Shelia Anderson
Unum Group has named Shelia Anderson as executive vice president and chief information and digital officer.
In her new role, she will lead Unum’s digital transformation team, which focuses on creating innovative technology solutions to support business growth and enhance the customer experience.
Over the course of her career, Anderson has led technology integration efforts aimed at simplifying operations and delivering value through clear, strategic IT planning. Her leadership has helped advance the use of cloud computing, AI, and data analytics — especially in streamlining claims processing.
Before joining Unum, Anderson was executive vice president and chief information officer at Aflac. She also held senior technology leadership roles at Liberty Mutual, USAA, Hewlett-Packard and Electronic Data Systems.
“I’m honored to join Unum Group at such a pivotal moment in its digital journey,” Anderson says. “I look forward to using technology to build new digital experiences, automate and modernize business processes, accelerate time-to-market for new offerings, and improve customer satisfaction.”
Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Louisiana Tech University and a master’s degree in engineering management from Southern Methodist University. She is a 2025 CIO 100 Hall of Fame inductee, a 2024 Top 100 Women in Fintech honoree, and the 2021 Boston CIO ORBIE Super Global Award winner. She also serves on the board of directors for the Technology Business Management Council.
Brooke Satterfield
Brooke Satterfield has been named partner at Coeo Strategies consulting firm, which specializes in problem solving for cities and their partners in the corporate, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. Since joining the firm, Satterfield has worked on crisis preparedness and executive-level safety and security planning with local corporations. She produced the inaugural Chattanooga Connect conference for the UTC Research Institute, as well as several major public events.
Chelsea O’Shields
Chelsea O’Shields has been promoted to partner with HHM Certified Public Accountants. O’Shield began her career with HHM as an intern and has since become a trusted advisor. She has led numerous tax and assurance engagements, helping clients navigate complex financial matters. Her expertise includes state and federal tax credits, leveraging accelerated depreciation strategies, and structuring mergers and acquisitions to maximize tax savings. She holds a B.S. in accounting from Lee University.
Erica Hightower
Erica Hightower has been promoted to partner at KraftCPAs PLLC, becoming the 20th current member of the firm. Since joining the risk assurance and advisory services group (RAAS) in 2015, Hightower has played a key role in expanding the group’s services, production and revenue. She now leads risk assessment and risk management engagements for some of KraftCPAs’ largest clients.
Craig Penny
Craig Penny has joined Baker Donelson law firm, bringing deep experience in seniors housing and care. He advises on financing, acquisitions, development, and operations, and also counsels lenders and investors on commercial real estate matters. Prior to joining the firm, Penny served as general counsel for a national senior living developer, guiding legal strategy on development, financing, and operations. Earlier in his career, he gained judicial experience through internships with several Pennsylvania courts.
Kelly Fitzgerald
Kelly Fitzgerald has been promoted to senior vice president of commercial brokerage at SVN Second Story. Fitzgerald joined the Chattanooga-based real estate firm in 2018 and played a key role in expanding its client portfolio and market reach across the Southeast. In her new role, she oversees brokerage operations, mentors a team of advisors, and leads strategic growth initiatives.
Lodie Biggs
Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel has added Lodie Biggs to its team. With more than 25 years of experience, Biggs supports corporations throughout the entire real estate lifecycle and helps them navigate the intersection of real estate, finance and public-private partnerships. His work spans multiple industries, including manufacturing, industrial, research and development, data centers and distribution. He is an alumnus of the University of Virginia School of Law.
Daniel Cole
Daniel Cole has joined Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, where he advises clients on patent and trademark matters, particularly in the chemical and biochemical industries. His experience includes supporting a Fortune 500 chemical company and helping startups and universities with global patent filings. Cole has worked with technologies ranging from surgical devices to lignin nanoparticles. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina School of Law.
Wayne Hammel
The Union Gospel Mission has hired Wayne Hammel as its first program director in more than 25 years. Hammel brings over 20 years of experience in faith-based outreach, recovery programs and community service. In his new role, he will oversee UGM’s recovery services, housing, job training and spiritual care for individuals experiencing homelessness and addiction.
Lori Finlay
Lori Finlay has been promoted to senior vice president and chief investment officer at Unum Group, where she will lead investment strategy and oversee the investments team. Finlay began her career at Unum more than 20 years ago as an investment analyst, focused on credit trading and research. Most recently, she led and implemented investment strategies aligned with the company’s goals and risk tolerance. She holds an MBA from Texas State University.
Devon Griger
Devon Griger has joined Miller & Martin’s Atlanta office as an associate attorney, representing clients in the construction industry. She focuses on disputes involving breach of contract, delays, and construction defects. Griger is licensed in Georgia and Tennessee and is a graduate of Tulane University Law School. She previously clerked for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana.
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