Tallahassee People on the Move July, 2023

Avail Strategies Announces Valerie Wickboldt as President of Communications and Strategy

Avail Strategies recently announced the launch of its strategic communications practice with the hiring of veteran communications strategist Valerie Wickboldt as president, effective July 1, 2023. At Avail Strategies, she will advise clients on navigating state and local government for procurements and contracting to drive business results.

Wickboldt has nearly 20 years of expertise in the management of internal and external matters for both public and private organizations. She has operated extensively at the inter- section of public relations and public policy, advising top-level executives, and navigating complex environments to promote reputation management strategies in support of nonprofits, government agencies, small-to-mid[1]sized companies and global corporations.

“Valerie is a results-driven, dynamic leader with an impressive record of local, statewide and national consult- ing and communications experience. We are thrilled to have her as a leader in our firm,” said Heath Beach, co-founder and chief executive officer of Avail Strategies.

Shelly Bell Named VP for Workforce Innovation at TCC

Dr. Jim Murdaugh, president of Tallahassee Community College, has announced that Shelly Bell has been appointed as the new Vice President for Workforce Innovation effective July 24. Bell has served as the Director of Lively Technical College since June 2017. Under her leadership, the school transitioned from a vocational center to a technical college and experienced remarkable growth.

“Shelly Bell’s connections in the community and her experience in career and technical education will allow her to start making an impact on her very first day, particularly as we work to strengthen the ties between the programs at TCC and Lively Technical College,” said Murdaugh.

Bell attended Florida State University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in educational leadership and administration. Prior to Lively, she served as principal of Godby High School where she spearheaded the development of engineering, aviation, and certified nursing assistant career programs.

“I am excited about this opportunity to continue to work with the business community to expand workforce opportunities and build the talent pool necessary to move our community forward,” said Bell. “TCC is a national leader in workforce development, and I am honored to join the team. I look forward to the possibilities for collaboration with Lively Technical College and the other workforce partners in our community.”

Nick Hague Joins ServisFirst Bank Tallahassee as Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer

ServisFirst Bank, a subsidiary of ServisFirst Bancshares (NYSE:SFBS), recently announced the addition of Nick Hague as Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer of ServisFirst Bank Tallahassee.

“We are proud to welcome Nick Hague to the Tallahassee Mortgage Team,” states Steven Lohbeck, ServisFirst Bank Tallahassee Market President. “Nick has substantial leadership qualities and proven expertise in analyzing customer needs and over- coming challenging obstacles.”

Nick Hague joins ServisFirst Bank as Vice President, Mortgage Loan Officer, with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Prior to joining ServisFirst Bank, Hague served as a mortgage lender for Prime Meridian Bank and Ameris Bank and most recently as a Senior Loan Consultant at LoanDepot.

With a deep understanding of the mortgage market, Hague has helped hundreds of clients achieve their homeownership dreams. He exemplifies a strong work ethic, has vast industry knowledge, and a genuine passion for helping others. Hague continues to make a positive impact in the lives of his clients, both professionally and personally.

HCA Healthcare North Florida Division Announces Dawn Beljin as Division Chief Nursing Executive

HCA Healthcare North Florida Division recently announced the appointment of Dawn Beljin, as Division Chief Nursing Executive, effective July 1, 2023. Beljin will assume oversight of nursing operations across HCA Healthcare North Florida Division’s 15 hospitals and other sites of care.

In this role, Beljin will work to advance the Division’s uncompromising commitment to delivering high quality care through a focus on patient safety, developing cross-functional collaboration among nursing teams across hospital departments, and implementing evidence-based, in- novative practices that further clinical operational excellence.

“Dawn is an exceptional leader who excels in advancing HCA Healthcare’s culture of caring and commitment to clinical excellence. We are very pleased to have her join our team,” said Brian Cook, president, HCA Health- care North Florida Division.

Prior to joining the HCA Healthcare North Florida Division, Dawn served as the chief nursing officer at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, a 447-bed Level I Trauma Center in Miami-Dade County.

“I am honored to join the HCA Healthcare North Florida Division team and look forward to serving the unique needs of each of our communities from the Florida Panhandle to Orlando,” said Beljin.

Beljin received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from Malone College in Canton, Ohio and a masters of business administration from Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio.