Karen M. Abraham
Mara Aspinal
Abraham oversees eight departments including finance, taxes, facilities and risk. With 30 years worth of experience at BCBSAZ, she works directly with the CEO on the development of long-range plans and policies.
Aspinal, who holds an MBA from Harvard, joined Ventana as president and CEO in 2011. She founded the European Personalized Medicine Association and advised the Obama and Bush administrations on diagnostics and genomics.
Surprising fact: “My mother was a bookkeeper and at an early age recognized that I liked math. By the 8th grade, I actually knew what a CPA was and I wanted to make it my job.”
Surprising fact: “I will attend any live sporting event – from baseball to rodeo – any chance I get.”
Senior vice president and CFO Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Biggest challenge: “I’ve worked through difficult economic times, operating losses and much government regulation. I have wonderful relationships with many talented colleagues who have helped me through challenging times.”
President and CEO Ventana Medical Systems
Biggest challenge: “My approach to my first leadership role in manufacturing was that I asked lots of questions, studied our business vs. competitors and put a strong team in place. In three years, we turned the business around and had the industry’s best profit margins. The lesson for me is not to be afraid of new challenges, take the time to learn and then trust the data alongside your gut.”
Jan Brewer Governor State of Arizona
Brewer became Arizona’s 22nd governor in 2009, inheriting the worst budget deficit in the country. Through her support of free-market principles, competitive taxes, lean regulations and a ready workforce, she has transformed Arizona into one of the most business-friendly states in the nation. Surprising fact: “I’m a gardener at heart. You need the right seeds, plus water and sunshine. And you have to run off the rabbits. Sounds a little like the Legislature, right?” Biggest challenge: “Balancing my family and home life with a career in public service. While this issue can never be truly ‘overcome,’ it’s one I manage day-by-day, guided by my love of family and the people I serve.”
Diane Brossart President and CEO Arizona Forward
Brossart joined the nonprofit civic group — which aims to move Arizona forward environmentally, economically and socially — as a member 30 years ago. She was appointed to her leadership role in 1991, when Valley Forward focused exclusively on Maricopa County. Rebranded as Arizona Forward is 2012, its expanded statewide sustainability agenda includes: land use, transportation, air quality, energy, water and environmental education. Surprising fact: “I believe my mother who passed away nearly 10 years ago lives as a rabbit in my backyard.” Biggest challenge: “Taking Valley Forward statewide after 43 years as the Valley’s voice for balance. I’m bringing the best and brightest talent around Arizona together to help make the Grand Canyon State the greatest place in America to live.”
Theresa E. Chacopulos
Senior vice president and senior financial advisor Wells Fargo Advisors Chacopulos was ranked among Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors for 2013 and was ranked No. 1 in the state of Arizona. Chacopulos serves high net worth clients, offering a customized approach to portfolio management. A 29-year financial services veteran, she holds the Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Management Analyst designations. She is insurance licensed in Arizona and has Series 7 and 66 registrations. Surprising fact: “I started my career as a drive-in teller with First Interstate Bank.” Biggest challenge: “In 1999, I transitioned my business, reducing my client base to a manageable number, allowing me to provide better service.” AB | July-August 2013 33