Edward Markward, a conductor and professor of music at Rhode Island College, recently began his 40th year as the leader of the Rhode Island College Symphony Orchestra. Markward, who also serves as co-director of the RIC Opera Workshop and music director of the Rhode Island Civic Chorale and Orchestra, has been praised as a champion of contemporary music. He holds a B.M.E. and M.M. from Drake University in addition to a DMA from the University of Michigan. more

Michael Lewis, director of the R.I. Department of Transportation, has been named president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. more

Rebecca Moniz of Weichert, Realtors – Cress & Co. more

Steven J. Horowitz has been named to the LeadingAge board of directors. more

David M. Wax, who has been serving as acting executive director of the Sandra Feinstein-Gamm Theatre since June, took on the position permanently effective Nov. 30. more

Patricia K. Rocha, a shareholder at Adler Pollock and Sheehan P.C., was recently named 2012 commercial litigator of the year by Finance Monthly Magazine. Now in its third year, the Finance Monthly Law Awards recognize law firms and legal professionals who have outperformed their peers through dedication to client service and work undertaken. At her firm, Rocha serves as chair of the litigation group. She is a co-author of a national text on trial advocacy and has also written articles and lectured on various aspects of the law. Rocha holds a J.D. from Boston College. more

Jeremy Crisp and the other managing partners at Nail, a Providence communications agency, like to think of their employees as machines – sort of. more

Jeffrey Yolles has been named to the corporate tax services team at Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co. more

Neelu Mehrotra has been appointed director of international tax at Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co. more

Nancy Dufresne has been named vice president, small-business relationship manager and commercial lending at Bank Rhode Island, where she is now responsible for managing customer relationships and cultivating new ones. more