Anthem Inc. recently promoted Natalie Cooper to Director II Operations-Federal Employee Program. She is the first African-American to hold the position. In her role, Cooper will oversee all federal employee Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance operations and more than 350 employees. Also, she is the performance enhancement manager. Cooper has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Park University, an MBA in business administration and management and a Master of Science in health services/allied health/health sciences from Trident University International.
The Junior League of Indianapolis named Patrice Dawson as president. Dawson is PTO president of West Clay Elementary. Previously, Dawson was a delegate for the Organizational Development Institute. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics from Greensboro College.
Taylor University named Rev. Greg Dyson as special assistant to the president of intercultural initiatives. He is director of intercultural leadership at Cedarville University and previously served as senior pastor of First Baptist Church of London, Ohio. In his new role, Dyson will establish and implement strategic plans for diversity and intercultural initiatives. Dyson has a Master of Science degree in organizational leadership from Cairn University and a Bachelor of Arts in Bible from Cedarville University.
Dennis Gale was appointed to chief people officer of M3 Ultimate Solutions. He will lead consulting services in business management, finance, information technology, project management. Gale has more than 30 years of experience in manufacturing, nuclear power, insurance and retail. He previously worked for the Department of Defense and served in the U.S. Navy. Gale earned a Bachelor of Science degree in workplace development specializing in instructional systems designs.
Marriott IndyPlace named Jennifer Hanna market director of catering sales. Hanna was the director of sales and marketing with Le Meridian Indianapolis and Azul Hospitality Group. In her previous role, Hanna served as senior sales manager at JW Marriott Indianapolis focusing on local corporate customers, business travelers and race weekends. She received a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio State University and a Master of Education degree from the University of Georgia.
Starla D. Hart is the new director of community initiative of 16 Tech Community Corp. Hart has more than 16 years of community development experience. Hart will work with the advisory committee to launch the 16 Tech Community Investment Fund. In addition, Hart also serves on the Mayor’s Cultural Investment Advisory Council. She worked for LISC Indianapolis in support of the Great Places 2020 initiative and served as director of community initiatives with the Marion County Commission on Youth (MCCOY), was coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Indiana Project Safe Neighborhood program and director of Neighborhood partnerships at the IUPUI’s Office of Community Engagement.
Cassie Li is the new director of finance for Flashpoint Leadership. Li has more than 15 years of finance and accounting experience and previously held positions at 40|86 Advisors, Veolia Environment North America, Indiana University Health and KPMG. She has an MBA from City University of New York-Zicklin School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from Yunnan University of Finance and Economics.
Heidi Monroe was recently appointed deputy director of permanency and practice support of the Indiana Department of Child Services. Monroe was the director of children’s services at Meridian Hill Services and worked for two years as behavioral health director for Talbert House in Cincinnati. Monroe earned a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University in psychological science and a master’s degree from American Public University in public administration.
Northern Indiana Public Service Co. appointed Jennifer Montague as vice president of communications and external affairs. Montague will manage marketing, branding, advertising, media relations, charity and employee communications. She recently served as director of business strategy and technology for Commonwealth Edison. She previously worked at Exelon and British Petroleum. Montague has a Bachelor of Arts in qualitative economics and feminist studies from Stanford University and an MBA from the University of Chicago.
Smithville Communications and Smithville Telecom named Paul Quick as president. In his new position, Quick oversees the company’s daily operations as well as ensures customers receive quality service. Previously, Quick worked with Frontier Communications in numerous vice president positions in several states. Quick has a Bachelor of Science in business administration from Drake University and an MBA from Pepperdine University, Graziadio School of Business.
Madame Walker Legacy Center recently named Judith Thomas as president. Previously, she was director of convention services for Visit Indy. Thomas will oversee the development of community programs for the Madame Walker Legacy Center and develop a strategic plan for the center’s future.
The Eli Lilly and Co. board recently appointed Karen Walker as a new member. Walker, senior vice president and chief marketing at Cisco, was previously vice president of strategy and marketing for consumer digital entertainment and personal systems at Hewlett-Packard. Walker brings more than 20 years of IT experience in sales and marketing positions. She earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and business studies from Loughborough University.
