New hires and promotions lead this week’s Knoxville business roundup
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is a roundup of business news from throughout the Knoxville region. If you have some business news that you would like to be included in Teknovation Weekend, please email us at news@teknovation.biz.)
Pilot/Flying J announces 2022 growth strategy and adds four VPs to leadership team
A news release from the Knoxville-headquartered fuel supply company said the new leadership positions will help strengthen Pilot’s core business, building on its geographic expansion, and drive innovation to enhance guest and team member experiences. The company also announced plans to expand its travel center network in 2022 with 34 new locations. Of those, 14 will be new travel centers and 20 will be dealer sites. “We are always looking ahead and listening to our guests and team members to drive future innovation and strategic investments in our business,” said Shameek Konar, Pilot Company Chief Executive Officer (CEO). “As we move into 2022, we have made several key organizational changes and additions that diversify our leadership team and position our company for sustained growth by delivering on our promise to ensure the experience at Pilot is exceptional.” Pilot’s three promotions and one new hire to the role of Vice President include: Allison Cornish, Vice President of Store Modernization; Jamie Landis, Vice President of Team Member Experience; Tim Langenkamp, Vice President of Business Development; and Jonathan Braatvedt has joined Pilot as the Vice President of Food and Beverage.
New Hires and Promotions
Covenant Health announced two promotions earlier this week. Rick Carringer has been promoted to Vice President of Revenue Integrity for Covenant Health. He will succeed Kevin Brown, who is set to retire at the end of March. Carringer has served as the Chief Financial Officer of two Covenant Health member hospitals, Methodist Medical Center of Oak Ridge and Roane Medical Center, since 2014. He joined Covenant Health in 2006. The healthcare provider also announced that Aaron Burns has been promoted to President and Chief Administrative Officer of LeConte Medical Center. He will succeed Gay Jolly, who is also retiring at the end of March. Burns is currently the Vice President of Support Services, a role he has been in since July 2020.
Techmer PM has hired Elizabeth Perusse as its Vice President of Human Resources (HR). The company is a polymer compounder and materials design firm. Perusse will also serve as a member of the company’s executive leadership team. She has nearly three decades of HR experience. “Elizabeth has years of experience in key areas such as employee recruitment practices, personnel development programs, workforce participation and communications, and employee rewards and recognition,” said Techmer PM CEO Mike McHenry. “I see her joining us as a critical part of Techmer’s strategy to successfully grow the business with full employee engagement.”
Tranzonic Companies announced the promotion of Jeremy Miller to Third Shift Shipping Supervisor at the company’s distribution center in Hardin Valley. Tranzonic is a national manufacturing company of cleaning and hygiene supplies and more. It is headquartered in Ohio. “Jeremy has proven his abilities to manage both people and inventory and will play an important role in keeping our supply chain running efficiently at our company’s largest distribution center,” said Brian Rhoades, Executive Vice President of Operations for Tranzonic.
The Christman Company recently hired Michael Kellogg as a Project Engineer in the firm’s Knoxville office. “Michael’s education and safety training make him an asset to our company and clients,” said Marty Gibbs, Senior Vice President and General Manager for The Christman Company’s operations in Knoxville.
PetWellClinic adds five locations in Philadelphia
Knoxville-based PetWellClinic continues its growth spurt with a new five-unit deal in Philadelphia. The company recently announced it had surpassed 100 units in development. Learn more in this news release.
New Businesses
QC Kinetix held a grand opening for its new location in Powell. The company uses the body’s healing properties through state-of-the-art natural biologic treatments as alternatives to invasive surgery and addictive pain medications.
East Tennessee Purchasing Association announces Virtual Diversity Business Expo
The annual Diversity Business Expo will be held virtually on March 3 from 8-11:30 a.m. The event aims to engage Diversity Business Enterprises and connect them with local decision makers, as well as to provide opportunities for small business owners to network. Register by February 24. Find more information here.
East Tennessee Wellness Roundtable opens Recognition application
The East Tennessee Wellness Roundtable annually recognizes businesses that prioritize employee wellbeing. The program was launched in 2020, and has three tiers of recognition: Bronze, Gold, and Platinum. Learn more about the program here.
