FirstMerit Corp. appointed Carrie Hartman vice president, private banking. Based in Elyria, she will be working within FirstMerit's Eric Shores region of their Private Client Services division. Judith Steiner was promoted to executive vice president, secretary, general counsel and chief risk officer. She will provide legal services to FirstMerit and its affiliates and oversee risk-management for the bank. She will also manage the anti-money laundering, security/fraud, compliance and insurance functions for FirstMerit. James Williams was appointed senior vice president and director of sales of the bank's wealth management division.

Smithers Scientific Services Inc.

Daniel J. Riley joined the company as vice president of polymer analysis. He will assume responsibility for Smithers' Akron laboratory businesses, including physical/mechanical testing, analytical testing, tire service production and a new polymer consulting group.
Ruport Co.

Adam P. Eberts has been named an associate of the firm. He will provide litigation service to clients focused in business, partnership, construction law and litigation.
PBS 45 & 49

Brian Reitz was appointed major gifts/planned giving officer. He will coordinate all aspects of the organization's major gifts and planned giving programs.
University of Akron

Dr. Mark Foster of Stow was appointed associate dean of program, policy and engagement for the University of Akron's College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering and director of the university's Akron Global Polymer Academy.
Buehler's Fresh Foods

Steve Rich joined the Wooster company as in-house sanitarian. He is responsible for controlling, teaching, and implementing food safety programs in Buehler's 13 stores, as well as their central kitchen and warehouse facilities.
SS&G Financial Services Inc.

Emily Bene of Hinckley joined the Akron office as an administrative assistant.
Fairport Asset Management

Rachel Margulis joined the Cleveland-based wealth management firm as a consultant. Jeffrey Lucas was promoted to manager of investments.
Day Ketterer

Kristina M. Harless joined what the firm called its growing employment law and workers' compensation practice group. Steven D. Shandor joined the litigation practice group. David G. Umbaugh joined the firm as a member and will help establish the firm's Hudson location.

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