MCC-Longview opens state-of-art Automotive Institute and launches a new automotive program. June 30, 2026 Seven years in the making, MCC's leadership envisioned modernizing the automotive technology program to expand workforce training opportunities. In its initial phase, the existing automotive High Technology building was renovated and the collision repair program was expanded. Now after more than a year since its ground-breaking, the new MCC-Longview Automotive Institute combines its academic and corporate training programs entirely in one building, including its new diesel technology program. In June 2026, the college opened the Automotive Institute, a facility designed to support hands-on learning. The new program is equipped with state-of-the art equipment with ten bays specific to the needs of diesel motor and commercial vehicles, allowing for hands-on learning in this industry specific field. The first program cohort begins in the Fall 2026. "For more than 60 years, MCC has set the standard for automotive training and education in our region, preparing more than 9,500 students for careers in the industry," states Dr. Beatty, Chancellor and CEO of Metropolitan Community College. "Now with expanded capabilities, open-concept design and modernized teaching labs, MCC is in the position to further its impact even more." The new renovated institute includes: * Dedicated space for each of the three automotive programs * A second-floor observation bridge overlooking 24 automotive work bays * Expanded footprint for the Collision program The project was led by architect firm DLR Group and general contractor McCown Gordon, in partnership with LM2 Construction, the Automotive Institute has an open architectural design inspired by modern auto dealerships. Many of Missouri's state and local elected leaders joined MCC staff, faculty and its project partners at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 5th, including Congressman Emanual Cleaver, Missouri Speaker Rep. Jon Patterson, Rep. Keri Ingle of MO-District 35 and Lee's Summit Mayor Beto Lopez to name a few. "Today dedication is a huge milestone for the City of Lee's Summit. We take a lot of pride in Lee's Summit with workforce initiatives... we would like to be considered the model for workforce initiatives," states Mayor Lopez. "This is a huge need for our community and across the country, and to have that here in Lee's Summit, Missouri, we're very proud of that, we will be a continued partner as long as I am mayor." The MCC-Longview Automotive Institute is the fifth and final building of the Path Forward Capital Campaign led by the MCC Foundation, and it completes the second and final phase of the campaign. The mission of the Path Forward Capital Campaign is to strengthen MCC's workforce pipeline of local talent by adding scholarships, enhance programs and state-of-the-art facilities. "We will continue to tackle the region's economic and workforce challenges with new programs, new buildings and partner with employers to fill in industry and talent gaps," states Dr. Beatty.

McCownGordon promotes Justin Hamilton to SVP. By Will Crow Justin Hamilton, senior vice president at McCownGordon. Photo credit: McCownGordon. Posted June 9, 2026 McCownGordon announced the promotion of Justin Hamilton to senior vice president as the company plans to expand its national industrial and manufacturing business. Now, as senior vice president, Hamilton will continue to lead all industrial and manufacturing strategy and growth nationwide, overseeing the food & beverage, life sciences, logistics, and industrial markets, according to a release. He brings 25 years of experience in manufacturing and industrial operations and project execution. Hamilton first joined McCownGordon in 2022 as a market leader in manufacturing and would later be promoted to vice president and business unit leader in 2025, according to his LinkedIn profile. Before his career at McCownGordon, Hamilton served as an EPC Project Manager at Burns & McDonnell, where he spent over 9.5 years. He also worked for Procter & Gamble for nearly 9.5 years, where he served in multiple roles, most recently as operations manager. "His [Hamilton] ability to develop and implement strategy, align teams around customer needs to deliver successful outcomes and build strong relationships with clients across the country has positioned our firm as a trusted partner in the marketplace," Ramin Cherafat, Chairman and CEO of McCownGordon, said in the release. "He has built a client-centered team focused on delivering exceptional experience, earning the trust of national, repeat clients. We're excited to see his continued impact at the executive level."

Tanner Wheat, promoted to assistant vice president at Security National Bank of Texas. Publish Date: April 24th, 2026 Security National Bank of Texas announces that Tanner Wheat has been promoted to assistant vice president, private banking relationship manager within the bank's Texas private client services division, located at The Union, 2300 North Field Street, Dallas. Wheat joined the bank's Texas credit administration division in 2023. His experience supporting complex credit structures and understanding client needs positions him well in his expanded role overseeing private banking relationships for high-net-worth individuals. Wheat holds a Master of Business Administration from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mo. Security National Bank has $1.8 billion in assets and $2.3 billion in trust and wealth assets under management. Learn more at SecurityNational.Bank. Education. * Millsaps College in Jackson, Mo Master's Degree More People to know in Security National Bank of Texas. More People to know in Dallas. * Missy Whisler Missy Whisler Ascend Dallas Missy is a seasoned development leader with over 40 years of experience in corporate and nonprofit sectors, including 14 years dedicated to fundraising. She is known for building trust-based relationships that inspire long-term partnerships. Her leadership has driven significa... View Profile * Ardian Dema Ardian Dema McCownGordon Construction Ardian Dema joins McCownGordon as director of business development for the firm's national industrial and manufacturing business unit. Based in the DFW office, he will grow the firm's portfolio in food and beverage, life sciences, logistics and distribution and industrial across... View Profile * Paid Listings Submit People on the Move Share hiring announcements, employee promotions and milestones with the business community. Get Started Jeff Hood Jeff Hood Texas Capital Jeff Hood is Texas Capital's Chief Human Resources Officer. He is responsible for leading the firm's human capital strategy, overseeing talent, leadership, organizational effectiveness and total rewards to enable business performance, innovation and growth. View Profile * Emerging Leaders Brandon Gingras Brandon Gingras Ellis Farms Recruiting SDVOSB Ellis Farms Recruiting Files Patent, Launches AI Division Replacing the Corporate Recruiter at a Fraction of the Cost (Ret.) USAF CCT Brandon Gingras, President of Ellis Farms Recruiting, launched EFR.ai - a subscription service powered by his patent-pending agentic AI or... View Profile * Noel Hutcheson Noel Hutcheson Avison Young Noel J. Hutcheson has joined Avison Young as Principal and Market Leader for its Dallas office, focused on expanding brokerage, property management, project management, and valuation services while recruiting top talent. With nearly 30 years of experience, Hutcheson has complete... View Profile