as the marketing product manager. She previously worked in the real estate and education field for association-related businesses for eight-plus years. She has more than 15 years of experience in the marketing and membership fields.

Jeffrey R. Beck was recently promoted to controller for American Chemet Corp., responsible for the firm's accounting functions. Beck earned a bachelor's degree in accounting from Carroll College prior to joining the company in 1993 as an accountant, with subsequent promotions to senior accountant and accounting manager.

Recognition

Carol Hatfield, community assistance coordinator from the Townsend Ranger District of the Helena National Forest, received the United States Forest Service's Northern Region 2007 Regional Forester's Honor Award for the category of technology transfer. The award recognizes her leadership in transferring knowledge and technology from the Forest Service to non-profit community groups and schools. Working with a varierty of Broadwater County organizations and the Townsend School District, she provided leadership and assistance in the development of the Townsend Weed and Bug Project, Townsend's Heritage Park small-diameter wood pavilion and the Fuels for Schools demonstration project.

Changes

Brad Schmidt and assistants Knoah Geisler and Ashley French are opening a new agency of Allstate Insurance Co. at 1611 Cedar Street. The full-service agency will offer a complete line of insurance products and services, including traditional life insurance as well as auto and property. Schmidt, a Helena native, has three years of experience with an independent agency. Allstate can be reached locally at 449-6939.

Sheri Howell, MD, and Tammie Espenlaub recently opened Sage Medical Clinic at 2024 9th Ave., Suite 1. Howell has practiced in Helena for the past 13 years, and Espenlaub recently advanced her practice and now provides care as a Certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Sage Medical Clinic can be reached for appointments at 443-7733.

Anniversaries

Morrison-Maierle recently announced a pair of extraordinary staff anniversaries:

John H. Morrison, Jr., celebrated 50 years of service to the firm on June 1.

Willis Wetstein celebrates 50 years of service to the firm on June 17.