IFS Benefits, LLC announced two new hires. Terry Vreken has joined as a Senior Client Manager, and Alexis Wall as a Benefit Specialist.
A Wilmington University graduate, Vreken has spent nearly 25 years in the health insurance industry.
She has served in various roles within the Sales organization at Coventry Health Care, she spent the last 15 years in Account Management, where she spent five years leading the Coventry Account Management team in Delaware and Maryland. She is licensed in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.
Vreken is a Certified Health Care Reform Specialist, and a member of National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. She is a recent founder of Fund for Women (FFW) and serves on the FFW Grants Committee.
Wall served various roles within Aetna and comes with 8 years of health insurance experience.
Ferry named to NAWBO board
Diane Ferry, president and CEO of Star-Med was recently elected as a member to The National Association of Women Business Owners® (NAWBO) 2015-16 Board of Directors for a two- year term.
She started Star-Med, LLC over 14 years ago to provide customized solutions in health information management services to hospitals and physicians’ offices. Ferry is a former Director of Health Information Management at several academic medical centers and was Chief Operating Officer of a national Health Information Management company serving over 400 facilities before starting Star-Med.
Ferry was President of the Delaware Health Information Management Association twice and is a presenter at educational seminars. She is also very active among her peers and supporting women in business, having been twice elected as President of the Delaware chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
Ferry has recently been awarded the New Castle County Entrepreneur of the year and The NAWBO-DE Business Woman of the year.
Schenck becomes CPA
Santora CPA Group announce that Melanie A. Schenck recently completed all of the Delaware State Board of Accountancy’s requirements to become a Certified Public Accountant. She is a graduate of the University of Delaware with Bachelor of Science Degrees in Accounting and Finance. She provides auditing, accounting, and a variety of tax preparation services to the firm’s clients.
Wright named to Council on Banking
Governor Jack Markell appointed Stephen Wright to the Council on Banking. The Council consists of seven persons, each of whom is appointed by the governor for a term of three years. The membership of the Council is politically balanced, as required by statute.
The council meets periodically during each year to consider matters relating to the administration of the banking laws and the strengthening and improving of community banks that operate within Delaware.
The Council may study, research, plan and advise on matters to enable the Office of the State Bank Commissioner to function in the best possible manner.
Wright began his career in the financial industry in 1995 after graduating from Bradley University in Peoria, IL with a B.A. in International Business.
He joined CNB in October of 2010 where his responsibilities include developing new business to increase commercial and residential loans and deposit relationships for the bank, primarily in Kent and Sussex Counties. He also manages existing loan portfolios in the Delaware region.
Schimkaitis named chairman of Chesapeake Utilities
Chesapeake Utilities Corporation, Dover, announced that its Board of Directors appointed John R. Schimkaitis to serve as Chairman of the Board, effective May 6.
Schimkaitis has served as a director of the Company since 1996 and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors since 2010.
He succeeds Ralph J. Adkins, who has served as Chairman of the Board since 1997. Adkins will continue to serve as a director on the company’s board.
In recognition of his contributions over the past 50 years to the company, its employees, and the communities it serves, the Board has designated Adkins as Chairman Emeritus. The announcement follows the succession plan for the board.
. Schimkaitis has 40 years of experience in the utilities industry, including 25 years in key management roles with Chesapeake as well as more than five years of service as the non-employee Vice Chairman of the Board. His knowledge about the Company, its service territories and the utilities industry, as well as his business acumen and skills, has contributed to Chesapeake’s continued growth.
“I want to thank Ralph for all of his contributions and leadership and look forward to working with the Board, as well as with the management team to continue the strong growth and success of Chesapeake as we further expand the business in current and new territories,” said Schimkaitis.
“It has been a privilege to serve as Chairman and I am proud to continue to serve on the board. Given the strength of our business and the significant opportunities ahead of us, we are well positioned for continued success,” added Adkins.
“Ralph and John are exceptional directors who have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to lead and capitalize on opportunities that generate value for our shareholders,” said Michael P. McMasters, president and chief executive officer of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation.
