SALISBURY — Novant Health Rowan Medical Center has named Gary Blabon director of operations of the medical center.
Blabon steps into the role following Don Sedgley, who was promoted in October to serve as the president of Novant Health Haymarket Medical Center in northern Virginia.
In his new role, Blabon will be responsible for nonclinical support departments and special projects. Gary has more than 20 years of health-care management experience, most recently as director of operations with Health Management Associates in Statesville. His experience includes both for-profit and not-for-profit health-care environments, including prior experience with Novant Health in the Rowan County area.
Blabon was instrumental in developing the athletic trainer program with the Rowan-Salisbury School System in 2010.
Blabon holds a bachelor of science degree from Catawba College and is beginning work toward a master’s in health-care administration with Pfeiffer University. He serves on a number of civic and professional boards and was recently inducted into the Catawba Athletic Hall of Fame.
He lives in Salisbury with his wife Deirdre and two daughters. Blabon begins his new job Dec. 9.
Celestial Glasworks Inc., formerly located at Gibson Mill in Cabarrus and Guilford counties, has now opened a retail shop in Gold Hill at 835 St. Stephens Church Road.
The glass studio owned by Yolonda Shimpock offers original fused glass ornaments, draped vases, wind chimes, night lights and other items suggested by clients.
Shimpock has 30 years of professional experience and she specializes in original leaded glass designs and fabrication. 
Hours are Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday by appointment. Contact Shimpock at danyo717@gmail.com or by visiting www.celestialglasworks.com or calling 704-796-2260.

MOCKSVILLE — Earlier this year, the Davie County Economic Development Commission set a goal to raise $1 million over the next five years to implement a strategic plan to create jobs and grow the local economy. The commission will present the plan’s program of work at a public kick-off event on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at WinMock at Kinderton in Bermuda Run from 7:30-9 a.m.
Several early pledges have put the DCEDC’s first capital campaign on course for a successful conclusion. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, which opened its Davie Medical Center in Bermuda Run in October, has pledged a lead investment of $225,000 over the five years of the program. Other Platinum investors, those who commit $50,000 or more, include EnergyUnited, Funder America and Yadtel Group.
Dr. John McConnell, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center CEO, will chair the campaign and host the kick-off event. Other speakers include DCEDC president Terry Bralley and Davidson County Community College president Dr. Mary Rittling.

Submit information about new businesses, honors and management promotions to bizbriefs@salisburypost.com. Include a daytime phone number.