Top Palm Beach County professionals, business people on the move for the week of May 18

In our weekly list of business people on the move, we highlight Palm Beach County professionals who are making a difference. These are people from across the spectrum of public and private endeavors, those working in charities, court houses, private practices and beyond. They are moving up within their industry, advancing their careers and standing out for their services within our community.

Here are this week's professional standouts:

Lord's Place names CEO

Christine Frederick
Christine Frederick

The Lord’s Place recently announced the appointment of Christine Frederick as the social impact agency’s next chief executive officer. After an eight-month national search and thorough screening and evaluation process of close to 100 candidates, the CEO search committee with unanimous approval of the board of directors confidently selected Frederick as the next permanent leader to continue to grow and inspire the agency’s 45-year mission of breaking the cycle of homelessness in Palm Beach County.

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League names director of operations

Alex Serrano
Alex Serrano

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League has announced that Alex Serrano is the organization’s new director of operations. Born and raised in Miami, Serrano has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from the University of Florida. While in school, she worked as an emergency technician at the UF Small Animal Hospital, assisting in high-stress emergency cases and surgeries, which deepened her commitment to helping animals in need. Serrano joined Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League in 2022 as the clinic and safety net manager. Now, as director of operations, she is dedicated to optimizing shelter operations, expanding community partnerships, and improving outcomes for pets and their families. Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League is an independent nonprofit organization, operating continuously since 1925. Peggy Adams provides critical services to more than 35,000 animals each year and collaborates with local area organizations to expand the lifesaving work in Palm Beach County.

Endodontic care center in West Palm Beach welcomes doctor

Dr. Sandra N. Ghattas
Dr. Sandra N. Ghattas

Located in West Palm Beach, Endodontic Associates of the Palm Beaches recently welcomed Dr. Sandra N. Ghattas to their practice. The Houston, Texas native attended Texas A&M and University of Texas-Clear Lake. Endodontic Associates of the Palm Beaches is exclusively dedicated to endodontic care.

Boca Raton/New York City firm bolsters ranks with latest addition

Veteran estate planning attorney Chioma Deere has joined the South Florida office of Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP as senior counsel. Deere focuses her practice on wills and trusts, probate administration, Medicaid planning, and nursing home protection. She operated her own firm, Deere Law Firm, for nearly four years before joining SSRGA.​ SSRGA has offices in Boca Raton and New York City.