People on the move 3/6/17

Cape Girardeau native Lucas Presson was named assistant publisher of the Southeast Missourian on Friday, according to publisher Jon K. Rust.

Lucas Presson

Since graduating with his master's in business administration from Southeast Missouri State University in 2010, Presson has risen through the ranks at the multimedia company, serving as editorial-page editor of the newspaper and, most recently, as general manager of the digital-services agency, rustmedia.

"Lucas has a track record of taking on responsibilities and excelling at what he does," Rust said. "We're thrilled to have him step into this new role.

"Many people will recognize Lucas from his leadership with the Semoball Awards, which he founded," Rust said. "He's plugged into the community."

"As a Cape Girardeau native, I am excited to take on this new role with my hometown newspaper," Presson said. "The media industry continues to change, but the core values of the company and its role in this community remain the same. I'm grateful to the Rusts for the opportunity and look forward to exciting things ahead."

At rustmedia, Presson was part of the strategic team that honed the agency's services, building it into a company with large clients in the Midwest and on both coasts.

As part of his new role, Presson also will serve as publisher of the business magazine Business Today.

"Expect some exciting changes to Business Today," Presson said.

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Jeff Rawson

The strategic marketing and design agency rustmedia announced Friday the promotion of Jeff Rawson to creative director and manager.

Rawson, who hails from the region and is a graduate of Missouri State University, has been instrumental in growing rustmedia to a full-service agency with clients in the Midwest and on both coasts.

"Jeff has been with us for three years, gaining the trust and respect of our clients for his business savvy and award-winning design," said Gary Rust II, director of rustmedia. "During this time, he's won four 'best of shows' at the Addy Awards and, more importantly, helped solve many business challenges for our clients."

"I couldn't be more excited to embrace this new role and the opportunities it presents," Rawson said. "Ultimately, what we do here is all about people, and together, we have big plans to make Cape and the world a more beautiful and connected place."

Rustmedia was founded in 2013, originally to help local clients navigate the array of social-media and digital-marketing options, Rust said. While rustmedia continues to help local clients with everything from website design to branding, social-media marketing, video production, media purchasing and overall marketing strategy, its services have expanded nationally.

"Our success ultimately comes from offering smart solutions in good design and storytelling, no matter the medium," Rust said. "We're thrilled about the further leadership role Jeff is taking with our team."

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Brandon Woolard

Brandon Woolard has been named business-banking relationship manager at Commerce Bank in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

"Brandon is a proven leader in the financial industry," Sandy Wood, president of Commerce Bank's Poplar Bluff market, said. "We are pleased to welcome Brandon to our commercial team."

In his new role, Woolard is responsible for business development and relationship management related to commerce's full line of banking, borrowing and treasury-management solutions for commercial clients.

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Paul F. Findlay, director of preconstruction at Robinson Construction Co., has been named a Top Young Professional by Engineering News-Record Midwest for his career achievements and community service.

Findlay was selected from more than 40 nominations.

Findlay joined Robinson Construction in 1999 as a summer laborer and became a draftsman and project engineer after college, according to a news release.

Findlay holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering from the University of Missouri-Rolla and an MBA from William Woods University.

-- From staff reports