News & Notes | Johnson Architecture names three new partners
LAUNCH Chattanooga receives a $50,000 grant from the Regions Foundation.
From Knoxville:
Johnson Architecture Inc. has named three new partners: Emily Haire, Heather Overton, and Kelly Reynolds.
“Planning for the future is essential for any business, not just in how we work, but in how we lead,” said Daryl Johnson, Founder and President of Johnson Architecture. “The depth and diversity of experience that these three bring to our leadership team is truly remarkable. I’m honored to welcome them as partners and celebrate this milestone together. Their leadership will help us continue growing in meaningful ways and keep our focus on creating a lasting impact through our work.”
The trio joins partners Daryl Johnson, Eric Bowen, Rick Friel, Jeff Williamson, and Joey Staats on the leadership team, contributing to the ongoing development and strategic direction of the full-service architecture and interior design firm established in 1994.
We spotlighted the Knoxville-based company in this post from November 2024.
The next edition of Launch Tennessee‘s ongoing “Capital Conversations” series will be held on Friday at 121 Tech Hub in the Old City. The building is directly across the street from Barley’s.
This free event is designed to help founders connect with capital, meet fellow entrepreneurs, learn about InvestTN (LaunchTN’s $70 million equity investment fund), and discover how to access resources and get involved.
In attendance will be members of LaunchTN’s Capital team; financial sector experts from Pinnacle Financial Partners, Pathway Lending, and Three Roots Capital; and representatives from the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center.
To register, click here.
PetSafe, a global leader in pet care products and solutions and a portfolio company of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), has announced the appointment of Max Rangel as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective November 10.
A proven consumer products leader with over three decades of global experience, most recently served as Global President and CEO of Spin Master Corporation, he brings a track record of driving innovation, operational excellence, and profitable growth across some of the world’s most recognized companies. Rangel brings to PetSafe a global perspective on consumer goods, with expertise gained from more than three decades at The Procter & Gamble Company, The Hershey Company, and S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
“We are thrilled to welcome Max to PetSafe,” said John Compton, Chairman of PetSafe’s Board of Directors. “Max’s blend of strengths – from leading brand transformation and innovative marketing to driving strategic expansion initiatives – is complemented by his sharp operational experience and passion for the customer experience. As PetSafe continues to evolve, Max is the ideal leader to accelerate our growth.”
From Knoxville and Oak Ridge:
At least four members of the greater Knoxville and Oak Ridge community have been named to the second annual “40 Under 40” listing from Nuclear News. They are:
- Jimmy Hughes, 38—United Cleanup Oak Ridge;
- Ashley Saunders, 39—United Cleanup Oak Ridge;
- Vlad Sobes, 35—University of Tennessee, Knoxville; and
- Aşkın Güler Yiğitoğlu, 39—Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
They represent 10 percent of those named.
From Oak Ridge:
LIS Technologies Inc., a proprietary developer of advanced laser technology and the only USA-origin and patented laser uranium enrichment company, announced that Enveniam, LLC, a Bernhard Capital Partners platform company consisting of Oak Ridge-based Boston Government Services (BGS), Strategic Management Solutions Incorporated, and Sterling Engineering and Consulting, has signed an agreement to serve as the Lead Project Integrator for the design, development, and construction of the LIST laser-based uranium enrichment facility.
As the Lead Project Integrator, Enveniam will support all activities related to project execution.
“This is a great opportunity not only for LIST and Enveniam, but also for the nuclear industry and the nation,” said Doug Freund, President and CEO of BGS and Executive Officer of Enveniam. “This project is another important element in the effort to recapture America’s nuclear energy leadership and establish our energy independence”.
From Chattanooga:
LAUNCH Chattanooga is the recipient of new funding for the organization from the Regions Foundation, an Alabama-based nonprofit funded primarily by Regions Bank. This new $50,000 grant is part of $31 million the Regions Foundation has allocated to organizations across the Southeast, Midwest, and Texas since 2018.
“We’re deeply grateful for the continued support of Regions Bank and welcome this new support from the Regions Foundation,” said Hal Bowling, Co-Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LAUNCH. “They have been great community partners for a number of years, and this investment will help us reach even more individuals who have the passion and potential to build successful businesses, but who need access to training, coaching, capital, and resources to make it happen.”
This grant will directly support LAUNCH’s programs that empower individuals who are underrepresented in entrepreneurship in the Chattanooga area.
“The Regions Foundation is committed to advancing inclusive economic growth by supporting organizations that create real opportunities for success,” said Marta Self, Executive Director of the Regions Foundation. “LAUNCH is a shining example of what’s possible when communities invest in people with passion, talent, and drive. We’re honored to support their work and help expand access to the tools and resources entrepreneurs need to build strong, sustainable businesses.”
From Nashville and Columbus, GA:
At separate meetings held last Thursday, shareholders of Pinnacle Financial Partners and Synovus Financial Corp. approved the proposed merger of the two firms.
At the Synovus special meeting, preliminary results showed approximately 91.5 percent of the votes cast were in favor of the combination, representing approximately 69.4 percent of the total number of outstanding shares entitled to vote as of Sept. 26, 2025, the record date for the Synovus special meeting.
In preliminary results from the Pinnacle special meeting, 92.2 percent of the votes cast were in favor of the combination, representing approximately 73.2 percent of the total number of outstanding shares entitled to vote as of Sept. 26, 2025, the record date for the Pinnacle special meeting.
The merger is expected to close in the first quarter of 2026.
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