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Students in select programs at Georgia State University’s Robinson College of Business will be able to complete their courses through Robinson Anywhere, a digital teaching facility that provides high-quality remote access to Robinson’s graduate programs, beginning in the fall.

The centerpiece of the college’s new virtual capability is its Digital Board Room powered by mashme.io technology, a learning platform comprising 27 high-definition (HD) video screens, HD robotic cameras that follow instructors around the room and technology that generates augmented reality and virtual reality experiences, student polling, virtual breakout rooms and digital whiteboards. Robinson is the first school in the South and the third in the U.S. with a classroom incorporating mashme.io technology, following Colorado State University’s College of Business and New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Robinson Anywhere also includes a suite of digitally enabled classrooms and teaching studios through which students can interact seamlessly with instructors, guest speakers and fellow students. The digital teaching facility is on the recently opened 11th floor of 55 Park Place NE on Georgia State’s Atlanta campus. It includes traditional classrooms and communal spaces to enable collaboration, idea sharing and networking among students, faculty and executives.

“Robinson is continually pioneering the way graduate business education is delivered, starting with our part-time MBA, the opening of our Buckhead Center for graduate and executive education and, now, this investment in Robinson Anywhere,” said Richard Phillips, dean of the Robinson College. 

“These technologically advanced classrooms allow students to grab a virtual seat whether in in Atlanta, Georgia or Chennai, India. This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to deliver a curriculum at the forefront, as conveniently as possible, regardless of a student’s location.” 

“The launch of Robinson Anywhere culminates a year-long effort to dramatically increase access to our internationally renowned graduate business programs,” said Brian Jennings, associate dean for graduate programs and executive education. “We’ve put students in the driver’s seat to experience Robinson from their choice of location: from Buckhead, from downtown Atlanta, from their home or office, from anywhere. That’s Robinson Anywhere.”

CRH Healthcare (CRH), a southeastern leader of urgent care centers in four states, has hired its first Chief Operations Officer from the largest urgent care operator in the country. Robert (Troy) Steckler will join CRH in June after 17 years in the urgent care industry and, most recently, as the SVP of Operations responsible for more than 280 centers and over 2500 associates.

Steckler, an EMT and emergency room RN by training, was one of the original members of a start-up team that started in Florida back in 2003 and has held various leadership positions throughout his long tenure. Although he has always been anchored in the operations, workflows, processes, and policies of the centers, he has also led site development, construction, and purchasing, getting a full view of what is needed to grow from a couple of centers to the country’s leader. It is this holistic expertise that will help CRH continue its rapid growth having grown from its first center to 46 centers in seven short years. Bill Miller, CRH Healthcare’s CEO and co-founder remarked, “Troy is an outstanding addition to our already excellent team. We are very excited about the experience, expertise, and enthusiasm that Troy will bring and the on-the-ground leadership that he will provide our centers.” Steckler’s responsibility will span the operations of all CRH clinics in four states. With Steckler’s addition, CRH’s CFO and co-founder, Andrea Malik Roe, will assume the additional title of President.

CRH is also saying farewell to Marc Olsen, the longtime leader of Peachtree Immediate Care (PIC), the largest urgent care network in Georgia and the largest region for CRH. Marc has served as the SVP of Operations for four years and as the most senior operations executive at CRH. He made a decision to leave earlier this year to pursue his own entrepreneurial aspirations to build and lead a healthcare services company but will continue to be an informal advisor and friend of the firm. Miller said, “We wish Marc luck in his future endeavors and appreciate all that he has done for the company and, more importantly, for the CRH and PIC teams. He will be missed.”

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index held steady in May, following a sharp decline in April. The Index now stands at 86.6 (1985=100), up from 85.7 in April. The Present Situation Index – based on consumers’ assessment of current business and labor market conditions – declined from 73.0 to 71.1. However, the Expectations Index – based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions – improved from 94.3 in April to 96.9 this month.

The monthly Consumer Confidence Survey, based on a probability-design random sample, is conducted for The Conference Board by Nielsen, a leading global provider of information and analytics around what consumers buy and watch. The cutoff date for the preliminary results was May 14.

“Following two months of rapid decline, the free-fall in Confidence stopped in May,” says Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators at The Conference Board. “The severe and widespread impact of COVID-19 has been mostly reflected in the Present Situation Index, which has plummeted nearly 100 points since the onset of the pandemic. Short-term expectations moderately increased as the gradual re-opening of the economy helped improve consumers’ spirits. However, consumers remain concerned about their financial prospects. In addition, inflation expectations continue to climb, which could lead to a sense of diminished purchasing power and curtail spending. While the decline in confidence appears to have stopped for the moment, the uneven path to recovery and potential second wave are likely to keep a cloud of uncertainty hanging over consumers’ heads.”

Consumers’ assessment of current conditions declined further in May. The percentage of consumers claiming business conditions are “good” decreased from 19.9 percent to 16.3 percent, while those claiming business conditions are “bad” increased from 45.3 percent to 52.1 percent. Consumers’ appraisal of the job market was mixed. The percentage of consumers saying jobs are “plentiful” decreased from 18.8 percent to 17.4 percent, however those claiming jobs are “hard to get” decreased from 34.5 percent to 27.8 percent.

Consumers, however, were moderately more optimistic about the short-term outlook. Those expecting business conditions will improve over the next six months increased from 39.8 percent to 43.3 percent, while those expecting business conditions will worsen decreased, from 25.1 percent to 21.4 percent.

Consumers’ outlook for the labor market was mixed. The proportion expecting more jobs in the months ahead declined from 41.2 percent to 39.3 percent, however those anticipating fewer jobs in the months ahead also decreased, from 21.2 percent to 20.2 percent. Regarding their short-term income prospects, the percentage of consumers expecting an increase declined from 17.2 percent to 14.0 percent, however the proportion expecting a decrease declined from 18.4 percent to 15.0 percent.

Sharecare, the digital health company that helps people manage all their health in one place, announced a strategic partnership with Augusta University and Augusta University Health to support Gov. Brian Kemp’s efforts to better inform Georgians about the pandemic while bolstering COVID-19 testing across the state.

“Through partnerships with the private sector and academia, our state has made bold progress in the fight against COVID-19,” said Gov. Kemp. “We are setting national records among states in testing and continue to see a drop in hospitalizations and ventilator use. I am encouraged by this favorable data, but there’s more work to be done. While already making an impact, the collaboration between Augusta University and Sharecare will become even more important, especially as we work to test as many Georgians as possible. As I’ve said many times before, testing determines the battlefield. This partnership will help us win the war.”

Since January 1, 2018, Sharecare has been the official wellness vendor of the state of Georgia, empowering members of the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) – which includes 450,000 state employees, teachers and their families – to engage in their health and make and sustain positive changes in behavior. As an established, trusted source for health information to the many essential employees under SHBP, Sharecare also launched Well-Being Georgia, a centralized destination to help members easily access the latest developments and medically verified guidance and tools about COVID-19, including Augusta University’s telehealth service to accelerate testing, the AU Health ExpressCare app. Since launching Well-Being Georgia for SHBP members on May 1, the number of Georgians who have taken COVID-19 tests has more than doubled, with the total number of tests taken in the state currently exceeding 400,000.

“We are committed to doing our part to continue flattening the curve in our home state and bridge the information and access gaps that exist for so many Georgians, whether they live in our city centers or our rural communities,” said Jeff Arnold, founder and CEO of Sharecare. “As a Georgia-based company, we are proud to work with Augusta University during this important moment in history and answer the governor’s call to help all Georgians in the fight against COVID-19, starting by understanding their current risk and getting access to testing.”

Starting today, Augusta University and Sharecare are making Well-Being Georgia available to the general public so all Georgians can access information and programs to help them through the next phase of the pandemic – from the latest local news and policies to tools for managing stress and anxiety – while increasing traffic to the AU Health ExpressCare app to conduct virtual screenings and route Georgians to one of more than 100 test sites across the state. Additionally, by combining Sharecare’s expertise with Augusta University’s testing infrastructure and data repository, Well-Being Georgia features a comprehensive directory of testing sites; as well as an interactive map documenting everything from the number of confirmed cases to mobility data to help people better understand the scope of the pandemic in Georgia.

Arnold added, “A critical component of mitigating this global health crisis in Georgia involves securely evaluating behavioral data related to COVID-19 – from understanding people’s modes of transit to how frequently they’re coming in contact with others. These factors have a direct impact on our readiness and resilience as Georgians, and are important datapoints to consider as we develop strategies to ensure we keep the people of our state stay safe and well.”

“Augusta University is on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19,” said AU president Dr. Brooks Keel. “While I am proud of what we have accomplished to dramatically scale testing and capacity in our state, there’s more we must do to ensure the health and safety of all Georgians. Through this partnership with Sharecare, we are using their expertise as one of the world’s leading digital health companies to encourage even more Georgians to access our virtual screening and get tested at one of the state’s many sites. Together, we are working to carry out the Governor’s mission to protect the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians.”

The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) today announced the election of Georgia Department of Banking and Finance Commissioner Kevin B. Hagler as the new chairman of the CSBS Board of Directors. CSBS also elected new officers for 2020-21 and announced new committee chair appointments during the organization’s annual membership meeting, held virtually due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Newly installed officers, who comprise the CSBS Executive Committee, include:

• Chair: Kevin B. Hagler, commissioner, Georgia Department of Banking and Finance

• Chair-Elect: Melanie Hall, commissioner, Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions 

• Vice Chair: Tom Fite, director, Indiana Department of Financial Institutions 

• Treasurer: Lise Kruse, commissioner, North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions

• Secretary: Charlie Clark, director, Washington State Department of Financial Institutions 

• Immediate Past Chair: Bret Afdahl, director, South Dakota Division of Banking

At-Large Board members are:

• Linda Lacewell, superintendent, New York State Department of Financial Services

• Charles G. Cooper, commissioner, Texas Department of Banking

Committee and Board chairs of the CSBS Board of Directors include:

• CSBS Education Foundation Board of Trustees Chair: Charles Vice, commissioner, Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions 

• SRR Board of Managers Chair: John P. Ducrest, commissioner, Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions 

• Legislative Committee: Iris Ikeda, commissioner, Hawaii Division of Financial Institutions

• Regulatory Committee: Karen Lawson, director of banking, Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services

• State Supervisory Processes Committee: Chris Dietz, deputy director, Indiana Department of Financial Institutions

• Non-Depository Supervisory Committee: Deborah Hagan, secretary, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

• Co-Chair, Bankers Advisory Board: Ray Grace, North Carolina commissioner of Banks

• Co-Chair, Bankers Advisory Board Industry Co-Chair: Andy Anderson, Bank of Anguilla, Miss.*

• Chair, District I: Tony Salazar

• Chair, District II: Kevin Allard

• Chair, District III: Rhoshunda Kelly

• Chair, District IV: Mark Quandahl

• Chair, District V: Roberta Hollinshead

Chairs Emeritus, who serve as ex-officio members of the CSBS Board, include:

• Albert Forkner, commissioner, Wyoming Division of Banking *

• Charles G. Cooper, commissioner, Texas Department of Banking *

• Candace Franks, commissioner, Arkansas State Bank Department *

• Charles Vice, commissioner, Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions *

• Greg Gonzales, commissioner, Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions *

• John P. Ducrest, commissioner, Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions *

• Jeffrey Vogel, director, Wyoming Department of Audit *

• E. Joseph Face, Jr., commissioner, Virginia Bureau of Financial Institutions *

• Mick Thompson, commissioner, Oklahoma State Banking Department *

• G. Edward Leary, commissioner, Utah Department of Financial Institutions *

* Denotes non-voting member

In our June print and digital issue, you’ll find new reporting on how the city’s nonprofits are helping those in need during the pandemic, find out how local businesses and restaurants are navigating the “new normal” of social distancing, and how the arts community is responding to the crisis. And if you’re looking to unplug from the news and get some fresh air, our special Head for the Hills section has recommendations on visiting state and national parks in North Georgia and North Carolina.

Listen to a special podcast about the June issue from editor Collin Kelley at the link below.

The post Read the June issue of INtown online now, plus listen to a special podcast from the editor appeared first on Atlanta INtown Paper.

Gov. Brian Kemp said he would be “honored” for Georgia to host the Republican National Convention in August if North Carolina won’t commit to allowing full attendance due to a ban on large gatherings to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a Twitter post to President Donald Trump, Kemp touted the state’s “world-class facilities, restaurants, hotels, and workforce” in a bid to “safely” host the RNC.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms said in a strongly worded statement to the AJC that she was opposed to the idea. The mayor said the city was following the same CDC guidelines as North Carolina concerning large gatherings of people.

“That plan does not contemplate hosting a large gathering event in August,” Bottoms said in the statement. “In fact, several long-standing city-supported and sponsored events have already been canceled in order to comply with CDC guidelines.”

On Monday, Trump tweeted that unless full attendance is allowed “we will be reluctantly forced to find, with all of the jobs and economic development it brings, another Republican National Convention site.”

The RNC is likely to attract 50,000 people to Charlotte’s Spectrum Center Aug. 24-27.

The post Report: Mayor opposes proposed move of Republican National Convention to Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta INtown Paper.

A teenager is charged with felony murder in the May 16 shooting death of a man on a Buckhead sidewalk. Police say they believe the killing followed a robbery attempt.

Kevin Humes, 36, was found dead of a gunshot wound to the chest outside the Tremont Apartment Homes at 3645 Habersham Road.

The unidentified 15-year-old male suspect was arrested May 23, according to the Atlanta Police Department. “Investigators are still searching for other suspects and more arrests are expected,” according to APD.

Humes was from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He reportedly had recently moved to Atlanta to work at Sandy Springs-based United Parcel Service.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Kevin’s family and friends,” said Matthew O’Connor, UPS’s senior manager of public relations, in an email. “We respectfully defer further comment to his family and the responding authorities.”

A total of $13,000 in reward money was offered for the arrest and indictment of suspects in the case.

The post APD makes arrest in Buckhead homicide, seeks additional suspects appeared first on Atlanta INtown Paper.

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