Names and faces
Shaun P. Merriman, president and CEO of Gateway and chairman of the 2015 Sarasota/Manatee Heart Walk, led the area's most successful Heart Walk to date. The event raised more than $212,000, beating a fundraising goal of $195,000.
As chairman of the walk, Merriman and his executive leadership team were instrumental in relocating the Walk to Nathan Benderson Park, which helped draw teams and participation from both Sarasota and Manatee counties. Merriman also encouraged teams to get involved and set aggressive fundraising goals. As a result, 147 teams were formed and approximately 1,300 walkers participated. The $212,000 raised was an 8.7 percent increase over goal. Funds go toward lifesaving research, community programs, educational resources and advocacy efforts.
Devin Archer, Michael Hand and Dawn Morgan of Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Certified Public Accountants have passed the certified public accountant exam. Archer and Hand earned their bachelor's degree in accounting from the University of South Florida -- Sarasota-Manatee. Morgan earned her accounting degree at the University of South Florida -- St. Petersburg. Their primary areas of practice are individual and business taxation.
Michael Howard has joined the commercial sales team at Atlas Insurance. Howard earned a bachelor's degree in risk management/insurance and a bachelor's degree in economics from Florida State University. Upon graduation, Howard obtained his property/casualty and life and health insurance licenses and was the youngest recipient to earn the the certified insurance counselor (CIC) designation. Howard is a member of the Young Agents Council and is involved in Sarasota's Miracle League, Community Haven and Upside Down Foundation.
Tramm Hudson has re-joined the board of directors of Trust Companies of America Inc., parent of Caldwell Trust Co. Hudson brings more than a quarter-century of knowledge in financial services and markets. Hudson began his banking career in 1981 with North Carolina National Bank where he took on increasing levels of responsibility until his transfer to Sarasota in 1986. Hudson has held a number of diverse leadership and advisory positions including chairman of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, trustee of Manatee Community College, chairman of the Out-of-Door Academy, chairman of the Committee of 100, chairman of the Glenridge at Palmer Ranch retirement community, and board member for the United Way and Sarasota Family YMCA, among others. In 2005, he was chairman for Workforce Florida, the governor-appointed board that oversees labor and job training programs statewide, and in 2006 was a Republican candidate for Congress in Florida's District 13.
This story was originally published October 4, 2015 at 6:58 PM with the headline "Names and faces ."