Tarlton Corp. executive vice president and chief operating officer Dirk Elsperman recently took the helm as president of the Associated General Contractors of America. He was installed at the organization’s annual convention in Denver. Elsperman has been with Tarlton Corp. for three decades and is part of the construction company’s third generation of family leadership.


Steven Scott has been named president of SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital, which is set to open its new, $550 million hospital on Grand Boulevard next fall. Scott comes to the post from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where he was interim COO.


The Missouri Historical Society named Christina Renz chief financial officer to oversee budget, accounting and financial analysis for the society, its library and research center, the Missouri History Museum, and Soldiers Memorial Military Museum. Renz formerly served as assistant vice president of finance for the St. Louis College of Pharmacy.


Barbara Schaal, dean of the faculty of arts and sciences at Washington University, announced she will step down at the end of the 2019-2020 academic year. A renowned evolutionary plant biologist, she has served in the role since 2013. Schaal plans to take a sabbatical after her departure before rejoining the biology faculty.


Attorney Brian Quinn of Quinn Estate & Elder Law was elected president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. The organization provides continuing education, advocacy and a professional network for attorneys who serve senior and disabled clients.


Ellen Reed-Fox has joined the hunger relief nonprofit Operation Food Search as director of development. She oversees all of the organization’s fundraising and planned giving programs. Reed-Fox has worked with several area nonprofits in development and advancement roles.


Buyer specialists Allison Orange and Elizabeth Lauber recently joined The Gellman Team of Coldwell Banker Premier Group Real Estate.


Following a nationwide search, Visitation Academy named Terence Murray its new upper school principal, effective in July. He replaces Barb McMullen, who will retire at the end of this academic year. Murray has served as upper school head at The Hockaday School in Dallas since 2015.


The Saint Louis Zoo has promoted Michael Macek to director and hired Jo-Elle Mogerman, Ph.D. as North Campus director. Macek provides overall vision, leadership and support for the zoo and its operations, and Mogerman oversees the zoo’s new, 425-acre North Campus in Spanish Lake and will lead creation and development of the attraction.