Ken Ayars, chief of the R.I. Department of Environmental Management’s Division of Agriculture, was recently honored with the Rhode Island Nursery and Landscape Association’s Award of Merit. The award was presented during the organization’s annual trade show and seminar held on Jan. 17 at the University of Rhode Island’s Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences. Ayars, who has worked for DEM’s Division of Agriculture since 1987, has collaborated with RINLA on policy issues and solutions for green-related industry issues and needs. He was also issued a citation from the Rhode Island House of Representatives in recognition of the RINLA merit award, and for providing outstanding service to the state’s horticultural, agricultural and landscape communities. Ayars holds bachelor’s degrees in zoology, agriculture and resource technology, in addition to a master’s degree in plant sciences from the University of Rhode Island. more

Jamie Worrell was recently inducted into the Plan Advisor Hall of Fame during the annual PlanSponsor/PlanAdviser Awards for Excellence dinner. Worrell is president and managing director of GPS Investment Advisors. He graduated from Connecticut College before earning a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School. Worrell also holds several professional designations and licenses. more

Bill Reed, a chair with Vistage International, was one of five CEOs and peer-group facilitators who recently participated in a forum on the benefits of peer groups. Held in late September at Babson College, “The Power of Peer Groups to Support Growth and Change,” offered attendees an overview of the benefits of peer groups. Reed has been a chair with Vistage for several years and also serves as a partner at School Street Capital Group. He is a former CEO and currently chair’s Vistage’s CEO Peer Advisory Board and a Vistage Key Executive Group, which are comprised of leaders from enterprises in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. more

Stephen O’Donnell is the chairman and CEO of desktop virtualization services provider GreenBytes Inc. O’Donnell, named chairman of the board in July 2012, took over GreenBytes’ corner office at the end of last November. 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

Kelly Whaley, program manager of Cranston Community Learning Center, was recently selected to serve as an after-school ambassador by the Afterschool Alliance. Whaley is one of 12 ambassadors selected from across the country who will serve a one-year term assisting the alliance in creating additional support for after-school programs. Whaley, who serves 200 students in Cranston’s public schools, holds bachelor’s degrees in public relations and communications, and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Rhode Island. 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

Monica Restrepo, a certified nursing assistant, was recently awarded the Imogene Higbie Service Award – Bronze Level for her service and dedication to the residents of St. Clare Home in Newport. The award is presented by Rhode Island Generations to an outstanding direct-care worker in the nursing home industry. Restrepo, who became a CNA while living in a shelter through a program offered by the Women’s Resource Center, is a graduate of Central Falls High School. She has worked at St. Clare for 15 years. more

Jane Williams recently attended the White House’s Joining Forces event, held at the University of Pennsylvania. Williams, who is the dean of Rhode Island College’s School of Nursing, was one of only 20 nursing deans nationwide invited to the event. While there, she also participated in a nursing-leadership summit. Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Michigan, an M.A. in education from New York University and a Ph.D. in nursing from the University of Rhode Island. more

Jack Hayes was recently named director of athletics at Brown University, where he will oversee 37 varsity teams and 17 club-level intercollegiate teams. The Providence native previously held the same position at Hofstra University, where he focused on raising athletic and academic achievement among student athletes. Hayes holds a B.A. from Providence College and a master’s degree in education with a concentration in sports management from the University of Connecticut. more