People on the move 10/31/2016

Saint Francis Healthcare System announced the return of cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon R. Brent New to Cape Girardeau. He is its new chief of cardiothoracic surgery. He will guide a team of three fellow heart and vascular surgeons at Cape Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery and nine heart specialists at Cape Cardiology Group.

New, who practiced medicine in Cape Girardeau for five years, returns to the area with nearly two decades of experience. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and completed his thoracic surgery fellowship in its division of thoracic surgery. He fulfilled his general surgery residency at the Medical University of South Carolina Department of Surgery in Charleston. He specializes in adult cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery. His interests include transcatheter aortic valve replacement, complex valve and aortic cases, mitral valve repair, minimally invasive lung surgery and aortic endovascular procedures.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr. New to our Heart Hospital," Steven C. Bjelich, president and CEO of Saint Francis Healthcare System, said in a news release. "His guidance, compassion and outstanding cardiovascular care will benefit countless hearts in the many communities we serve."

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KFVS12 announced the promotion of Luke Hilgenbrinck to director of sales for KFVS12 and WQWQ-TV. Hilgenbrinck had served as local sales manager for the stations since 2013.

Luke Hilgenbrinck

"Luke has been very successful during his time here at KFVS12," KFVS12 vice president and general manager Scott Thomas said in a news release. "As what frequently happens, after a nationwide search, we found that the right person for the job was already here."

In his new position, Hilgenbrinck will oversee all revenue generating efforts for KFVS12 and WQWQ-TV, along with the stations' digital platforms.

Hilgenbrinck graduated from Quincy University with a degree in marketing. After graduation, he spent his first two years in broadcasting in radio and TV sales in Quincy, Illinois, before joining KTVO in Kirksville, Missouri, where he served six years as its local and general sales manager.

-- From staff reports