BANKING/FINANCE
Dawn Anniston Avants has been promoted to banking officer for Hancock Bank. Avants, who has been with the company for four years, serves as the operations manager for the Ray Weiland Branch in Baker. She previously served as a teller and financial services adviser.
Craig Gill has been promoted to banking officer for Hancock Bank. Gill, who has been with the company for more than seven years, serves as the operations manager for the Albany branch. He previously served as a teller and financial services associate.
EDUCATION
Bobby Simpson has been named interim director at the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired. Simpson, the former mayor-president of Baton Rouge, is a former dean of students at the school. He previously served as chief operations officer for JTS Interests since January 2007; he joined the firm shortly after leaving office in early 2005.
W. Bart Bellairs has been hired as director of athletics for Southeastern Louisiana University. Bellairs previously served in the same capacity at Savannah State (Ga.) University. In?his new position, he will oversee 15 NCAA Division I-affiliated programs that compete in the Southland Conference.
GOVERNMENT
Trey Phillips has been hired as first assistant attorney general for Louisiana. Phillips previously served as the director of public protection for the state Department of Justice.
Sanettria Glasper Pleasant has been hired as the director of public protection for the Louisiana Department of Justice. Pleasant previously served as the section chief of the Tobacco Settlement Enforcement Unit of the attorney general’s office.
HEALTH CARE
Dr. Christopher Lee Surek has joined Baton Rouge General ENT. Surek, who also retains a practice in Zachary, is certified in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck, Facial, and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery by the American Osteopathic Board of Opthamology/Otorhinolaryngology and by the National Osteopathic Board of Examiners.
RETAIL
Lonita Smith has been named store manager for maurices’ Gonzales location. Smith will oversee the day-to-day operations of the store, including sales performance, visual presentation and personnel recruitment and training.
TECHNOLOGY
Rob Abruzzino has been hired as a business development specialist for Bizzuka. Abruzzino, who has more than 12 years’ experience, previously served as general sales manager for Clear Channel Communications.
