BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ Michael Harshman joins Najmy Thompson Law Firm
The law office of Najmy Thompson announced the affiliation of attorney Michael Harshman. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law in Austin, Harshman brings years of experience representing accident victims to his new position. He is also a member of the American Justice Association, Florida Justice Association, American Bar Association, Sarasota Bar Association, Manatee Bar Association and the Florida Bar Association. Najmy Thompson has offices in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, St. Petersburg and Sarasota.

+ Charlotte Hedge named Entrepreneur of the Year
The Women’s Council of Realtors, Sarasota Chapter, recently named Charlotte Hedge (right) a member of Premier Sotheby’s International Realty, entrepreneur of the year in recognition of her career achievements as a Realtor, as well as her community involvement and humanitarian efforts.

Hedge’s name will be submitted to the Florida State Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors as a nominee for recognition as statewide Entrepreneur of the Year and will also be submitted nationally for possible recognition.

+ Becky Tochip receives top insurance industry credentials
Becky Tochip, of the Sarasota office of MetLife, was recently awarded one of the life insurance industry’s premier professional credentials, the Chartered Life Underwriter designation from the American College.

The CLU program gives insurance representatives the knowledge and skills needed to assist clients with their insurance and financial needs. To earn the CLU designation, Tochip passed the required courses for the program, met the specified experience level and ethical standards, and agreed to comply with the American College Code of Ethics and Procedures.

Tochip is a graduate of Florida International University with a Master's of Science in nursing, and she has worked in the financial services industry for 11 years.

+ Sarasota Memorial appoints new chief of cardiovascular surgery, unveils hybrid operating room
Representatives from Columbia University Medical Center and Sarasota Memorial recently hosted a conference to announce the appointment of a new chief of cardiovascular surgery. Following a nationwide search, Jeffrey Sell, M.D., was chosen.

The conference also served to unveil the hospital's new hybrid operating room. The room, which will open later this month, will serve as an important platform to teach the next generation of cardiac surgeons and provide patients the latest innovations in cardiac care.

Jeffrey Sell, the new chief of cardiovascular surgery, is a specialist in congenital heart disease, pediatric and transplant surgery, and his experience and expertise encompasses the complete spectrum of cardiac surgery for children and adults. He will guide Sarasota Memorial's team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons as the hospital enters a new era in cardiac care.