Connections: Orthopedic PA earns certification

Steven Johnson, physician assistant (PA) with the Orthopedic Center at Northwest, has earned his certificate of added qualification (CAQ) in orthopedic surgery from the National Commission of Certification of Physicians Assistants (NCCPA). Only about 3% of physician assistants in orthopedic surgery have received the certification.

“Physician assistants seeking the Orthopaedic Surgery CAQ must demonstrate they have advanced knowledge and experience in orthopaedic surgery, above and beyond that expected of entry-level PAs or PAs working in a generalist practice,” according to NCCPA.

Johnson was required to meet specialized continuing medical education and experience, including at least 4,000 hours of experience. The Orthopaedic Surgery Specialty Exam comprises 120 questions related to orthopedic surgery. The April exam results were recently released.

NEW HIRES
Banking & Finance
Lindsay Aycock
Pea Ridge
Employer: Arvest Bank
Title: marketing specialist
Previous employer: Children’s Advocacy Center of Benton County
Previous title: development coordinator

Katelyn Huddleston
Rogers
Employer: AMC Mortgage
Title: regional sales manager
Previous employer: Arvest Bank
Previous title: vice president; mortgage loan officer

Levi Russ
Bentonville
Employer: Grand Savings Bank
Title: community banker
Previous employer: Ark Trading
Previous title: director, co-owner

Insurance
Kevin Cortez
Fayetteville
Employer: Farris Insurance Agency of Springdale
Title: executive vice president
Previous employer: Mag Mutual Insurance Co.
Previous title: regional vice president

Nonprofit
Jacob Sheatsley
Fayetteville
Employer: Open Avenues
Title: executive director
Previous employer: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Northwest Regional Campus
Previous title: associate director of programs

Steven Hinds
Fayetteville
Employer: Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas
Title: senior director of corporate giving
Previous employer: Ozark Guidance
Previous title: vice president of philanthropy and development

PROMOTIONS
Healthcare
James Batey
Fayetteville
Employer: Washington Regional Medical Center
Title: director of imaging services
Previous title: imaging services manager

Retail
Fred Gulley III
Fayetteville
Employer: Walmart Inc.
Title: director of operations and implementation; High Velocity Fulfillment Center
Previous title: senior program manager II

APPOINTMENTS
Education
Maren Waggoner
Rogers
Employer: Walmart Inc.
Title: vice president of workforce strategy and global people partner
Appointment: board member
Organization: NorthWest Arkansas Community College Foundation

Nonprofit
Sarah Goforth
Fayetteville
Employer: University of Arkansas
Title: executive director of the Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Appointment: executive committee
Organization: Northwest Arkansas Council

Carter Malloy
Fayetteville
Employer: AcreTrader
Title: founder & CEO
Appointment: executive committee
Organization: Northwest Arkansas Council

AWARDS
Legal
Carol Goforth
Fayetteville
Employer: University of Arkansas
Title: Clayton N. Little Professor of Law
Award: Legislative Award
Organization: Arkansas Bar Association

NEWSMAKER SUBMISSIONS: Notices of executive promotions, new hires or appointments may be sent to Paul Gatling at [email protected].