CINCINNATI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Best Upon Request (BEST), a national provider of concierge services to businesses and healthcare, headquartered in Cincinnati, has promoted two key executives, and its CEO of 18 years has transitioned to executive chair.
Bill Mills has been promoted to chief executive officer. Mills joined BEST in 2012 to lead operations and was promoted to president and COO in 2018. His background includes 13 years at an electronics automotive manufacturer, CEO of a ministry-based organization providing human services in Appalachia, and operations director of a 14-restaurant fast food franchise.
Mills’ leadership philosophies have been ingrained in BEST’s culture, such as continuous improvement, “Things Happen and People Make Mistakes,” and the “Trellis and the Vine” philosophy of support. His passion for people and processes is evident and has impacted and strengthened all levels of the organization.
“I will lead BEST in spirit and truth,” said Mills. “In spirit, I commit to being the spiritual leader of the company in that my passion for our mission and our people will always be clear, unwavering and paramount. In truth, I commit to leading with integrity and to continue earning the trust of our team members and clients day in and day out.”
Katie Schanne, previously vice president of Finance and Information Systems, has been promoted to chief financial officer. Prior to joining BEST as controller in 2011, Schanne worked at one of the nation’s largest CPA and business advisory firms as an audit manager and outsourced controller/CFO. Schanne has proved to be a strong financial steward for BEST and has advanced the company’s technology strategy.
Schanne shared, “For the past 10 years, I have enjoyed ensuring BEST is financially strong. Working in a ‘small but mighty’ company has given me the opportunity to also provide strategic leadership with our technology. I am honored to step into the role of CFO and will continue to make sure we implement best practices and move toward a brighter future.”
Tillie Hidalgo Lima, a former pharmacist, joined BEST in 1996 as vice president of operations and became CEO in 2003. Hidalgo Lima succeeded her husband, BEST’s founder, Dave Lima, and grew the company into new markets, such as healthcare. She formed a Board of Advisors in 2005 and led BEST to become debt free in 2012.
“I have such high trust and confidence that Bill will lead the company into the future with great success,” said Hidalgo Lima. “This change is the fulfillment of a strategy that has been years in the making as we’ve worked together to build our team, capabilities and capacity. BEST is in great hands with Bill’s leadership. As owner and executive chair, I look forward to being an advisor and confidant to our CEO, assisting with growth strategies and serving on the Board of Advisors.”
About Best Upon Request
Best Upon Request partners with organizations nationwide to provide concierge services to its employees as an employer-paid benefit. By helping employees save time and decrease stress, BEST improves recruitment and retention, engagement and work-life integration. BEST also provides specialized concierge programs for working mothers and physicians. In healthcare, BEST serves patient families to improve the patient experience by attending to non-medical needs. Patient concierge programs are tailored for Emergency Departments, Maternity Units, and children’s hospitals.
In business since 1989, BEST is a certified Minority and Women Business Enterprise.
