Chamber promotes Wiley to VP of membership

Michelle Wiley has been named vice president of membership development for the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Kit Dunlap has announced.

Wiley joined the Chamber in March 2007 as membership coordinator. She guided one of the most successful membership campaigns in Chamber history, netting more than 100 new members last year. She also implemented professional networking groups for members, including the successful Leads Group and oversees the programs of the popular Ambassadors Council, the South Hall Council and the growing South Hall Business Coalition.

Wiley is a Walton County native and a graduate of Brenau University.

She and her husband, Chris, a Gainesville Firefighter/EMT, have one daughter.

To fill Wiley's former post, Kara Matter has been named membership coordinator. A recent graduate of North Georgia College & State University, Matter served as an intern with the Chamber in 2010. In her new position, she is responsible for Chamber membership recruitment and retention programs.

For more, visit greaterhallchamber.com.

Atkinson named Greater Georgia North bank president by Wells Fargo

Joe Atkinson has been named community bank president by Wells Fargo for the Greater Georgia North region, which includes Gainesville, Athens, Dalton and Rome.

Atkinson will oversee consumer and small business banking in the 29 branches across the region.

"Our North Georgia communities and customers are so fortunate to have Joe's leadership," said Glen Kelley, Wells Fargo regional president for Greater Georgia. "Joe has the talent and the ideal blend of experience to help our team members satisfy our customers' financial needs as we move ahead as Wells Fargo."

JD Mealor, Gainesville market president and business banking area leader, said, "I am looking forward to working with Joe and his team here in Gainesville as we continue to serve the local community and help our customers succeed financially."

Atkinson has 27 years of experience in financial services and recently relocated to Georgia from Texas, where he was district manager. He previously held leadership positions in Nevada and New Mexico.

Medical Center hospice joins veterans program

Hospice of Northeast Georgia Medical Center has become a national partner of We Honor Veterans, a pioneering campaign developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs.

As a We Honor Veterans Partner, the hospice will implement ongoing veteran-centered education for their staff and volunteers to help improve care for veterans.

"We are excited about the opportunities available through the partnership with We Honor Veterans to enhance our own understanding and sensitivity to our veterans and their life experiences," said Rhonda Rogers, Hospice of NGMC social services coordinator.

The We Honor Veterans campaign provides tiered recognition to organizations that demonstrate a systematic commitment to improving care for veterans.

"As a daughter of a WWII veteran, I am passionate about improving veteran services," said Marcia Howell, a social worker with Hospice of NGMC. "While caring for my father in the last year of his life, he was able to tell me more about his experiences than ever before. During his medical appointments, he was deeply touched when the staff commented on his military history. The recognition and appreciation of his service meant a great deal to him, and I want to continue to do that with other veterans."

For more information about We Honor Veterans or Hospice of NGMC, call 770-219-8888 or 1-888-572-3900 or visit www.nghs.com/hospice.