Caitlin Gebert promoted to resort manager at Pet Paradise Resort. Caitlin has been with the boarding facility since March 2011 and previously served as assistant manager since 2012.
Relish – Big Tasty Burgers will open its third Gainesville location in Plaza Royale. Beau Beery of the Beery-Rainsberger Group announced that his team successfully negotiated a deal to put the third location in the former Coffee Culture space next to the FedEx Office on Newberry Road.
Jode Balsiger introduced as the new director of construction and project manager of Butler Enterprises. Jode brings over two decades of construction management experience for retail stores and shopping centers along with extensive experience managing construction processes from the first design review through the grand opening. “We are fortunate to have found a professional with the level of experience Mr. Balsiger brings to the job,” said Deborah Butler, president of Butler Enterprises, in a press release. “As a part of the professional team we’ve put together for this significant undertaking, Jode will ably help us execute our vision.”
160over90 hires new local Gainesville talent. Gainesville native Kelly Thompson was named account supervisor at the branding and creative services firm. She is joined by Florida alum James Davis, now the firm’s director of new business. The new hires follow a growing higher education contract with the University of Florida.
Darrell Rodriguez named CEO at Trendy Entertainment, the creator of the multi-platform “tower defense meets action-RPG” hit, Dungeon Defenders. A former LucasArts president and Electronic Arts executive, Darrell joins the company as it prepares to launch the highly anticipated sequel to Dungeon Defenders. “Determining ways to deliver big-budget experiences that don’t break budgets has been the cornerstone of Darrell’s career,” explained Trendy Entertainment’s chairman of the board, Augi Lye, in a press release. “His record speaks to the importance of crafting deep, varied portfolios in this hits-driven business…This expertise will be invaluable.”
Holly Anderson-Bender named director of sales of Homewood Suites by Hilton. Bender will be in charge of networking and assessing the needs of local businesses, working with the general manager to facilitate marketing efforts and overseeing sales initiatives to ensure the hotel’s success. Prior to joining Homewood Suites Gainesville, she was director of sales and marketing at the Hilton Stamford Hotel in Stamford, Conn.
Lonn McDowell, M.H.A., named new vice chair and director of administration at the University of Florida’s College of Medicine. A fellow in the American College of Medical Practice Executives, McDowell previously worked in the health care division of Navigant Consulting. “We are delighted to have Mr. McDowell join us,” said Kevin Behrns, M.D., chairman of the department and the Edward R. Woodward professor of surgery, in a press release. “We will be the beneficiary of his experience managing large physician practices, and his unique perspective will help us develop innovative administrative approaches.”
The Law Office of Jeffrey Meldon & Associates P.A. announces re-branding to Meldon Law. In a press release, the company revealed, “The name change reflects the firm’s ability to adapt to evolving trends of the legal profession and the acknowledgement of strength and talent of the attorneys and legal staff within the law firm, which includes Jeffrey Meldon’s son, Attorney Carey Meldon.”
Gatorland Toyota awarded 2013 Toyota Certified Collision Center of the Year. Dennis Gair, manager of the Gatorland collision center, accepted the award on behalf of Gatorland and its 23 collision center employees. According to Brad Brahe, body shop development manager for Toyota Motor Sales, the award goes to the dealer that best exemplifies the spirit of certification. Over 180 dealers nationwide participated in the Toyota Certified Collision Center program.