VOL. 131 | NO. 9 | Wednesday, January 13, 2016
NEWSMAKERS
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Hughes Promoted at Harris Shelton
By Kate Simone
Brett Hughes has been promoted to managing member at Harris Shelton Hanover Walsh PLLC law firm. In his new role, Hughes will provide managerial support to the firm’s three offices. His primary responsibility will be to manage the firm’s administration and committees, particularly on issues that impact client service, as well as the morale, compensation, growth and development of the firm.
Hometown: Memphis
Experience: Practicing attorney for approximately 20 years – 18 years at Harris Shelton and as an assistant district attorney general for Shelby County prior.
Family: Wife, Stephanie; children, Isabella and Peo
Favorite quote: “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” – My dad says it a lot, but per Google, it’s apparently attributed to the Roman philosopher Seneca…
Favorite movie: “The Royal Tenenbaums,” “Shawshank Redemption,” “The Usual Suspects” and “Pulp Fiction”
The sports team(s) you root for: Memphis Grizzlies, Tennessee Vols and Cincinnati Reds
What’s playing on your stereo right now? I’m a huge fan of all genres. Per iTunes, my five most-played artists are: The National, Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, Deerhunter and The Clash.
Activities you enjoy outside of work: Spending time with my family, coaching my children’s sports teams, playing tennis, seeing live music and watching movies and Grizzlies games
What talent do you wish you had? Playing guitar
Who has had the greatest influence on you and why? My wife. We have been together most of my life now; and we share a lot of the same character traits, priorities, philosophies and interests.
What attracted you to your company? The people. I have great respect for the outstanding lawyers here.
What are your goals in your new position? To continue the great leadership we’ve had by those before me and to help guide the firm to meet the new and ever-changing demands of our industry
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment? Personally, being married for 21 years and having twin 5-year-olds! Professionally, I primarily handle civil litigation matters, and I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a number of successes along the way, of which I’m very proud.
What do you most enjoy about your work? The people – especially the excellent lawyers at Harris Shelton and the clients I’m grateful to work with on a daily basis. While the practice of law can be stressful, I thoroughly enjoy the challenges it provides and the opportunity to continually learn about my clients’ work and the ever-changing practice of law in general.
If you could give one piece of advice to young people, what would it be? Take pride in your work and be courteous to others.
Jon Wroten has joined Sedgwick Claims Management Services Inc. as senior vice president of regulatory compliance and quality. Wroten retired in December as chief of the California Office of Self Insurance Plans in the Department of Industrial Relations.
Caitlin Berry and Susan Waggoner have been appointed account coordinators at inferno. Waggoner previously served as an intern on the agency’s public relations team. Berry recently returned from Paris, where she spent four years working as an English language instructor and training specialist.
Three Memphis City Council staffers have received promotions. Juaness Keplinger became council staff administrator on Jan. 1; Sophia Wordlaw was promoted to assistant council staff administrator; and Sam Powers was named senior research analyst.
Keith Grant of Grant & Co. New Homes has been named the Home Builders Association of Tennessee’s 2015 Builder of the Year. The achievement is given to a builder who significantly contributes to the homebuilding industry by representing the state in advocating for affordable homeownership. In addition, the honoree sets a high standard as a quality, trustworthy builder with an exceptional reputation among consumers.
Les Passees Inc. has presented Ray Gill, president of Gill Properties, the Community Leader of the Year Award. Gill was honored for helping the women’s volunteer organization use his retail space in Bartlett for its 29th annual Stock Exchange fundraiser. The award is not presented each year, but reserved for years in which an individual provides exemplary service and assistance to Les Passees.