VOL. 128 | NO. 50 | Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Memphis Newsmakers
Masson Named Senior Director at Caissa
By Kate Simone
Rick Masson has joined Caissa Public Strategy as senior director. Masson, former chief administrative office for the city of Memphis, was also recently named special master to oversee the city-county schools merger. (For details, see the Monday, March 11, edition of The Daily News.) In his new role at Caissa, Masson will provide consultation and leadership on business development and project management.
Education and work experience: Master of Science in accounting and Bachelor of Arts in economics, the University of Memphis. First executive director of the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy; executive director of the Plough Foundation; and chief administrative officer and finance director of the City of Memphis.
Favorite quote: “Lead, follow, or get out of the way.”
Favorite movie: “The Natural”
The sports team(s) you root for: Grizzlies and Tigers
What’s playing on your stereo right now? The Black Keys
Activities you enjoy outside of work: Travel, travel and travel. I like to visit new places.
What talent do you wish you had? I wish I could throw a 100-mile-an-hour fastball.
Who has had the greatest influence on you? My mom had the greatest influence on me.
What attracted you to Caissa Public Strategy? The people at Caissa Public Strategy are young, energetic and smart, all the things I want to be.
What are your goals in your new position? I want to help Caissa Public Strategy become the premier strategic consulting firm in the Delta.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? Professionally, I am very proud of my career at the city of Memphis government, particularly in helping the city bring the Memphis Grizzlies from Vancouver to Memphis.
What do you most enjoy about your work? What I most enjoy about my work are the interesting people I meet and the not so interesting, as well.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people, what would it be? Don’t listen to me, follow your dream and do it your own way.
Dr. Joseph E. Holley has been named a Tennessee Medical Association Quarterly Public Health Champion for 2013. Holley is an emergency medicine specialist with Baptist Memorial Hospital in Collierville; medical director for all 911 emergency medical services in Memphis and Shelby County; and EMS medical director for the state of Tennessee.
Dr. Moon Fenton and Dr. Ronald D. Lawson have joined Crittenden Regional Hospital as medical oncology and hematology specialists. Fenton serves on the National Comprehension Pain Network Panel for colorectal cancer. Lawson has worked at The West Clinic’s Midtown and West Memphis locations for seven years.
Norman Bennett has joined Agape Child & Family Services as director of finance and accounting. Bennett previously served as partner with Ernst & Young in Dallas and Memphis, and as chief financial officer at The Labry Cos. Inc.
Judi Pruitt has joined Agape Child & Family Services as marketing and communications coordinator. Pruitt previously served as director of marketing for Children’s Physicians Medical Group and assistant director of center operations for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Dr. Loverd M. Peacock has joined the The West Clinic West Memphis office. Peacock has more than 40 years of medical experience, including 35 years in radiation oncology.
Jason Davies has joined Gold Strike Casino Resort as director of housekeeping. Davies has 17 years of hospitality experience and most recently served as director of housekeeping at Florida Hawk’s Cay Resort.
New Memphis Institute has named Darrell Cobbins its 2013 chairman of the board. Cobbins is president and principal broker of Universal Commercial Real Estate LLC. New board members include Guarav Agarwal, president, orthopedic reconstruction, Smith & Nephew; and Mark Fogelman, president and chief operating officer, Fogelman Management Group.
Jason King has been promoted to regional manager at Central Defense Security. King, who most recently served as area manager for more than two years, will act as a connection to CDS branches and offices outside the Memphis area and will help open new branches.
E. Charles Jalenak of Legacy Wealth Management has been awarded the certified financial planner designation by the Certified Financial Planner Board. Jalenak joined Legacy Wealth in 2011.
The Association of Fundraising Professionals Memphis chapter has been named a 2012 Ten Star Chapter. Chapters receive the award for performing specific activities designed to increase professionalism within fundraising and public awareness of the importance of philanthropy.