Thompson named executive director of North Georgia Heart Foundation

North Georgia Heart Foundation has named Daniel Thompson as its first executive director.

A Georgia native, Thompson earned a bachelor degree at Emory University and master of public health at the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Prior to joining NGHF, Thompson served as a deputy director at the Georgia Department of Public Health. Prior to that, he spent six years as a lobbyist for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. 

Thompson attended Lakeview Academy and currently lives in Gainesville.

“Like so many others, my family has been touched by heart disease — three times, in fact,” Thompson said. “I’m excited to be part of an organization doing life-saving work through our core values of research, education and hope. The foundation is already making a significant difference in the lives of those in North Georgia and, with the ongoing dedication of our board and community, our impact could be felt statewide.”

NGHF, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, provides local access to cutting edge cardiovascular research, conducting approximately 30 clinical trials annually, and also leads regular training sessions for schools, businesses and civic groups.

The foundation was started in 2012 by Dr. Jeffrey Marshall, a cardiologist with The Heart Center of Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

“The foundation is a unique community-based nonprofit that has important goals that no one else is pursuing in North Georgia,” Marshall said.

The board has hired its third full-time research nurse, Greg Adams, R.N., B.S.N.

For more information, visit pulseoftomorrow.org.

Bagwell achieves top farm certification from Nationwide insurance

Wendell Bagwell of Bagwell Insurance Group in Gainesville has achieved the On Your Side Elite Farm Certification designation from Nationwide, the highest level in the company’s certification program.

Elite Certification provides participants with direct access to Nationwide farm insurance leaders and leaders of other agricultural entities.

“Many farmers and ranchers are running operations that represent generations of family heritage,” said Alison Bagwell Smith, CFO. “We understand family, and are committed to helping Georgia farmers protect and pass that legacy to future generations. ” 

The Elite Farm Certified designation can also help farmers and ranchers recognize agents who understand risks faced by the agriculture industry. Only agents who successfully complete the program will be awarded the designation, and agents must uphold annual education and service commitments to retain it.

“These agents are the best of the best,” said Eric Johnson, agribusiness sales vice president. 

Bagwell Insurance Group is based at 2041 Memorial Park Drive, 770-534-1574 or www.bagwellinc.com.

The Times publishes newsworthy accomplishments involving local businesses each Sunday on the Business page and gainesvilletimes.com. Send information, including photos and contact information, to news@gainesvilletimes.com. The deadline is 4 p.m. Thursdays for Sunday publication.