» Former Lt. Gov. Jeff Kottkamp was named CEO of VR Laboratories in Bonita Springs.

» Gregory S. Banning has been named a vice president at Tech Data. Banning most recently was vice president of education sales for the HON Co.

» The University of South Florida has hired Judy Ashcroft as founding dean of its University College, which focuses on distance learning, continuing education, workplace-based learning and pre-college programs. Ashcroft had been dean of continuing and innovative education at the University of Texas at Austin.

» Zev Buffman starts his new job as president and CEO of Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater next month. Buffman, who had been president and CEO of the RiverPark Center of Performing Arts in Owensboro, Ky., replaces Robert Freedman, who plans to retire.