AzBusiness Leaders 2017

VISION

INFLUENCE POWER

2017

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In the High Sonoran Desert sits a place where you’ll never feel closed in. The

community of Estrella takes that wide open feeling to new heights, with scenic trails winding around majestic saguaros, action-packed neighborhood parks,

and 72 acres of lakes—ideal for kayaking, canoeing, sailing, or just catching a

spectacular sunset. In Estrella, you’ll find natural beauty everywhere you turn, even on those starlit nights right outside your front door.

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Newland Communities is the largest private developer of planned residential and urban mixed-use communities in the United States. We believe it is our responsibility to create enduring, healthier communities for people to live life in ways that matter most to them. www.newlandcommunities.com NNP III-Estrella Mountain Ranch, LLC and NNP III-EMR 4, LLC (collectively, “Fee Owner”) are the owners of various parcels of land comprising the Estrella Community (“Community”). Newland Communities is the development manager retained by the Fee Owner for the Community. Certain homebuilders unaffiliated with the Fee Owner or Newland Communities are building homes in the Community. Fee Owner and Newland Communities are not co-developing, co-building, or otherwise responsible for any of the obligations or representations of any of the Builders. Fee Owner and Newland Communities are in no way responsible for any obligations or representations of any of the Builders to third parties and/or homebuyers, and Fee Owner and Newland Communities shall incur no liability whatsoever nor have any obligations or liability to any homebuyer regarding a home purchase from a Builder. Buyers of homes from any of the Builders waive, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any and all rights, claims, causes of action and other rights whatsoever against Fee Owner and Newland Communities arising out of their purchase transaction with the Builders. • Prices, specifications, details, and availability of a builder’s new homes are subject to change without notice. Actual development may vary from developer’s vision. No guarantee can be made that development will proceed as described. Certain properties may be registered with HUD, or may have registered components in the future as required pursuant to the Interstate Land Sales Full Disclosure Act. If such registration occurs, obtain the HUD Property Report, or its equivalent, required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. 2016 © Estrella. All rights reserved. Estrella is a trademark of NNP III-Estrella Mountain Ranch, LLC, and may not be copied, imitated or used, in whole or in part, without prior written permission. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY.

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{ FROM THE EDITOR } President and CEO: Michael Atkinson Publisher: Cheryl Green Vice president of operations: Audrey Webb

What makes a great leader?

T

he dictionary — that heavy thing we used before we could Google things — defines leader as “the person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.” But the definition and expectations of a leader can change from moment to moment and from circumstance to circumstance.

Case in point: I once attended a leadership forum where the definition was based on the skill set it would take to transform Arizona’s education system into one that can produce a generation of skilled workers to meet the needs of Arizona’s growing technology, bioscience and healthcare sectors. For that, we need a leader who can transform a system. That night, I was coaching a Little League baseball team made up of 5-, 6- and 7-year-olds. For that circumstance, effective leadership meant having the ability to get the players to buy into the fact that paying attention to the ball coming off the bat was infinitely more interesting than playing Pokemon Go in the outfield.

For that, we need a leader who can focus a group of individuals on a common goal.

In the pages on Az Business Leaders, you will read about men and women who can do just that — and more. The men and women profiled in these pages have created industries, transformed industries, saved lives and made the lives of those in the communities they serve.

The leaders you will see profiled in the pages of this magazine were selected from a pool of more than 5,000 of the most innovative entrepreneurs and the best and brightest Arizona business leaders in healthcare, real estate, construction, education, banking, financial services, manufacturing, technology and law. Over the course of more than two dozen meetings, that list of 5,000 leaders under consideration was paired down to about 500 names, which the selection panel considered to be the most influential leaders in their industries. Then, they were divided up into the categories you will find inside this book.

The drivers of Arizona’s economy who are profiled inside the pages of this magazine have counseled presidents. They have survived plane crashes and kidnappings.

They play in rock ’n’ roll bands. They were Olympians. They reflect a wide spectrum of ethnicities, age and gender. But they share one thing in common: they are catalysts for Arizona’s economy. They are leaders. They are innovators. They have influence. And when they speak, they make things happen. And together, they are guiding Arizona toward greatness.

Enjoy this edition of Az Business Leaders. And if you have someone who you think should be considered for next year, nominate them at azbigmedia.com.

EDITORIAL Editor in chief: Michael Gossie Associate editor: David McGlothlin Contributing writers: Allie Bice | Rey Chu Erin Davis | Matt Durack ART Art director: Mike Mertes Graphic designer: Anita Richey DIGITAL MEDIA Digital editor: Jesse A. Millard MARKETING/EVENTS Marketing & events manager: Heidi Maxwell Marketing coordinator: Kristina Venegas OFFICE Special projects manager: Sara Fregapane Executive assistant: Mayra Rivera Database solutions manager: Cindy Johnson AZ BUSINESS LEADERS Director of sales: Sheri Brown AZ BUSINESS MAGAZINE Senior account manager: David Harken Account managers: Bailey Young | Jennifer Heberlein AZRE | ARIZONA COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE Director of sales: Ann McSherry RANKING ARIZONA Director of sales: Sheri King EXPERIENCE ARIZONA | PLAY BALL Director of sales: Jayne Hayden CREATIVE DESIGNER Director of sales: Joe Freedman AZ BUSINESS ANGELS Director of sales: Felix Mayo

Michael Gossie Editor in chief michael.gossie@azbigmedia.com

16 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

AZ BUSINESS LEADERS is published annually by AZ BIG Media, 3101 N. Central Ave. Suite 1070, Phoenix, Arizona 85012, (602) 277-6045.

The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Submissions will not be returned unless accompanied by a SASE. Single copy price $20.00. Bulk rates available.

Copyright 2016 by AZ BIG Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from AZ BIG Media.

{ TABLE OF CONTENTS } PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

Accounting................................................... 32 ,34 Advertising......................................................... 36 Business Insurance....................................... 38, 40 Cyber Security.................................................... 42 Human Resources.............................................. 44 Media................................................................ 46 Multicultural Marketing....................................... 48 Public Relations.................................................. 50 Digital Marketing................................................ 52 Workforce Placement.................................... 54, 56

Aerospace & Defense........................................ 120 Aviation............................................................ 122 Communications................................................124 Energy............................................................. 126 Incubators........................................................ 128 Manufacturing.................................................. 130 Research.......................................................... 132 Technology Innovators....................................... 134

BANKING & FINANCE

Alternative Dispute Resolution........................... 138 Banking........................................................... 140 Bankruptcy/Reorganization............................... 142 Business and Commercial Litigation................... 144 Construction..................................................... 146 Employment and Labor Relations....................... 148 Estate Planning and Probate.............................. 150 Family Law....................................................... 152 Healthcare........................................................ 154 In-House Counsel............................................. 156 Intellectual Property.......................................... 158 Law Firm Management..................................... 160 Mergers & Acquisitions..................................... 162 Real Estate Law................................................ 164 Securities & Finance......................................... 166 Tax Law........................................................... 168

Banking & Finance........................................ 62, 64 Credit Unions...................................................... 66 Financial Services............................................... 68 Mortgage Lenders.............................................. 70 SBA Lenders...................................................... 72 Specialty Bankers............................................... 74 Venture Capital................................................... 76 Wealth Management..................................... 78, 80

HEALTHCARE Healthcare Administration................................... 86 Hospital Administration....................................... 88 Specialty Hospital Administration......................... 90 Bioscience.......................................................... 92 Cancer Treatment............................................... 94 Cardiology.......................................................... 96 Cosmetic Surgery............................................... 98 Dermatology..................................................... 100 Insurance Providers.......................................... 102 Healthcare Education........................................ 104 Healthcare Innovators....................................... 106 Health and Beauty............................................ 108 Medical Group Leaders......................................110 Medical Research..............................................112 Medical Device..................................................114 Vision................................................................116

LAW

TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT Art & Entertainment.......................................... 172 Event Management............................................174 Food & Beverage.............................................. 176 Gaming............................................................ 178 Restauranteurs................................................. 180 Retail............................................................... 182 Sports.............................................................. 184 Tourism - General............................................. 186 Tourism - Hospitality......................................... 188 Tourism - Special Events................................... 190

REAL ESTATE Architects......................................................... 196 Broker Manager........................................ 198, 200 Broker/Specialists/Industrial............................. 202 City Managers.................................................. 204 Contractors..............................................206, 208 Developers....................................................... 210 Engineers..................................................212, 214 Environmental................................................... 216 REITS............................................................... 218 Owner/Operator................................................ 220 Property/Asset Managers................................. 222 Subcontractors......................................... 224, 226 Land Investors.................................................. 228 Residential Developers...................................... 230 Home Builders.................................................. 232 Custom Home Builders...................................... 234 Multifamily....................................................... 236 Realty Firms..................................................... 238 Residential Real Estate Services........................ 240 Title and Insurance........................................... 242

WHO’S WHO CEO’s............................................................... 244 Diversity Leadership.......................................... 246 Economic Development..................................... 248 Influential Women............................................. 250 CFO’s............................................................... 252 Government - Mayors....................................... 254 Education......................................................... 255 Nonprofit - Foundations.................................... 260 Nonprofit - Charity & Fundraising....................... 262 Philanthropists.................................................. 264

-Hans Finzel 18 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

{ INDEX OF LEADERS } Abalos, Sandy.........................................32 Abraham, Andrew..................................164 Adame, David........................................246 Adkerson, Richard.................................244 Admire, Anthony......................................98 Ahearn, Michael......................................76 Aiken, Shawn........................................138 Akinsipe, Deborah...................................68 Allazetta, Dave......................................102 Allford, R. Allan......................................102 Allin, Bonnie..........................................122 Almanza, Benito......................................62 Amelio, William......................................244 Anspach, Nathan................................... 110 Arce, Mike...............................................52 Argue, Tom...........................................234 Armstrong, Shane.................................. 116 Ashton, Joseph........................................70 Atkinson, Mike.........................................46 Averitte Jr., Richard ..............................100 Bai, Ari..................................................158 Baird, Lisa...............................................78 Baker, Gary.............................................88 Barnier, Jerry........................................224 Barry, Jack..............................................62 Basha III, Edward...................................182 Bateman, Deborah.................................250 Becker, Ann...........................................126 Beckett, Justin......................................180 Belfiore, Jim..........................................240 Bell, Anita.............................................132 Bell, Chapin...........................................236 Benham, James....................................168 Bennett, James.....................................122 Benson, Lee..........................................122 Bentley, Dierks...................................... 172 Berg, Peter............................................206 Berger, Steven....................................... 142 Beverly, Bruce.......................................242 Bidwill, Michael......................................184 Bill, Michael.............................................38 Binkley, Kevin........................................180 Birnbaum, Gary.....................................144 Bittner, Guy...........................................188 Blakely, Brian..........................................42

CONNECT

» GUIDE

Bloomquist, Kristin...................................36 Boals, Rich............................................102 Boca, Paul...............................................54 Bolton, Pete...........................................200 Bonsall, Mark........................................126 Bontrager, Mike.....................................206 Bosco, Mark..........................................140 Boswell, Susan...................................... 142 Bradshaw, Justin.....................................90 Brady, Chris...........................................204 Brandt, Donald......................................244 Breinholt, Leroy.....................................198 Bricker, Tim.............................................88 Brooks, Scott........................................ 114 Brophy, III, James..................................140 Brossart, Diane......................................250 Brown, Kerwin.......................................246 Brown, Mike............................................ 74 Brown, Shad..........................................168 Bryan, Glynis.........................................252 Buesing, Jerry.......................................224 Bull, Ed.................................................146 Bullington, Jr., Robert............................ 116 Burnham, Rebecca................................164 Butler, Ron..............................................32 Cairns, Charles......................................104 Calbert, Bo............................................206 Camacho, Chris.....................................248 Cannon, Sue.........................................222 Carder, Rory..........................................196 Carlino, Cristina.....................................108 Carmer, Chip.........................................242 Carney, Bryon........................................198 Cartier, Casey........................................206 Case, Darren.........................................150 Chacopulos, Theresa...............................78 Chadwick, John.....................................230 Chalpin, Mitchell....................................108 Chen, George........................................158 Cheng, Rita...........................................255 Christensen, Daniel................................156 Chu, Sherman.........................................76 Chucri, Steve......................................... 176 Clark, Bernie...........................................68 Clark Jr., D. Lewis..................................160

» INSPIRE SEPTEMBER-O

ER// OCTOBER SEPTEMB

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PT winner Web MAC leads technology

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2016

2017 Heidi Jannenga, Brad and s of WebPT co-founder

$4.95

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2016

2016

Arizona’s 2016 Most Admired Companies

Clees, Joseph........................................148 Cleveland, Stephen................................204 Cody, Matthew......................................232 Colling, Brian...........................................52 Comitz, Edward.....................................154 Conboy, Pamela.......................................72 Consoli, Carla........................................216 Contreras, Armando...............................262 Coover, Kathy........................................108 Coppola, R. Craig..................................202 Corwin, Robb........................................ 174 Coyle, John.............................................38 Crawford, Dave......................................206 Creaser, Brett........................................216 Creaser, Gregg...................................... 212 Crow, Michael.......................................255 Cullum, Rod...........................................234 Cummerford, John.................................158 Currie, Sean..........................................190 Curtis, Jay...............................................66 Daddona, Jaime....................................166 Dahlen, Dennis......................................252 Dalke, Brian...........................................204 Daniels, Lisa............................................32 Danley, Walt..........................................238 Darche, Fred.........................................198 de la Melena, Jr., Gonzalo......................246 De Rito, Martin......................................220 Delgado, Robert .................................... 176 DeMarco, Craig.....................................180 Derdenger, Pat......................................168 Desautels, Deanne...................................54 Desmond, Dennis..................................198 Detmer, Mark........................................202 DeVito, Michele.......................................98 DeWulf, John.........................................144 Dexter, David...........................................92 Dickinson, D. Deems..............................238 Dickinson, Karen...................................158 Diggs, Tina............................................104 Dinan, James........................................226 Dirks, Dr. Gary.......................................134 Dollarhide, Jeff........................................38 Doran, John Alan...................................148 Dorrance, Bennett.................................264

Arizona Bioindustry Association

INSIDE:

Market Update

East Valley Cities

p. 26

AMA p. 44

Arizona Multihousing

Association

NAIOP p. 56

Roundtable Discussion

PRINT.

{ INDEX OF LEADERS } Doss, David.............................................66 Dreher, Mark...........................................32 Eckstein, Paul........................................144 Edmonds, Gary......................................262 Edwards, Patrick.................................... 212 Eisen, Ori................................................42 Farr, Geri.................................................70 Federico, Richard................................... 176 Feeney, Pat...........................................202 Feldman, Mark........................................78 Fine, Peter.............................................244 Finney, Michele........................................86 Fisher, Kaine.........................................152 Fletcher, Jamie......................................250 Flint, Patti................................................98 Fox, Sam............................................... 176 Frank, Susan...........................................66 Freed, Leah...........................................160 Freeman, Susan.................................... 142 Frey, Keith............................................. 110 Friedlander, Richard...............................138 Frutkin, Jonathan...................................166 Fulton, Doug..........................................232 Fulton, Ira..............................................264 Garippa, Michael................................... 114 Gaylord, Karen.......................................216 Geary, Rosemary...................................100 Geier, Andrew........................................208 George, Harry..........................................76 Gillis, Gregory........................................146 Gittler, Amy...........................................148 Glick, Ronald.........................................100 Glogau, Amir......................................... 174 Goeppinger, Kathleen.............................104 Goldberg, Yale.......................................168 Goodman, Nick...................................... 110 Goodmiller, Chuck....................................32 Gorny, Tomas........................................134 Gottlieb, Stacey.....................................144 Govig, Todd.............................................54 Grado, Gordon.......................................106 Graham, John........................................210 Gray, Alisa.............................................150 Gregg, Gary...........................................198 Grossman, Joyce...................................248

Guerra, MaryAnn................................... 128 Gunn, Curtis............................................76 Guttilla, Phillip.......................................162 Guziak, Ronald........................................86 Haenel, Michael.....................................202 Hallier, Angela.......................................152 Halloran, Kevin........................................70 Halmi, Bill..............................................100 Hamilton, Christina................................152 Hammond, Larry....................................144 Hancock, Bryce.....................................252 Hanley, Mark......................................... 112 Hansen, Max...........................................54 Harkins, Dan......................................... 172 Harman, Ron.........................................224 Harmon-Vaughan, Beth..........................196 Harper, Sharon......................................210 Harrington, Brandon................................. 74 Harrison, Chris......................................208 Harrison, James....................................140 Hart, Steve............................................188 Hatfield, James.....................................252 Hay, John..............................................158 Hayes, Patrick.......................................196 Helms, Roger......................................... 174 Henig, Craig..........................................200 Herrington, Brent...................................230 Herzog, Jeff............................................52 Hester, Mark............................................38 Heuser, Richard.......................................96 Hibbert , Ryan ......................................180 Hill, Camille........................................... 174 Hillman, Amy.........................................250 Hilton, Steven........................................232 Hines, Jackie.........................................222 Hofer, Larry.............................................44 Hoffman, Sintra.....................................248 Hogan, Joseph......................................228 Holden, Michael.....................................146 Hollman, Greg.......................................238 Holm, Stan..............................................88 Hoover, Steven......................................224 Hoskin, Paul.......................................... 212 Houser, Ken...........................................216 Hughes, James......................................126

Hummel, Trudi.......................................196 Hunt, Linda.............................................86 Hunter Wiest, Candace............................ 74 Huston, Kellie........................................216 Hutchens, David....................................126 Irving, Blake.......................................... 124 Ivy, Catherine........................................264 Jackson, Craig......................................190 Jackson, Keith.......................................130 Jacofsky, David.......................................86 Jahn, Gregory..........................................90 James, Gordon........................................50 James, Veronique....................................50 Jannenga, Heidi..................................... 114 Janson, Clay............................................78 Jerich, Jodi...........................................126 Johnson, Debbie....................................186 Johnson, TJ...........................................106 Johnston, Stephen................................. 112 Jones, Alan...........................................236 Jones, Dave..........................................226 Julian, John........................................... 110 Kaloush, Kamil.......................................132 Kant, Robert..........................................166 Kaplan, Jennifer......................................50 Karsten Beth, Dirk................................. 124 Keeling, Rod.......................................... 176 Kelly, Nima............................................156 Kemper, John........................................240 Kendrick, Ken........................................184 Kettner, Rick..........................................120 Kim, Philip...............................................78 King, Dylan............................................242 King, Tim..............................................224 Kitnick, David........................................234 Klein, Courtney...................................... 128 Klein, Eileen..........................................255 Knight, Jason..........................................44 Koerber-Walker, Joan...............................92 Kong, David...........................................188 Kotoske, Thomas.....................................98 Kovach, Stephen....................................226 Kraft, Andrew..........................................94 Kramer, Jay...........................................164 Kravetz, Jeff............................................80

DIGITAL. 22 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

{ INDEX OF LEADERS } Krumwiede, Craig..................................230 Kunze, Chad............................................34 LaBaer, Joshua........................................92 Lane, Beau..............................................36 Lane, W.J Jim.......................................254 Largay, John.........................................208 Laris, Lee..............................................100 Larrain, Michael.....................................108 Laufenberg, Perry..................................200 Lavidge, Bill.............................................36 Lawrence, Taylor...................................120 LeBlanc, Anthony...................................184 Lee, Nona.............................................156 Lehmann, Richard....................................72 Leibsohn, Hope.....................................150 Lemke Jr., Robert.................................. 212 Leong, Dennis....................................... 178 LeVine, Steve........................................ 174 Levy, Charlie.......................................... 172 Lewis, John...........................................248 Lewis, Tom............................................234 Lieberman, Amy....................................138 Lieberman, Marc...................................166 Likens, Matthew.................................... 114 Linam, Shawn.......................................120 Lind, K. Michelle....................................240 Little, Linda.............................................46 Liu, Vincent.............................................42 Logue, Melanie......................................104 Loli, Akil..................................................96 Loo, Leonardo.......................................246 Lough, D. Kim.......................................146 Lundy, Jim..............................................62 MacGregor, Robert..................................66 Macias , Steve.......................................130 Magliarditi, Joseph................................ 178 Magnacca, Joe......................................108 Mahoney, Tim........................................120 Mandelin, Teresa.....................................72 Manuel Jr., Louis................................... 178 Maredia, Amin.......................................182 Markham, Andy.....................................190 Martensen, Rob.....................................202 Martin-Denning, Terry............................200 Massey, Michael....................................182

Matos, Aaron...........................................54 Matthews, Chuck.....................................42 Matthews, David......................................72 McCauley, Tod.......................................132 McClure, Wes........................................226 McConnell, Karen..................................162 McCormick, Jonas...................................34 McGinley, Patrick...................................222 McGuire, Matt.........................................94 McIntosh, Kyle....................................... 128 McLane, Charles A..................................34 McMahon, Ken...................................... 124 McWaters, Kimberly...............................250 Meck, Jackie.........................................254 Megian, Rose........................................102 Megli, Steve..........................................130 Mehta, Neel..........................................106 Merrifield, Kristen..................................260 Mettes, Mark......................................... 172 Meyer, Robert..........................................90 Miller, Jack............................................188 Miller, Mary Ann......................................44 Mills, Katherine......................................252 Miner, Chris...........................................156 Miner, Don............................................164 Moffatt, Phoebe.....................................150 Molina, Alfredo......................................264 Molinaro, Frank.......................................90 Mooney, Matthew..................................218 Moore, Steve.........................................186 Moretsky, Sanford................................. 116 Morris, Roger........................................154 Mueller, Brian........................................255 Mulhern, Bob.........................................200 Munsinger, Gary......................................76 Munson, Ed.............................................46 Murphy, Don..........................................232 Nathan, Nate.........................................228 Nealy, Mike...........................................190 Nefdt, Ralph............................................34 Nelson, Alan............................................92 Nelson, Glen............................................38 Nelson, Scott.........................................220 Nolan, Thomas......................................218 Novak, Edward......................................160

Nussbaum, Randy.................................. 142 Oakley, Thor............................................56 Olson, William.......................................230 Ornstein, Jonathan................................122 Owens, Matthew.....................................50 Palmer, Sheryl.......................................232 Panchanathan, Sethuraman...................132 Parrish, Mi-Ai.........................................46 Parsons, Bob.........................................264 Parsons, Renee.....................................260 Patrick, Martha......................................168 Patterson, Bart......................................242 Patterson, James (Jim) ...........................62 Paul, Clifford.......................................... 212 Pavlicek, Curt........................................122 Pearson, Todd.........................................66 Pederson, James...................................220 Pepin, Susan.........................................260 Pershad, Ashish.......................................96 Persson, Jerry.........................................56 Peters, Scott.........................................218 Peterson, Clark...................................... 124 Phelps, Craig.........................................104 Phelps, Jim.............................................68 Phelps, Kevin.........................................204 Pierce, Dan...........................................208 Pistillo, Jason........................................134 Pollack, Elliott........................................240 Pollack, Michael....................................220 Poon, Jenny.......................................... 128 Poste, George........................................106 Pruitt, Jeffrey........................................ 128 Puente, Dan..........................................226 Rafal, Andrew..........................................80 Randolph, John.....................................140 Ray, Joe..................................................48 Ray Sr., Delbert.....................................246 Rector, Rich...........................................238 Reed, Curtis............................................62 Reiman, Eric.......................................... 112 Resnick, Mitchell...................................146 Reuss, Christina......................................96 Rhodes, Paul.........................................220 Rich, Judy...............................................88 Riester, Mirja...........................................36

EVENTS. 24 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

{ INDEX OF LEADERS } Riester, Tim.............................................50 Ripp, Michael........................................140 Robb, Craig............................................. 74 Rogers, Bill..............................................70 Rogers, Dawn........................................190 Rogers, Mark.........................................156 Rosati, Kristen.......................................154 Rosenberg, Mark................................... 116 Rosenfeld, Lawrence..............................154 Roshka, Jr., Paul....................................166 Rothschild, Jonathan.............................254 Rourke, Patricia.......................................64 Rudnitsky, Alona......................................52 Rufrano, Glenn......................................218 Ryan, James.........................................150 Ryan, Thomas.......................................214 Sabow, Kim...........................................186 Sacco, Rachel.......................................186 Sadvary, Thomas.....................................86 Salcido, Kevin..........................................44 Salcido Esparza, Silvana........................180 Salcito, Anthony.....................................234 Sanghi, Steve........................................130 Sarver, Robert.......................................184 Scali, Terrence.........................................40 Schade, Brian .........................................94 Schaffer, Rob..........................................68 Schleier, Tod..........................................138 Schlund, Scot........................................ 214 Schmittlein, Marc....................................40 Schneider, Hilary......................................42 Schwallie, Brian.......................................64 Schwartz, Michelle................................242 Seleznow, Steven...................................260 Sellers, David........................................210 Serrano, Steven.....................................152 Shangraw Jr., R.F Rick...........................260 Shapiro, Daniel........................................98 Silverman, Matt.......................................36 Simms, Jerry......................................... 178 Siner, Ann.............................................182 Skelton, J. Russell.................................148 Skinner, David.......................................214 Slager, Donald Don................................244

CONNECT

» GUIDE

Slessman, George.................................134 Smith, Barry..........................................102 Smith, Chaz...........................................228 Smith, Kimberly.....................................120 Smith, Paul..............................................56 Smith, Rick............................................130 Smith, William.........................................56 Snell, Joe..............................................248 Sperber, Bryan......................................184 Spetzler, Robert.......................................90 Spillman, Scott........................................72 St. John, Andi........................................222 Stakkestad, Kjell....................................134 Standring, John.......................................68 Stanton, Greg........................................254 Stanton, Nicole......................................160 Strickbine, Steve......................................46 Strittmatter, John...................................210 Strobl, Ben............................................208 Strumpf, Robert.......................................96 Strunk, Sarah........................................162 Suarez, Mark...........................................48 Sureck, Robert........................................ 74 Surguine, Michael..................................188 Swanson, Jim........................................210 Swingle, Kristen.......................................92 Taddie, Stephen.......................................80 Talley, Sonja............................................44 Taylor, Scott..........................................236 Thames, Rob......................................... 110 Thorell, Michael.......................................64 Tibshraney, Jay.....................................254 Timm, Alisa...........................................222 Toll, Michael............................................52 Torres, Tania............................................48 Touché, Steven........................................40 Trent, Jeffrey......................................... 112 Tryhus, Gregg........................................230 Turk, Andrew.........................................154 Urias, Lisa...............................................48 Usher, Richard.........................................40 Van Amburg, Kimberly........................... 178 Van Winkle Jr., Kenneth.........................160 Vandehei, Karen......................................56

» INSPIRE SEPTEMBER-O

ER// OCTOBER SEPTEMB

TOP 10 OFFICE

IRED MOST ADM IES

COMPAN

PT winner Web MAC leads technology

VISION INFLUENCE POWER

helps in Phoenix revolution

SPACES p. 36

2016

2017 Heidi Jannenga, Brad and s of WebPT co-founder

$4.95

26 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com Meeting Professionals International

for Arizona Society Human Resource Management

Arizona Technology Council

CTOBER 2016

2016

2016

Arizona’s 2016 Most Admired Companies

Verdier, Debora......................................148 Verma, Kuldip........................................228 Vogel, Greg...........................................228 Vogt, Cheryl............................................40 Volk, Christopher...................................218 Von Hoff, Daniel.......................................94 Walker, Susan.........................................70 Walters, Dale...........................................80 Ward, April..............................................80 Ward, Bruce..........................................236 Ward, Ginger.........................................262 Ward, Jim............................................. 172 Waschler, Merl......................................262 Watson, Sandra.....................................248 Watts, Pat.............................................236 Weaver Hart, Ann..................................255 Weed, Ryan...........................................214 Weiser, Paul..........................................164 Weiss, Glen........................................... 112 Wells, Kellie...........................................152 White, Nancy.........................................162 White, Patty............................................88 Widdows, Matt......................................238 Wilk, Lawrence...................................... 142 Williams, David......................................262 Williams, Justin.....................................132 Wilson, Ron........................................... 114 Wissink, Susan......................................162 Wolfe, John........................................... 124 Wood, Darrel......................................... 214 Woodman, Brad.....................................196 Yelton, Russ..........................................106 Young, Mark............................................64 Zall, Bryan...............................................34 Zandpour, Steven.....................................64 Ziff, Laura.............................................240 Zimmerman, Doug.................................138 Zmyslinski, DO, Simon........................... 116 Zomok, Lorraine....................................186 Zuercher, Ed..........................................204 Zuieback, Michael..................................182 Zumbuhl, Jennine....................................94

Arizona Bioindustry Association

INSIDE:

Market Update

East Valley Cities

p. 26

AMA p. 44

Arizona Multihousing

Association

NAIOP p. 56

Roundtable Discussion

PRINT.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

{ INDUSTRY OUTLOOK }

Marketing trends and issues to watch in 2017 Bob Anderson acquired Prisma and its 28 employees in 2000. Under his leadership, Prisma has flourished, adding complete mailing, direct marketing, data analytics, and fulfillment services to complete its marketing supply chain. It later incorporated strategic development and marketing Bob Anderson expertise to transform it from a traditional printer to a full-service marketing solutions provider. Here are Anderson’s thoughts on marketing in 2017:

Greatest opportunities: “Marketing

departments are tasked with producing results.

As marketing teams continue to contract, they need a technology solution to execute their marketing supply chain. Sales teams, franchise stores and multi-location corporations need access to localized branded digital assets, print and POP, increasing speed to market.”

Toughest challenge: “The biggest challenge is

effective targeting. Too many companies start with creative, messaging or media, when so much can be learned by analyzing your current customer database. That insight can drive more targeted marketing with less money and result in increased business.”

What to watch for in 2017: “The two biggest

trends will be marketing integration and the marriage of digital and direct mail. Integrating your customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP) with your marketing supply chain allows for trackable return on investment and cost accounting.

Digital and direct mail, executed together, will positively impact the brands that have the courage to use them both.”

SPONSORED BY PRISMA GRAPHICS 28 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

THE FUTURE WORKFORCE What are the issues and trends that are changing the way we do business?

F

By MICHAEL GOSSIE

ast-moving technological advancements continually impact change how businesses and the workforce operates.

But beyond technology, There are countless issues and trends — telecommuting, employee pay disclosure, white-collar overtime, Millennials, the war for talent — that are changing the way Arizona businesses operate.

As Arizona businesses plan for the next year, what issues should they be worried about? Here are what some experts think:

Jodi Bohr, shareholder, Gallagher & Kennedy: Arizona employers and

employees continue to watch the cost of health insurance skyrocket. Arizona could intervene on a transparency level to ensure that consumers can figure out, easily, what providers are in what health plan network and whether services are covered. The state could also do a better job incentivizing businesses to provide (Healthcare Alternative Systems) to their employees.

Employers need to be ready to comply with the new Department of Labor overtime regulations and the EEOC EEO-1’s reporting requirements on pay. DOL and EEOC are gearing up for audits to ensure

compliance in these areas, among others.

Employers should also be prepared to address transgender issues in the workplace as these issues become highlighted by the EEOC and courts.

Larry Hofer, regional vice president-human resources, Cox Communications: There are several trends that will greatly impact the workplace, including: • Millennials, which constitute the largest percent of the workforce, will assume managerial positions as Baby Boomers exit the workforce. Are Millennials fit to lead? If not, how can HR help develop Millennials with the skills needed to lead?

• Companies outsource, offshore or automate jobs or tasks is resulting in less people. Can HR be counted upon to retrain existing workforce or risk downsizing?

• As a result of the first two — increased Millennials and reduced number of (fulltime employees) — part-time or contract work will increase. Are companies equipped to deal with a fluid workforce that is less loyal and committed to organizations?

What about workplace, progression and compensation and benefits flexibility?

• People analytics — more data driven HR decision making, using ROI to determine

how HR programs impact on business performance, workforce analytics to predict workforce trends and target top talent.

• Human resources is expected to be a business partner by client groups. That means more time to spend strategizing about leadership and talent, solving business issues and achieving annual business targets and less on traditional HR services and support like training, payroll and other transactional services.

Stephanie Quincy, partner, Quarles & Brady LLP: There is more and more

attention on equal pay for equal work for women. We heard it on the presidential campaign trail — from both Hillary Clinton and Ivanka Trump. There have been Supreme Court cases (Lilly Ledbetter v.

Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co.), corrections

by Congress (the Lilly Ledbetter Act), and lots of follow-up litigation. Recently, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is looking at a more proactive approach. It announced that it will require employers to provide significant pay data to the EEOC. The agency’s goal is to have at its fingertips what employers are paying employees who hold the same or very similar positions and see how it varies by gender (as well as race, national origin,

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{ INDUSTRY OUTLOOK }

Jodi Bohr

Larry Hofer

Stephanie Quincy

We are firmly entrenched now in the knowledge economy, which means that those with no postsecondary education will be left further and further behind – Kevin Salcido etc.). Employers are just beginning to look at this data and determine what proactive changes to make, if any, and how to make those changes. This area will be a huge area for lawsuits for years including class actions and multi-plaintiff litigation.

In addition, the world has changed dramatically, but the law has not — at least with regard to the workforce of the future. Businesses like UBER and LYFT have huge competitive advantages by treating the vast majority of their workforce as independent contractors rather than employees, and therefore avoid paying workers’ compensation insurance, FICA and FUTA, overtime pay and other benefits such as health insurance, vacation, and sick pay. While UBER has been sued repeatedly on this treatment (and generally has not fared well), courts have never been adept at handling the broad and systemic change necessary for this type of shift.

Human resources advocates are already working at the federal, state and even local levels to effectuate legislative change to address these new issues. Businesses with competitive advantages by seemingly disregarding the laws in this area have their very existences at stake and businesses following the laws are disadvantaged by being saddled with higher labor costs. This cries out for legislative action.

Kevin Salcido, vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer, ASU: The continued trends towards globalization and the ongoing occupational displacement caused by technology will continue to impact human resources (and the workplace). There are some who think these trends can be reversed – but those people are wrong. We are firmly entrenched now in the knowledge economy, which means that those with no post-secondary

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Kevin Salcido

Jeffrey W. Toppel

education will be left further and further behind. It also means that competition will only increase for well-educated and wellprepared candidates.

Jeffrey W. Toppel, attorney at law, Jackson Lewis P.C.: Technology will

continue to have a major impact on all aspects of the employment relationship in the coming years. It will be interesting to see how the agencies that enforce employment laws – many of which were enacted years and years before the advent of much of this technology – respond to these technological developments. This is particularly significant in a presidential election year. The outcome of November’s elections (presidential and Congress) will determine whether we will continue to see the pro-employee aggressive enforcement that we have grown accustomed to from the federal labor and employment agencies over the past seven-plus years.

I think Arizona’s lack of significant employment legislation and regulation provides a welcome reprieve for employers that may be used to a much more highly regulated environment, such as those in California or in the northeast. I also believe that companies in a vast array of industries are continuing to recognize that Arizona is an attractive location to which they can recruit a highly skilled workforce looking for a balanced lifestyle. As a result, I think the employment outlook will continue to be bright for the near future.

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{ ACCOUNTING } LISA DANIELS Managing partner KPMG kpmg.com

Daniels, managing partner of the Arizona practice of KPMG, is a risk consulting partner with more than 25 years of professional experience. She has an extensive background assisting global organizations with identification, understanding, measurement and reporting of business and technology related risks. Since taking over as managing partner in 2011, the Phoenix office of KPMG has been recognized as one of the 100 Best Companies in Arizona, as well as a Top 25 Workplace for Women and honored with the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Excellence in Workplace Effectiveness and Flexibility. Daniels joined KPMG in 1993 and was made a partner in 2001.

Daniels has a bachelor of science degree from Pepperdine University.

SANDY ABALOS Principal in charge, Phoenix office REDW LLC redw.com

Abalos has more than 30 years of public accounting experience. She specializes in the financial needs of privately held businesses through a wide range of services, including accounting, tax consulting, entity structuring, succession planning and more.

Prior to joining REDW, Abalos was the owner of Abalos & Associates, an award-winning Phoenix-based CPA firm she founded in 1981.

Professional accomplishment: “Being the first in my family to secure a college degree. I put myself through school in four years, living in Tempe, working three jobs and competing on the ASU archery team. Those four years were the hardest of my life and that I am most proud of. It was my launch pad. ” Surprising fact: “I competed at the 1976 U.S. Olympic archery team tryouts my senior year in high school, placing seventh overall.”

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MARK DREHER

Managing partner Wallace Plese + Dreher LLP wpdcpa.com Dreher leads the firm’s operations, strategic goals and client service initiatives. From start-up to maturity, he develops tax and financial strategies for Arizona-based companies. Experienced in business due diligence, he specializes in expansions, mergers and acquisitions, ownership transitions, partnership agreements, succession and exiting.

Professional accomplishment: “Developing and growing an Arizona firm has been my most rewarding accomplishment.”

Surprising fact: “People would be surprised that I am a nationally-certified, high performance driving instructor through Porsche Club of America.

The same skills are applied to coaching in business situations. Successful business leaders must remain calm in stressful circumstances and navigate unexpected situations.”

CHUCK GOODMILLER Co-managing partner Henry & Horne LLP henryandhorne.com

Goodmiller thrives on finding new solutions to old problems and strategizing new ways of doing things to benefit his clients and team members. Goodmiller specializes in providing clients with personalized professional service with expertise in the core practice areas of consulting, audit, tax and accounting services.

Business advice: “Be yourself, be honest and understand that no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.”

Professional strength: “My ability to surround myself with great people.”

Dream dinner: “My dad. We lost him suddenly last year and one more dinner with him would be nice.”

Surprising fact: “If I wouldn’t have become a CPA, I would have been a surgeon. I do not regret my decision for a minute.”

RON BUTLER

Arizona managing partner EY ey.com Butler is a partner in the Phoenix office of EY with more than 25 years of public accounting experience.

Butler was EY’s Pacific Southwest Strategic Growth Markets leader from 2006 to 2008. He was appointed Arizona managing partner in June 2008 by Ernst & Young’s Americas Executive Board. Butler provides strategic guidance with the operation and management of the Ernst & Young Arizona Practice.

Business advice: “Stay relevant to your clients. The business world continues to evolve and the challenges companies face each day are different.”

Superpower: “The ability to fly. It would make business travel much easier. ” Surprising fact: “I am an avid outdoorsman. As an Arizona native, I have spent most of my free time hunting and fishing in this very diverse state.”

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{ ACCOUNTING } JONAS MCCORMICK Managing partner Deloitte deloitte.com

McCormick is the overall leader of Deloitte’s Arizona practice. McCormick has served some of the largest and most complex companies in Arizona, and serves as a trusted advisor to Deloitte’s top clients. He has extensive experience as a management consultant in the area of strategy and operations and enterprise transformation.

Business advice: “In order to be successful in professional services, you must truly be committed to serving others. You must derive your greatest rewards from making other people successful and helping them reach their desired goals and stated objectives. This requires a host of skills, but at its core you must endeavor to sincerely care about the needs and wants of the clients you serve and be absolutely committed to delivering solutions to them.”

CHAD KUNZE Managing principal CliftonLarsonAllen LLP claconnect.com

Kunze is the Phoenix managing principal and leads the senior living practice, focusing on serving senior health and aging services clients in Phoenix and the Southwest. He is a CPA with 21 years of experience in public accounting, auditing and business consulting devoted to the healthcare industry. He regularly provides financial client service and Medicaid/Medicare reimbursement consulting for various healthcare providers nationwide, including auditing and consulting with various HUD-financed projects and facilities around the country.

Superpower: “Ability to freeze time. The ability to freeze time for just a few moments or minutes would allow me to better identify a response or reply or in some cases research a matter to give the best advice possible.”

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RALPH NEFDT

Market territory managing partner Grant Thornton LLP grantthornton.com Nefdt is currently responsible for overall operations of Grant Thornton’s offices in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Utah.

Before moving to Phoenix in 2011, Nefdt served as an audit partner and professional standards partner in Grant Thornton’s San Francisco office. Nefdt has more than 25 years of experience working with public and private companies in a variety of industries, including technology, consumer and industrial products, manufacturing, retail and distribution. His technology industry experience includes significant involvement with software revenue recognition and software-as-a-service revenue arrangements. His client responsibilities have included being the lead engagement partner to many public companies, including taking them through their IPOs.

BRYAN ZALL Audit partner RSM US LLP rsmus.com

Zall’s professional experience includes more than 30 years of financial consulting, business planning, financial statement preparation and auditing. His primary emphasis is in healthcare, manufacturing, nonprofit, commercial construction and financial service industries. Zall also leads RSM’s Private Equity Fund initiative in Phoenix. In this role, he coordinates local professional services to national and international fund clients engaged in Southwestern U.S.-based transactions.

Superpower: “To see into the future so I could guide mankind towards international peace and economic and cultural development. What pressure to perform.”

Dream dinner: “I would enjoy dining with Gen. George Patton to discuss leadership, decision making under pressure, with lives at stake, and team motivation.”

CHARLES A. MCLANE

Senior managing director CBIZ & Mayer Hoffman McCann, P.C. cbiz.com McLane’s expertise spans more than 29 years. He works with a wide array of clients in various industries, including real estate, construction, consumer products, manufacturing and distribution, healthcare and hospitality industries.

Business advice: “Success in public accounting is centered around solid relationships. Always treat others how you would want to be treated. Focusing on superior client service by providing timely responses to any client inquiry is one of the best things you can do and will ultimately lead to success.”

Superpower: “My superpower would be to see the future so that I could win Powerball. Visualizing the future gives you a chance to believe in things that can still come true. With a positive outlook and a neversay-die attitude, anything can be achieved.”

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{ ADVERTISING } BEAU LANE CEO LaneTerralever laneterralever.com

KRISTIN BLOOMQUIST

Executive vice president, general manager Cramer-Krasselt c-k.com Bloomquist is a veteran of the advertising and marketing industry. She has blue chip experience ranging from having had agency, client and consultant leadership roles in top markets: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Phoenix. Since joining C-K, Bloomquist has led the agency with a hands-on, passionate approach. She was named Ad Agency Executive of the Year at the Phoenix Addy’s. Prior to joining C-K in 2009, her last agency stint was with Deutsch, where she was hired by industry leader Donny Deutsch to open Deutsch LA. Professional accomplishment: “I am incredibly proud to lead such a talented team. It’s a fortunate feeling to work among some of the best professionals in the business.”

Surprising fact: “I ride a Harley-Davidson three-wheel motorcycle.

36 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Lane has spent the past several decades growing LaneTerralever into one of the largest and most successful agencies in the region. He possesses extensive experience in sales and marketing and supervises the daily operation and management activities of LaneTerralever. He was named 2013 Ad Person of the Year by Phoenix Ad Club, and under his direction, the agency has received national and local recognition for years of award-winning work.

Professional accomplishment: “I am proud that we have successfully operated a business in this community for over 54 years.”

Dream dinner: “I would take America’s most significant president Abraham Lincoln to Lon’s at Hermosa Inn and order him the spare ribs and a glass of bourbon.”

MIRJA RIESTER

Partner and chief strategic officer RIESTER riester.com Riester owns RIESTER, one of the largest advertising and public relations firms in the western United States. Forbes included RIESTER in its list of “Top 100 Global Ad Agencies That Know Social Media and Google.”

Riester is an international market researcher, brand management expert and business executive with global marketing experience. Her clients include Aramark Leisure, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Hormel, McDonald’s, MidFirst Bank and Arizona’s Department of Health Services.

Dream dinner: “I would truly enjoy having dinner with Angelika Merkel, Germany’s current chancellor. She is at the forefront of experiencing and managing some of the global challenges that will likely grow in scope, complexity and intensity. Understanding her vision and depth of capacity would be fascinating.”

MATT SILVERMAN

Vice president and managing director R&R Partners rrpartners.com Silverman manages the Arizona office of R&R Partners, one of the Top 10 independently owned marketing and advertising firms in the United States. He is a business-savvy communications executive who knows how to plan strategically, calm troubled waters and stay one step ahead of the competition. With more than 25 years of experience, Silverman has honed the art of communication from every possible angle.

Business advice: “Stay on top of the ever-changing industry trends. Stay a step ahead of your clients. Become a trusted advisor.”

Superpower: “Flying, because I hate waiting in traffic.”

Dream dinner: “Mark Twain. I’m certain he would enjoy an evening at The Breadfruit and Rum Bar.” Surprising fact: “A serial killer confessed to me.”

BILL LAVIDGE CEO LAVIDGE lavidge.com

Lavidge has served as an influential and pioneering Arizona business leader since starting his agency in 1982 and producing award-winning campaigns that helped spotlight the Phoenix advertising industry locally and nationally. The company has grown into one of the largest agencies in the Southwest servicing local, regional and national brands.

Business advice: “Never give up and always try to exceed expectations.

Exceptional results require exceptional effort.”

Surprising fact: “I was in a teen rock band that taped a 45 rpm record in Smokey Robinson’s studio when I was 13 years old. I later traded my bass guitar for a water ski. It was a good trade.”

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{ BUSINESS INSURANCE } JOHN COYLE

Regional manager, West Region Segal Company segalco.com Coyle is responsible for overseeing operations for the company’s West region, which includes offices in Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix and San Francisco. An expert in the public sector health market, Coyle works with clients to develop and implement solutions to operational, benefit design and funding challenges.

Business advice: “Even with all the advances in communication technology, it is very difficult for the consumer to understand even the most basic questions regarding how much they need to spend and what benefit coverage they have or do not have. Vendors that can boil down plan provisions and exceptions to simple, easy-to-understand terms will be appreciated by both the plans sponsors and those people the plans cover.”

MICHAEL BILL CEO MJ Insurance mjinsurance.com

Bill joined the MJ Insurance team in 1992 as a producer in the Property & Casualty and Surety departments.

He became president in 2001, where he oversaw the company’s insurance operations and was named chief executive officer in the fall of 2006. Being “purposedriven,” Bill offers his unique visions, broad experience and wealth of knowledge to all he comes into contact with while focusing on the positive impact he may have upon key constituents – MJ associates and their families, clients, partners and our local communities. Bill aligns his philosophy with the principles the company was founded upon. Bill believes you must strive to earn and maintain trust, by continually acting in his clients’ best interest.

38 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

JEFF DOLLARHIDE, CFP, CLU, CLTC

President, CEO and managing partner MassMutual Arizona arizona.massmutual.com Dollarhide started his career with MassMutual Arizona as an agent and decided to work his way up to the highest position he could and did this in record time.

Upon his appointment as general agent in 2000, Dollarhide was the youngest to receive this position in MassMutual company history and even received the coveted “Chairman’s Trophy” award in his first year of service. Since then, Dollarhide has created an award-winning financial firm that has made a lasting impression on its clients’ lives and community. Jeff believes that one of the biggest parts of success is giving back and being an active member of the community. He focuses on many charities and organizations including: Homeward Bound, Susan G. Komen, Easter Seals, Autism Speaks, SAARC and ASU’s athletics department.

MARK HESTER

President Hester, Heitel & Assoc. Inc. hesterheitel.com Hester has worked in the insurance industry for more than 40 years. His community involvement includes Phoenix Alumni Association of The University of Arizona (past president), 161st Air Refueling Wing Minutemen, Senior Council EC-70, The 100 Club (past president), The Men’s Art Council, The Thunderbirds, FBI Citizens Academy and The Phoenix Police Citizens Academy.

Business advice: “Learn the business from the best insurance companies, be persistent and always put the clients’ interests ahead of yours.”

Superpower: “I would love to be able to travel in time. There are so many points in history I would love to have experienced.”

Dream dinner: “I would love to have dinner with Jesus with my wife and family at my home. He is the one I am drawn to and would love to learn more from.”

GLEN NELSON Chairman and CEO The Mahoney Group mahoneygroup.com

Nelson has served as chairman and CEO of The Mahoney Group since 2001. He provides risk management and insurance consulting services. He also created the agency’s captive insurance company and manages the Southwest Real Estate Purchasing Group.

These endeavors have fueled exponential growth for the agency. Nelson studied finance at ASU. He devotes time to community activities and serves on several boards.

Business advice: “Believe in powers greater than yourself, serve purposes other than yourself, be true to yourself along the way.”

Dream dinner: “Thomas Jefferson because of his beautiful mind, creative openness and sense of adventure. We would eat at Shula’s Steakhouse in the private dining room.”

Surprising fact: “Privately, I am an introvert.”

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{ BUSINESS INSURANCE } MARC SCHMITTLEIN President and CEO CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company copperpoint.com

TERRENCE SCALI

CEO NFP Property and Casualty nfp.com Scali acquires, integrates and leads insurance agencies and brokerages. As CEO for NFP P&C, Scali is responsible for growing the business nationally. Locally, Scali founded, grew and sold two very large Arizona-based insurance firms.

Business advice: “Young people have a unique opportunity to rise rapidly into executive and ownership roles in our industry. Exceptional graduates with communication and problemsolving skills should be inserting themselves into local and regional firms to harvest perpetuation opportunities throughout the industry.”

Superpower: “Teleportation would be very nice. Even with TSA privileges, it just takes too long to get around the U.S., let alone the rest of the world. So many places and so little time.”

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Schmittlein joined CopperPoint as president and CEO in June 2016. He was recently president of cyber business division and previously co-president of business insurance for Travelers. Schmittlein holds a CPCU designation and is an Accredited Advisor in insurance.

Business advice: “Insurance is more than claims or selling a policy.

It offers a variety of career paths in multiple disciplines, so don’t assume there isn’t a place for you. There’s plenty of room for growth and success in a dynamic industry that exists to protect people and their business pursuits.”

Superpower: “Being able to fast forward time. I’m keenly interested in being the first to cross the line, so speeding up business processes, strategies and tactics suits me.”

STEVEN TOUCHÉ President Lovitt & Touché Inc. lovitt-touche.com

Touché has more than 35 years of insurance industry experience. He is responsible for the profitable operations of one of the largest insurance brokerages in the United States.

Greatest accomplishment: “Working closely with my brother and my father (before he passed) to develop a company that operates with integrity and actively supports the communities in which we live. We’ve been honored to develop some amazing insurance professionals and create a generous charitable footprint statewide. ” Dream dinner: “Arnold Palmer. I have complete respect for all of his accomplishments both in and out of golf. We would go to Hacienda Del Sol here in Tucson.”

Surprising fact: “I shoot trap and skeet almost every weekend.”

RICHARD USHER

Principal Hill & Usher Insurance. Bonds. Benefits hillusher.com Usher founded Hill & Usher, an Arizonabased, independent insurance and bonding agency in 1995, after working for a large general contractor and later operating as an Arizona specialty contractor. Usher is a product of ASU and a carpentry apprenticeship program, where he earned a “Golden Hammer.”

Professional accomplishment: “Building a sustainable enterprise that provides results for our clients and challenge and fulfillment for our staff and family is the highest reward in business.”

Superpower: “Invisibility. I would appreciate listening without me being seen, which can be an impediment to honest conversation.”

Surprising fact: “I drive a 1996 Ford F250 Powerstroke Diesel. I’ve driven it long enough that its now a classic. I struggle to abandon my well worn traditions after they have served me so well.”

CHERYL VOGT Managing director, office head Marsh & McLennan Companies marsh.com

Vogt has been in various leadership roles for the past 20 years. She has been in the industry since 1980.

Vogt has a master’s from the University of Texas and bachelor’s from the University of Iowa. She is the past board chair of Boys Hope Girls Hope of Arizona and a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership.

Business advice: “Relationships are critical, but they really need to be valued by your colleagues and clients.”

Superpower: “Reality manipulation. This power is so fantastic that in order to prevent blatant abuse, they never give it to someone who isn’t too crazy to use it rationally.”

Dream dinner: “Julius Caesar. We could discuss leadership, inspiration, engagement and politics.

I would take him to Tomaso’s for great newwave Italian food.

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{ CYBERSECURITY } VINCENT LIU

Partner and co-founder Bishop Fox bishopfox.com

ORI EISEN

Founder and CEO Trusona trusona.com Eisen has dedicated his life to fighting online crime. He is the founder and CEO at Trusona. Prior to Trusona, he founded 41st Parameter, which was acquired by Experian in 2013. In his free time, Eisen volunteers with Thorn, the digital defenders of children. He founded Ball to All, a charity that donates free soccer balls to children who have never had one. He is a founding member of Security Canyon – Arizona’s Cyber Security Coalition.

Business advice: “Don’t raise money when you need it.

Investors can smell fear. Raise it when you don’t need it.”

Dream dinner: “Leonardo DaVinci because we don’t have Renaissance men like that anymore. I would take him to Roka Akor because I think sushi would be interesting to him.”

42 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

As co-founder of cybersecurity consulting firm Bishop Fox, Liu oversees firm management, client matters and strategy consulting. Liu is a recognized cybersecurity expert, having presented at national conferences like Black Hat USA, been interviewed by media outlets such as Al Jazeera and NPR, and co-authored seven books, including several industry bestsellers. Prior to founding Bishop Fox in 2006, Liu honed his security skills at Honeywell International Global Security Unit, Ernst & Young Advanced Security Centers and the National Security Agency.

Business advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even if you feel awkward. Security moves fast; in fact, I’d say it moves daily. You always need to be willing to learn. The day you stop learning is the day you stagnate.”

CHUCK MATTHEWS Chairman and CEO WGM Associates wgmllc.com

Matthews is responsible for leading the strategic direction for WGM Associates. He has 28 years of experience in management and the finance, real estate and technology industries, providing a solid foundation for leading the company. After many successful years in banking, Matthews held leadership roles with DMB Associates and IntelliCommunities, where he pioneered the use of advanced technologies to develop the infrastructure and related services for master-planned communities. Matthews currently serves as treasurer of the FBI National Citizens Academy Alumni Association Board of Directors and he holds a bachelor of science degree in finance from the University of Arizona.

HILARY SCHNEIDER President and CEO LifeLock lifelock.com

Schneider was named chief executive officer of LifeLock in March 2016. As CEO, Schneider is responsible for the company’s strategic direction and oversees all aspects of the company’s business operations and growth. She originally joined the company as president in 2012. Prior to LifeLock, Schneider was executive vice president of Yahoo! Americas, where she was responsible for Yahoo!’s North and South American business, reporting to the CEO. Schneider, who joined Yahoo! in 2006, previously led the company’s U.S. region, Global Partner Solutions and Local Markets and Commerce divisions. Before Yahoo!, Schneider held senior leadership roles at Knight Ridder, Inc., where she was CEO of Knight Ridder Digital before moving to co-manage the company’s overall newspaper and online business.

BRIAN BLAKELY

Founder and president MYTEK mytek.net In 2009, Blakely founded MYTEK, an IT services and software solutions firm based in Phoenix with clients located nationwide.

Business advice: “Listen very closely to your clients and prospects — never be a dead end. If your client needs help and it is not one of your core competencies, then engage folks that you trust to help them.”

Dream dinner: “No doubt it would be Benjamin Franklin. Franklin was an abolitionist before it was cool. Ben and I could grab a bite at Switch Restaurant & Wine Bar in Downtown Phoenix. I believe he would enjoy the different food inventions, including gigantic tater tots.”

Surprising fact: “I enjoy pushing myself with crazy diets and unique physical challenges to test my physical and mental endurance — juicing, fasting, Tough Mudder races, marathon running, etc.”

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{ HUMAN RESOURCES } JASON KNIGHT Director of operations TAG Employer Services tagpay.com

LARRY HOFER Regional vice president of human resources Cox Communications cox.com

Hofer is a business-minded HR executive with 25 years of extensive and diverse management experience leading organizations through complex transitions and building talented leaders and workforce in Fortune 500 companies. Experience in high tech, consumer manufacturing, aerospace and telecommunications industries.

Trend to watch: “Millennials, which constitute the largest percent of the workforce, will assume managerial positions as Baby Boomers exit the workforce.

Are Millennials fit to lead? If not, how can HR help develop Millennials with the skills needed to lead?”

How to recruit top talent: “Make the connections early – recruit for summer internships in high school or college.

Provide a job offer before a graduate returns to school.”

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A true entrepreneur, Knight started a successful PEO brokerage firm, Liberty Payroll & Benefit Solutions, in 2007. That company morphed into Human Capital Strategies, a full-service HR provider, later that year. The value of a true, full-service PEO hit him as he reflected on his father’s drywall business that he didn’t expand because of the fear of hiring and working with employees. Knight saw this as a way to help small business owners grow.

Business advice: “Every number on a paycheck, every benefit provided, every question answered and every class attended is enormously important to that person. People, not paychecks, benefits, answers, or classes, are the object of our time and energy. Never lose sight that we are first and foremost in the people business.”

MARY ANN MILLER Senior vice president Avnet avnet.com

Miller is chief human resources officer and head of corporate marketing and communications for Avnet. She is responsible for leading Avnet’s global human resources and organizational development, as well as corporate communications and its strategic alignment to Avnet’s initiatives. Miller’s career includes more than 25 years of experience in human resources and operations management in insurance, banking, wireless communications, aerospace, technology distribution and services. Miller was named among the National Diversity Council’s 2015 Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Technology. It was the second consecutive year Miller has received the recognition.

Childhood dreams: “A professional singer, which has helped me inspire and connect with people in my career.”

KEVIN SALCIDO

Vice president of human resources and chief human resources officer Arizona State University asu.edu Salcido is a highly experienced human resources executive with a strong record of delivering business results. Salcido has demonstrated an ability to develop and execute a strategic and integrated HR management program.

Trend to watch: “The continued trends towards globalization and the ongoing occupational displacement caused by technology will continue to impact HR. There are some who think these trends can be reversed – but those people are wrong. We are firmly entrenched now in the knowledge economy, which means that those with no post-secondary education will be left further and further behind. It also means that competition will only increase for well-educated and well-prepared candidates.”

SONJA TALLEY Principal CORE HR Solutions, LLC corehrsolutions.com

Talley is the state director of the Arizona Society for Human Resource Management (AZSHRM) and principal of CORE HR Solutions, LLC. For more than 20 years, Talley has been providing human resource consulting services and compliance assistance for businesses and individuals all over Arizona and the Southwest. She is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).

Impact of HR: “Human resources professionals touch on all issues that impact an organization’s most valuable asset – its employees. HR professionals provide administrative, business and strategic support by partnering with business leaders to create a sound 21st Century workplace that is innovative, fair and competitive.”

At Ulthera® we’re focused on growing our business by developing innovative products that meet the continued demand for noninvasive procedures. Our energy-based medical treatments – like Ultherapy® and Cellfina® provide amazing results to our patients. When you join Ulthera®, you will see high-achieving individuals and exciting opportunities!

Positions we are Recruiting for include: • Project Managers • Manufacturing Engineers • Quality Engineers • Regulatory • Supply Chain

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To learn more about these opportunities, visit us at www.ulthera.com or follow us on LinkedIn! Contact Kristy Gephart (Kristy.Gephart@merz.com) for more information.

All rights reserved. Ulthera® and Ultherapy® are trademarks of Ulthera®, Inc. © 2016 Merz North America, Inc.

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{ MEDIA }

LINDA LITTLE

President, Arizona region iHeart Media iheartmedia.com

MIKE ATKINSON President and CEO AZ Big Media azbigmedia.com

Atkinson started AZ Big Media in 1985 and now publishes nine magazines — Az Business, AZRE (Arizona Commercial Real Estate), Ranking Arizona, Az Business Leaders, Home & Design, Experience AZ, PTK (People & Projects To Know), Cactus League’s Play Ball and — coming in 2017 — Az Business Angels. AZ Big Media also host 10 business events, delivers seven weekly digital newsletters, and publishes a news website that BuzzFeed said “Everyone In Phoenix Should Know About.”

Business advice: “Be consistent in what you say and do, push aside the naysayers and keep your life in balance.”

Professional accomplishment: “Every issue we publish is a work of art both visually and editorially.”

Superpower: “Able to transport myself and whoever is touching me to travel anywhere at any time.”

46 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

During her 20-year career, Little has become known for using a combination of broadcast, digital and event marketing assets to create and execute marketing solutions that drive results.

Business advice: “Never stop learning.

Our industry has changed dramatically with digital and social media adding to the complexity of reaching consumers and getting your message heard. My advice is to never remain in the past, focus on new ways to integrate media and keep learning to stay ahead of your competition.”

Childhood dreams: “I wanted to be a fashion designer and went to college in New York city for a career in fashion. I worked in product development for Ann Taylor and Talbots and learned to develop merchandise their customers would buy. I am a strong marketer as a result of that experience.”

ED MUNSON

Vice president and general manager Meredith Local Media Arizona kpho.com Munson is the vice president and general manager of at KPHO CBS 5 and KTVK 3TV in Phoenix. He was appointed to the position in July 2008. KPHO is owned by Meredith Corporation. In addition, he is the general manager of the Western Hub for Meredith, which operates the master control and traffic departments for Meredith’s two stations in Portland and a station in Las Vegas. Munson has spent 32 years in television broadcasting, working in North Carolina, Kentucky and Virginia. Munson currently serves on the board of directors of the Television Bureau of Advertising, has recently served on the board of the National Association of Broadcasters and is a member of the executive board of the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.

MI-AI PARRISH President Arizona Republic republicmedia.com

Parrish leads strategic vision for Arizona’s largest media company as it swiftly evolves to meet consumer needs, engage with the community and fulfill its First Amendment mission. Prior to Republic Media, she was president and publisher of Kansas City Star Media and Idaho Statesman Media.

Business advice: “Be brave, be humble, be innovative, be transparent, be passionate, be resilient. This work is challenging, but it has never been more important. Providing quality local journalism is paramount to a robust democracy and a thriving community.”

Surprising fact: “I once drove a stock car, went skydiving and bungeejumped all in the same day. This might surprise my friends because I’m known as a bit of a klutz.”

STEVE STRICKBINE

President Times Media Group timespublications.com Strickbine is a former CPA who grew up in the Valley and attended ASU. He is the founder of Times Media Group, which he started as a single community publication in the North Scottsdale area and has grown into a leading print and digital media company serving the Valley and Tucson.

Childhood dreams: “I always wanted to a business of my own, which lead me down the path to becoming a CPA. Accounting is the foundational language of business and I believe it has provided me with sound judgment and decision making abilities when evaluating options and opportunities.”

Surprising fact: “I was a killer poker player when I was in high school and college. My friends and I would stay up all night long playing poker and even had a host of games we had invented on our own.”

We surf the Internet.

We swim in magazines.

The Internet is exhilarating. Magazines are enveloping. The Internet grabs you. Magazines embrace you. The Internet is impulsive. Magazines are immersive. And both media are growing.

Barely noticed amidst the thunderous Internet clamor is the simple fact that magazine readership has risen over the past several years. Even in the age of the Internet, even among the groups one would assume are most singularly hooked on digital media, the appeal of magazines is growing.

Think of it this way: during the life of Google, magazine readership actually increased 11 percent.

What it proves, once again, is that a new medium doesn’t necessarily displace an existing one. Just as movies didn’t kill radio. Just as TV didn’t kill movies. An established medium can continue to flourish so long as it continues to offer a unique experience. And, as readers’ loyalty and growth demonstrate, magazines do.

Which is why people aren’t giving up swimming, just because they also enjoy surfing.

The Power of Print Copy Credit: Young & Rubicam

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

{ MULTICULTURAL MARKETING }

JOE RAY

TANIA TORRES

President and CEO Torres Multicultural Communications torresmulticultural.com

MARK SUAREZ President Mosaic Multicultural mosaicmulticultural.com

Suarez is the president of Mosaic Multicultural, an insights-driven strategic marketing firm dedicated to multicultural markets, which works in partnership with LAVIDGE. Suarez has spent more than 10 years working in various categories with brands such as McDonald’s, AAA of Arizona and Blue Cross and Blue Shield. Suarez is a third-generation Puerto Rican who started Mosaic with Bill Lavidge in 2013.

Business advice: “Be true to who you are. The business of advertising/marketing is a highly competitive business that constantly pushes the thinking of you, your organization and the brands you partner with. Be honest to clients, even if it’s unpopular.”

Dream dinner: “Jackie Robinson. We would go to McDonald’s and enjoy All-Day Breakfast.”

48 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Torres founded Torres Multicultural Communications. She is the daughter of immigrants and the first in her family to graduate college. In 2009, she left a highlevel post at a local ad agency to launch her own business. Six years later, she’s grown her business from the ground up to become one of the most respected multicultural marketing agencies in Phoenix with a dozen employees and millions in capitalized annual billings.

Business advice: “The best advice I can offer someone in my industry — and in business in general — is to trust your gut. Intuition is often an under-utilized tool in business. After wracking your brain with facts and figures, sometimes it’s best to just trust yourself. So far, my intuition hasn’t failed me.”

LISA URIAS

President and CEO Urias Communication uriascommunications.com After more than 15 years in international marketing, Urias founded Urias Communications in 2004, a digital, advertising and PR agency with a uniquely multicultural focus. Now locally and nationally award winning, Urias Communications represents regional and statewide corporate and nonprofit clients including APS, Dignity Health, the Phoenix Zoo, the Super Bowl Host Committee and many others. She serves on several boards, including the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, ACF and Greater Phoenix Leadership.

Business advice: “Be creative and inspiring. Focus on true customer service. Everyone’s great in a pitch. It’s delivering on your brand promise that matters. ‘It’s not what you say, it’s what you do that matters.’ That’s our philosophy day in and day out.”

Vice president of multicultural strategy LaneTerralever laneterralever.com As vice president of multicultural strategy for LaneTerralever, Ray has worked with both national and international brands, on both the creative and strategic side. His passion is connecting with Latino audiences through marketing messages and campaigns. Ray is a conference speaker whose topics include branding, arts and culture and community activism.

Business advice: “Family oriented entertainment is big with Latinos, but that doesn’t mean that everything has to be a family focused group activity. For example, sporting events characteristically are, but professional sports can be prohibitively expensive for an entire family. Marketers should seek to include Latinos in all facets of the entertainment industry, family-oriented or otherwise.”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

{ PUBLIC RELATIONS } VERONIQUE JAMES CEO The James Agency thejamesagency.com

GORDON JAMES

President Gordon C. James Public Relations gcjpr.com James is a community leader well known for his public relations and government affairs accomplishments.

For 25 years, James has led Gordon C. James Public Relations, a full-service media relations, event management and governmental affairs agency that was named “Best PR Firm” by Arizona Capital Times in 2014. James joined President George H.W. Bush’s staff at the White House, serving as lead advance representative for the president in 1988. Called upon again after 9/11, James spent five months in Baghdad as the advance director for the Coalition Provisional Authority and as director of the Presidential Palace Studio, overseeing Ambassador Paul Bremer’s interactions in the region. James is a board member at Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism.

50 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

James launched The James Agency from her living room in 2005. She has since turned her one-woman shop into a full-service, award-winning advertising, public relations and digital agency. James’ firm focuses on creative services, graphic design, PR, social media, web design and digital marketing.

Childhood dreams: “I always thought I would be an architect and initially pursued an architectural degree at the U of A. I ultimately switched to visual communications because I missed the creative freedom, but I still have high hopes to design our next home.”

Professional accomplishment: “I have built a sustainable concept from scratch that provides valuable services to businesses and a healthy source of income to 25 employees and their families.”

MATTHEW OWENS CEO Owens Harkey Advertising owensharkey.com

Owens grew up in the advertising industry and has been in the business for more than 25 years. As the son of Bill Owens, the founder and owner of the advertising agency Owens & Associates, Owens received an early education in marketing and advertising in Arizona. Owens serves as partner and CEO of Owens Harkey Advertising, along with with Scott Harkey, partner and president. Owens’ core responsibilities lie in marketing strategy and advertising planning, media services, account supervision and creative direction. For three straight years, Inc. Magazine has ranked Owens Harkey one of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. The Agency Post ranked Owens Harkey one of the Fastest Growing Agencies in the Country.

TIM RIESTER President and CEO RIESTER riester.com

Riester leads one of the largest, advertising and public relations firms in the western United States. Forbes included RIESTER in its list of “Top 100 Global Ad Agencies That Know Social Media and Google.” Riester’s clients include America’s top brands: Aramark Leisure, Berkshire Hathaway Energy, Hormel, McDonald’s and United Healthcare.

Arizonans know RIESTER’s campaigns for Talking Stick Resort, Casino Arizona, MidFirst Bank and Arizona’s Department of Health Services.

Business advice: “Become a wonderful writer, an attentive listener, a master of digital and social media and an active user of analytics.”

Superpower: “I wish I had the power to clean pollution from the Earth’s atmosphere to preserve our incredibly beautiful planet, its animals and environment for the future.”

JENNIFER KAPLAN

Founder and CEO Evolve Public Relations and Marketing evolveprandmarketing.com Kaplan is a native of Phoenix and prides herself on knowing and understanding the dynamics of the community and the deep rooted relationships she has established. Connecting with her clients and the ability to understand their needs has led to her success.

She approaches her clients as an extension of their team in order to create the ownership and passion their clients expect.

Business advice: “Don’t let fear hold you back from following your dreams and more importantly your passion. If you are doing something you love, you will be successful.”

Superpower: “I would be invisible. I could walk into places and events and observe — I could be anywhere and listen to various conversations. I would use it to learn and experience things I wouldn’t get to if people could see me.”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

{ DIGITAL MARKETING } BRIAN COLLING CEO Colling Media collingmedia.com

MIKE ARCE CEO and founder Loud Rumor loudrumor.com

Arce is the founder and CEO of Loud Rumor, an online marketing agency that helps fitness studios grow and get more customers.

Through his proven Fit FLAVER program, Arce has been able to combine his passion for both the fitness industry and marketing.

Using Facebook advertising, landing pages, video and more, he and his team generate 150-200+ unique leads per studio each month.

Professional accomplishment: “Any time a customer says that the results we’ve gotten them have actually changed their business and their lives, I know I’ve accomplished my goal as a business owner.”

Superpower: “If I could have one superpower, it’s be teleportation. This would allow me to be incredibly efficient ... I’d be at least five times more productive every day at the very minimum.”

52 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Colling is a New York-born, Arizona-raised ASU alum. He started Colling Media in 2009 as a one-man shop. Taking a resultsdriven approach, the agency has grown to 15 full-time employees and has established a niche in the industry. Colling’s goal is to lead the way in dynamic optimization of traditional and digital media that the company calls “Tra-Digital.”

Business advice: “The hunger to continue to improve, embrace change and adapt to new ways of doing things are very important to not only business owners, but also employees. When I got started in advertising, I never imagined I’d be having conversations about how to leverage Pokemon for advertising, but if that’s what the market demands and that’s what customers need, then we’re going to have to learn how to leverage Pokemon Go!”

ALONA RUDNITSKY

Managing partner Helix House Digital Advertising Agency myhelixhouse.com Rudnitsky is the managing partner of Helix House and is currently working out of the corporate office in Old Town Scottsdale.

She also serves as the marketing director of Opportunities 4 Kids, a leading nonprofit organization that is helping underprivileged children obtain funding to pursue their passions.

Professional accomplishment: “One of my proudest professional accomplishments is placing No. 1 in Ranking Arizona for the last five years in a row. Winning it five years in a row just proves to us that we are on the right track and are getting recognized by our peers. ” Superpower: “I would have the superpower of time traveling. It is like going on a bunch of cool vacations, whenever you want. And also, I can go back and not fail as many times and learn from my mistakes faster.”

MICHAEL TOLL

CEO FireDrum Internet Marketing firedrum.com Toll has more than a decade of experience in the internet marketing industry. As the one of the founders and CEO of FireDrum, he has led the staff to become one Arizona’s top go-to resources for web design, e-mail marketing and has mastered the intricacies of branding, advertising and deliverability of e-mail.

Business advice: “Remember to be purpose-driven, consistent and dependable. And always understand your customer’s customer.”

Dream dinner: “Ray Tomlinson. He was credited for inventing e-mail in 1972. I would love to take him to Monarch in Scottsdale to talk about his view on the future of e-mail.”

Surprising fact: “I competed internationally in judo, from the age of eight throughout my late 20s.”

JEFF HERZOG Founder and CEO ZOG Digital Inc. zogdigital.com

Herzog is considered to be a digital visionary, having pioneered the search marketing industry through his creation of iCrossing, and later the launch of ZOG Digital. After selling iCrossing in 2010, Herzog launched his newest firm with a focus on innovative SEO and digital marketing practices, for his affluent fortune 500 clientele. At ZOG, he has built a team of industry innovators that focus on blending their unrivaled digital expertise, with cutting-edge marketing technology.

Superpower: “I believe that all leaders have to be slightly clairvoyant. They need to be able to see around corners and into future opportunities. You need to be able to see past precedent and into possibility. That’s how innovation happens and how business can continue to be at the forefront of trends.”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

{ WORKFORCE PLACEMENT } DEANNE DESAUTELS

President and CEO Accounting & Finance Professionals, Inc. afprofessionals.com With more than 15 years of recruiting, staffing and human resources experience, Desautels was the recipient of the Republic Media award for “Giving Back to the Community” in 2010. She is very familiar with best practices of customer service, client/candidate development and management.

Business advice: “The only way to get ahead is by working hard and continually learning along the way.”

Childhood dreams: “I wanted to be a nurse anesthetist and went into the nursing program at ASU. The wait was very long to get into the clinical program, so I decided to accept a job as a recruiter.

Surprising fact: “I have twins that are 5 years old and an 12 years old.”

TODD GOVIG

President and CEO Govig and Associates, Inc. govig.com Govig has created a successful company where employees embrace a talent-driven, talentdelivered philosophy. Employees are provided with career growth opportunities, flexibility with work-life balance and financial support to meet educational goals. Established in 1978, Govig employs more than 70 recruiting professionals with a focus on accounting, finance, tax, operations, construction, biopharmaceutical and senior housing.

Business advice: “Candidates tell us things they would not share with an employer.

Consequently, it’s not uncommon we discover something that would prevent a candidate from being a good long-term fit even though the client is ready to hire the individual. Do the right thing and find the best fit. ”

54 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

MAX HANSEN Co-founder and CEO Y Scouts, Inc. yscouts.com

Since 2002, Hansen and his staffing companies have placed more than 17,000 people in jobs in Arizona. In 2012, 10 years after Hansen founded Job Brokers at age 26, the firm had $25 million in total revenue.

Hansen also invented the term “purpose based recruiting” in association with the formation of his executive search firm, Y Scouts.

Business advice: “Stop only filling skill gaps with resumes. We are giving our industry a bad name when this is the only focus. There is so much more to making sure someone is right for a company than whether or not their resume has the same key words on it as a job description. People don’t work in job descriptions, they should work for companies who have purpose that aligns with their own.”

AARON MATOS

CEO and founder Recruiting.com (parent of Jobing.com) jobing.com Matos is founder and CEO of Recruiting.com, a provider of next generation software and technology that enables organizations to succeed by recruiting and hiring the right people through cloud-based candidate management software and a network of leading local, diversity, and niche job boards, including Jobing.com. He is a recognized expert on Internet recruiting, employment branding and recruitment technology.

Surprising fact: “My first job was as a bike mechanic at Swiss American Bicycles. I learned how to work for a boss who was demanding about service quality, timeliness and doing things right. When I was 14, I thought he was overbearing and too hard on me and others. Now, (almost 30) years later, I realize he helped feed an insatiable desire to do excellent work.”

PAUL BOCA

CEO Corporate Job Bank corporatejobbank.com Boca has been president and CEO of both Corporate Job Bank Personnel Services and Professional Search Associates for almost 30 years, building the company into the No. 1 locally owned staffing company in Arizona.

He participates on many business and civic boards.

Business advice: “It’s always about the people, not the technology or the systems we use for tracking searches. It’s having people who work for you that love helping people.”

Childhood dreams: “I always wanted to be a teacher. I very much enjoy mentoring people. I’m sure a lot of that came from those early years.”

Surprising fact: “I have a great love for clothes. Believe it or not, this love started back when I sold shirts and ties door to door in the 1970s.”

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

{ WORKFORCE PLACEMENT } PAUL SMITH

President and owner Allstaff Services Inc.® allstaffaz.com

WILLIAM SMITH Arizona president Mountain State Employment Council msec.org

THOR OAKLEY Vice president Robert Half roberthalf.com

Oakley has been with Robert Half for 10 years and currently oversees the technology and creative staffing divisions of the company throughout Arizona.

Toughest challenge: “Time.

There are never enough hours in a day. Thankfully, I’m surrounded by outstanding and talented coworkers who I can count on. We’ve created a flexible and collaborative team environment and each day is highly productive.”

Business advice: “Be proactive and be memorable.

Whether working with clients or candidates, this industry is about people.

Work hard to maintain positive relationships and demonstrate your commitment and integrity by taking the initiative to help them find solutions. People will remember how you treated them.”

56 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Smith has served as vice president of the regional offices and geographic expansion since 2006. He was instrumental in opening the first MSEC regional office in Colorado Springs in 2000 and since then has overseen the creation of the northern regional office in Fort Collins in 2007 and the opening of the Arizona regional office in 2009. MSEC’s regional staff are assigned members in Arizona, Wyoming, New Mexico, Nebraska, Northern Colorado, Southern Colorado and Southern California. Smith began his career at MSEC as an Employment Law Services attorney in 1994, later moving to the Labor Relations Department in 1996 to assist members with union matters, including collective bargaining, grievances and union avoidance.

KAREN VANDEHEI President and CEO Accurate Placement accurateplacement.com

Vandehei co-founded Accurate Placement in 1996. As a Certified Temporary Staffing Specialist with more than 20 years staffing and recruiting experience, she has developed unique systems and pricing structures that are cutting edge, yet simplistic, to foster a win-win partnership with her business partners. She is a past president of the Arizona Staffing Professionals Association.

Business advice: “Maintain honesty and integrity in all business dealings every time. Maintain a lean staff and do not over-hire.”

Toughest challenge: “Withstanding two recessions and staying profitable. I overcame this by reviewing every line item in the P&L and cutting expenses.”

Surprising fact: “I am related to Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain).”

Smith purchased Band B Employment in 1983. In 2006 the company was rebranded as Allstaff Services to reflect the wide range of services the company provides as a fullservice staffing firm. In 2012, the company celebrated its 50-year anniversary. Allstaff has expanded to three branch locations and provide on-site services in multiple states.

Business advice: “If you don’t know where you are going, you won’t know where you are when you get there. Plan, plan, plan.”

Professional accomplishment: “My most memorable accomplishment was when I was the chairman of the ‘light rail’ committee with the Phoenix County Alliance. We have seen the results and its expansions. ” Dream dinner: “Teddy Roosevelt. He is one of the main reasons why you and I are in Arizona. He had vision and carried a big stick.”

BANKING & FINANCE

{ INDUSTRY OUTLOOK }

Branching out What are the banking trends and predictions that will impact the industry in 2017?

By MICHAEL GOSSIE

T

he banking and financial services industry is undergoing a massive change.

The industry is facing disruptive competitors.

Digital and mobile banking continues to evolve and bring security risks with it. Bank branches are starting to look more and more like Apple stores and shopping mall kiosks. Interest rates have started rising.

Regulation has never been so costly.

These changes have the potential to shake the very foundation on which the banking industry has been built and has operated for generations. And banks have to balance these changes with rising consumer expectations that are driven by technology and a changing perception of the industry.

Az Business Leaders magazine talked with Chris Sailus, vice president and Northeast Arizona division manager at Washington Federal Bank, to get his take on what’s happening in the industry and what we can expect in 2017.

SPONSORED BY WASHINGTON FEDERAL 58 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Chris Sailus

Az Business Leaders: How would you characterize the state of the banking industry in Arizona today?

Chris Sailus: Generally in Arizona, banks are well funded, in

good shape, have capital ready to invest in lending to commercial, business and for consumers. Banks are anxious to grow in but finding the market demand is weaker than expected.

ABL: What sectors of the banking industry are strongest going into 2017?

CS: Real estate-related lending will continue to be a big driver

in 2017 in new multifamily apartments, residential housing developments, and commercial and industrial. The middle market had robust growth in 2016 and we expect the same this year. Â There is capital and equity coming in from investors already here in Arizona and from out of state as well to continue looking for opportunities.

BANKING & FINANCE

{ INDUSTRY OUTLOOK }

ABL: What sectors of the banking industry

need some help going into 2017?

CS: There will be challenges in the fin-tech field as they continue to seek funds for the peer-to-peer marketplace, for banks that have exposure to the oil and gas industries and for non-depository lenders deciding to continue raising capital or partner with a bank.

ABL: What has been your biggest banking

challenge over the last year and how have you addressed or overcome that challenge?

CS: The regulatory and compliance environment has dramatically raised the cost of doing business. To keep pace with the ever-increasing rules and new interpretations has meant we needed to hire more compliance and legal staff and set up more thorough reviews of our practices to ensure we stay in compliance.

ABL: What has been your biggest banking

success story over the past year or so and how has that success impacted business?

CS: Positioning people from different parts of the bank and regions to work together on teams in what I call a non-silent approach.

By integrating those teams to provide our clients with a more seamless delivery of products and services, we’ve seen a very nice jump in business in 2016, and we expect an even bigger one next year.

ABL: How do you think automated banks will impact the industry over the next decade?

CS:We believe that automation isn’t a bad

thing, as long as it is to support and enhance the delivery of services in a personable way. Innovation has a be a key for the banking industry to delivery better, secure and cost effective delivery of client services in the coming years.

ABL: What banking issue or trend will have

the biggest impact on banking in 2017 and what could that impact be?

CS: Uncertainty. The political environment will be a question mark for some time, no matter who takes the presidency, until we see their regulatory stance. Just as important are interest rates; the expectations of the market and the direction from the Federal Reserve moves from Fed meeting to meeting. Moving rates up too quickly can cause detrimental effects in consumer and commercial lending, and potentially ruin a recovering housing market.

ABL: What is your outlook for

the banking industry in 2017?

CS: Growth in Arizona will

remain manageable and sustainable versus what we went through pre-recession. We expect to continue seeing new businesses moving to Arizona, and growth in both small and mid range companies. Residential housing will enjoy relatively low rates, affordable prices, limited existing housing inventory, and builders ramping up development projects.

SPONSORED BY WASHINGTON FEDERAL 60 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

BANKING & FINANCE

{ BANKING }

BENITO ALMANZA

Arizona market president Bank of America bankofamerica.com Almanza is a graduate of Stanford University and the University of Santa Clara. He has been with the bank for 34 years. He currently chairs the Phoenix Aviation Advisory Board and is a member of Teach for America Arizona Board and Greater Phoenix Leadership.

Business advice: “Be flexible and stay current. The industry is constantly changing, so learn to read your community’s tea leaves to take advantage of market opportunities.”

Surprising fact: “I enjoy hiking and The Grateful Dead. I’ve hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon seven times and twice to the top of Half Dome at Yosemite. During these long hikes, my iPod is playing Grateful Dead music, a group I’ve seen in concert 87 times.”

JACK BARRY

President and CEO, Arizona region Enterprise Bank & Trust enterprisebank.com Prior to joining Enterprise, Barry was the executive vice president and market leader for M&I Bank in Phoenix, where he was responsible for all commercial banking operations in the Phoenix area.

Business advice: “You should always be visible and available to the market, not only as a banker, but as an individual as well. The quality that ties these together is your willingness to help in any situation.”

Toughest challenge: “A huge challenge that I have faced in the past was when the FDIC put a moratorium on De Novo banks in 2008, at which time Enterprise Bank & Trust had a charter pending. I investigated, prepared and was ready to bid on failed bank acquisitions in 2009. As a result, we were successful in acquiring four banks within the span of two years.”

62 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

JIM LUNDY

CEO Alliance Bank of Arizona westernalliancebancorporation.com Lundy is a 30-year Phoenix commercial banking veteran and the founding CEO of Alliance Bank of Arizona.

Lundy currently serves as the chair of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and as secretary of the Phoenix Civic Improvement Corp. He is a member of the National FDIC Community Bank Advisory Committee, past chair of the Arizona Bankers Association and on the board of the Phoenix Art Museum and the Catholic Community Foundation.

Personal strengths: “I am honest with employees and customers. This reduces surprises and disappointments.

I’ve always been secure enough to hire people smarter than me and allow them to create success. A leader who hordes credit and sheds blame fools no one but himself over time.”

JAMES (JIM) PATTERSON CEO UMB Bank Arizona umb.com

Patterson is responsible for all commercial banking, private wealth management and retail operations for UMB Bank’s Arizona region. Prior to joining UMB, he worked at Bank of America and M&I Bank, now BMO/Harris. Patterson is now a chairman emeritus of the board of trustees for the Phoenix Art Museum. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Chapman University in Orange, Calif.

Business advice: “Be a good listener. Focus on your customers. Be responsive.”

Superpower: “I would want to travel through time, not so much to see the future, but to explore history. I would love to learn more about my family history and ancestry, as well as see the history of the world. ”

CURTIS REED

Region manager, Arizona and Nevada JPMorgan Chase & Co. chase.com Reed has 20 years of experience in the banking industry, including 13 with JPMorgan Chase and predecessor organizations. In March 2014, Reed was named region manager for Chase’s middle market for Arizona and Nevada. Before that, Reed was leading a middle market division for Chase in Chicago. Reed is board chair of the Metro Phoenix Export Alliance and a board member for GPEC, the Arizona Bankers Association and Valley of the Sun United Way. Importance of Export Alliance: “We’re going to help create resources for businesses to learn how to export. The ultimate outcome and expectation is to create jobs.”

BANKING & FINANCE

{ BANKING }

BRIAN SCHWALLIE Arizona market president US Bank Commercial Banking usbank.com

Schwallie coordinates U.S. Bank’s activities in Arizona and leads commercial banking in the state. Schwallie is an active member of the community, serving as a trustee for the Desert Botanical Garden, the advisory council for LISC Phoenix and a member of the Campaign Cabinet for the Valley of the Sun United Way. Business advice: “Do the right thing and be true to yourself.”

Childhood dream: “Growing up, I wanted to work in hospitality, whether it be at a hotel, casino or golf course.

I ultimately went to UNLV for graduate school and began working in the hotel casino industry. My experience in that space is what ultimately led me to banking — initially with an emphasis in gaming and entertainment.

Surprising fact: “I like to listen to R&B and rap rusic and hand pour my own candles.”

MICHAEL THORELL

President and CEO Pinnacle Bank pinnaclebankaz.com Thorell has been the president, CEO and director of Pinnacle Bank since November 2008. Thorell has worked in the banking industry in Arizona for more than 26 years. He is the past chairman of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale and served as the chairman of the Arizona Bankers Association through 2016.

Business advice: “In banking, treat the money with the respect as if it was your own.”

Superpower: “I would like to fly like Superman.

The view of Arizona would be remarkable, I am sure — especially over the rim and Sedona.”

Dream dinner: “Thomas Jefferson, since he was such a strong influence in the formation of our country and Constitution. His vision and influence is truly unimaginable and to have the opportunity to discuss that would be special at Mastro’s City Hall.”

64 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

PATRICIA ROURKE Arizona market president Bankers Trust bankerstrust.com

Rourke has more than 44 years of banking experience and has served in her current position for nine years.

Her experience includes leadership roles in business development, relationship management, treasury services and international banking.

Rourke dedicates a great deal of personal time to various community boards, including Valley of the Sun United Way, YWCA, Native American Connections, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine and Arizona Bankers Association.

Business advice: “Gain as much experience, knowledge and confidence as possible by learning about the many different areas of the bank. This diverse background helped me to be a better leader and enabled me to provide great service to clients. When you make a promise, keep it and always finish what you start.”

MARK YOUNG

President and CEO National Bank of Arizona nbarizona.com Young joined Zions Bancorporation in 1998 after six years with Valley National Bank. Since 2011, he has been executive vice president of real estate at NB|AZ, a member of the executive committee and a board member. Young was appointed president and CEO of NB|AZ on June 1, 2015, and serves on Zions Bancorporation’s Executive management Committee.

Business advice: “It’s important to gain wide exposure to as many facets of the business as you can, but at the same time, specialize in one area. Jointly applied expertise forms strategic direction.”

Superpower: “Omniscience — having infinite knowledge, acute awareness and understanding the ability to perceive all valuable aspects would be highly powerful in strategic planning.”

STEVEN ZANDPOUR Regional president BMO Harris Bank bmoharris.com

Zandpour joined BMO Harris with 15 years of financial experience when he was hired as a Chicago market manager. He was promoted to regional president of Arizona and Florida in mid-2014 and leads a 79-branch network.

Business advice: “The guiding principle of anyone in this industry should be to act with high standards of integrity. Success is driven by the respect you earn from your clients and co-workers. When you demonstrate a clear commitment to ethical conduct, you will always come out the winner.”

Superpower: “The ability to read minds. Being capable of clearly understanding people’s needs and wants in the market would give me an amazing edge in business and there would be considerable personal benefit. ”

BANKING & FINANCE

{ CREDIT UNIONS }

JAY CURTIS President and CEO First Credit Union firstcu.net

Curtis has been president and CEO of First Credit Union since 2009, serves on its board of directors and was previously First’s CFO. Curtis serves on other boards and committees, including the Chandler Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Downtown Chandler Community Partnership, Mountain West Credit Union Association and Strategic Partners.

Business advice: “Take advantage of opportunities to learn, grow, be curious and get involved. You can never go wrong when treating others how you would want to be treated.”

Professional accomplishment: “Being a steward of Arizona’s oldest credit union and navigating the great recession at the helm of a financial institution. It’s the hardest things that can be the most rewarding.”

Superpower: “Time travel. It would be great to see so many historic events in person.”

SUSAN FRANK

President and CEO Desert Schools Federal Credit Union desertschools.org Frank is the first woman in the country to lead a credit union with $1 billion or more in assets.

Frank is highly active in the credit union movement and in community improvement efforts on behalf of DSFCU. Frank leads her employees by exemplifying her personal passion and commitment to the industry. She has more than 35 years of experience working with financial institutions, with 33 years dedicated to credit unions. She was named one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business in 2014. Desert Schools is Arizona’s largest credit union with $3.4 billion in assets, 370,000 members and more than 50 locations.

Professional accomplishment: “Creating an embedded legacy of community support and giving at Desert Schools.”

Surprising fact: “I love scuba diving.”

66 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

DAVID DOSS President and CEO OneAZ Credit Union oneazcu.com

Doss has 34 years of executive leadership experience in financial services and became the third president and CEO of Arizona State Credit Union.

Since joining the team in early 2005, he has overseen the growth of the credit union’s assets to more than $1.7 billion and the growth of membership to 135,000 members. He has been instrumental in developing a sustainable business model that benefits the communities the credit union serves.

Business advice: “My advice is simple: Listen more than you speak, have an insatiable appetite to learn, don’t underestimate the importance of networking and always have an open mind. All of these tools are necessary to further your personal and professional development and will serve you well in any industry.”

ROBERT MACGREGOR President and CEO Credit Union West cuwest.org

Prior to the start of his business career, MacGregor was a carpenter building homes and commercial buildings. Following an injury, MacGregor started college at age 36 and obtained a degree in accounting. He started his business career as a CPA auditor who audited credit unions. He was recruited by one of his clients, Credit Union West, for the CFO position. In 2009, he was promoted to the president/CEO position.

Professional accomplishment: “According to a recent survey of our employees, the overwhelming majority of our employees are proud to work for Credit Union West. To know that I have helped to create such a positive aspect to so many lives makes me feel we are doing it right.”

Superpower: “To be invisible, so I could go about affecting positive change without anyone noticing.”

TODD PEARSON

President and CEO Arizona Central Credit Union azcentralcu.org Pearson has been with Arizona Central Credit Union since 2002, promoted into the role of president and CEO in 2009, and has enjoyed an 18-year history in the credit union industry. He serves on two not-for-profit boards and has a commitment to volunteerism, financial literacy and gifting.

Business advice: “In the financial sector, I feel it is vitally important to always remain level headed.

Economic conditions can change rapidly, which can cause huge fluctuations in our business model. Be appreciative when things are going well, but more importantly, be prepared for change.”

Superpower: “Is predicting the future a superpower?

That power would make managing my business so much easier and would leave more time in my schedule to golf.”

BANKING & FINANCE

{ FINANCIAL SERVICES }

JIM PHELPS Vice president of operations, Phoenix call center Discover Financial Services discover.com

Phelps has 37 years of experience in lending and banking, the last 26 at Discover. He has experience in risk, collections, fraud, customer service, recovery and strategic planning.

Business advice: “It sometimes is difficult to keep things simple, whether it is products, processes, policies, etc. But simple always works best for customers and employees. As leaders, we need to constantly look for ways to simplify and streamline.”

Childhood dream: “I wanted to be a railroad engineer, since I grew up in a railroad family. The only problem was that the industry was contracting when I graduated from college, so I ended up in lending and banking.”

Surprising fact: “I love Habitat for Humanity and have helped build more than 20 houses ... 16 of those houses financially sponsored by Discover.”

DEBORAH AKINSIPE Human resources executive Vanguard vanguard.com

Akinsipe is the top-ranking Arizona executive at Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment management companies. Akinsipe helps oversee the company’s growing presence in the Phoenix area.

Business advice: “Build a culture grounded in ethics and integrity. High ethical standards are at the core of Vanguard. Define who you are and stick to it. Being mission driven is critical. And attract and develop the best talent. Your employees are a valuable asset.”

Childhood dream: “A diplomat or lawyer. Growing up abroad, I was intrigued by international affairs, sought out environments that brought parties together and inspired

by Kofi Annan. I’m not surprised by my career in human resources. I thrive in roles that allow me to help people find common ground and solve challenges.”

68 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

BERNIE CLARK

Executive vice president and head of Advisor Services Charles Schwab schwab.com Clark is a member of Charles Schwab’s Executive Committee and leads Advisor Services, which serves independent Registered Investment Advisors across the United States. Clark oversees custody, practice management and consulting services to nearly 7,000 independent investment advisory firms with $1.2 trillion under management.

An industry leader, Clark has been named by Investment Advisor magazine as one of the 25 most influential people in the industry.

Business advice: “It may sound cliché, but loving what you do is so important to success. I would encourage people to be authentic in all they do and surround themselves with people of diverse strengths and experiences.”

Superpower: “Easy—I’d have the ability to be in more than one place at a time.”

ROB SCHAFFER General manager USAA usaa.com

Schaffer is the GM and chief culture officer of USAA’s Phoenix Campus.

He is responsible for site performance, external community relations and support for USAA’s military affairs and government relations. He served in the Marine Corps for 10 years.

Toughest challenge: “My biggest business challenge was reversing a five-year performance slide within an operations area I had taken over. After 18 months, performance exceeded expectations and cost less. We achieved this through inclusive teamwork, focusing on achieving a clear outcome and factual communication with key business partners and the team.”

Surprising fact: “Most people quickly identify my lack of patience and then are surprised to learn I built a 17-foot wooden kayak. My family remains surprised the boat still floats after nearly 10 years.”

JOHN STANDRING Senior vice president and general manager American Express Co. americanexpress.com

Standring became the top-ranked executive in Arizona for American Express in November of 2015. He provides oversight and leadership to the American Express customer care centers located in Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Toronto. Prior to his current position, Standing was senior vice president of global financial operations, which included leadership to the Global Financial Operations (GFO) team, part of the Global Business Services group within Global Corporate Services. GFO provides internal servicing globally for all American Express legal entities and business units. Key responsibilities included paying more than 63,000 employees across 42 markets and control and oversight of $2 billion a day card member billing and merchant settlements.“

BANKING & FINANCE

{ MORTGAGE LENDERS }

JOSEPH ASHTON

Owner and senior loan consultant Orion Mortgage Corporation orionmtg.com Ashton started in the lending business in 1990 and has been helping Arizona homeowners obtain affordable mortgages ever since. Ashton is an Arizona native — almost. His family moved to the state when he was 1 year old. After beginning his lending career in California, he was able to come back home to Arizona where he began to work with Heritage Bank as their first loan officer. Eventually the bank bought Franklin Mortgage and Ashton became the assistant branch manager while still originating his own book of business. Several years later, the bank was going to spin off the Franklin Mortgage Arm and he used this opportunity to join forces with his now current business partner, Brian Yampolsky, and open Orion Mortgage Corporation. They have been in business since January 28, 2000.

KEVIN HALLORAN Arizona state president Mutual of Omaha Bank

mutualofomahabank.com Halloran leads the strategic growth and management of Mutual of Omaha Bank’s statewide operations, including 10 full-service locations throughout metropolitan Phoenix and Tucson. Halloran has nearly 30 years of banking experience. He earned his bachelor’s degree in finance from Indiana University and is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Banking School.

Toughest challenge: “Over the course of my 30year career in banking, I’ve sat in only four different chairs, yet I’ve worked for 10 different banks. With all of the mergers and acquisitions in financial services, adaptability to change has been a requirement — and I only see that trend continuing.”

Surprising fact: “I spent two summers at U.S. Steel, working with molton steel at a continuous caster in Gary, Indiana.”

70 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

GERI FARR

Senior vice president and regional manager Nova Home Loans novahomeloans.com Farr manages 250 employees in seven branches. She oversees loan production of more than 4,200 loans in excess of $800 million annually. Under Farr’s leadership, Nova has grown to be a top lender in Maricopa County, closing more resale transactions than any other banking institution. Prior to joining NOVA, Farr led the nation in residential mortgage production at Freedom Mortgage, receiving the Top Producer Award four consecutive years.

Business advice: “Do business with people whom you like and respect. Identify your true business partners and honor those partnerships.”

Superpower: “I wish I could sing like Adele. That’s a superpower in my book.”

Surprising fact: “I come from extremely humble beginnings.

My mother and I actually lived in her Volkswagen Beetle when I was a baby.”

BILL ROGERS

Founder and CEO Homeowners Financial Group USA, LLC homeownersfg.com As a native Arizonan and graduate from ASU, Rogers has more than 20 years of experience in the mortgage industry. Rogers was instrumental in the development of HFG and its unique culture. One of the most important goals for Rogers was to create a special place to work, where all associates feel empowered. Due to this emphasis, HFG has been ranked as a Best Place to Work for 11 years running.

Professional accomplishment: “Creating the Care Fund, a nonprofit foundation helping Arizona families with ill children pay their home mortgage or rent. It’s simple: a parent should never have to choose between working to pay their mortgage or caring for their sick child. We have helped more than 300 families in just three years.”

Superpower: “That’s easy. I would want to fly. I wouldn’t have to deal with traffic.”

SUSAN WALKER

Retail regional sales manager Wells Fargo Home Mortgage wellsfargo.com/ mortgage Walker has more than 36 years of mortgage experience as a mortgage banker, leading both originations and fulfillment. Walker is responsible for managing retail mortgage production for Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and El Paso, which includes approximately 300 team members.

Business advice: “Be consistent in your activities. Don’t give up after the first sales call and manage your time wisely.”

Superpower: “The power to make everyone optimistic and friendly, so we could all have strong and healthy relationships. ” Dream dinner: “I would choose Joan Payson, cofounder and majority owner of the New York Mets, because she was a prominent business woman and the first woman in North America to own a major league team without inheriting it. We would dine at Oregano’s.”

BANKING & FINANCE

{ SBA LENDERS }

PAMELA CONBOY

DAVID MATTHEWS

Lead regional president Wells Fargo Arizona wellsfargo.com Conboy is the lead region president for Wells Fargo in Arizona, Nevada and Utah. She has been with Wells Fargo for 37 years and oversees 496 community banking stores and 6,191 team members. She serves on the boards of Valley of the Sun United Way, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Teach for America.

Professional accomplishment: “Rising to the level of senior executive in an industry once dominated by males is a source of pride for me. I am blessed to be able to continue doing what I love best every day — helping people succeed financially and achieve their goals.”

Superpower: “The power to feed and shelter everyone on the planet. I would love to live in a world where no child had to go to bed hungry, had a safe and happy home to grow and thrive, and an education to support their full potential.”

RICHARD LEHMANN

Founder and chairman The Biltmore Bank of Arizona, a division of Grandpoint Bank biltmorebankaz.com After being associated with large national and international banks since 1969, Lehman and other banking leaders founded the Biltmore Bank of Arizona in 2003 with a singular mission: to work with Arizona businesses face-to-face, ensuring we’re an integral part of each client’s growth – and the growth of Arizona’s economy.

Business advice: “First of all, one needs to understand that running a business requires hard work and sacrifice. Leadership skills, willingness to listen, understanding the importance of team building, hiring outstanding people and the ability to communicate a compelling vision are all critical success factors.”

72 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Regional president Meadows Bank meadowsbank.bank

TERESA MANDELIN

Meadows Bank itself is a small-business success story, which sets the tone of every deal that Matthews makes with his clients. Established in Las Vegas in 2008, Meadows grew quickly from $34 million in loans in 2008 to $466 million in 2015, with a lending capacity of $15 million per borrower. This is significant compared to other community banks, whose ceiling on loans is typically $3 million to $5 million per borrower. Matthews says Meadows is the largest (Small Business Administration section) 504 lender in the U.S. and one the largest for (section) 7A loans.

Trend to watch: “Cyber security is one of our biggest investments and with new systems, we can really provide security for our clients’ financial transactions.”

President and CEO Southwestern Business Financing Corporation swbfc.com Mandelin has more than 30 years of banking experience, having specialized in SBA lending since 1992. Previously SBFC’s SVP of commercial loans, she has enriched the organization’s sales team and established instrumental client relationships.

She is a recipient of the esteemed Financial Services Champion award from the SBA. Superpower: “I would want to control time. I need about 10 more hours in a day and by slowing time, while still working at my speed, I could contribute more to my business, community and family. If that is not a superpower, I would like to fly so that I could be a great volleyball player.”

Dream dinner: “I would invite Walt Disney. Mr. Disney overcame adversity, bankruptcy, technological and financial issues several times to create what is now an entire industry.”

SCOTT SPILLMAN

Arizona bank president BNC National Bank Spillman specializes in SBA lending, commerical loans and small business banking. In 2015, Spillman helped BNC earn Preferred Lender Provider (PLP) status from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The PLP designation represents the SBA’s highest level of accreditation, which enables BNC to fast track and simplify the SBA loan application process. Approval, closing and servicing are expedited due to the SBA’s delegation of authority to BNC, which can directly underwrite and approve loans instead of waiting for SBA endorsement.

Professional accomplishment: “Our organization has extensive experience and a proven history with the SBA in processing loans for qualifying small businesses. Our commitment to the SBA program is evident in both our success record and comprehensive training of employees.”

Up to 90% Financing Available for Arizona Owner-User Commercial Properties

SBA 504 Commercial Real Estate Loans

3800 N. Central Ave., #720 Phoenix, AZ 85012

602.495.6495

BANKING & FINANCE

{ SPECIALTY LENDERS }

MIKE BROWN

CANDACE HUNTER WIEST

Arizona regional president Washington Federal washingtonfederal.com Brown is the first Arizona regional president in Washington Federal’s nearly 100-year history. He also serves as president of the company’s Equipment Finance Division, headquartered in Phoenix. Brown is responsible for managing the bank’s operations throughout Arizona, including commercial real estate and retail banking, as well as the company’s growing business banking division. During his tenure, the bank’s footprint in Arizona has grown from a dozen branches statewide to 30-plus branches and counting.

Superpower: “The ability to move at the speed of light so I can get all of your work done – and do it well – then get home for more time with my wife of now 41 years and all of my grandchildren.”

BRANDON HARRINGTON

Senior vice president Walker & Dunlop walkerdunlop.com With more than 13 years of experience in commercial real estate lending, Harrington delivers cutting-edge financing solutions to commercial real estate developers and owners located nationwide. Beyond the company, Harrington is a member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) and the Arizona Multihousing Association (AMA).

Business advice: “Listen to the client. You should always be listening and then formulating a plan to solve their needs. Then, execute on what you say. I guarantee you’ll learn the real motivation of the client if just listen and ask the extra questions.”

Superpower: “I wish I could teleport around the country for meetings so I could be back home every night to have dinner with the family and put the kids to bed.”

74 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

President and CEO West Valley National Bank wvnb.net

CRAIG ROBB

Managing director Zions Energy Link (National Bank of Arizona) nbarizona.com Robb is the managing director of Zions Energy Link, a division of Zions Bancorporation and its subsidiary, National Bank of Arizona. Under Robb’s leadership, NB|AZ has become a recognized leader of the sustainability finance sector, providing financing for Arizona’s most significant energy efficiency and renewable projects.

Professional accomplishment: “Six years ago, I started with an idea. With the support from my organization and peers, this notion grew into a business plan and now is a successful financing division within of the bank, providing sustainable financing solutions to our customers.”

Dream dinner: “I would like to have dinner at El Chorro Lodge with Warren Buffet. His ability to identity potentially successful organizations and leverage their core strengths is fascinating.”

Wiest is the founding CEO of WVNB and AZ Dental Bank and is celebrating her 30th year in banking. She was the first female community banker elected as a Class A director of the San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank. She serves on several boards, including GPL, Delta Dental, Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Rowpar Pharmaceuticals.

Business advice: “You know that little voice in the back of your voice that speaks up when something looks perfect, but isn’t? Don’t ignore it ever. Seriously, ever.”

Dream dinner: “I think Jackie O would love Sassi.

I could see us wearing Chanel’s version of chic casual and drinking lemon drops. I would love to hear how she survived D.C., the assassination, marriage to a billionaire and still managed to be a stunning woman who made a difference in the world.”

ROBERT SURECK

Senior market manager Silicon Valley Bank svb.com Sureck is the senior market manager for SVB’s Texas Region, where he manages the business activities for the bank through its offices in Austin, Dallas, Phoenix and Houston. Sureck joined SVB in 1999 to open the bank’s Dallas office after spending 10 years at Chase Manhattan Bank. Sureck has held board positions with Texchange, Metroplex Technology Business Council, the AEA Texas Council and Collin County Infant Program.

Business advice: “Don’t fear failure. Fear never failing, because that means you aren’t taking enough risk.”

Surprising fact: “I once rode a bull. Not some mechanical bull but a real bull. It was easily the most scared I have ever been and the most exhilarating seven seconds of my life. I emphasize the word ‘once.’”

BANKING & FINANCE

{ VENTURE CAPITAL }

CURTIS GUNN

MICHAEL AHEARN

Chairman Desert Angels desertangels.org

Founder True North Venture Partners truenorthvp.com Ahearn founded True North Venture Partners based on a belief that early stage companies in socially disruptive business sectors require a unique approach to funding, growth and market expansion. His perspective is based on his experience with First Solar, the company he cofounded in 1999. Ahearn served as CEO of First Solar from 2000-2009 and currently serves as its chairman.

After an initial public offering in 2006, First Solar became a publicly-traded company on the NASDAQ and later became the first pure play renewable energy company to be listed on the S&P 500. Ahearn serves on several additional boards, including Endeavor, a nonprofit organization dedicated to transforming the economies of emerging markets by identifying and supporting high growth, innovative entrepreneurs.

SHERMAN CHU

Founder and managing partner Grayhawk Capital Partners grayhawkcapital.us Chu has more than 20 years of venture capital and private equity experience. Chu is founder and managing partner of Grayhawk Capital, and, previously, a managing partner of Cornerstone Equity Partners. Prior to Cornerstone, Chu spent six and a half years with the commercial lending and merchant banking divisions of Banc One in Dallas.

Chu has served on the boards of 12 private companies.

Grayhawk provides venture capital to outstanding early and growth stage companies located in the Southwest. Grayhawk is currently investing an $80 million fund. The sectors for investment include mobile computing, cloud/SaaS, security, enterprise and application software, business intelligence, healthcare IT and financial.

76 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

HARRY GEORGE

The primary focus of the Desert Angels, which was created by a small group of Tucson-based private investors in 2000, is to fund entrepreneurial ventures. To that end, the organization reviews more than 300 applications per year as possible investments. Those companies that excel during the Desert Angels’ rigorous screening process are invited to present to the organization’s general membership at one of its monthly dinner meetings. Desert Angel members have invested more than $29 million in more than 70 presenting companies.

Business advice: “Anyone going after funding, whether it’s individual, angel or venture capital, should do due diligence just to see if the idea they’re pitching is even appropriate for the funding source.”

Managing general partner Solstice Capital solcap.com

George has more than 35 years experience in founding, operating and investing in successful rapid growth technology-related companies. He co-founded Solstice Capital. Previously, from 1981 to 1989, George was co-founder, director and vice president of finance for Interleaf Inc. During this time, Interleaf, a pioneer in electronic publishing, grew to be a publicly traded company with $100 million in annual revenue. In January 2000, Interleaf was acquired

by Broadvision in a stock merger that valued Interleaf at approximately $1 billion.

George has been a director of a number of private and public companies and is currently a director of Lumidigm, High Throughput Genomics, Medipacs and Syncardia.

GARY MUNSINGER

Chairman Research Corporation Technologies rctech.com Munsinger has been with RCT since it was founded in 1987 and has been chairman since 2005. Munsinger leads RCT, a technology investment and management company that provides early-stage funding and development for promising biomedical companies and technologies. RCT focuses on technology investments with origins from universities and research institutions worldwide. The company carries on a vision chartered in 1912 by Frederick Gardner Cottrell, a university professor and inventor who championed the transfer of academic innovation to commercial use. RCT has assets of more than $200 million to advance technology development through venture investment, partnerships and special licensing programs.

BANKING & FINANCE

{ WEALTH MANAGEMENT }

LISA BAIRD

Wealth advisor Wells Fargo Private Bank wellsfargo.com/theprivate-bank Baird, a 31-year wealth management veteran, works exclusively with high net-worth individuals and families. Baird provides a highly customized and personal level of service. She takes great pride in leading a dedicated team of specialists to provide comprehensive wealth solutions tailored to meet each of her client’s unique circumstance. Baird has been recognized over multiple years as a Barron’s top female advisor, nationally and locally.

Business advice: “Focus on your clients. Their success will determine yours.”

Superpower: “I’ve never contemplated a superpower, but I can dare to imagine a world without physical pain and suffering.”

Dream dinner: “Dinner at Cold Beer & Cheeseburgers with Warren Buffet. I think he would like it.”

THERESA CHACOPULOS

Private wealth advisor, senior vice president Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management morganstanleypwa.com Chacopulos works exclusively with ultra-high net worth families and individuals, helping them create customized wealth management strategies that address every aspect of their financial lives. A 30-year financial services veteran, she has earned Certified Financial Planner and Certified Investment Management Analyst designations. She was ranked among the Financial Times’ Top 400 Financial Advisors for 2014 and Barron’s Top 1,000 Financial Advisors in 2013, including No. 1 in the state of Arizona.

Business advice: “I would encourage someone entering into the industry to obtain their (Certified Financial Planner) designation.”

Superpower: “If healing is considered a Superpower, I would choose to have that one.”

78 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

PHILIP KIM

Senior vice president AXA Advisors Southwest axaadvisorssouthwest.com Kim is senior vice president of AXA Advisors Southwest as well as director of the firm’s Retirement Benefits Group in both Arizona and New Mexico. Kim holds FINRA registrations for the Series 7, Series 66, and Series 24, as well as a license for life, accident and health insurance in multiple states.

Business advice: “Some professionals suggest that their role is to help clients eliminate emotion from their financial transactions and to use a more pragmatic approach based on facts and economic trends. I disagree. I think that emotions should always be a part of financial strategies.

However, our role, as financial professionals, is to help guide clients through their emotional roller coaster in a way to help bring them safely to their desired goals.”

MARK FELDMAN

CEO and managing partner MRA Associates mraassociates.com Recognized multiple years as a Barron’s top independent financial advisor, Feldman possesses extensive credentials in the wealth management industry with more than 30 years of experience. He is a Certified Public Accountant and is a Certified Financial Planner professional. His roles have included supervising a wide range of client relationships.

Business advice: “I was taught to know my craft and figure out a way to explain it in a way that clients could make more good decisions than bad ones around their finances.”

Dream dinner: “I would take Sandra Day O’Conner to Los Dos Molinos. Not only was she the speaker at my ASU graduation (1984), but she broke barriers, became a crucial swing vote on some of our country’s most important issues and has contributed significantly to our state.”

CLAY JANSON

Founder and owner Phocus Financial Strategies Group phocusfinancial.com Janson is a Certified Financial Planner professional and Retirement Planning Specialist. Janson’s collaborative team approach to financial planning allows each and every client to experience a team of highly focused professionals in financial, investment, insurance and estate planning strategies, all under one roof.

Trend to watch: “Our industry is continuously embracing technology to help investors. ‘Robo advisors,’ technology-based investment solutions designed by computer programs or algorithms are becoming a big trend. But simply turning your investments over to a computer alone may fall short for our more affluent clients and business owners to truly solve their biggest goals to maximize the sale of their family business or for a successful retirement income distribution plan.”

BANKING & FINANCE

{ WEALTH MANAGEMENT }

JEFF KRAVETZ

Regional investment director, The Private Client Reserve U.S. Bank reserve.usbank.com Kravetz oversees portfolio management activities for the West region of The Reserve. Before joining U.S. Bank, Kravetz was an investment advisor for JP Morgan Private Bank, where he managed $600 million in trust and brokerage assets for private clients and institutions. Kravetz earned his master’s in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management and holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.

Business advice: “Stay focused on the long term.

With greater market volatility, there is a temptation to react to short-term movements in markets. Develop a long-term investment strategy that makes sense for you and stick to it. Don’t let the day-to-day noise in financial markets get you off course from your investment goals.”

STEPHEN TADDIE

Managing partner Stellar Capital Management stellarmgt.com Taddie cofounded Stellar Capital Management and is responsible for establishing the firm’s economic outlook, which drives asset allocation and sector weightings for client portfolios. He is a panelist for the NABE Outlook and the Western Blue Chip economic forecasts, and is a member of the Arizona Senate Finance Advisory Committee. He is past president of both the Arizona Economic Roundtable and the Central Arizona Estate Planning Council and serves as a FINRA arbitrator.

Dream dinner: “Abraham Lincoln, post civil war. It would be interesting to discuss first hand, the political and business environment during that period.

Jefferson Davis would be a great addition to the table, as he might have differing opinions.”

80 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

ANDREW RAFAL President and founder Bayntree Wealth Advisors bayntree.com

Rafal is president and owner of Bayntree Wealth Advisors, located in Scottsdale with satellite offices in Avondale, Peoria, Oro Valley and Tucson. Rafal sees himself as a personal CFO for his clients, building customized financial plans and investment strategies to help client’s realize their retirement goals.

Business advice: “Individuals need to take ownership of their financial future. The earlier someone begins planning for their retirement, the better.

There is great value in working with an advisory firm that can help you build a financial roadmap and, most importantly, hold you accountable to stay on track. When the markets become volatile, do not let your emotions to take charge. Focus on the long term and build a plan that is based on your goals.”

DALE WALTERS

CEO KeatsConnelly keatsconnelly.com

Walters has led the firm to numerous awards, including being named one of Arizona’s Most Admired Companies, Phoenix Chamber’s Impact award for Company Culture, the Alfred P. Sloan award for Workplace Flexibility and the BBB award for Ethics. He is the author of “Buying Real Estate in the U.S. – The Concise Guide for Canadians,” and is a co-author of “Taxation of Canadians in America: Are You at Risk?”

Business advice: “Reinvest in yourself and your company. I see way too many people taking the maximum cash out of their businesses rather than investing in quality employees, technology and training.”

Surprising fact: “I have not told a lie in over 40 years.

Most people would think that is not possible or wise, but those that know me, know it is true.”

APRIL WARD

Managing director, senior wealth advisor Stoker Ostler, a part of BMO Financial Group stokerostler.com Ward is responsible for growing the firm responsibly. She works with high net-worth individuals to strategize solutions to reach each client’s financial goals, incorporating the needs and circumstances of clients while considering tax consequences, estate planning circumstances and investment objectives.

Ward began her career in the financial arena in 1988 and joined Stoker Ostler in 2004. She has a Series 65 License and is Cannon certified in Investment Management and Personal Trust and Investment Management Sales.

Business advice: “Prior to retiring, pay-off your mortgage and build up after-tax accounts. These two steps, along with having the discipline to reduce discretionary spending during bad market years, will increase your opportunity for success throughout your retirement.”

HEALTHCARE

{ INDUSTRY OUTLOOK }

UNSTABLE MARKETPLACE Experts predict that Arizona residents will see a more stable health insurance market for 2018

By ALLIE BICE

F

ederal officials “remain confident” that Arizona residents will have options when they look for healthcare under the Affordable Care Act next year, even as a number of insurers pull out of the insurance marketplace in the state.

The announcement that Phoenix Health Plans Inc. will leave the Maricopa County marketplace in 2017 means that up to 126,000 county residents could have just one insurance option under Obamacare.

Phoenix Health Plans is the latest in a string of insurers that have scaled back coverage in Arizona, leaving 13 of the state’s 15 counties with just one potential provider next year. Only Pima County is currently expected to have two providers and Pinal County did not have any at all until Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona announced that it would remain in the Pinal County Affordable Care Act health exchange. Pinal County had faced the possibility of becoming the only U.S. county without an “Obamacare” option in 2017. Blue Cross Blue Shield had planned to pull out of the county at the end of year, officials said.

If Blue Cross Blue Shield did not step up, nearly 10,000 county residents would have been left without an affordable

health care option. According to a statement, Blue Cross Blue Shield will be the sole marketplace provider in 13 Arizona counties. The company still needs to obtain regulatory approval for the move, according to a company statement.

Although this predicament was avoided, the majority of Arizonans are left in the precarious position of having only one provider in their exchange. With Phoenix Health Plan Inc.’s recent decision to vacate Maricopa County at the end of the year, Cigna will be the only option for the state’s largest county and its nearly 130,000 marketplace enrollees, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona’s President and CEO Rich Boals said he doesn’t think Arizona counties are completely out of the woods yet.

“Regulators and policymakers must find a way to stabilize the market and put long-term fixes in place. In the meantime, BCBSAZ is trying hard to balance the company’s financial losses from the ACA with the very real concerns of Arizonans,” Boals said.

Healthcare analysts attribute the withdrawals to an insurance market that is still trying to figure itself out, and said they expect the number of insurers to bounce back.

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DENTISTRY 2017

Dr. Paul Douglas, owner of Douglas Family Dentistry, is starting his 30th year of service to the Scottsdale/ Phoenix area. Dr. Douglas, also know as “Painless,” is a graduate of USC School of Dentistry with awards for clinical excellence.

Douglas Family Dentistry stays on the cutting edge by Paul Douglas attending hours of continuing education courses. Here are Dr. Douglas’ thoughts on the dental industry for 2017:

Impact of technology: “One thing that has impacted dentistry is digital impressions — no sticky, gooey mess. Not only is this a great benefit for patients who have a gag reflux, but these impressions are extremely accurate.

They are taken with what looks like a ‘magic wand’ and are used for crowns, veneers and Invisalign. The camera takes pictures that are digitally transformed into extremely accurate molds of your teeth. This technology is helping us create the most fantastic, beautiful smiles I’ve seen in 30 years of practice. Come check the new technology out at our office.”

Issue to watch in 2017: “The biggest issue that I see happening right now is insurance companies trying to come in and take over and controlling dentistry like they have done to medicine. People have become accustomed to going to a doctor ‘on the insurance list’ or in network as opposed to being able to choose their own doctor or dentist. People should be able to pick their own provider and receive the same benefits.”

Industry outlook for 2017: “Our outlook still remains bright. Innovation and new technology continue to explore in dentistry each year. It is keeping up and becoming part of this new wave of excellence that keeps us motivated and alive here at Douglas Family Dentistry.

Dental appointments seem to be shorter, easier and more relaxing, which then becomes more suitable for our patients.”

HEALTHCARE

{ INDUSTRY OUTLOOK }

Rich Boals

Stephen Briggs

“There is never going to be a set number of insurers. There will regularly be some dynamic moves in the marketplace and that’s what makes it healthy,” said Jennifer Sullivan, the director of Best Practices Institute with Enroll America.

Phoenix Health Plans joins Aetna, Health Choice, Humana, UnitedHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield and Health Net, all of which have pulled out or pulled back from an ACA marketplace in Arizona, where many were losing money.

Cynthia Cox, associate director of health reform and private insurance at the Kaiser Family Foundation, said the companies that are pulling out have not been able to compete with the “scary-low premium” that remaining insurers were offering, so they cut their losses.

But she said the latest exit leaves Maricopa County, the most populous county in the state, in an “unusual” position.

“In most other parts of the country, large cities like Phoenix have multiple insurers participating in them,” Cox said. “Arizona is by far the most affected state when it comes to these exits.”

But Cox and others predict that Arizona residents will see a more stable market for 2018.

“It will depend on how strong enrollment is this coming year and also how the election goes,” Cox said. “It appears some insurers are

Michael Cannon

Cynthia Cox

dropping their exchange plans in 2017 so that they can go back to the drawing board and re-enter in 2018.”

Sullivan said insurance companies in Arizona may even come back into the market before open enrollment begins for 2017.

“It’s not final yet, we still have several weeks until rates will be finalized,” Sullivan said. “It’s still too early to say this is anything dire for consumers in Arizona.

There will be plans available for folks at different rates.”

Not everyone agrees. Michael Cannon, director of health policy at Cato Institute, said the withdrawals are not market-driven but are the result of a poorly developed health care plan.

“What’s happening is the market is not leaving out those who aren’t providing what consumers want, they’re leaving out those who are providing what consumers want,” Cannon said. “It’s rewarding carriers who provide very narrow, or very limited access to healthcare.”

Stephen Briggs, a spokesman for Arizona’s Department of Insurance, said there is little the state can do to lure insurers back into the marketplace.

“If it was a state-funded exchange, we would probably have answers,” he said. “The only thing that the Arizona Department of Insurance is responsible for, and that

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Jennifer Sullivan

Greg Vigdor

we have the authority to do, is review the forms and filing rates by these insurance companies.”

But Briggs said the department would remain “flexible” when it comes to working with insurance companies and the federal health care system.

While the state may not have plans to bring insurers back into the marketplace, U.S. Department of Health and Human Service officials “remain confident that all Arizona residents will have access to coverage next year,” department spokeswoman Marjorie Connolly said.

As the debate rages over the uncertainty of the Affordable Care Act and whether or not it’s still cost-effective for businesses to provide health insurance coverage for their employees, could we see and increase in the number of businesses who self-insure?

“Yes, it’s just when?” said Greg Vigdor, president and CEO of the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association. “Paradigm shifts happen quickly and until enough businesses get into that, we hang onto the old model. We are still far away, but I expect it to grow experimentally and there will be a flashpoint where people say, ‘That old system doesn’t work very well,’ and it will be time to do things differently and things will start to change immediately and it will be a whole new world.”.

family? h t i w time g n i d n e p when s le i m s Do you

Do you smi le when on an adventu re?

weddings? t a le i m s u Do yo

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Do you smile you are fig even though hting a batt le?

We would love to see your smile at Douglas Family Dentistry!

Please call us today at (480) 948-3680 | douglasfamilydentistry.com

HEALTHCARE

{ HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION }

RONALD GUZIAK

based nonprofit providing pathways to population health through community wellness, senior living and philanthropy.

With three senior living campuses, it is the largest operator of life care communities in Arizona.

Superpower: “With a passion for golf, I wish I had the superpower to break par every time I played and to teach

President and CEO Sun Health sunhealth.org

Guziak is president and CEO of Sun Health, a longstanding champion of healthy living and superior health care. Sun Health is a community-

LINDA HUNT President and CEO Dignity Health dignityhealth.org

Hunt oversees the operations of Dignity’ Arizona’s service area, which includes St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center, Chandler Regional Medical Center and several ambulatory facilities.

Dignity is the fifth-largest hospital system in the nation.

Business advice: “Set your sights on what is it that you really want to do, and then put some goals in place each year and begin to mentor other people and then seek out mentors — both women and men — who can help you understand what it is to be a leader. Meet new people and most of all, don’t be afraid to try new things. I think it’s trying new things that gives you the ability to be flexible and to get out and understand where your gifts will work for you to be a leader.”

my grandson to do the same. Golf challenges you from a personal, mental and athletic approach. Being able to truly master the game would be a oneof-a-kind experience. ” Surprising fact: “Continuing with my love of the game of golf theme, I’ve actually scored four holes in one in my life.”

DAVID JACOFSKY

MICHELE FINNEY

Chairman and CEO The CORE Institute thecoreinstitute.com

CEO Abrazo Health abrazohealth.com

Jacofsky is an international speaker and respected authority in complex adult joint reconstruction, total joint replacement, traumatology and oncology. Jacofsky chairs the orthobiologics committee for Stryker Orthopedics, is a board member for Cold Plasma Medical Technologies, has been the CEO of multiple successful start-up companies and has overseen The CORE Institute’s strategy and growth since inception.

Business advice: “I believe that the concept of the ‘servant leader’ is central to successfully building a business with a culture that is uniquely positive and scalable. Surrounding yourself with people who are better than you at what they do, and then helping them grow professionally through leadership and talent development should be the primary focus of a business leader.”

Finney leads Abrazo Health, which has six acute care hospitals in Arizona, including one cardiovascular-specialty hospital. The healthcare system offers a broad range of medical services, including cardiology, internal medicine, general surgery, orthopedics, neurology, obstetrics, bariatrics, women’s health, diagnostic imaging, outpatient services and emergency care. Prior to joining Abrazo, Finney served for 14 years as CEO at Los Alamitos Medical Center, a 167-bed acute care hospital with five affiliated outpatient facilities in California. Under her leadership, that medical center expanded its services to include urgent care centers, primary care and specialty physician foundation practices.

Surprising fact: “I am a Pilates and outdoors enthusiast. Being active keeps me centered.”

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THOMAS SADVARY

President and CEO HonorHealth honorhealth.com Sadvary leads an integrated healthcare system including five acute care hospitals, extensive outpatient services, research, teaching programs, community services and multiple primary care and specialty care practices, imaging sites and immediate care locations. Under his guidance, HonorHealth is creating a transformative model of caring for its patients across the continuum with a mission to improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

Business advice: “As a leaders, always look for hands-on opportunities to keep the pulse of your organization through how your team is performing both as individuals and as a team. As my mentor advised me, ‘take time to get out of your bunker (office) and stay visible to keep connected and in touch with your staff and leaders.’”

HEALTHCARE

{ HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATORS }

GARY BAKER

offering adult and pediatric services.

The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center and HonorHealth Research Institute also are located on its campus and provide innovative cancer treatments.

Business advice: “Be clear in setting a vision for your team. Commit to lifelong learning. Be comfortable with ambiguity.

Collect the best available information on

Senior vice president HonorHealth honorhealth.com

Baker is CEO of HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, an award-winning, 440-bed community teaching hospital

TIM BRICKER

President and CEO Chandler Regional Medical Center and Mercy Gilbert Medical Center dignityhealth.org/arizona As president and CEO of Dignity Health’s Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers, Bricker leads a team of staff, physicians and volunteers dedicated to providing excellent patient care.

Professional accomplishment: “I am very proud to have helped in the development of the Level I Trauma Center at Chandler Regional. We met a vitally important community need, helped patients and families in our community in profound ways, and did so through the remarkable efforts of an amazing team of professionals.”

Dream dinner: Albert Einstein or Leonardo DaVinci, depending on availability. Why? Both examined and interpreted the world around them in brilliant and groundbreaking ways.

We could use their insight.

“Surprising fact: ” I was the captain and high scorer on my high school basketball team. “

an issue and trust the decisions you make.

Don’t wait for perfection before acting” Superpower: “This one is easy. Ever since I was a kid, I have had a dream to be able to fly. The peaceful feeling when soaring with the wind, the personal feeling of freedom while flying, have long been something I have desired to be able to do.”

STAN HOLM

JUDY RICH

CEO Abrazo West Campus abrazohealth.com

President and CEO TMC Healthcare tmcaz.com

Holm joined the Abrazo campus in February 2013, serving as CEO. He holds more than 21 years of progressive experience serving as a strong leader who builds trust and strategic partnerships. Under Holm’s leadership, AWC added five new service lines, more than 50 surgeons and became a Level 1 Trauma Center. AWC was recognized by Southwest Valley Chamber as Large Business of the Year and recipient of Women’s Choice Award.

Business advice: “Approach relationships, strategies and operations through the eyes of a humble servant leader. Focus on advancing your mission by elimination barriers and providing your teams with tools to be successful. Be consistent on core values and flexible/ creative on everything else.”

Dream dinner: “Jesus at Durant’s to discuss his journey and touching lives.”

Rich has had a varied healthcare career since she received an undergraduate degree in nursing from New York’s Roberts Wesleyan College and a graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She has held roles spanning from staff nurse to CEO. Upon returning to Tucson Medical Center in June 2007, Rich led the team in a financial turnaround as president and CEO of the 650-bed nonprofit hospital.

Childhood dreams: “After watching my father die of cancer, I knew that I wanted to be a nurse.

I felt a real calling and it gave me a personal commitment to nursing that has kept me grounded throughout my career.”

Surprising fact: “I am afraid of flying, which is ironic considering how much time I spend in the air.”

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PATTY WHITE President and CEO St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center stjosephs-phx.org

White leads a team of almost 5,000 physicians, clinical staff and volunteers dedicated to providing excellent patient care.

She began her healthcare career as a cardiovascular nurse 30 years ago.

Business advice: “One of my role models, Linda Hunt, who formerly served in my position and is now president and CEO for our parent company, Dignity Health Arizona, taught me that it’s not necessary to be pushy in the healthcare business. Remain strong without having to become defensive or aggressive.”

Toughest challenge: “It is a challenging time to be in healthcare. The adoption of healthcare reform, the economic downturn and state budget cuts have required a need for innovation and optimism to maintain our goal of providing the best medical care possible.”

HEALTHCARE

{ SPECIALITY HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION }

JUSTIN BRADSHAW

role, Bradshaw will work to develop and expand comprehensive pediatric services at the hospital. He will also lead, along with dyad partner Dr. David Moromisato, Banner Health’s pediatric service line in Arizona.

Cardon Children’s Medical Center provides pediatric care for children, from newborns to teens. Services

CEO Cardon Children’s Medical Center bannerhealth.com Bradshaw was named chief executive officer for Cardon Children’s Medical Center in August. In this critical

include emergency care, a Level III neonatal intensive care unit, general pediatrics, surgical and rehabilitation services, hematology/oncology, urology, gastroenterology, neurology, outpatient services and children’s wellness community education. Bradshaw comes to Banner from Children’s Hospital & Medical Center, or CHMC, in Omaha, Neb.

ROBERT MEYER

ROBERT SPETZLER

President and CEO Phoenix Children’s Hospital phoenixchildrens.org

Director Barrow Neurological Institute thebarrow.org

GREGORY JAHN

CEO St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Center stlukesbehavioralhealth.com Jahn’s career started as a registered nurse when he joined St. Luke’s Behavioral Health Center in 1973 splitting time between medical intensive care and chemical dependency. The passion he has for behavioral health took a grasp quickly and soon it became his full time endeavor. He has remained primarily with St. Luke’s for more than 30 years, serving as CEO for the past 11 years.

Business advice: “Put your patients first and everything else will follow.”

Professional accomplishment: “Having St. Luke’s Behavioral Health ranked No. 1 by a consumer census means a great deal to me. It’s so rewarding as it indicates that we are truly helping the people of the community with our services.”

Dream dinner: “It would be Mother Teresa because of her unwavering commitment to her faith and to help others.”

Spetzler, director of St. Joseph’s Barrow Neurological Institute, has earned the reputation of one of the world’s best neurosurgeons. As the director of Barrow since 1986, Spetzler has led the Institute to becoming one of the top neurological centers in the world. Under his leadership, more brain surgeries are performed are Barrow than any hospital in the United States.

Toughest challenge: “I had a pregnant patient who suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm in the worst possible location in the brain. We used a technique called cardiac standstill to repair the aneurysm. No pregnant patient with an aneurysm had ever been placed in cardiac arrest before.

Incredibly, both mother and child survived.”

Dream dinner: “Nelson Mandela, because of his courage and forgiveness.”

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FRANK MOLINARO

CEO Arizona Heart Hospital abrazohealth.com Molinaro is CEO of Abrazo Arrowhead Campus and its satellite, Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital, which has 300 physicians dedicated to heart care.

When it opened in 1998, Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital was the first hospital in the U.S. dedicated to heart disease, and it quickly became one of the world’s leading cardiac care centers.

Toughest challenge: “The fact that we’re committed to be a patient-centric hospital is very difficult. It requires dealing with complex government requirements, complex insurance and Medicare requirements, and a slew of other things. One of the things we do is to start every day with a safety huddle. We bring our leaders in, remind everyone about who our customers are and how important it is to make sure we’re putting them first.”

As the chief executive of Arizona’s only freestanding pediatric hospital since 2003, Meyer is responsible for planning, directing and managing the current operations, future growth and program development for PCH. Business advice: “Take the time to learn all aspects of the business. Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and get dirty.”

Toughest challenge: “In 2002, I was hired as a business consultant for PCH when the hospital was $48 million in the red.

I worked to revamp the issues I thought were the biggest obstacles to financial solvency and within a year the hospital went from being $48 million in the red to $3 million in the black. It was over a $50 million turnaround in one year. The hospital’s board asked me to stay.”

HEALTHCARE

{ BIOSCIENCE }

JOAN KOERBER-WALKER President and CEO Arizona BioIndustry Association (AZBio) azbio.org

Koerber-Walker works with and on behalf of Arizona’s leading research institutions,

JOSHUA LABAER Executive director Biodesign Institute at ASU biodesign.asu.edu

LaBaer is a leading researcher in cancer and personalized medicine. He is the interim executive director of the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University and continues to lead a scientific team at Biodesign that works to discover and validate unique molecular fingerprints of disease that can provide early warning for those at risk of major illnesses, including cancer and diabetes.

Business advice: “Hire good people, help them to grow and never lose sight of the biology.”

Dream dinner: “I would love to meet Leonardo Da Vinci. I am particularly appreciative of his ability to combine knowledge of science and the world with creativity and art. He was remarkably observant and had a unique ability to see the essence in things. Of course, I would have to learn Italian.”

universities and life science companies to provide the connections, resources and leadership needed to keep the industry growing at an ever-increasing rate. She also chairs the Opportunity Through Entrepreneurship Foundation, which — together with AZBio — launched D3Bio in 2014 to further support life science innovation along the path from discovery

to development to delivery.

Professional accomplishment: “Arizona Bioscience Week connected our community leaders here at home with others from across the country and showcased the life-changing and life-saving innovations that are being discovered, developed and delivered here in Arizona.”

ALAN NELSON

DAVID DEXTER

Founder, CEO and chairman VisionGate, Inc. visiongate3d.com

President and CEO Sonora Quest Laboratories sonoraquest.com

Nelson is a biophysicist and serial entrepreneur. He held professorships in nuclear engineering, bioengineering and physics at MIT, Harvard, ASU, with tenure. He founded four successful companies. VisionGate has developed the world’s first automated test for lung cancer and recently acquired a drug to reverse dysplasia, or precancerous cells in the lung.

Business advice: “My industry is healthcare where there are no shortcuts if you want to achieve long-lasting impact. Pay strict attention to regulators, such as the FDA and CLIA, and to payers. Clinically proven costeffectiveness is crucial to sustain your business.”

Dream dinner: “I know this is cliche, especially for a physicist, but my dinner guest would have to be Albert Einstein and we would dine at my home.”

Dexter serves as president and CEO for Sonora Quest Laboratories, a joint venture between Banner Health and Quest Diagnostics; and as president and CEO for Laboratory Sciences of Arizona, LLC, which provides oversight and strategic direction for 16 hospital and rapid response laboratories supporting 20 Banner Health hospitals, academic medical centers and cancer centers across the state of Arizona.

Business advice: “Integrity is the foundation for business success; it’s one of our core values. My business philosophy is simple, but effective: ‘It’s not how many hits you get, it’s how many runs you score.’ It’s all about focus, employee engagement and metrics to drive extraordinary results.”

Surprising fact: “I wanted to be a wildlife biologist; funny how that didn’t work out.”

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KRISTEN SWINGLE

Vice president of laboratory operations Cord Blood Registry, a part of AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc cordblood.com Swingle has served in her current role for Cord Blood Registry since 2007. She is a board member for the Arizona Bioindustry Association and recently served as the executive chair for the 2016 March for Babies, supporting the March of Dimes in Southern Arizona.

Business advice: “Don’t be tempted by short-cuts. The quality of your product or service, along with your reputation, will suffer. Invest the necessary time and resources to ensure that the output of your hard work is nothing short of great.”

Dream dinner: “Being a native Tucsonan and avid Arizona Wildcat basketball fan, having dinner with Steve Kerr and getting to hear his stories about playing for Lute Olsen, winning championships with Michael Jordan and leading Golden State to a championship would be incredibly entertaining.”

HEALTHCARE

{ CANCER TREATMENT }

ANDREW KRAFT, MD

drugs, Dr. Kraft is the principal investigator for numerous clinical trials aimed at finding new treatments and cures for cancer. His research has continuously been funded since 1990 by the National Cancer Institute, the U.S. Department of Defense and the Prostate Cancer Research Foundation. He has more than 130 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Director The University of Arizona Cancer Center uacc.arizona.edu

An accomplished prostate cancer researcher and developer of novel cancer

Business advice: “I think the best advice is to recruit the brightest individuals who are most committed to finding a cure for cancer, irrespective of the actual disease focus they might have. This means competing with other organizations for these individuals by providing an environment that will allow them to develop their careers.”

MATT MCGUIRE

DANIEL VON HOFF

President and CEO Cancer Treatment Centers of America cancercenter.com

Director of translational research Translational Genomics Research Institute tgen.org

BRIAN SCHADE, MHA Executive director Arizona Oncology arizonaoncology.com

With more than 20 years of healthcare experience, Schade brings a strategic vision in developing and executing effective business strategies that helps Arizona Oncology remain a leader in providing cancer care throughout Arizona.

Through a unique blend of tactics, management ability and technical skills, Schade’s leadership style has played an important role in growing one of the state’s largest community oncology groups.

Business advice: “Embrace change, build strong relationships and stay mission-focused on the patient experience. When it comes to healthcare, every day is a new challenge with a new set of rules and regulations, all of which makes an impact on your organization. Being open to change will allow you to make your organization more successful at doing what it does best.”

For more than 30 years, Von Hoff has dedicated his time and experience to the study of cancer and treatment methods.

He is a medical oncologist and oncology drug developer who has conducted national clinical trials with more than 200 new antineoplastic and biologic agents. Von Hoff ’s major interest is in the development of new anticancer agents, both in the clinic and in the laboratory. Von Hoff and his colleagues have conducted early clinical investigations of most of the new agents that have been approved for cancer treatment in the United States in the last two decades, including gemcitabine, docetaxel, paclitaxel, topotecan, irinotecan, fludarabine, mitoxantrone, dexrazoxane, nab-paclitaxel and multiple others.

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JENNINE ZUMBUHL

Director of research Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers ironwoodcrc.com Zumbuhl is the director of research for Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers and is responsible for dozens of multinational groundbreaking trials in various solid tumor and hematologic malignancies. Prior to moving to Arizona and joining Ironwood Physicians, Zumbuhl was research manager for a cardiovascular research program in Norfolk, Va. She has been an RN for more than 28 years and holds master’s of science degree in health administration from the Medical College of Virginia.

Business advice: “Listen to and support your staff, be humble, admit your mistakes and don’t assume you know it all. Be fair and kind and always do the right thing. Never stop learning.”

Since joining CTCA, McGuire has more than 16 years of experience in leadership at the corporate and regional level. In his tenure at CTCA, McGuire has held executive roles in marketing, human resources and operations.

Business advice: “An inspirational leader is made up of three things: authenticity, courage and servant leadership.”

Professional accomplishment: “I see my day-to-day job as my greatest professional accomplishment. In this role, I am able to lead passionate individuals who are providing innovative cancer care to patients every day.”

Superpower: “I would see into the future. I would love to be able to look at our patients and share with them that their children or grandchildren won’t have to go through cancer treatment because we will have a cure for it.”

HEALTHCARE

{ CARDIOLOGY }

RICHARD HEUSER, MD

Phoenix Heart Center phoenixheartcenter.com Heuser is an internationally-recognized cardiologist, inventor, educator and author, and is one of the early pioneers

of the angioplasty procedure. A diplomat of the American Board of Cardiovascular Diseases and American Board of Interventional Cardiology, he has more than 30 years of private practice, medical administration and clinical teaching experience. With nearly 30 patents granted or pending for different catheters, stents and other

medical devices, Dr. Heuser has served as principal investigator to research the safety and/or effectiveness of more than 100 medical devices and more than 70 pharmaceutical products. Dr. Heuser has authored more than 400 articles, textbooks and medical manuscripts, and frequently presents the findings of research developed in Phoenix.

ROBERT STRUMPF, MD

ASHISH PERSHAD, MD

Abrazo Arizona Heart Institute azheart.com

Banner Health bannerhealth.com

AKIL LOLI, MD

Biltmore Cardiology biltmorecardiology.com Dr. Loli is an interventional cardiologist. Born in Albania, he attended medical school at University of Tirana Faculty of Medicine and completed several years of post graduate education in Albania. After coming to the United States, Dr. Loli completed his residency at Maricopa Medical Center, followed by a fellowship in cardiology at Banner Good Samaritan. Dr. Loli’s research interests include endothelial dysfunction, aging, and molecular basis of cardiovascular diseases. His board certifications include ABIM internal medicine, ABIM cardiovascular disease, CBNC nuclear cardiology, ABIM interventional cardiology and CBCCT cardiovascular computed tomography. Hospital affiliations are Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Medical Center and Arizona Heart Hospital.

Dr. Pershad is a board-certified interventional cardiologist.

He received his medical degree from Grant Medical College/ University of Bombay in India before coming to the United States. Dr. Pershad completed both his residency and cardiology fellowship at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center/Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix, followed by a fellowship in interventional cardiology at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Calif. He is published with more than 50 peer reviewed manuscripts and abstracts in interventional cardiology. Dr. Pershad is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Banner Boswell Medical Center and Banner Estrella Medical Center. He has been in practice for more than 20 years.

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CHRISTINA REUSS, MD

Arizona Cardiology Group (ACG) arizonacardiologygroup.com Dr. Reuss received her undergraduate degree in molecular/cellular biology and MD from the University of Arizona. She is board certified in cardiovascular disease and echocardiography. She practices all aspects non-invasive cardiology and has a special interest in pregnancy and heart disease, women and heart disease.

Professional accomplishment: “Completing my cardiology fellowship at Mayo Arizona gave me a solid footing in managing patients. However, it was not until private practice that I realized how important it was to manage my medical practice. ACG is successful because of a strong group of physician partners. We ‘sell’ our professional opinions compassionately. We keep our ‘product’ relevant. We stay current with IT innovation through our patient portal.

We partner with patients to empower them.“

Dr. Strumpf joined AHI in 1992 after completing a one-year interventional cardiology fellowship with AHI. Dr. Strumpf specializes in cardiology and internal medicine.

He treats conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease and general chest pains. Over the last several years, he has been recognized for his expertise in coronary stents, atherectomy and lasers. As a leader in these state-ofthe-art therapies, Dr. Strumpf has brought new technological advancements to rural communities throughout Arizona. He is the director of interventional cardiology and leads the Arizona Heart Hospital Acute Cardiovascular Treatment (ACT) Program, which offers 24hour consultations to physicians for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular medical emergencies.

HEALTHCARE

{ COSMETIC SURGERY }

ANTHONY ADMIRE, MD Founder Admire Plastic Surgery admireplasticsurgery.com

Dr. Admire is an award-winning plastic surgeon in Scottsdale, specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, body, and face. Dr. Admire is board certified by the

American Board of Plastic Surgery. The native Arizonan grew up in Tucson, and studied at the University of Arizona. He did a combined five-year general surgery and plastic surgery residency in St. Louis and returned to Tucson after completing his residency and took a position with the University of Arizona, University of Arizona College of Medicine and University Physicians Healthcare as an assistant professor of surgery and acting chief of plastic surgery.

PATTI FLINT, MD

DANIEL SHAPIRO, MD

Founder Patti Flint MD PC pattiflintmd.com

MICHELE DEVITO, MD

Plastic surgeon DeVito Plastic Surgery Center devitomd.com Dr. DeVito is a board-certified Scottsdale plastic surgeon, specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. She is a member of both the prestigious American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has been listed as one of America’s top surgeons. Dr. DeVito is a fellow of both the American and International College of Surgeons.

Business advice: “Follow your heart to find your true passion in life.

Everything else will fall into place and even the greatest challenges will be worth the struggle.”

Dream dinner: “Ayn Rand. I would love to hear her thoughts and outlook of the world today.”

Surprising fact: “I was a semi pro cheerleader and I wanted to be a international flight attendant.”

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Dr. Flint is a board certified plastic surgeon who has been practicing in Scottsdale since 1996. She specializes in aesthetic surgery of the face, breast, and body and also performs Botox and filler injections in her Scottsdale and Mesa offices.

Business advice: “Maintain your drive and dedication to helping patients, and treat them as you would your own family members. After that, business success automatically follows.”

Professional accomplishment: “During 2015, I developed and built Scottsdale McCormick Ranch Surgicenter to serve the greater Scottsdale area with a unique surgical experience surrounding women’s healthcare. The concept of the center is By Women for Women and Their Families, and several top female surgeons in various specialties will be performing surgeries there on their patients.”

Founder Shapiro Aesthetic Plastic Surgery & Shapiro Skin Klinic shapiroplasticsurgery.com

THOMAS KOTOSKE

Founder Cosmetic Surgery Institute - Body By Kotoske bodybykotoske.com Dr. Kotoske is a triple boardcertified specialist in plastic surgery of the face and total body.

He was awarded the prestigious American’s Top Physician by the Consumers Research Councils of America, as well as “Top Doc”

by Phoenix magazine. He is a nationally recognized lecturer to facial plastic and cosmetic surgeons from across the country and has been a featured expert for CBS, NBC, FOX and ABC television affiliates on cosmetic and plastic surgery topics.

Business advice: “Always push yourself to be the best practitioner you can. Keep abreast of the latest in surgical advances and technology. Treat patients with respect, confidentiality and as you would like to be treated.”

Surprising fact: “I love sports and I have played and coached football throughout my life.”

Dr. Shapiro is a renowned Scottsdale cosmetic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been practicing cosmetic surgery in the Scottsdale and Paradise Valley Arizona area for more than 23 years. As one of the busiest cosmetic surgeons in the Phoenix metropolitan area, he brings a wealth of experience to his practice, having meticulously performed thousands of aesthetic surgical procedures. His aesthetic vision and surgical expertise has made him one of the most sought after Scottsdale cosmetic surgeons, constantly improving and evolving techniques introduced to him during his plastic surgical residency at the prestigious New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center in New York City.

HEALTHCARE

{ DERMATOLOGY }

RICHARD AVERITTE JR., MD Founding physician and CEO Affiliated Dermatology affderm.com

Dr. Averitte is founding physician of Affiliated Dermatology. He is a Mohs micrographic surgeon.

Mohs surgery is the most effective and advanced treatment for skin cancer today. He is also the founder and CEO of Affiliated Laboratories, the largest private dermatopathology lab in Arizona. He also founded the

ROSEMARY GEARY, MD

Founder East Valley Dermatology Center evderm.com Dr. Geary founded East Valley Dermatology Center in 2003. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona, earning the “Outstanding Senior Award” and graduating summa cum laude. She stayed at the University of Arizona for medical school, graduating in 1994 and was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She is certified by the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and Phoenix Dermatologic Society. Dr. Geary’s practice has developed a special expertise with pediatric and elderly populations.

Surprising fact: “In addition to my husband and two boys, I have a dog, two cats and two desert tortoises.”

100 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Arizona Skin Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit that helps skin cancer patients.

Business advice: “Be able to be flexible and adapt.

When things aren’t going right, pivot your thinking and seek others’ input.”

Childhood dreams: “I wanted to be an engineer, but I also wanted to help people. I became an engineer in corporate America for years prior to attending medical school. It helped me to be able to better understand and attack problems from a logical, rather than emotional level.”

RONALD GLICK, DO

LEE LARIS, DO

AAP Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery aapdermatology.com

Medical director and chief cosmetic surgeon Phoenix Skin Dermatology phxskin.com

Dr. Glick graduated from the University of Arizona in 1978 with a bachelor of arts degree in chemistry, psychology, physics and math. He had a class ranking of No. 1. He is a graduate of the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Des Moines. He graduated in 1983 with his Doctor of Osteopathy degree, graduating with honors. Dr. Glick opened his solo dermatology practice in 1988. Dr. Glick obtained his dermatology board certification in November, 1991. In addition to dermatology, Dr. Glick is a Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. Dr. Glick has privileges at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa. Dr. Glick has been honored by his peers with the “Top Doc” designation with Phoenix Magazine since 2005.

Practicing in the Valley since 1992, Dr. Laris is highly trained in all areas of medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology and has built a national reputation as a facial rejuvenation specialist. Dr. Laris and his team of board certified providers specialize in the latest technologies and the most effective treatments in the field.

Business advice: “Being a great physician is not enough.

Medicine today is as much a service industry as it is a healthcare industry. You must create an environment that reflects that, as well as provide exemplary care, or patients will choose your competitors.”

Dream dinner: “I would have dinner with the ancient King of Sparta, Leonidas. My family came from Sparta and I wonder what life would’ve been like in early Greece.”

BILL HALMI, MD

Arizona Advanced Dermatology arizonaadvanceddermatology.com Dr. Halmi, former assistant professor of dermatology at Thomas Jefferson University, came to the Valley in 1994. He has been the head of dermatology at St. Joseph’s Hospital for past the 10 years. He has given numerous presentations at local, national and international dermatology conferences. He has been an active participant in the Phoenix Dermatologic Society, serving terms as both president and vice president. For eight years, he has been voted Top Doc in Phoenix Magazine.

Dr. Halmi has worked for more than 20 years with more than 20 different types of lasers. Over the past two decades, he has trained physicians in the safe use of lasers. He is recognized as a laser expert among his peers.

HEALTHCARE

{ HEALTH INSURANCE PROVIDERS }

DAVE ALLAZETTA President and CEO UnitedHealthcare of Arizona uhc.com

Allazetta is the CEO of UnitedHealthcare for Arizona and New Mexico. Formerly, Allazetta was vice president of sales and marketing for UnitedHealthcare’s Nevada operations, which includes Health Plan of Nevada, the state’s largest health maintenance organization (HMO).

Business advice: “Listen to the voice of your customer. Their

needs must be the focus on which your strategy is built.”

Professional accomplishment: “Whenever my team collectively takes on a challenge and creates a winning strategy to overcome that challenge, I feel great pride in our accomplishment.”

Dream dinner: “John Wooden, famous UCLA basketball coach. Coach Wooden knew how to build a high performing team by developing each individual on the team. I would take him to Morning Squeeze for an early breakfast.”

RICH BOALS

BARRY SMITH

Boals is president and CEO of BCBSAZ, having served in a variety of capacities over his 45 years with the company. He is a revered community and business leader who works on several business and nonprofit boards.

Business advice: “Have a long-term vision to guide you, realizing there will be many challenges along the way.

Embrace change and use it as an opportunity to innovate.”

Professional accomplishment: “Having just celebrated my 45th year at BCBSAZ, I’m proud of the way our company has evolved through the years. Our focus has always has been on our customer’s needs, as well as what is best for our employees and the community.

In doing so, we now serve close to 1.5 million individuals.”

Smith is chairman and CEO of Magellan Health, a leader in managing the fastest growing, most complex areas of health, including special populations, complete pharmacy benefits and other specialty areas of healthcare.

Business advice: “Always act with the highest personal and professional integrity in doing the right things for the right reasons.

Healthcare is central to living a healthy and vibrant life. Always take that responsibility seriously.”

Professional accomplishment: “Transitioning Magellan to highquality, next-generation integrated physical and behavioral healthcare.

In doing so, we’re helping millions of people receive the care they need.”

Superpower: “Transparently perceive the thoughts and feelings of others, so that I could connect on a personal, relevant way to each person I meet.”

President and CEO Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

R. ALLAN ALLFORD

President and CEO Delta Dental of Arizona deltadentalaz.com Allford is the president and CEO of Delta Dental of Arizona, the leading dental benefits insurance company in the state. Allford is also president of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, which helps provide access to dental services for those in need.

Business advice: Know and understand what compels the consumers in your product space. Identify the dimensions of value that shape their buying decision and compel their choices. Design your offerings and marketing message to appeal to those customer value drivers. I believe this advice holds for any industry, not just the group insurance market.

Dream dinner: “Eric Clapton.

He’s an incredible talent with an amazing life story of strife, recovery and worldly success.

Wouldn’t it be interesting to hear, from him, more about all of that?”

102 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Chairman and CEO Magellan Health, Inc. magellanhealth.com

ROSE MEGIAN

President and CEO Health Net of Arizona Inc. healthnet.com Megian was named the president and chief executive officer of Health Net of Arizona in 2013.

Megian started at Health Net in 2003 and held several senior leadership positions during that time, including vice president of Provider/Benefit Configuration and Capitation and vice president of Membership Accounting and Eligibility and Claims Operations.

Megian has more than 20 years of industry experience.

Professional accomplishment: “Becoming a CEO of a company.

Health Net of Arizona is committed to making health care work, and I am proud to lead a company that helps make that happen for consumers every day.”

Childhood dreams: “A business woman. I would walk around in my mom’s high heels and carry an oversized briefcase that my dad bought for me. I knew what I wanted to do from a very early age.”

HEALTHCARE

{ HEALTHCARE EDUCATION }

CHARLES CAIRNS, MD

Dean University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson medicine.arizona.edu Dr. Cairns is the dean of the University of Arizona College of Medicine

– Tucson, and a professor in the Department of Emergency Medicine.

Business advice: “Unprecedented changes in healthcare delivery and economics have created disruption in academic medicine that requires new approaches to leadership. Medical schools and health systems are hybrids of businesses and academics; thus, we need to function as an organization that aligns

teaching and research with healthcare delivery. We need to maximize input and collaboration while recognizing emerging leaders with sound emotional intelligence who are willing to embrace innovative strategies to integrate medical discoveries, new technologies and patient care models into broader health care delivery systems.”

TINA DIGGS

MELANIE LOGUE

Executive director Carrington College carrington.edu

Dean and professor, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions Grand Canyon University gcu.edu

KATHLEEN GOEPPINGER, PH.D. President and CEO Midwestern University midwestern.edu

Under Goeppinger’s leadership, Midwestern’s Glendale Campus was established and became Arizona’s largest graduate degreegranting institution specializing in health sciences and the state’s first school to offer the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. It offers 17 master’s and doctoral programs, and clinics specializing in family practice, dentistry, optometry, psychology, speechlanguage pathology, podiatry, osteopathic manipulative medicine and veterinary care.

Business advice: “Respect all of the individuals in your organization, encourage their efforts to strive for excellence, and show appreciation for their contributions.”

Dream dinner: “I have always admired Mother Teresa and would enjoy serving dinner alongside her to the homeless at a mission or local community shelter.”

Dr. Logue worked as a family nurse practitioner in her native state of Arizona. She earned her PhD/DNP and has a passion for educating the next generation of nurses.

Business advice: “Learn how to give and receive feedback in a healthy way. What we think about feedback and how we receive it and deliver it tells us a lot about ourselves.”

Dream dinner: “Princess Diana of Wales would be the person I would be most interested in having a nice dinner conversation with.

Diana was known for her charity work yet felt awkward in the public. The most befitting restaurant would be Different Point of View at the Tapatio Cliffs Resort.”

Surprising fact: “I am a licensed Zumba instructor and enjoy exercise as a way of managing stress, but also to help others to achieve their best health.”

104 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

CRAIG PHELPS President A.T. Still University of Health Sciences atsu.edu

Phelps, DO, ’84, is the 12th president of ATSU. Previously, he served as ATSU’s executive vice president for strategic initiatives and provost of ATSU’s Mesa campus for 12 years. Phelps is a fellowship-trained primary care sports medicine physician and is board certified in family medicine. He also served as team physician for the Phoenix Suns, Phoenix Mercury, Grand Canyon University and Ballet Arizona.

Childhood dreams: “Growing up, I wanted to be a physician and teacher. Thanks to the help of many wonderful mentors, I have been able to do both.”

Surprising fact: “My first job after undergraduate school was teaching kindergarten through sixth grade. I loved it.

Each day you had to be your best. The students weren’t interested in my woes. They were ready to make the most of each day.”

Diggs, who joined Carrington College’s home office in Phoenix in 2008 as associate director of academic affairs, says she leads her career with love, passion for others and strong dedication to her work. Her passion lies with education and the interactions she has with students. Since 2014, Diggs has been the executive campus director of Carrington College in Tucson.

She said taking the role has allowed her “to continue leading on an administrative level, while building relationships with students on an everyday basis.”

Business advice: “If a leader can inspire those around them, they can make a world of difference.”

Professional challenge: “Being a minority in this industry has given me the drive to make a difference and be adaptable to different situations.”

HEALTHCARE

{ HEALTHCARE INNOVATORS }

GORDON GRADO, MD, FACRO, FACR, PHD (HC)

Latin America. Dr. Grado established his brachytherapy program in 1989 while he was the chairman of the Radiation Oncology Department at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. After reviewing various techniques and programs that were available to treat prostate cancer, Dr. Grado and a team of other specialists developed the first interactive program that would utilize

Founder and medical director Southwest Oncology Centers swoncology.net

Dr. Grado is director of Southwest Oncology Centers in Arizona and

TJ JOHNSON President and CEO HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Inc. htgmolecular.com

Johnson joined HTG Molecular Diagnostics in 2008 as CEO and has led the company’s transition from a boutique research company to a growing personalized healthcare based company. Johnson has led the efforts to establish the key business strategies, hire a management team with more than 200 years of combined diagnostic experience and recently completed an initial public offering (IPO).

Professional accomplishment: “Successfully completing our IPO last year was my greatest professional accomplishment. It was especially rewarding because it created a real sense of validation for our company and pride with our employees who work so hard daily to build our company.”

Superpower: “I’d love to be able to teleport myself. I really dislike flying.”

both biplane transferal ultrasound and fluoroscopic imaging.

Business advice: “Success is not dependent on luck. Success is the direct result of a vision that yields a clear direction and the hard work that will get you there. Nothing is ever very easy, never give up and always remember to give back to your patients, community, and staff.”

NEEL MEHTA

GEORGE POSTE

Co-founder and chief strategy officer EpiFinder epifinder.com

Chief scientist Complex Adaptive Systems Initiative Arizona State University asu.edu

Mehta is an award-winning co-founder of EpiFinder, Inc. He is a disciplined, careerfocused individual, interested in healthcare innovation and passionate about improving healthcare by using all the advances available to eradicate diseases. Mehta is applying his knowledge, experience and skills to create a technology to help neurologists diagnose epilepsy at the point-of-care with plans to expand to other rare or hard to diagnose neurological diseases.

Professional accomplishment: “Disrupting the healthcare technology industry with a software app that diagnoses epilepsy gives me the most pride because EpiFinder has a global reach and can save countless lives. It is invigorating to make a dent in the universe while also creating one’s own destiny, which is what motivates me.”

Poste earns AZBio’s 2016 Pioneer Award for Life Time Achievement. One of the most respected life science leaders in the world, Poste leverages his experience developed over a lifetime of exploration and discovery to connect and engage experts from across ASU and around the world in research on synthetic biology, ubiquitous sensing and healthcare informatics for personalized medicine. He has published more than 350 research papers and edited 14 books on pharmaceutical technologies and oncology. He was honored in 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II as a Commander of the British Empire.

Inspiration: “I am the quintessential kid in a candy shop when it comes to any facet of science or technology. Every single day, I come across something that makes me say, ‘Wow.’ ”

106 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

RUSS YELTON CEO Pinnacle Transplant Technologies pinnacletransplant.com

Yelton is CEO of Pinnacle Transplant Technologies, a rapidly expanding tissue bank and medical device company.

Pinnacle is a multi-service tissue bank dedicated to ethical participation in the donate life process. He also serves as chairman of the Arizona Bioindustry Association, chair of the Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program Review Committee, as a member of the Flinn BioScience Roadmap Steering Committee and board member of the New College Dean’s Advisory Board at ASU. Business advice: “Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you, especially in areas where you are weak. By doing this, you will learn new things and sometimes learn there are tasks and things that are best left to other people. Do not try to be everything to everybody.”

HEALTHCARE

{ HEALTH & BEAUTY }

CRISTINA CARLINO

cosmetic industry. As the story goes, the idea for Philosphy skin care came to Carlino while she was hiking Piestewa Peak. She was going through a hard time and looked up to see a rainbow. From that rainbow came a book of poems, and from that book came an internationally successful skin care company.

Founder Philosphy philosophy.com

Carlino is an entrepreneur and the founder and creator of Philosophy, one of the most beloved brands in the

Business advice: “The advice came from the unseen and unheard world. ‘Stay out of the way. Do the work. We will do the rest.’”

Toughest challenge: “I had no idea just how expensive it was going to be to raise a popular brand. Rapid growth turned out to be just as much of a blessing as it was a curse.”

KATHY COOVER

MICHAEL LARRAIN

Co-founder and executive vice president Isagenix International Isagenix.com

CEO PCA Skin pcaskin.com

MITCHELL CHALPIN

CEO Hi-Health Supermart Corporation hihealth.com Chalpin leads the company his father started with the Hi-Health nutrition store in Sun City in 1972. Since then, Hi-Health has been under the same ownership, direction and leadership for more than 40 years. With more than 38 stores throughout Arizona, Hi-Health offers customers health foods and nutritional supplements.

Business advice: “Never lose contact with your customers and the frontline employees who serve them.”

Professional accomplishment: “Running a company that for 44 years has been successfully dedicated to elevating the health and wellness of its guests, employees and community.”

Dream dinner: “Warren Buffett, a person who invests in and runs businesses that truly serve the needs of its customers.

We’d go to Z-Tejas or Starbucks.”

Surprising fact: “I operated a successful law practice for 32 years.”

Larrain joined PCA Skin, a trusted innovator in the skin care industry for more than 25 years and sold in more than 50 markets, as CEO in 2015.

Larrain came from L’Oreal, where he turned three brands into lucrative entities and led a skin care brand through a complete turnaround in 18 months. Previously, Larrain served as vice president of sales for Dermalogica and International Dermal Institute, a global prestige skin care company and education provider.

Business advice: “Always challenge the status quo and continually ask, ‘What if?’ The next big thing is just around the corner, so in health and beauty, the individuals and companies that continually push the envelope to develop innovative products, search out the latest science and pioneer business models will reap the rewards.”

108 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

JOE MAGNACCA

President and CEO Massage Envy massageenvy.com

With an extensive background and passion for retail, Magnacca is ushering Massage Envy into a new era of strategic growth by building the brand into a global health and wellness leader.

Business advice: “Listen carefully to key stakeholders, be decisive in forming your position while passionately supporting it and executing it flawlessly.”

Superpower: “I’d love to have the power to make others listen more carefully because I see that as a common issue in business.

I’d also love a superpower that could help people craft their business in a more strategic way, balancing intellect and emotion — IQ and EQ.” Dream dinner: “I’ve always wanted to be a musician, so I’d choose Bruce Springsteen, because he represents the masses, the blue-collar man and the journey we call life.”

Coover is one of the best-known women in the direct sales profession. Her training and support systems have helped to create more than 160 Isagenix millionaires and helped tens of thousands of entrepreneurs achieve new levels of financial freedom. An expert at training people to learn and duplicate proven selling techniques, Coover has coached hundreds of thousands of associates, who are responsible for driving Isagenix sales up an astonishing 1,300 percent in just six years.

Business advice: “Develop a strong, consumable product line that people get passionate about and attach this to a compensation plan that pays people a lot of money. You succeed by helping others succeed, so lead with integrity, surround yourself with positive people, and be a great role model.”

creative designer’s

Arizona’s preferred source of products and services for the interior design, home building, and home furnishings industry.

Sign up for Creative Designer: Home & Design newsletter today at azBIGmedia.com

Get the latest trends and innovative designs delivered to your inbox.

HEALTHCARE

{ MEDICAL GROUP LEADERS }

NATHAN ANSPACH Senior vice president and CEO HonorHealth Medical Group honorhealth.com

Anspach leads HonorHealth Medical Group and its ambulatory program development to create multiple access points and innovative care opportunities for community members for primary care, specialty care, urgent and immediate care, and other services. He joined the organization in 2010 and brings more than 30 years’

experience in physician-hospital affiliations, physician practice management and ambulatory care program development to his role. Anspach has led the rapid growth of HonorHealth’s primary care network, taking it from 41 providers to 290 providers in four years. He has also led the rapid development of the financially high-performing ambulatory, urgent care and primary care centers. He managed the implementation of accountable care and population health management strategies.

NICK GOODMAN

ROB THAMES

Goodman joined MomDoc in 2001, when the practice had only two physicians and one office.

Under his leadership, MomDoc has grown to employ 60 providers at 15 offices, making it the largest women’s healthcare group in Arizona.

Business advice: “In the future, alignment will be central to success for medical practices in Arizona. At MomDoc, we strive to preserve independent medical practitioners in our position of being ‘Switzerland,’ while working with integrated health systems. So in short, be patient centered and provider focused.”

Surprising fact: “As the reigning Arizona champion of Monopoly, as determined by Parker Brothers, I appreciate games of strategy where the winner does not have to destroy the opposition, but where the competition continues on until the end of the game.”

Thames is president and CEO of Northern Arizona Healthcare, the largest healthcare provider in Northern Arizona. NAH is recognized as a top performing healthcare system by Truven Analytics. In addition to operating health systems, Thames has consulted across the country and presented at national conferences. He earned a bachelor’s in business, and a master’s of health administration and a master’s of business administration from the University of Minnesota.

Business advice: “Know and be true to your ‘why?’”

Professional accomplishment: “The growth and development of the people with whom I have been blessed to work is the greatest gift. It gives in three ways: to the person who is growing; to the people he/she serves and touches in life; and to me as well.”

Surprising fact: “I recite poetry while hiking.”

CEO MomDoc momdoc.com

KEITH FREY, MD

Chief physician executive and president Dignity Health Medical Group dignityhealth.org Frey is a physician executive and academic leader with strong clinical informatics, business and leadership skills. He has more than 30 years’ experience as a primary care physician, educator, and researcher.

Business advice: “Build the attitudes and skills necessary for your leadership team to be both innovative and agile.

The healthcare industry is changing rapidly aggregation of hospital and physician systems, revenue streams that reward value, not just volume and a changing workforce. To thrive in this environment, not merely survive, requires leaders who can anticipate these changes and adapt quickly.”

Dream dinner: “Martin Luther to learn more about courage and speaking into the culture.”

Surprising fact: “I played college rugby.”

110 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

President and CEO Northern Arizona Healthcare nahealth.com

JOHN JULIAN President and CEO NextCare Urgent Care nextcare.com

Julian became president and CEO of NextCare Urgent Care in 2010. He has more than 20 years of experience operating healthcare services companies including medical equipment, respiratory services, pharmaceuticals, infusion therapy, and urgent care. Previously, Julian founded and operated startup companies in the pharmacy and personal services industries and consulted on healthcare mergers and acquisitions. Julian is a member of the Phoenix Thunderbirds and a former director of the Foundation for Blind Children.

Business advice: “Realize that you can’t do it all yourself. Build a good team around yourself, be humble and give credit where it is due.”

Surprising fact: “I played the accordion competitively nationally in my younger years.

I still pull it out on occasion.”

HEALTHCARE

{ MEDICAL RESEARCH }

MARK HANLEY CEO Radiant Research radiantresearch.com

Hanley is a Scottsdale-based entrepreneur who has built several successful healthcare companies. When Hanley acquired Clinical Research

STEPHEN JOHNSTON, PH.D. Director of the Center for Innovations in Medicine ASU Biodesign Institute biodesign.asu.edu

Johnston is a scientist and inventor who has identified 21 antigens found on any breast tumor that might arise. He is using them to develop a universal vaccine. If the vaccine works, the immune system would target these antigens and destroy the very first malignant cell before it multiplies and produces a tumor. The vaccine has begun phase two trial testing in owner-enrolled healthy dogs to see if cancer can be prevented. If cancer can’t be prevented altogether, Johnston wants to detect it much earlier.

Johnston and his team are developing immunosignatures, a diagnostic based on hundreds of thousands of peptides synthesized directly on silicon wafers. The innovation utilizes photolithography that Intel uses, but instead of making integrated circuits, they use batch peptide chemistry.

Advantage in 2007, he transformed it from small regional company into the nation’s largest wholly-owned network of clinical trial sites.

Business advice: “Don’t be afraid to be creative and challenge industry standards. Just because something has never been done before doesn’t mean it can’t be done. In every situation, look for

an opportunity to improve or build upon what is already there.”

Surprising fact: “I have volunteered with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office for the past 18 years. I am the commander of an all-volunteer team that verifies that registered sex offenders are living where they say they’re living.”

ERIC REIMAN, MD

DR. JEFFREY TRENT, PH.D.

CEO Banner Research bannerhealth.com/research

President and research director Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) tgen.org

Dr. Reiman is CEO of Banner Research and executive director of the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. He is also clinical director of the Neurogenomics Division at the Translational Genomics Research Institute, professor of psychiatry at the University of Arizona, director of the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium and a leader of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative. He and his colleagues have made pioneering contributions in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

Business advice: “I have become fond of the motto ‘Start big, think small, fail fast, scale quickly.’ I am also a big believer in finding new ways for different stakeholders and organizations to work together to advance their shared goals in a more impactful way.”

TGen is dedicated to conducting groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and diabetes, through cutting edge translational research. TGen physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of both common and rare complex diseases. Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical communities worldwide, TGen makes a substantial contribution to help its patients through efficiency and effectiveness of the translational process.

Professional strengths: “Two traits that have served me well are determination and inquisitiveness.

Breakthroughs come from asking the right questions and surrounding yourself with those individuals who can help you achieve what others think is impossible.”

112 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

GLEN WEISS, MD Director of Clinical Research and Medical Oncologist Cancer Treatment Centers of America cancercenter.com

Prior to CTCA, Dr. Weiss served as the director of thoracic oncology at Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center. He is a clinical associate professor at TGen and at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Phoenix.

Dr. Weiss has completed numerous clinical trials with investigational agents, a few of which have gone on to receive FDA approval. Dr. Weiss has published more than 230 peerreviewed articles and abstracts in various journals.

Business advice: “Healthcare requires a lot of moving parts that all have to work together.

If all the moving parts work as a team, you will achieve success and make a positive difference in the lives of patients.”

Surprising fact: “In less than a 30-day time span, I visited over 15 countries.”

HEALTHCARE

{ MEDICAL DEVICES }

SCOTT BROOKS President and CEO Regenisis Biomedical regenesisbio.com

Brooks is president, CEO and on the board of directors for Regenesis Biomedical, an Arizona-based medical device company dedicated to

improving human welfare through the research, design, manufacture, and sale of energy-based medical products and services that alleviate pain, restore health, and improve quality of life. Brooks joined Regenesis in January 2012 as the chief operating officer. He has held senior executive positions in four major healthcare

organizations. Brooks has extensive experience in sales, marketing, and operations. Prior to Regenesis, he held the position of president in the U.S. and Canada for BSN Medical.

At BSN, Brooks was instrumental in developing sales, expanding clinical education programs and enhancing management development.

HEIDI JANNENGA

MATTHEW LIKENS

President and Co-founder WebPT webpt.com

President and CEO Ulthera, Inc., a Division of Merz ultherapy.com

MICHAEL GARIPPA

President and CEO SynCardia Systems Inc. syncardia.com Garippa leads SynCardia, the manufacturer of the world’s first and only FDA, Health Canada and CE (Europe) approved Total Artificial Heart. The company earned a 2015 Gold Edison Award for a clinical study into the effectiveness of the SynCardia temporary Total Artificial Heart for destination therapy, also known as permanent use. The award recognizes the best in innovative products. Garippa is the former CEO and president of TandemHeart. He was recruited

by TandemHeart in 2002 as a turnaround expert and stayed on as CEO and president. He took TandemHeart from an R&D firm that had lost an aggregate of $50 million and had no commercial sales to a successful company with more than $6 million in net income in the 24 months prior to joining SynCardia.

After more than 20 years with two Fortune 500 corporations and one failed start-up, Likens became the second employee and president and CEO of venture capital-backed Ulthera in 2006. Ulthera, a medical device start-up company, was acquired

by Merz Pharma in July 2014 for $600 million. Likens is the recipient of the 2015 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for Healthcare in the Mountain Desert Region.

Dream dinner: “The late, legendary basketball coach at UCLA, John Wooden. I met him over 40 years ago at our high school basketball banquet and followed his professional and personal accomplishments throughout the years. To me, Wooden represented the ultimate in integrity and authenticity.”

Surprising fact: “I am a manualist.”

114 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

RON WILSON

Vice president and general manager Medtronic Tempe Microelectronics Center medtronic.com Wilson has been leading scientists and engineers at Medtronic’s Tempe research center, who have quietly been redesigning heart monitors and pacemakers and now are beginning clinical trials.

Medtronic , the world’s largest medical device company, has begun worldwide trials of a pacemaker that’s one-tenth the size of a conventional pacemaker — or about the size of a vitamin. Called the Micra TPS, the pacemaker is delivered directly to the heart through a catheter inserted in the femoral vein. Once it’s positioned, the pacemaker is attached to the heart wall and can be repositioned if needed. What’s unique about this pacemaker compared with what’s currently on the market is that it does not require the use of wires, known as “leads,” to connect to the heart.

Jannenga is the co-founder and president of WebPT, the leading electronic medical records solution for rehab therapists. Since its official launch in 2008, WebPT has grown to 270 employees and more than 55,000 customers.

Professional accomplishment: “Helping build this mission-critical piece of software known as WebPT. It disrupted the physical therapy industry, providing a more efficient, improved way of documenting.

I’m proud of this accomplishment because of the people in our organization. We’ve developed careers and provided economic viability to over 300 employees and their families.”

Superpower: “Omnilinguilism: We love to travel and I think it would be awesome to be able to communicate seamlessly in any language, no matter where I was on Earth.”

HEALTHCARE

{ VISION }

SHANE ARMSTRONG CEO Southwestern Eye Center sweye.com

Armstrong facilitates and manages all aspects of corporate strategic planning and execution for Southwestern Eye Center. He provides direct supervision for all corporate service lines and departments — administration, operations, finance and medical services.

Personal strengths: I’m not good enough at snowboarding or surfing to be paid to do either.

Instead, I settled on a back-up plan that involved developing a diverse range of skills rooted in both business as well as law. I’m passionate about effective strategic planning, open communication and people-centric leadership that aims to build strong teams that buy-in to and achieve shared goals. From intern to CEO, I’ve been successful at each stage because of the people I’ve worked with.

SANFORD MORETSKY, DO

SIMON ZMYSLINSKI, DO

Founder and managing partner Moretsky Cassidy Vision Correction arizonalasik.com

ROBERT BULLINGTON, JR., MD

Co-founder Biltmore Eye Physicians biltmoreeye.com Bullington founded Biltmore Eye Physicians in September 1990 with his sister, Dr. Ann Bullington. The siblings founded the practice to provide ophthalmic care to patients in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area and its neighboring communities.

Bullington received his bachelor of science degree from Arizona State University, where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He received his medical degree from the University of Arizona, where he was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. Bullington completed fellowship training in cornea and extermal disease at the University of Texas at Houston.

Bullington’s practice focuses on general ophthalmology with an emphasis on the treatment of corneal disease.

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Dr. Moretsky has been in practice in Arizona since 1978 and is an expert eye surgeon.

As a refractive surgeon, Dr. Moretsky performs iLASIK, KAMRA and implantable contact lenses (ICL). Dr. Moretsky is also an expert laser cataract surgeon performing Toric, ReSTOR, Tecnis MF and Crystalens intraocular lens implantation.

He is founder of Valley Eye Specialists and is a past president of the Phoenix Ophthalmologic Society and also served in a leadership position on the board of trustees of the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association.

Most recently, Moretsky received the President’s Award by the Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association. Moretsky is an active member of the Arizona Ophthalmologic Society.

Founder Zmyslinski Eye & Contact Lens Center drzeyes.com

MARK ROSENBERG CEO Barnet Dulaney Perkins Eye Center goodeyes.com

Rosenberg joined the practice in 1994 as director of marketing and business development before taking the role as CEO in 1996.

Under his leadership, the practice has expanded to 14 clinics and eight ambulatory surgery centers.

Business advice: “Physicianowned businesses have inherent challenges for doctors who see patients all day, then as are faced with the decision-making of ownership. Building a strong management team creates trust among physician partners. At the same time, it is important to work toward consensus among the doctors. This takes time and thought, but pays off in dividends.”

Surprising fact: “In the late 1970s, I started out as a truck driver in New Orleans. My entrepreneurial spirit led to me owning a fleet of trucks, working from the railroads to the Riverfront.”

Over the past 10 years, Zmyslinski has developed the Zmyslinski Eye & Contact Lens Center into one of the premier optometric practices in North Phoenix. He provides clinical care for issues like glaucoma, macular degeneration, conjunctivitis and diabetes.

Motivation: “When I was 10 years old, I was diagnosed as being nearsighted and started out wearing glasses in junior high school. This was not a pleasant experience because I was already a pretty gangly, goofy kid and when glasses were added to the mix it made me outright awkward. Once I started high school, my parents allowed me to get contact lenses and my world changed.”

MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

{ INDUSTRY OUTLOOK }

How 3D printing is changing manufacturing

T

hree-dimensional printing is changing the way industries from aerospace to retail are solving significant, real world problems. And while 3D printing has gained notoriety in the past five to seven years from a commercial standpoint, the technology itself has been around since the late 1980s under a different name.

The technology was initially called rapid prototyping because it was conceived to replace slow and aging forms of prototyping processes achieved through subtractive manufacturing. These processes mainly consisted of carving wood, using clay and fabricating from sheets of plastic. Over the course of the past 30-plus years, 3D printing has evolved, and what began as a quicker way to produce prototypes, has become a more efficient process for producing a low-volume, yet highly precise, end-user application.

Companies in various business sectors that design and manufacture highly complex products and structures have been the main beneficiary of advancements in 3D printing.

Manufactured fixtures that typically consisted of 20 or more pieces, welded or adjoined together, can easily be designed, sent to a printer and produced as one unified part the next day. Adopters of 3D printing see two to five times savings in cost, not to mention the space savings from reduction of materials, compared to the previous process.

Additionally, less parts and labor can greatly reduce human error resulting in a more efficient and reliable product.

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Another way that 3D printing has made an immense impact, is through its use in medical, dental and other implant applications.

Traditionally, prosthetics Rey Chu and other Technology forms of implant technology were produced in standardized sizes - small, medium and large. 3D printing technology allows for custom prosthetics and implants to fit individuals based on body structure. This is a process that companies like Stryker, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies, have perfected for use on patients in need of this type of medical care.

Today, leaders in the industry are discovering news ways that 3D printing can be applied to not only save time and money, but to act as a higher quality replacement for outdated design and manufacturing processes. Specific examples of this can be seen once again in the medical field and also in the defense sector.

3D printing is able to reproduce skin tissue using human or animal cells, and is currently being used by beauty companies like L’OrÊal to safely test products.

Biomedical engineers are now researching

ways, based on this technology, to produce functional organs for transplant procedures.

This type of medical breakthrough would abolish the organ donor wait list, and enable an expedited process for lifesaving medical procedures.

Additionally, the military has expressed interest in using 3D scanning and printing to revitalize aging aircrafts. There are a number of models that require an inventory of thousands of repair components.

The need to stockpile vast amounts of replacement parts cost a significant amount of money and take up a lot of storage space.

The ability to scan each part and record a digital design would allow the military to print parts on an as-needed basis and greatly reduce the need for inventory.

Many companies in the military sector have already asked 3D printing companies to put together proposals for this type of application.

3D printing technology has come a long way and with the advent of new, advanced printers and additional research funding being applied, revolutionary applications in manufacturing are discovered regularly.

3D printing is not going to replace all forms of traditional manufacturing, but with innovative leaders pushing the industry forward, it will continue to have a transformational impact.

Rey Chu is co-owner and principal of Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies (PADT), a provider of numerical simulation, product development, rapid prototyping sales and services.

MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

{ AEROSPACE & DEFENSE }

TAYLOR LAWRENCE

RICK KETTNER

President Raytheon Missile Systems raytheon.com

Senior director Orbital ATK orbitalatk.com

Kettner provides leadership and technical guidance to the activities in Gilbert, currently with approximately 350 employees. Kettner supports strategy and long-term technical direction for the space systems business in Gilbert and is responsible for managing infrastructure commensurate with the needs of the business.

Business advice: “Challenge yourself early in your career, do things that are uncomfortable.”

Surprising fact: “Not sure if it will even happen in my lifetime, but I would really enjoy the opportunity to travel to Mars. Working in the space industry, the advancements over the past several decades have been remarkable. One day, we will likely send people to the moon, space habitats and even Mars. I am not really a big adventurer by nature, but that trip intrigues me.”

TIM MAHONEY

KIMBERLY SMITH

President and CEO Honeywell Aerospace honeywell.com

Vice president, attack helicopter programs Boeing Military Aircraft boeing.com

Mahoney is president and CEO of Honeywell Aerospace, one of Honeywell International’s largest business groups.

Headquartered in Phoenix, Honeywell Aerospace is a technology and services leader in three main sectors: air transportation, business and general aviation, and defense and space.

Before becoming CEO, Mahoney was chief technology officer at Honeywell Aerospace with a $2 billion research and development budget and leading more than 10,000 engineers.

Challenges ahead: “As we look to the future, our community involvement (must) reflect a commitment to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education initiatives and championing today’s students, who will ultimately become the innovators of tomorrow.”

SHAWN LINAM Co-founder and CEO Qwaltec, Inc. qwaltec.com

Linam leads the Tempe-based business that provides mission readiness, technical training and systems engineering services. Prior to founding Qwaltec in 2001, Linam provided mission readiness and training for commercial and government satellite operations teams. She has extensive experience in space systems

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Lawrence is a Raytheon vice president and president of its Missile Systems business, a position he assumed in July 2008.

Headquartered in Tucson, Missile Systems’ broad portfolio of weapon systems supports every mission area of its customers.

Toughest challenge: “If you look at other states, many of them have a very integrated economic development plan that includes the local, state and federal government leaders – and everybody’s on the same page. If you look at the news clips from our Huntsville (Alabama missile plant) groundbreaking, those in attendance included the mayor of Huntsville, two of the congressional representatives from that area, both of Alabama’s U.S. senators and the governor. It was a very integrated approach. You seldom see that type of unified support in Arizona.”

Smith is senior site executive for The Boeing Company in Mesa. Named to her current position in April 2014, Smith leads the more than 4,400 Boeing employees who design, produce and support AH-64 Apache and AH-6i Light Attack/Reconnaissance helicopters for the U.S. Army and defense forces around the globe. Boeing’s Mesa operations are part of the Vertical Lift organization within the Boeing Military Aircraft business. Prior to her current role, Smith served as Boeing vice president of Environment, Health and Safety starting in late 2011. Under her leadership, Boeing significantly reduced emissions, energy use and water consumption while increasing deliveries of commercial and military aircraft by more than 50 percent.

operations and designed and implemented training systems for numerous space programs. Linam is also the STEM director for the Girl’s Rule Foundation.

Superpower: “At the risk of being too obvious, I would choose flying as my superpower. There is freedom in flight, which is why so many in my industry devote their lives to it.”

Surprising fact: “I am afraid of heights and claustrophobic, which makes me an unlikely candidate for dreaming of traveling to space, but it is still a dream.”

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS: Education & Networking

Annual Community Project

Advocacy

Recognition

TO JOIN, PLEASE GO TO VALLEYPARTNERSHIP.ORG OR CALL 602.266.7844.

MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

{ AVIATION }

JAMES BENNETT

BONNIE ALLIN

Aviation director City of Phoenix phoenix.gov

President and CEO Tucson Airport Authority flytucson.com Allin became president and CEO of the Tucson Airport Authority in 2002. She began her career in 1976 with TAA, then moved to Texas where she worked for the Corpus Christi International Airport, ending her tenure as director of aviation. She currently serves on the Policy Review Committee of the American Association of Airport Executives and on the Airports Council International-North America Government Affairs Steering Committee.

Business advice: “Dedicate yourself to continuous learning and engagement. You will benefit the most by using the knowledge you gain to the benefit of others. Those who think they know everything about their work are on a quick path to failure.”

After a national search, Bennett was named aviation director for the City of Phoenix in August 2015. The city’s airports include Sky Harbor International Airport (one of the 10 busiest commercial airports in the country), Phoenix Deer Valley, Phoenix Goodyear and membership in the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority. Bennett brings decades of international aviation expertise and a strategic understanding of Phoenix after previously working for the city.

From 1988 to 1996, Bennett was Phoenix’s assistant aviation director, assisting with successful community discussions leading to a third runway at Sky Harbor, overseeing the construction and development of Sky Harbor’s Terminal 4 and supervising the airport’s finance, engineering, planning and maintenance operations among other duties.

LEE BENSON

JONATHAN ORNSTEIN

Since buying the business that would become Able Group of Companies in 1993, Benson has taken the company from $300,000 in sales in 1994 to a projected $100 million in 2015. Able provides component repair, overhaul and approved replacement parts solutions for rotorcraft and fixed-wing aircraft and also manages an FAA-approved replacement parts inventory.

Textron acquired Able Aerospace and its two divisions as a standalone company in January 2016.

Toughest challenge: “The biggest challenge I have ever faced in business is aligning all employees to strategy and culture. I solved this challenge by creating a separate company called Execute to Win (ETW) – a cloud-based business management operating system to accomplish this effectively.”

One of the longest serving CEOs in the airline industry, Ornstein returned for his second tour with Mesa Airlines in 1998 as president and CEO and was named chairman of the board in 1999. Phoenixbased Mesa Airlines provides regional air service for American Airlines as American Eagle and US Airways Express and for United Airlines as United Express. With hubs in Phoenix, Dallas, Washington Dulles and Houston, Mesa operates more than 500 daily system departures to 92 cities, 37 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and Mexico.

Business advice: “If your goal is to make a ton of money, there are a lot easier ways to do it.”

Childhood dreams: “I always wanted to be in aviation and was entirely unsuccessful until I was.”

Surprising fact: “I get claustrophobic if I have to sit in a window seat.”

CEO Able Aerospace ableengineering.com

CURT PAVLICEK President Pinnacle Aviation pinnacleaviation.com

Pavlicek has been involved in aviation for more than 42 years, beginning as a pilot. Pavlicek started Pinnacle Aviation in 1988 and the company quickly grew, providing services such as aircraft sales, acquisitions, management, maintenance, charter and insurance.

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Chairman and CEO Mesa Airlines mesa-air.com

Professional accomplishment: “Our company has worked hard as a team to achieve the best safety standards possible, which has earned us the IS-BAO Stage 3 certification. This not only provides us a feeling of major accomplishment, but also gives our clients the comfort that they are flying with the safest operator possible.”

Superpower: “To fly like Superman and have the freedom to take off whenever I like.”

Dream dinner: “I would enjoy having dinner with John Travolta because he has a love for aviation. The restaurant would be Mastro’s.”

MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

{ COMMUNICATIONS }

KEN MCMAHON

BLAKE IRVING

Vice president of enterprise sales for Mountain West Region CenturyLink centurylink.com

CEO GoDaddy godaddy.com

Irving oversees the company’s day-to-day operations, as well as GoDaddy’s strategic direction and is on the company’s board of directors. Irving brings a history of technological product innovation to GoDaddy, having previously served as chief product officer at Yahoo!, where he developed the unified product vision and strategy for the company, helping to grow personal computer users and mobile users worldwide.

Aspiration: “What I like to do is make a significant change in the world for good.”

Biggest challenge: “I want to take something that doesn’t exist and help change people’s lives by helping people turn their ideas into businesses.

From my perspective, GoDaddy is not yet a world-class platform, but that’s what we are building.”

McMahon oversees strategic partnerships that support enterprise customers in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. His organization helps today’s IT organizations solve complex business challenges, such as the explosion of applications, big data and data quality, security threats, cloud migration, upgrading their existing networks and more. McMahon is responsible for CenturyLink’s revenue growth in these business segments. He has spent 19 years in the telecommunications industry.

Business advice: “Never stop learning, constantly challenge yourself to grow intellectually. Listen and learn from others. Bring a positive attitude, an intense passion to win and integrity to the office with you everyday.

Don’t leave home without it.”

CLARK PETERSON

JOHN WOLFE

Peterson joined Vonage upon the company’s acquisition of Scottsdale-based Telesphere, where he served as co-founder and CEO. Peterson’s experience in telecommunications spans 25 years and has enabled him to hold leadership roles during a transformative time in the industry. Named “Business Leader of the Year” in 2013 by the Arizona Technology Council, he currently serves on the board and is also founding chairman of the National Cloud Communications Alliance.

Business advice: “Think big. The Cloud communications industry is dramatically changing the way people work and businesses communicate and operate. There is virtually no limit to the possibilities of the applications and solutions that can be created and integrated into the Cloud to make the previously impossible, possible.”

Wolfe is responsible for the company’s overall operations in Arizona and Nevada.

A 24-year Cox veteran, Wolfe joined the company’s Southwest Region in Phoenix in September 2014 after two years as Cox’s senior vice president and general manager of the Northeast Region.

Prior to moving into operations, Wolfe was vice president of government and public affairs for Cox’s Northeast Region, responsible for the development of government, public affairs and communications strategies for the company.

Wolfe is a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership and the Southwest Cable Communications Association. He is a two-term past president of the Association of Cable Communicators and in 2007 was awarded that organization’s Public Affairs Achievement Award for government affairs.

President of enterprise Vonage vonage.com

DIRK KARSTEN BETH Founder, president and CEO Hyalescent Ventures hyalescent.com

Beth is managing director and founder at Hyalescent Ventures and managing director of arivis, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of arivis AG. Beth was the founder and CEO of Mission3, Inc. which merged with arivis AG in 2015.

Today, arivis is helping customers realize program

124 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Senior Vice President & Southwest Region Manager Cox Communications Arizona cox.com

delivery through innovative web-based software as a service. Arivis specializes in biomedical big image data management. The RQC software suite enables customers to comply with all the requirements for electronic data processing in GxP regulated sectors and to reduce the cost of day-to-day documentation of GxP processes. Its solutions empowers the customers to comply with the ever-increasing regulatory requirements.

This includes processes, SOPs, validation and documentation.

MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

{ ENERGY }

DAVID HUTCHENS

ANN BECKER

Vice president of environmental and chief sustainability officer APS aps.com Becker is responsible for environmental policy and strategy for APS, as well as integrating the company’s sustainability strategies into core business operations. She also is responsible for safety, health services, corporate security, facilities management, water resources management, corrective action and human performance.

Business advice: “Simply put, be exceptional at what you do. Hunker down, go above and beyond and knock it out of the park. The best way to be recognized for your talent is to be exceptional at what you do.”

Superpower: “I’m going to pick time travel. For example, I would love to see what the Grand Canyon looked like five million years ago. But, I don’t think I want to travel forward in time; I might find stuff that that I don’t want to know about.”

MARK BONSALL General manager and CEO Salt River Project (SRP) srpnet.com

Bonsall became general manager and CEO of the nation’s third-largest public power utility in 2011. He has worked at SRP for 38 years.

Superpower: “The ability to produce snow and rain would be particularly helpful to our Valley and state — and we have certainly tried.”

Dream dinner: “I would like to have dinner with Teddy Roosevelt. I would take him to Sierra Bonita Grill in Phoenix because it is former Gov. Rose Mofford’s favorite restaurant and we might run into her there. I have a feeling they would like each other. Our 26th President was such a fascinating, bigger-than-life, right person, at the right time type of icon. I would have something to add to the conversation. I could tell him how his ideas about reclaiming the Wild West have turned out!”

JAMES HUGHES CEO First Solar firstsolar.com

Hughes has 20 years of experience in the global energy industry. Before joining First Solar, he served as the CEO of AEI, an electric and natural-gas business with a presence in 19 countries. Prior to that, he was president and chief operating officer for Prisma Energy. He has a law degree from University of Texas at Austin.

Toughest challenge: “Many of my colleagues in the traditional energy world have asked why I wanted to come to First Solar in the middle of this difficult period for the solar industry. It is exactly this difficulty that makes it an interesting opportunity for the company and the marketplace. I have always endeavored to do things that matter and make a difference in the world. In energy, that means doing things at a meaningful scale.”

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President and CEO UNS Energy Corporation tep.com Hutchens is president and CEO of Tucson Electric Power and its parent company, UNS Energy Corporation. He served as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy and worked as an engineer before joining TEP in July 1995. He advanced to various management positions and became a vice president in January 2007 before being named president in December 2011 and chief operating officer in August 2013. He assumed his current role as the company’s top executive in May 2014. Hutchens graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering and an MBA with an emphasis in finance.

Childhood dreams: “I was always excited about being a pilot, and went so far as to join the navy ROTC at the University of Arizona, earning a bachelor’s in aerospace engineering.”

JODI JERICH

Executive director Arizona Corporation Commission azcc.gov Jerich is the first female executive director of the Arizona Corporation Commission. She oversees the daily operations of 300 employees and manages a $26 million budget. Prior to her current role, Jerich held high level positions in state government, including chief of staff for the Arizona House of Representatives and director of a state agency.

Toughest challenge: “My biggest challenge to date is my current challenge to incorporate up to date technology with historical government practices at the commission. The commission is working to give Arizona businesses and regulated utilities the ability to file documents electronically instead of filing paper documents.”

Business advice: “There is no substitute for hard work.”

MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

{ INCUBATORS }

JEFFREY PRUITT

MARYANN GUERRA CEO BioAccel bioaccel.org

Guerra is chairman, CEO and co-founder of BioAccel, recognized for creating visionary programs that transform research outcomes into products and new companies.

Her business and strategic planning expertise result in organizations becoming poised to deliver accelerated commercial outcomes. Since launching BioAccel, 15 companies have been supported with products already in the market.

Toughest challenge: “Ensuring that BioAccel is a viable enterprise in a community that is still establishing itself. Using creativity, persistence and networking to educate the community regarding the importance of financially investing in early stage company formation in biotech and the incredible ROI that the community can receive from such support.”

KYLE MCINTOSH

Co-founder and creative excitant MAC6 mac6.com McIntosh co-founded MAC6 with his father, Scott, in 2011.

McIntosh brings perspective and marketing discipline to business growth. McIntosh leads a business that works to reduce environmental impacts, create long-term jobs and build better communities. The industrial launch pad is for early-stage Arizona-based manufacturing startups that embrace the tenets of Conscious Capitalism. The startups are given a place to initiate their manufacturing operations prior to making longer-term lease arrangements elsewhere.

Professional accomplishment: “Telling the stories of these companies and why people should care about for-profit companies and why it should be OK to have a love relationship with a company — because these companies are doing amazing things in the world — is extremely important to me.”

JENNY POON CO+HOOTS cohoots.com

Poon is a serial entrepreneur and founder of downtown Phoenix’s co-working space, CO+HOOTS, which currently houses more than 200 entrepreneurs. Her second business is eeko studio, a boutique design agency focused on fresh designs for impactful companies large and small. Her background in design and marketing led her to build a place where she could connect with like-minded folks that believe business growth comes from collaboration between different industries. She has worked more than 10 years in team environments.

Professional accomplishment: We’re more than a space. We’re a group of like minded people who are hell-bent on positively impacting our community through businesses, and are focused on improving the startup and entrepreneurial community in Phoenix.

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CEO Tallwave, LLC tallwave.com

Pruitt serves as Tallwave’s chairman and CEO as well as CEO of integrated digital marketing agency Ethology.

Pruitt is also a managing partner of Tallwave Capital, an early stage venture fund.

Previously, Pruitt served as president of iCrossing, where he drove the development and growth of the largest independent search agency. Pruitt also serves as a committee co-chair for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s Innovation Council.

Professional accomplishment: I’m most proud of raising $13 million in seed funding in Arizona and bringing in a top fund principal. This was highly rewarding as Arizona has some of the best tech entrepreneurs and capital is a gateway to accelerate their growth –– and in turn Arizona’s success.

COURTNEY KLEIN CEO and co-founder Seed Spot seedspot.org

Klein is the co-founder and CEO of Seed Spot. A recent report from Gust and Fundacity named Seed Spot as one of the Top 20 Global Accelerators. Seed Spot helped accelerate 75 startups in 2015.

Klein completed a United Nations executive education program in Thailand and Cambodia that focused on social entrepreneurship and innovation. In 2016, she was honored as the “Young Alumni of the Year” by ASU. She is an avid yogi and Ironman finisher.

Business advice: “Don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Build a strong network of mentors.”

Superpower: “Teleportation so that I could be where the people I love and the biggest needs are at any time. ” Surprising fact: “I am obsessed with the post office.

Any post office, anywhere in the world is usually a must visit on any trip.”

MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

{ MANUFACTURING }

STEVE MACIAS

KEITH JACKSON

President Pivot Manufacturing pivotmfg.com

President, CEO and director ON Semiconductor onsemi.com Jackson was named president and chief executive officer of ON Semiconductor in 2002. With more than two decades of experience in the semiconductor industry, Jackson was previously executive vice president and general manager of Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation’s Analog-Mixed Signal division and headed Fairchild’s Integrated Circuits Group. From 1996 to 1998, Jackson served as president and member of the board of Tritech Microelectronics Ltd. From 1986 to 1996, Jackson served in various managerial and marketing positions at National Semiconductor, including its High Performance Logic, Digital Logic, Advanced Systems and Interface Products divisions, and culminating in the vice president and general manager position at its Analog & Mixed Signal division.

Macias co-founded Pivot Manufacturing in 2000 and the company does complete machining, mechanical and electromechanical assembly, and manages bills of material for its customers. Macias handles the sales and finance side of Pivot and is heavily engaged in the business community that promotes the manufacturing industry in Arizona. He is the chair of the Arizona Manufacturing Council.

Business advice: “Cash flow, perseverance, cash flow, perseverance, cash flow, perseverance.”

Personal strengths: “I am able to relate to a wide range of personalities as well as have an ability to move past the inevitable bad news and keep focused on our goals. ” Surprising fact: “In college, a buddy of mine and I once sunk a Chevy Blazer in a fully flowing Salt River. Got lucky getting out alive on that one.”

STEVE MEGLI

STEVE SANGHI

Vice president and general manager, Fab Sort Manufacturing Intel Corporation intel.com

President and CEO Microchip Technology Inc. microchip.com

Megli joined Intel in 1987 as a process engineer at Intel’s Fab 7 in Rio Rancho, N.M. From 1997 through 2007, he held factory manager and plant manager positions at Fab 12 and Fab 22 in Chandler. In 2008, he become general manager of Assembly Test Manufacturing, where he was responsible for managing Intel’s assembly and test operations worldwide before taking over Fab Sort Manufacturing in 2012.

Leadership style: “For the most part, it’s ‘tell me what help you need,’ and I will try to be a helper and enabler to that. I’m also very quick to call out a performance issue and I’ll have a discussion with someone about it.”

Business advice: “Time-to-market is everything. You could have the best product in the world, but if you miss the window, you miss the window.”

RICK SMITH

CEO and co-founder TASER International taser.com The driving force behind Smith’s strong leadership is the aspiration to reduce world violence. Since 1993, he has dedicated himself to delivering innovative technology solutions to create safer communities. He’s an approachable leader who loves a good brainstorm and is invigorated by challenging problems and the

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Sanghi was named Microchip’s president in 1990, CEO in 1991 and chairman in 1993. He is on the board of directors of FIRST® Robotics.

Business advice: “Much of the advice and lessons learned from my 36-year business career are contained in my book, ‘Driving Excellence: How the Aggregate System Turned Microchip Technology from a Failing Company to a Market Leader’ which was published by Wiley in 2006. But another piece of advice that stands out is the following quote from Eric Hoffer: ‘In times of change, the learners inherit the earth; while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.’

This quote has profound application in the technology business. If you don’t change, the technological advancements will leave you behind.”

team he’s assembled to help solve them.

Professional accomplishment: “We have saved over 165,000 lives from potential death or serious injury — it drives our passion and is something that makes all of us proud and grateful to work at TASER.” Superpower: “I’d have the power to control electricity, because that’s what TASERMan would need as a special power.”

Surprising fact: “Everyone knows I love scifi movies. But they don’t know it’s because I’m embarrassed to cry at romantic tragedies.

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MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

{ RESEARCH }

KAMIL KALOUSH

ANITA BELL

Associate professor and director National Center of Excellence on SMART Innovations, Arizona State University ncesmart.asu.edu

Acting director Arizona Center for Innovation azinnovation.org Bell leads the innovation center that helps entrepreneurs transform their ideas into successful companies. Bell has been in the incubation industry for more than 10 years.

Business advice: “I like the saying ‘it takes a village to raise a company.’ Use your community — the village — by taking advantage of meeting with professionals and peers, attend events and ask questions. Most people love to share opinions and advice and you can get a lot out of that.”

Toughest challenge: “I grew up in Germany with a much different business culture. In order to learn the U.S. business culture, I immersed myself in a variety of business activities and still learn through observation. This has helped me foster business success and teach business survival skills to the many entrepreneurs I mentor.

TOD MCCAULEY

SETHURAMAN PANCHANATHAN

Licensing manager, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Tech Launch Arizona techlaunch.arizona.edu McCauley currently manages technologies that have been developed through Tech Launch Arizona (TLA), which the University of Arizona created to advance UA discoveries into intellectual property, inventions and technology. TLA moves knowledge and inventions developed by students and faculty into the market, with the primary goal of unifying UA researchers and the business community to significantly enhance the impact of university research, technological innovation, and technology park assets.

University impact: “Being embedded in the college allows me to keep my finger on the pulse of the research going on across the college and establish relationships with the staff and students who are creating these inventions.”

JUSTIN WILLIAMS Chairman and CEO Startup Tucson startuptucson.org

As founder of Startup Tucson, Williams has worked to grow a vibrant startup community in Tucson by organizing entrepreneurs and technologists alike through events, education and mentorship.

Experiential education events like Startup Drinks, Startup Tucson Hackathon, Co-Founder Speed Dating,

132 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Kaloush is an associate professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering at Arizona State University. He is also the director of the National Center of Excellence on SMART Innovations, and associate director of the National Transportation Center.

Business advice: “It is my fundamental belief that in order to contribute positively to the enhancement of our educational programs and students’ learning, faculty must strive to improve their own professional development and keep up to date with the state-of-the-art knowledge in their respective fields.”

Superpower: “Time travel, so I can re-visit family, friends and happy moments of the past; and make adjustments to the present by learning from the future.”

Executive vice president and chief research and innovation officer Arizona State University Knowledge Enterprise Development research.asu.edu Panchanathan helps advance research, innovation, entrepreneurship, strategic partnerships and global and economic development programs. He has been instrumental in founding the School of Computing and Informatics, the Biomedical Informatics department, and the Center for Cognitive Ubiquitous Computing at ASU. Appointed by President Barack Obama, Panchanathan serves on the U.S. National Science Board and the National Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Business advice: “Adopt the three E’s of leadership: excellence, energy and empowerment. Focus on excellence in all that you do. Express your energy in a positive way to help advance the organization. Empower your team so that they may exceed their potential and accomplish great things for themselves and the enterprise.”

Startup Weekend, Startup Job Crawl and Lean Launchpad help connect entrepreneurs to the skills, partners, investors and mentors that can help them take ideas and see how far they can go. He is also a doctoral student in MIS in the UA Eller College of Management, where he is developing a course to help teach students in technology how find a successful business model for their new product/ service idea or invention. Williams also serves as executive emeritus with the Arizona Technology Council.

MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY

{ TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS }

KJELL STAKKESTAD

DR. GARY DIRKS

Director ASU’s Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability sustainability.asu.edu Dirks is director of ASU’s Global Institute of Sustainability, which provides leadership and coordination for university sustainability initiatives. He is also director of LightWorks, an initiative that capitalizes on ASU’s strengths in solar energy and other light-inspired research. He is also the Julie Wrigley chair of Sustainable Practices and a professor of practice in the School of Sustainability and distinguished sustainability scientist.

Business advice: “Be bold in commitments you make and do everything in your power to achieve them. Ethics matters.”

Toughest challenge: “Understanding how the Chinese system works and understanding how I and my company could work with China to achieve mutually beneficial goals.”

JASON PISTILLO

President and CEO University of Advancing Technology uat.edu Pistillo is a second-generation educator steeped in the values of creating unparalleled opportunities that harness real change and innovation. He has developed groundbreaking educational models, designed real-time curriculum information structures and launched best-of-class intake systems. Utilizing innovative curriculums, Pistillo has proven new learning theories while continuously developing young technology leaders.

Business advice: “There are three things: 1) Uphold your institutional mission. 2) Have industry relationships that allow you to develop your curriculum and groom your students to serve the greater needs of the community. 3) Never stop learning. As an educational institution, lifelong growth and learning must be one of your values.”

GEORGE SLESSMAN CEO and product architect IO io.com

For nearly two decades, Slessman has been a technology visionary and leader. He has founded, built, and successfully exited multiple businesses in his career, creating more than $1 billion in equity value. Slessman’s forte is disruption – inventing and synthesizing software, data and energy technologies in unique ways that have enabled the transformation of business and mission performance for more than 1,000 enterprises and organizations.

Business advice: “Get a job doing something that excites you. That is the foundation for success — your success.”

Professional strengths: “A willingness to do the ‘work’ and a fundamental need to change the status quo ... to reinvent things for the better.”

134 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

President and CEO KinetX Aerospace kinetx.com

In 1993, Stakkestad helped found KinetX Aerospace. As the orbit dynamics lead for the development of the IRIDIUM satellite ground control system, he developed the initial orbital dynamics requirements for the ground system. He led the orbit trade study that chose the company to implement the requirements, worked as the liaison between the development and operational staffs and was part of the initial operations team that assembled the IRIDIUM constellation.

Industry’s needs: “If we had a vibrant advocacy group fighting for the aerospace industry, you would see commercial space and space work in Arizona grow dramatically. Arizona is a place where people want to come. The only drawback is that we have to do something about the education system.”

TOMAS GORNY CEO Nextiva nextiva.com

Gorny is a Polish-born American entrepreneur. He is the cofounder, chairman and CEO of Unitedweb, a holding company that invests in disruptive technologies, and Nextiva, a cloud communications company that currently serves more than 100,000 businesses.

Business advice: “A track record is pointless, or at least I feel they are overrated. It’s all about what you’re doing now and what you plan to do in the future.”

Superpower: “It would be the ability to never need to sleep. I’d always be wide awake (no coffee needed), and I’d be able to do all of the things I want to do but don’t have time for.”

Dream dinner: “It would be Einstein.

He was brilliant and changed the way people looked at the world forever.

Rather than going out, I would prefer a late-night conversation over cookies.”

LAW

{ INDUSTRY OUTLOOK }

The law of evolution

What are the trends and issues that will be reshaping the legal industry in 2017?

Richard A. Friedlander

By MICHAEL GOSSIE

F

rom e-discovery to social networking to globalization to trying to strike a work-life balance, legal professionals continually have to position themselves to survive the peaks and valleys of the the economy and a constantly evolving business climate.

As attorneys and law firm leaders adapt the changes in how legal services are delivered in order to thrive in the rapidly changing legal marketplace, Az Business Leaders talked with Richard A. Friedlander and Carolyn J. Johnsen, both members at Dickinson Wright in Phoenix, who offered their thoughts on the issues and trends that will impact the legal industry in 2017.

Az Business Leaders: Where do you see the greatest opportunities for the legal profession in 2017?

Johnsen: The fields of intellectual property, healthcare and government regulation. Certainly with the development of technology at lightning speed, legal work in that area will continue to increase exponentially. Given the many changes and regulations affecting every aspect of the healthcare industry, legal services will expand. Because of the huge increase in government regulations and necessary

compliance, legal work will grow to meet the demands imposed by new controls.

Friedlander: More law firm mergers are allowing greater specialization and economies of scale plus the continued globalization of the legal professional.

Competitive law firms adopting various alternative billing or fee arrangements to provide greater value for clients and to differentiate themselves from other firms using only standard hourly billing systems.

ABL: What do you see as the biggest

challenge for the legal profession in 2017?

Johnsen: Increased competition. Firms are increasing in size to provide the highly specialized services required in an increasingly complex market. It is difficult for firms to differentiate themselves from one another. In addition, many companies are keeping work in-house and are not outsourcing as much legal work to law firms.

Consequently, firms are challenged with developing creative solutions for alternative fee arrangements and providing high quality, but more efficient and economical service. The difficulty lies in the firm having to dedicate resources to developing the expertise in a changing world, stay on top of cutting-edge technology while not being able to absorb those costs by the fees it charges.

Friedlander: The Internet has made clients

SPONSORED BY DICKINSON WRIGHT 136 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Carolyn J. Johnsen

simply more savvy in dealing with the legal profession and shopping for legal services.

It is not uncommon for potential clients to have performed research on the disputed issues, read cases, found and read standard contract forms and carefully researched the background and public comments on law firms and/or individual attorneys well before contacting potential legal counsel.

ABL: What issue or trend will have the biggest impact on the legal profession in 2017?

Friedlander: Technology has and will continue to have the biggest impact on the legal profession in reducing costs of legal services, controlling information management, adding efficiency, and providing greater value for the cost of legal services. Social media (such as LinkedIn and creative informational law firm websites) will be prominent marketing tools by lawyers and law firms.

Johnsen: Change is the biggest impact.

Advancements in technology create the need for firms to be hyper-sensitive to cybersecurity and information management to protect client data and intellectual property, as well as the need to provide better and more efficient service to clients. Government regulation changes the market for services. Deals change, client needs change.

...firms are challenged with developing creative solutions for alternative fee arrangements and providing high quality, but more efficient and economical service. The difficulty lies in the firm having to dedicate resources to developing the expertise in a changing world. – Carolyn J. Johnsen

LAW

{ ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION }

AMY LIEBERMAN

Executive director Insight Mediation insightmediation.com

Lieberman has successfully mediated and resolved more than 1,300 workplace conflicts and business disputes. As a result, she has been recognized in Best Lawyers of America and Southwest Super Lawyers for more than 10 years running and ranked among the Top 50 female lawyers in Arizona. She is the author of “Mediation Success: Get it Out, Get it Over, Get Back to Business,” and champions resolution of conflict through ADR in the business world.

Professional accomplishment: “Publishing ‘Mediation Success’ and speaking to audiences around the world about the secrets to successful conflict resolution.”

Dream dinner: “Johnny Carson. For decades, he was warm and witty. He entertained America, making people laugh and feel good about themselves every night.”

138 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

SHAWN AIKEN

Attorney Aiken Schenk Hawkins & Ricciardi P.C. ashrlaw.com Aiken is a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and the College of Commercial Arbitrators. Super Lawyers has ranked Aiken among the “Top 50 Arizona Lawyers” for eight straight years. Since 2007, he has been listed in Best Lawyers (commercial litigation) and was Phoenix Lawyer of the Year (mediation) for 2012 and 2015.

Aiken represents clients in litigation involving contracts, corporate governance, business torts, intellectual property and unfair competition.

Business advice: “We run a series of sprints.

So, surround yourself with buoyant, energetic people. Guard your own time and energy. Stay healthy. Work hard, because hard work creates more opportunities. In the end, after the failures, persistent work triumphs.”

TOD SCHLEIER Co-founder Schleier Law Offices, PC schleierlaw.com

Schleier was active in forming the Arizona Employment Lawyers Association, which consists of lawyers from the Phoenix area who represent employees. He regularly lectures throughout the state on various employment issues, including wrongful termination and sexual harassment. Schleier has also served on the State Bar of Arizona subcommittee for Employment Law Jury Instructions. Schleier’s long and distinguished career as an employment lawyer was recognized when he was inducted into the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers in 2001.

Schleier has also been continually listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 1989 and has been “AV” rated in Martindale Hubbell since the late 1880s. He was also recently selected by Super Lawyers as one of the Top 50 lawyers in Arizona.

RICHARD FRIEDLANDER

DOUG ZIMMERMAN

Friedlander is a member in Dickinson Wright’s Phoenix office. Friedlander is listed in Best Lawyers in America and Southwest Super Lawyers for his ADR work. He has mediated and arbitrated hundreds of disputes involving construction, real property, contracts, bankruptcy, insurance, lending and other complex commercial civil matters.

Business advice: “An attorney’s reputation for honesty and integrity is of paramount importance for a lawyer to be a successful business generator.

A substantial commitment of time to community endeavors will also lead to a successful and more satisfying legal practice.”

Superpower: “The superpower to be able to solve the effects of our planet’s global warming, climate change and greenhouse gas problems.”

Zimmerman is a litigator and transactional attorney whose practice focuses in the areas of eminent domain, real estate, commercial litigation and general business matters. He is a certified mediator by The Institute for Conflict Management, LLC and completed the Advanced Negotiation Skills Program at the Harvard Law School Negotiation Insight Initiative. Zimmerman has extensive trial experience in representing property owners and condemning agencies in direct and inverse condemnation litigation involving acquisitions of property for major governmental facilities, rightsof-way and urban redevelopment projects. His real estate practice focuses on complex real estate sales, dispositions and financing transactions, as well as litigation relating to those transactions.

Member Dickinson Wright, PLLC dickinsonwright.com

Partner Davis Miles McGuire Gardner davismiles.com

LAW

{ BANKING }

MARK BOSCO Shareholder Tiffany & Bosco P.A. tblaw.com

Over the past 20 years, Bosco has grown his practice to become one of the largest, most qualified financial services practices in the nation. His focus is to serve the banking and real estate industries by providing exemplary service and quick response to meet his client’s needs.

Toughest challenge: “You must constantly push to be more efficient without compromising quality of service. You must use technology, delegate to a team of exceptional leaders, and eliminate inefficiencies.

It is all about client service and that is the lifeblood of a successful law practice.”

Childhood dream: “I wanted to be a professional basketball player but I was vertically challenged. I learned life is not always what you intend it to be, no matter how bad you want it ... So, like my dad, I attended law school.”

JAMES BROPHY, III

Managing shareholder Ryley Carlock & Applewhite, P.C. rcalaw.com/jbrophy Brophy practices in the areas of securities, business transactions, banking and employee benefits. This includes regulatory representation before the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions and the Arizona Department of Insurance. Brophy is also experienced in insurance, including counseling clients on the formation, licensure and regulation of banks, insurance and reinsurance companies.

Dream dinner: “Albert Einstein. I would like to know how he would view the current developments in physics, the discovery of the so-called ‘God particle,’ and what his views would be on the Big Bang, string theory and other developments in physics. My choice of restaurant would be Vincent’s. Great food, and you can talk there.”

140 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

JAMES HARRISON Founding partner O’Steen & Harrison, PLC vanosteen.com

Harrison is a founding partner of O’Steen & Harrison, PLC, where he practices in the areas of personal injury, defective products, nursing home abuse and neglect, commercial litigation and banking. He graduated from ASU in 1969 (B.A., with distinction) and ASU College of Law in 1972 (J.D., cum laude). He served as a senior editor on the Arizona State Law Journal. He is a member of the American Association for Justice and the Maricopa County Bar Association. He serves as counsel for First Fidelity Bank. Harrison was admitted to the State Bar of Arizona in 1972 and is admitted to practice in the Arizona Supreme Court, the United States District Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, and the U.S. Court of Claims.

JOHN RANDOLPH

Member Sherman & Howard L.L.C. shermanhoward.com Randolph’s practice includes all areas of commercial finance from loan origination and documentation to workouts, restructures, prejudgment strategy, collections, remedies and enforcement. He represents both borrowers and lenders in a wide variety of financing scenarios.

Business advice: “Immerse yourself completely in your area. Learn everything you can about it.

Seek out industry related interest groups and attend their meetings and presentations. Don’t miss an opportunity to meet people that are recognized authorities in your area. Find a mentor that is willing to guide you and stay in close contact.”

Dream dinner: “Barry Goldwater at Durant’s. As one of Arizona’s foremost statesmen, I would like to hear Barry’s thoughts about the state today and what he would predict for its future.”

MICHAEL RIPP

Shareholder Ryley Carlock & Applewhite rcalaw.com For 33 years, Ripp has represented lending institutions (including most of the major commercial banks in Arizona) and borrowers in commercial real estate and asset-based (including agricultural) financing transactions (including loan originations, workouts and enforcement) and real estate purchases and sales. This includes mixeduse projects, retail centers, office, industrial, multifamily, hospitality and assisted living projects, and leasehold and mezzanine loans and loan syndications and participations.

Professional accomplishment: “Building a large-firm bank client base from a relatively small platform with a single bank client when I arrived at my firm in 1986. My clients trust me to serve as a sounding board and offer suggestions in the planning stages of many of their large and/or high-profile loans.”

LAW

{ BANKRUPTCY/REORGANIZATION }

STEVEN BERGER

Shareholder Engelman Berger, P.C. eblawyers.com Berger is the co-founder of Engelman Berger, a law firm that has grown carefully over 15 years to meet client demands from a two-lawyer office to a 12-lawyer boutique firm concentrating on commercial disputes, business restructurings, and creditors rights. Berger has extensive experience in representing parties involved with troubled loans or troubled businesses and has represented lenders, lessors, business owners, investors, asset purchasers, creditor committees and other parties in bankruptcy and reorganization cases.

Business advice: “Our profession is still a noble one.

Never forget that in every case, there is a person or peoples’ interests at stake. You must earn their trust as an advisor, counselor and representative.”

SUSAN BOSWELL Partner Quarles & Brady LLP quarles.com

Boswell has established a national practice representing debtors, creditors and others in complex business reorganizations, Chapter 11 cases and related commercial litigation. She has represented these parties in various types of matters involving a wide variety of industries and businesses. Boswell has also developed an expertise representing nonprofit religious organizations in reorganizing their financial affairs.

Business advice: “Always deliver the best for your clients, but understand their business goals, which will most often drive the legal solution. If you do not understand your client’s business goals or needs, your legal advice will not provide the best value for your client.”

Surprising fact: “I did not start college until after I was married and had children.”

142 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

SUSAN FREEMAN Partner Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP lrrc.com

Freeman focuses on business bankruptcy and on appeals of all kinds. She is a leader in the American Bar Association and the only lawyer invited to membership and leadership in both the American College of Bankruptcy and the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers. She is certified by the Arizona State Bar as a specialist in bankruptcy law and is listed as counsel of record in more than 300 appeals in federal and state appellate courts, including bankruptcy, commercial, tort, ERISA, tax and employment cases.

Business advice: “Listen to your clients and to opposing parties and the judge to ascertain their real concerns. With that information, you can figure out a way to accomplish your client’s goals.”

Surprising fact: “I’m a certified yoga teacher and teach a weekly class at my law firm.”

RANDY NUSSBAUM Managing partner Nussbaum Gillis & Dinner, P.C. ngdlaw.com

Nussbaum is a certified bankruptcy specialist and and has been licensed to practice law for more than 35 years. He is deeply involved in the community, including Scottsdale Leadership and the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

Professional accomplishment: “My firm was honored by the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce as its 29th Annual Sterling Awards Small Business Honoree.

It was rewarding for three reasons: 1) law firms have not been so honored in the past; 2) Nussbaum Gillis & Dinner won the first year nominated; 3) the selection process is totally objective and impartial.”

Superpower: “I would have Spiderman’s powers because my son, Michael, has loved Spiderman for most of his 25 years and I think he would get a real kick out of having a dad with the same powers as his superhero.”

LAWRENCE WILK Shareholder Jaburg Wilk jaburgwilk.com

Wilk represents creditors, trustees, receivers and debtors in significant bankruptcy cases. An experienced and adept negotiator, he assists in restructuring and working out non-performing loans.

He has expertise in multilevel marketing and Ponzi schemes, representing courtappointed receivers to recover significant monies invested through fraudulent schemes.

He is an adjunct professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, focusing on foreclosure, receivership and the effects of bankruptcy.

Business advice: “Be patient, build relationships and be a mensch.”

Superpower: “To be able to read minds. It would make communication so much easier.”

Surprising fact: “I am a Deadhead.”

LAW

{ BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION }

GARY BIRNBAUM

Member and governing board member Dickinson Wright PLLC dickinsonwright.com Birnbaum is a senior litigator and real estate development attorney in the Phoenix office of Dickinson Wright, an international law firm with offices in eight states and Canada. Birnbaum has been recognized seven times as “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers in America in five separate legal disciplines. He is the former associate dean at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at ASU and remains a member of the adjunct faculty.

Professional accomplishment: “I have hundreds of former students actively engaged in the practice of law in Metropolitan Phoenix.”

Superpower: “Time travel. It would afford the opportunity to observe historic events as they occurred — beginning with the Big Bang.”

Surprising fact: “I prefer both teaching and theatre to the practice of law.”

JOHN DEWULF

Partner Coppersmith Brockelman cblawyers.com DeWulf has extensive experience with complex commercial litigation, including contracts, business torts, trade secrets, intellectual property, partnership and products. He has represented multinational clients, as well as regional and local businesses and individuals.

Business advice: “As lawyers, we are here to serve.

Treat each client as you would a family member or friend. Do what it takes. This is not a 9-to-5 job.”

Dream dinner: “Paul Newman. He was an actor, director, entrepreneur, race car driver, environmentalist, activist and philanthropist. He was married to Joanne Woodward for 50 years. We’d have dinner at Hillstone. He’s a fascinating and talented guy’s guy who did not take himself too seriously. I’d like to hear his perspectives and stories on how he lived his life.”

144 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

PAUL ECKSTEIN Partner Perkins Coie perkinscoie.com

Eckstein has practiced law at Perkins Coie LLP and its predecessor firm, Brown & Bain P.A., since 1965 as a general litigator on commercial, antitrust, intellectual property, constitutional, election, media and Indian law matters at the trial and appellate level. He also serves as an arbitrator and mediator.

Business advice: “First, treat clients and those working with you like gold. Second, immerse yourself in and master the details of the issue before you.

Third, be quick to identify and admit mistakes and even quicker to cure them.”

Superpower: “To write like William Faulkner.”

Surprising fact: “I was born at Ft. Benning, Ga., where my father was a physician in the United States Army. My family moved to Phoenix several months before I turned 4.”

STACEY GOTTLIEB

Of counsel Cohen Dowd Quigley, P.C. ckdqlaw.com Gottlieb focuses her practice on complex commercial litigation and white collar criminal defense as an Arizona Bar Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Her criminal experience includes representing companies and individuals in federal, state and local courts, in regulatory agency proceedings and in corporate internal investigations. Gottlieb’s civil experience includes a wide range of business litigation, such as claims involving breach of contract, breach of fiduciary obligations, fraud and misappropriation of trade secrets.

Surprising fact: “I met my husband on a blind date that almost never happened. I spent a month refusing to take his number from the person who set us up because, as a staunch defender of the wrongfully accused, I had no interest in going out with a police officer.”

LARRY HAMMOND

Partner Osborn Maledon PA omlaw.com Hammond is the most senior member of the firm’s investigations and criminal defense group. Hammond’s practice has focused primarily on criminal defense – both white collar and general criminal representation. He has also been extensively involved in complex civil litigation.

Business advice: “Commit no crimes, but if accused, never respond to law enforcement without the aid of a trusted criminal defense lawyer.”

Superpower: “The power to persuade (to persuade prosecutors and law enforcement to always act in the interest of serving the Constitution). No, this is not a joke.”

Dream dinner: “Bryan Stevenson, the founder of the Equal Justice Initiative in Alabama. I believe him to be the greatest living American. We could dine anywhere, but both he and I might be happiest at La Pinata.”

LAW

{ CONSTRUCTION }

MICHAEL HOLDEN

Partner Holden Willits PLC holdenwillits.com Holden has more than 35 years of experience representing clients in construction law matters, as well as general commercial matters. He was voted Construction Lawyer of the Year for 2010 and 2013 by U.S. News – Best Lawyers of America, and has been repeatedly ranked as one of the Top 50 lawyers in Arizona. He regularly speaks and writes on construction law issues for national and local industry groups, and has been a recognized advocate for the construction industry at the Arizona Legislature. He is an adjunct professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University, where he has taught construction law for several years, and he has also been a guest lecturer at the Del E. Webb School of Construction at ASU.

GREGORY GILLIS Founding shareholder Nussbaum Gillis & Dinner, P.C. ngdlaw.com

Gillis is an AVPreeminent rated attorney and has practiced construction law, commercial litigation, real estate law, and bankruptcy litigation in Arizona for more than 25 years. Gillis has been selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America from 2012-2016 in the fields of Commercial Litigation and Construction Law. He was also named a Southwest Super Lawyer from 2014-2016 in Construction Litigation. Gillis is an active supporter of the Children’s Cancer Network and serves on the Board of Directors.

Business advice: “Treat each client like you would like to be treated if you were the client.”

Superpower: “To be able to warp and slow down time so I could get everything accomplished.”

Surprising fact: “My fantasy job is to be a member of a NASCAR pit crew.”

146 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

D. KIM LOUGH

Partner Jennings, Haug & Cunningham, LLP jhc-law.com Lough has been practicing construction litigation with Jennings, Haug & Cunningham for more than 30 years. His practice focuses on representing commercial contractors and trade subcontractors in their contract and labor disputes. He is an active member of the Arizona Builders Alliance, where he is a member of its Attorneys’ Council and is a frequent speaker to construction trade organizations.

Business advice: “Always under-promise and overdeliver. Also, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. But, when you do, don’t dwell on them. Rather, learn from them. It’s important to keep learning both through research and reading, as well as through personal experience.”

Dream dinner: “The ‘Glimmer Twins’ — Keith Richards and Mick Jagger. Perhaps I could also get a guitar lesson. ”

MITCHELL RESNICK

Managing partner Resnick & Louis, PC rlattorneys.com Resnick is cofounder of Resnick & Louis, P.C. He is a renowned name in insurance defense litigation, including specialty lines; construction defect litigation; professional liability; bodily injury; transportation (auto/trucking/rental car); life and disability litigation; employment law; insurance coverage; first-party property (including appraisals); damage claims; and construction injury and delay.

Resnick was named as one of the top Arizona construction law attorneys with Southwest Super Lawyers.

Superpower: “Superman’s strength. I sometimes need this when dealing with challenging situations.”

Dream dinner: “Dinner with Herb Brooks (former coach of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team.) He was very positive and motivated people to run through brick walls for him.”

ED BULL

President and shareholder Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A. bcattorneys.com Bull is the firm president and practice chair of the land use and zoning department. Bull is certified as a Real Estate Specialist by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. A peer review rated AV-Preeminent attorney, Bull has been recognized by Chambers USA, Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, Arizona’s Finest Lawyers and AZRE’s People to Know and in Commercial Real Estate.

Business advice: “When a task or matter is assigned to you, own it. And when you delegate a task or matter, make sure that both your assignee and you know that they own it.”

Professional accomplishment: “Helping to develop our Valley into one of the most prosperous business hubs and best places to live in the country.”

Dream dinner: “John Wayne at Durant’s. Dinner conversation would be fun, straight talking and very interesting.”

LAW

{ EMPLOYMENT & LABOR RELATIONS }

JOSEPH CLEES

Shareholder Ogletree Deakins ogletreedeakins.com Clees is a founding shareholder of the Phoenix office of Ogletree Deakins. He has been recognized as a top labor and employment lawyers for many years and honored as one of the “100 Most Powerful Employment Lawyers in America” by HR Executive magazine from 20092016. In 2013, he was selected as “Phoenix Lawyer of the Year” for Employment Law/Management. In 2016, he was named “Phoenix Lawyer of the Year” for labor law-management by Best Lawyers.

Business advice: “Recognize your limitations and compensate by surrounding yourself with the best and most diverse talent — then get out of their way.”

Surprising fact: “I was born in a public housing project to two teenage runaways — my parents.

After 57 years, they are still the most loving, humble, happy couple I’ve ever known.”

JOHN ALAN DORAN

Member Sherman & Howard shermanhoward.com Doran is a member in Sherman & Howard’s Labor & Employment, Appellate, and Commercial Litigation groups. Doran has 25 years of experience representing clients in labor and employment issues, including counseling, representing employers in litigation and appellate proceedings. He is a member of the Management Labor & Employment Roundtable and the American Employment Law Council.

Professional accomplishment: “My induction last year as a Fellow in the College of Labor & Employment Lawyers was about as rewarding as you can get. Admission in the College is extremely exclusive and the peer review is intense. The College symbolizes unparalleled excellence and career achievement and to be included in its numbers is an indescribable honor.”

Superpower: “Night vision. Work all day, golf all night.”

148 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

AMY GITTLER

Principal Jackson Lewis P.C. jacksonlewis.com Gittler opened the Phoenix office in December 2007 and managed it through 2012. She advises, counsels and defends businesses in all aspects of employment law, including wrongful termination, sexual harassment, wage and hour, employment discrimination and noncompete agreements.

Professional accomplishment: “Arizona Governing Committee v. Norris is a case I won in the United States Supreme Court.

The case established the right of women to receive equal pension benefits upon retirement and equalized forever all employer-sponsored pension plans in the country.”

Surprising fact: “My parents were Angelina and Brad without the glamour. They took in foster children and students from all over the world. As a result, my family is racially and ethnically diverse, which has significantly shaped the person I am today.”

J. RUSSELL SKELTON Partner Jones, Skelton & Hochuli jshfirm.com

Skelton has been a partner with Jones, Skelton & Hochuli since its inception in 1983. He concentrates his practice on medical malpractice and workers’ compensation defense. Skelton received his law degree from the University of Arizona College of Law in 1969, and his Bachelor of Science degree in 1966. He is a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel, Arizona Association of Defense Counsel and the Arizona Compensation Defense Counsel and the Defense Research Institute. He has been listed in Best Lawyers in America every year since 1995. He has been listed in Southwest Super Lawyers every year since 2007 and is also rated AV-Preeminent with a perfect score.

DEBORA VERDIER Partner Manning & Kass, Ellrod, Ramirez, Trester LLP manningllp.com

Verdier defends employers in labor and employment disputes pending before the EEOC, state and federal courts and private arbitrators. She is also an adjunct professor at her alma mater, the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University Verdier has been named to the “Top 25: Women Arizona Super Lawyers” for 2015 and 2016 and “Top 50: Arizona Super Lawyers” for 2016.

Business advice: “Listen to your employees and respond timely to their concerns. Strive to manage the expectations of all stakeholders in any problem. Address matters timely and make good on your promises.”

Dream dinner: “I would love to have dinner with Prince at Elements at Sanctuary. His music and his impact on music, including mentorship of protégés, has had a long-standing positive influence on my life.”

LAW

{ ESTATE PLANNING & PROBATE }

DARREN CASE Shareholder Tiffany & Bosco P.A. tblaw.com

Case is a tax and estate planning attorney for Tiffany & Bosco, licensed in the state of Arizona. He is the co-author of the “Arizona Estate Planning and Probate Handbook,” guest contributor for articles published on Forbes.com, former president of the Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Section for the Maricopa County Bar Association, the incoming president for the Central Arizona Estate Planning Council, and recognized as a Super Lawyers Southwest Rising Star.

Business advice: “Have the internal drive to be the best version of yourself you can be, but understand that you will not always succeed each and every day.”

Surprising fact: “I’m an Ironman triathlete, having competed at Ironman Arizona in 2012 and Ironman Oceanside California 70.3 for the past five years.”

ALISA GRAY

Shareholder Tiffany & Bosco P.A. tblaw.com Gray’s practice emphasizes probate and trust litigation and mediation, and elder law, such as guardianships and conservatorships for incapacitated persons. She is a frequent speaker at legal and professional events, including providing instruction on reducing workplace stress. In addition to practicing law, Gray is a yoga instructor at Desert Song Healing Arts Center.

Business advice: “Trust your gut. If you have reservations about a particular client, pay attention.

It’s important that you and your client have alignment in key areas. Don’t be afraid to walk away from a client, even if it means a loss of significant income, if you sense you’ll be asked to compromise your integrity or values.”

Surprising fact: “My first job at age 14 was working on a tobacco farm in North Carolina.”

150 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

PHOEBE MOFFATT

Attorney and counselor Sacks Tierney P. A. sackstierney.com Moffatt is a certified specialist in Estate and Trust Law through the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization. In addition to her robust estate planning practice, she serves clients in the areas of probate and trust administration, estate and trust litigation, guardianships, conservatorships and beneficiary/heir matters. Moffatt is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel; is listed in The Best Lawyers in America (Trusts and Estates) 2013-2016; is a six-time Super Lawyers selectee (2010-2015); has earned the Martindale-Hubbell AV-Preeminent ranking; is one of only three attorneys in the Valley to receive the Five Star Estate Planning Attorney award as listed in Phoenix Magazine; and has been included in “Arizona’s Top Lawyers” by Az Business magazine.

JAMES RYAN

Managing partner Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold LLP frgalaw.com A co-founder of Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold, Ryan is a widely acknowledged leader in Phoenix legal and business circles for complex estate and business planning for closely held businesses and high net worth individuals. He serves on the boards of the Arizona Community Foundation, the 100 Club of Arizona and Bankers Trust Company.

Business advice: “For attorneys, the best business practice is to identify an area of the law that you are passionate about and focus all of your efforts in becoming a recognized expert in that area.”

Superpower: “The power to take away the fears and anxieties of other people.”

Dream dinner: “I would take Chief Justice John Marshall to Steak 44 to discuss the impact of his famous Marbury v. Madison opinion on our current federal government.”

HOPE LEIBSOHN Member Sherman & Howard shermanhoward.com

Leibsohn has more than 25 years of experience in all aspects of estate planning involving wills, trusts, charitable techniques, estate freezes and other sophisticated wealth transfer strategies. She specializes in customized legacy plans based not only on tax planning strategies, but also on incorporating each client’s unique family dynamics and core life values.

Creative in her approach, Leibsohn designs various trusts to incentivize beneficiaries to become productive, contributing members of society.

Leibsohn’s personal and professional motto is “how best may I serve?”

Business advice: “Pick a specialty you are passionate about and always persevere.”

Professional accomplishment: “The most rewarding aspect of my practice is working with clients and their families in creating unique legacy plans.”

LAW

{ FAMILY }

KAINE FISHER

Partner and director of Family Law Rose Law Group PC roselawgroup.com Fisher earned his J.D. from Syracuse University in 2005 and was admitted to the Arizona State Bar in 2006.

Fisher has focused his practice on representing clients in high-conflict, high-asset family law matters.

Business advice: “Someone said that sometimes you make your money on the clients you don’t take.

There is definitely truth to that in family law. There is nothing I enjoy more than helping families, but sometimes you have to make the smart business decision and decline the representation.”

Superpower: “What I wouldn’t give to have a crystal ball. There is so much uncertainty in family law and the law is subjective on many points. My clients often want definitive answers and I just cannot give that to them. Things would be much easier if I could predict the future.”

ANGELA HALLIER

Partner Hallier & Lawrence hallierlaw.com Hallier is a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, Certified Family Law Specialist and Judge Pro Tempore. She founded Hallier & Lawrence, a divorce and family law firm and established Angie’s Angels as a community service extension of the firm.

She is the author of “The Wiser Divorce – Positive Strategies For Your Next Best Life,” and has appeared on CNN, FOX News, and The Dr. Drew Show.

Business advice: “Success comes down to one thing: hard work. ‘Striving for success without hard work is like trying to harvest where you haven’t planted.’ You alone plant the seeds of your growth, so find the right mentors, dig deep, lead and you will earn respect.”

Childhood dreams: “I always wanted to be a ballerina.”

152 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

CHRISTINA HAMILTON Attorney The Cavanagh Law Firm cavanaghlaw.com

Hamilton practices exclusively in the area of family law. Hamilton has been a Certified Family Law Specialist since 1992. Her experience includes handling complex divorce matters, often including business valuation issues and other forensic matters.

Hamilton also specializes in custody litigation and handles issues concerning child support, paternity, cohabitation and premarital agreements.

Business advice: “Listening to your clients, being responsive to their inquiries and advising them of the law and what is/is not achievable are the cornerstones for a successful practice.”

Superpower: “My superpower would be to make home lives stable for children of divorcing families.”

Surprising fact: “I listen to the Broadway channel on my car radio.”

STEVEN SERRANO Shareholder Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A. bcattorneys.com

Serrano practices family law with emphasis on dissolution, including divorce representation and mediation, property division and business valuation matters and issues regarding child support, custody and paternity.

Business advice: “My advice would be to persevere. Nothing in life that is worthwhile comes without hard work and some sacrifice. Follow your path and what makes you happy and the rest falls into place.”

Professional accomplishment: “Being a family law attorney gives me the opportunity to facilitate resolution in what is often a contentious situation. My role is to understand the human side of people involved in what are sometimes complex family law matters with many competing personalities.”

Dream dinner: “Franklin Delano Roosevelt at Durant’s.”

KELLIE WELLS Partner Padish & Wells. PLLC padishwells.com

Wells’ leadership in the legal profession is evidenced by her service as a Judge Pro Tempore in Maricopa County Superior Court and as past chair of the Maricopa County Bar Association Family Law Section. Wells also dedicates a considerable amount of time to providing pro bono services.

Business advice: “Take the time to network and volunteer as much as you can. Get to know the judges’ staff, go to networking events where you will meet people from other professions, volunteer at your kids’ schools, etc.”

Superpower: “Flight. In addition to practicing law and running an office, I have 7-yearold twins. It is not uncommon to have court, a board meeting, a dance practice, an art class and two swim classes in one day. If I could eliminate traffic, imagine what else I could accomplish.”

LAW

{ HEALTHCARE }

EDWARD COMITZ Member Comitz | Beethe cobelaw.com

Comitz heads the healthcare law and disability insurance practice section of Comitz | Beethe. He has earned a national reputation for prosecuting disability insurance claims on behalf of healthcare professionals, building one of the largest, most respected practices in the country. Comitz is regarded as a leading source on disability insurance, healthcare and other legal topics. His work is published in numerous national publications.

Business advice: “Sometimes it’s more productive to listen. Being a good communicator requires a high level of self-awareness. I find that actively listening helps to improve productivity, along with the ability to influence, persuade and negotiate.”

Superpower: “I’d love to be able to read minds.

That would come in quite useful at depositions.”

ROGER MORRIS

Partner Quarles & Brady LLP quarles.com Arizona Pharmacy Association Pharmacy Hall of Fame inductee Morris represents pharmacy providers nationwide.

Morris is a member of Quarles’ governing Executive Committee, national chair of Quarles’ Health & Life Sciences Industry Group and former national chair of Quarles’ Health Law Practice Group. This thirdgeneration pharmacist and nationally recognized healthcare legal advocate leads 100+ Quarles attorneys nationwide to address not just law, but the entire field of healthcare.

Business advice: “Get a mentor – and become one yourself.”

Superpower: “I would love to have the power to create more time. I could always use more time each day. ” Dream dinner: “Babe Ruth. I am a massive baseball fan.”

154 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

KRISTEN ROSATI

Partner Coppersmith Brockelman PLC cblawyers.com A partner with Coppersmith Brockelman, Rosati is one of the nation’s leading HIPAA compliance attorneys. She also has deep expertise with large data breaches, health information exchange, data sharing for research and clinical integration initiatives, electronic health record roll-outs, clinical research compliance and contracting, biobanking, and all things Big Data.

Business advice: “Learn the business. Health lawyers give much better legal advice when they have a deep understanding of how their advice affects client operations.”

Superpower: “The power to see the future. Healthcare is changing so quickly, having insight into what will happen in the next decade would be power, indeed.”

Surprising fact: “I love to dance. Give me music and a floor and I’m a happy woman. ”

LAWRENCE ROSENFELD

Partner Squire Patton Boggs squirepattonboggs.com Rosenfeld has practiced labor and employment law in the Valley for almost 40 years. His practice includes client counseling, federal and state court litigation, agency practice, drafting employment agreements and personnel policies, and conducting workplace investigations and management training. Rosenfeld has been listed as one of the “100 Most Powerful Employment Lawyers in America,” each year since 2010.

Superpower: “When litigating, I constantly wonder what the judge (or jury) is thinking, how they are processing the arguments and evidence, and whether they think I’m doing as well as I think I’m doing.

Whatever one would call the telepathic power that would provide me with that intel, that’s the superpower I want.”

ANDREW TURK Senior counsel Clark Hill clarkhill.com

Turk is a civil litigator and his practice emphasizes complex civil litigation including healthcare, medical malpractice and business disputes. He also has experience with a wide range of commercial matters, construction defect and elder abuse litigation. He also frequently provides ADR services as a mediator or arbitrator.

Business advice: “Remember that every connection you make, no matter how small, is worthwhile. Everyone is entitled to your respect, regardless of their position. Kindness and civility are remembered and pay off.”

Surprising fact: “I have a comic book character — an anti-mutant senator in the X-Men comics — named after me. It is, of course, purely fictional. I, personally, have nothing against mutants.”

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LAW

{ IN-HOUSE COUNSEL }

DANIEL CHRISTENSEN Group counsel for IT, privacy and security Intel Corporation intel.com

Energetic, experienced Oxford graduate and winner of the 2016 Arizona In-House Counsel of the Year Award (Association of Corporate Counsel and Az Business magazine), Christensen was recently recognized as one of Arizona’s top 50 pro bono attorneys for 2016.

Professional accomplishment: “The accomplishment that gives me the most pride is traveling for a month with a team of six Intel colleagues and working with over 1200 Zulu children and teachers in South Africa to learn how to deploy and use technology to improve their lives.”

Dream dinner: “Mother Teresa because of her unequivocal example of integrity and she is the author of many of my favorite quotes. I would take her to a place like Ruth’s Chris as she would deserve a good meal after her sobering work among the people of Calcutta.”

NIMA KELLY

General counsel GoDaddy GoDaddy.com Officially, Kelly is responsible for all things legal — mergers and acquisitions, governance, litigation and intellectual property matters, as well as customer-facing and third-party transactional agreements. Unofficially, she’s somewhat of a corporate historian for GoDaddy, being that she has been with GoDaddy in various roles since 2002, and oftentimes referred to as the “VP of everything.”

Business advice: “Don’t be afraid to close your eyes and jump into the unknown.”

Childhood dreams: “I wanted to be an actress. I never feared speaking in front of people and that has carried over to my legal and business career.”

Surprising fact: “Although my spare time is limited, it might surprise people that I’m taking dance lessons at a western-themed bar.”

156 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

NONA LEE

Senior vice president and general counsel Arizona Diamondbacks arizona.diamondbacks. mlb.com Lee is in her 17th season with the Arizona Diamondbacks and seventh as senior vice president and general counsel.

Lee has served in the role of general counsel since 2005, overseeing all legal issues for the organization.

Previously, she served as vice president and associate general counsel for the Phoenix Suns, D-backs, Phoenix Mercury, Arizona Rattlers, Chase Field, US Airways Center and the Dodge Theater. A dedicated member of the community, Lee has served on numerous local and national boards.

Childhood dreams: “I wanted to be an elite athlete, which helped me develop the drive, determination and discipline to accomplish my goals.”

Professional accomplishment: “Building a career in the industry that connects my passion to my profession and loving what I do.”

CHRIS MINER

Senior vice president and general counsel Mobile Mini mobilemini.com Miner is responsible for all Mobile Mini’s legal strategy, compliance, litigation, and regulatory matters. In the past 18 months, Miner has distinguished himself as general counsel by leading and managing more than $500 million in acquisitions of new assets and strategic purchases. Additionally, he has led the legal department to develop and roll out external affairs and government relations programs across North America and the United Kingdom. Lastly, in his role as corporate secretary under board leadership, he executed a successful amendment of of the company’s certificate of incorporation to declassify the board, eliminating the staggered election of board members.

MARK ROGERS

Vice president, assistant general counsel, assistant compliance and ethics officer and assistant corporate secretary On Semiconductor onsemi.com Rogers’ responsibilities include SEC reporting, mergers and acquisitions, financing, corporate secretarial and governance work and oversight of litigation and labor and employment matters.

He is a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation and was named a “Super Lawyer” in the 2007 Southwest Edition of Law & Politics Magazine, the only inhouse counsel named as a Super Lawyer in the edition. He was named the Arizona Corporate Counsel of the Year – Large Public Company at the Arizona Corporate Counsel Awards in 2012. Rogers is a long-term supporter of Phoenix Children’s Hospital and his work there dates back to 1992 with volunteer work for the Children’s Cancer Center.

Business advice: “Don’t treat family like employees and don’t think of home as a pit stop between time at the office.”

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LAW

{ INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY }

ARI BAI

Shareholder Polsinelli polsinelli.com Bai is an intellectual property and patent prosecution attorney with Polsinelli.

He has extensive experience protecting client products in the mechanical, electrical and computer industries. Bai previously served as in-house patent counsel for a large national medical device company. He also worked as a patent examiner for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in Washington, D.C. Dream dinner: “Thomas Edison, since as a patent attorney I would want to ask him questions regarding his inventions and how such a prolific inventor came up with so many different novel ideas that impact our daily lives. I would take him to dinner at my favorite Arizona restaurant, Hiro’s Sushi.”

Surprising fact: “I played in the World Series of Poker.”

GEORGE CHEN

Partner Bryan Cave LLP bryancave.com Chen leads Bryan Cave’s intellectual property group for patents, trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets. He is recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for excellence in intellectual property litigation, a co-inventor of four patents and the Immediate past president of the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association.

Business advice: “Always maintain your integrity.”

Superpower: “Healing others. There is too much pain and suffering in this world.”

Dream dinner: “Jesus. It would be a life-changing experience. The restaurant would not be important, but if I had to choose a restaurant, it would be Binkley’s.”

Surprising fact: “More than 20 years ago, I played keyboards in a Phoenix-metro area cover band called the Tongue Darts.”

158 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

JOHN CUMMERFORD Co-managing shareholder Greenberg Traurig, LLP gtlaw.com

Cummerford focuses his practice on the legal and business needs of established and emerging growth companies, with an emphasis on software, Internet, hardware and related businesses. He advises a wide range of clients in regard to technology-related transactions, including software licensing, product development, eCommerce, co-marketing, OEM and other arrangements. He has broad experience in complex licensing, manufacturing, distribution, development, due diligence and intellectual property audit transactions.

Business advice: “Law is a service business, not all that different than a restaurant or a store. If your clients are not happy with your service, they can call any other lawyer in the world. Never stop asking yourself, ‘Why should they call me?’”

JOHN HAY

Gust Rosenfeld, PLC Hay focuses his general corporate and commercial law practice on representing smalland medium-sized businesses, including insurance companies, banks, franchisors and franchisees. He works with business clients on formation, financing, relationships and contracts with vendors, customers and lenders as well as intellectual property matters, including trademarks, copyrights and trade secrets.

Business advice: “The best way to learn how to practice law well is to watch an experienced lawyer who you believe to have both ability and wisdom. Watch how he or she deals with clients, colleagues and others, how he or she approaches problems to be solved, and how he or she handles ethical issues and conflicts.”

KAREN DICKINSON Shareholder Polsinelli PC polsinelli.com

Dickinson is an international business and technology attorney who negotiates multimillion-dollar global deals. Dickinson utilizes her past experience as a supply management executive at a Fortune 100 company and her own experience as an entrepreneur. She has extensive experience advising on joint ventures and alliances, technology licensing, product distribution, IP protection, anti-counterfeiting strategies, as well as website development, online contracting, privacy policies and global data privacy.

Surprising fact: “I have a passion for photography. Through the lens of my camera, I try to remind us that we exist in a global world that requires each of us to tap into our understanding and compassion for people, not just in Arizona but throughout the world.”

• • •

•

LAW

{ MANAGEMENT }

D. LEWIS CLARK JR. Office managing partner Squire Patton Boggs squirepattonboggs.com

Clark concentrates his practice and advocacy for both private and public sector employers in all types of labor and employment matters. Clark is a trial lawyer who represents employers in a broad range of employment litigation and administration matters throughout the United States that involve such issues as discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour law, employee benefits, employment contracts, defamation, employment intentional torts, wrongful discharge, unfair competition, trade secrets and unfair labor practices.

Superpower: “Being able to speak so Siri can understand me. ” Dream dinner: “C.S. Lewis, so I could ask him a litany of questions about his books. We’d probably go to either Carolina’s or Village Inn (on free pie Wednesday).”

LEAH FREED

Managing shareholder Ogletree Deakins ogletreedeakins.com Freed has exclusively practiced management-side labor and employment law throughout her career. Freed advises and counsels private and public employers in all aspects of employment law, in addition to handling complex employment litigation matters. Freed has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Southwest Super Lawyer and as one of Az Business magazine’s Most Influential Women in Business.

Business advice: “Understand your role as a partner to your clients. The more you get to know their businesses needs and goals, the better you can provide client service that will solidify a long-term relationship.”

Superpower: “The power to fly or to spin webs to leap tall buildings — either one would definitely impress my 5-year old son.”

160 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

EDWARD NOVAK Shareholder Polsinelli polsinelli.com

Novak is the managing partner of Polsinelli’s Phoenix office and chairs the national Governmental Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense practices. In his 35 years of legal practice, he has acquired the respect of the legal and business communities for his ability to counsel and resolve difficult issues.

Business advice: “Listen and ask questions. Clients know more than we think they might.”

Professional accomplishment: “Assisting the Arizona Justice Project team in securing the release of Lewis Taylor, a wrongfully convicted man who spent 42 years in prison.”

Superpower: “Mind reading. I want to know what the other side is thinking so I can execute the counter move.”

Surprising fact: “My first bike had a steering wheel rather than handle bars. It was an early start on my love of cars.”

NICOLE STANTON

Phoenix office managing partner Quarles & Brady LLP quarles.com Stanton is a member of the American Law Institute, Charter 100 Women and Women’s Metropolitan Arts Council. She serves on the Arizona Equal Justice Foundation board and is founder of The Dion Initiative at ASU. In 2016, she was named Woman of the Year by Arizona Summit Women’s Law Association.

Business advice: “Nothing exciting happens in your comfort zone. Build a reputation for thinking and living outside of that zone and a reputation for taking on challenges and extra work. Zealously guard that reputation. Once the die is cast on your reputation, it is hard to change another’s mind.”

Surprising fact: “I am a fanatic about checking the Maricopa County Department of Health Inspections for the restaurants that I frequent. I am a little bit of a germ freak.”

KENNETH VAN WINKLE JR. Managing partner Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP LRRC.com

Van Winkle focuses on real estate equity financing, restaurant leasing, real estate development, sales and acquisitions and general commercial transactions.

His clients include Prudential, American Airlines, Starwood Land Ventures, BMO Harris Bank and Paul Martin’s American Grill.

Business advice: “Develop and maintain sincere and honest relationships within your profession.”

Professional accomplishment: “I’m fortunate that my position offers the opportunity to be involved in philanthropic endeavors and supporting artistic and community organizations, which makes our community a better place to live.”

Dream dinner: “Johnny Depp, because I find him to be a fascinating individual and artist. I would take him to dinner at Tarbell’s, one of the best restaurants in town.”

LAW

{ MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS }

PHILLIP GUTTILLA Shareholder Polsinelli polsinelli.com

Guttilla enjoys partnering with his clients to provide insightful legal and strategic business advice. He serves as outside corporate counsel to clients operating globally. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, securities and corporate finance, representation of board of directors and board committees, start-up and emerging growth companies and business transactions.

Business advice: “Never stop learning and improving. Law is an ever-changing industry and it is important to constantly seek to deepen your knowledge and expertise. Pick a practice area and become an expert.”

Superpower: “Mind reading.”

Surprising fact: “I have earned black belts in three martial arts — Kajukenbo (6th degree), Hawaiian Lua (3rd degree) and Kenpo Karate (1st degree).”

KAREN MCCONNELL Partner Ballard Spahr LLP ballardspahr.com

McConnell has extensive M&A experience, including private equity and venture capital transactions. McConnell has numerous distinctions, including from Chambers USA and The Best Lawyers of America. She is an elected member of the Ballard Spahr board and a board member and chair of the finance committee of the Barrow Neurological Foundation.

Business advice: “Treat others with respect. The legal community is remarkably small and you want to be remembered as the lawyer with integrity. Your positive character will result in referrals of work to you, sometimes even by opposing counsel and parties on the other side of your transactions.”

Dream dinner: “I would take Pope Francis to dinner someplace like TeePee and talk to him about his path to the papacy and his message of compassion.”

162 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

SARAH STRUNK

Director and chair of the board of directors Fennemore Craig fclaw.com Strunk practices in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, business and finance law, securities compliance, public-private partnerships, and corporate governance, including duties and responsibilities of officers and directors. She has experience with international merchant sales contracts, derivative and swap contracts for commodities, public records laws, open meeting laws, privacy obligations and duties for privacy breaches and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act compliance.

Superpower: “To fly. I’m always in a hurry to get somewhere and I hate waiting at the airport.”

Dream dinner: “Dwight D. Eisenhower or Winston Churchill at Steak 44, of course. It’s the best restaurant for food and atmosphere in town.”

Surprising fact: “I like to swim with the sharks – usually reef sharks while diving.”

NANCY WHITE

Partner Steptoe & Johnson LLP steptoe.com For more than 30 years, White has practiced corporate and finance law, representing clients in mergers and acquisitions, matters involving the purchase and sale of assets and real property, and other complex financing transactions domestically and internationally. White has held leadership positions with the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center and others.

Dream dinner: “I would like to dine with Helen Keller, who managed, with the help of Annie Sullivan, to be able to communicate after being trapped within herself during her early years due to deafness and blindness. She might be able to help me better understand what my daughter with autism experiences every day of her life and can’t yet tell me.”

SUSAN WISSINK Director Fennemore Craig fclaw.com

Wissink is a business attorney at Fennemore Craig, practicing in the areas of mergers and acquisitions and general corporate law. She chairs the firm’s Business and Finance Practice Group and also chairs the Fennemore Craig Foundation. Wissink is passionate about helping children and animals in the community and is currently serving or has served on the boards of Childsplay, The Children’s Museum of Phoenix, The Arizona Humane Society and PANDA. Business advice: “The best lawyers are not only are smart and driven, but understand their clients’ businesses and try to help their clients accomplish their goals. Also, the difference between a good lawyer and a great lawyer, in my opinion, is the great lawyer volunteers in the community to help those in need.”

LAW

{ REAL ESTATE }

ANDREW ABRAHAM Shareholder Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A. bcattorneys.com

Abraham is certified as a Real Estate Specialist by the Arizona Board of Legal Specialization and is listed in Best Lawyers in America for Real Estate Transactions and in Southwest Super Lawyers in the 2011, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Az Business magazine has named him among the Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona.

Business advice: “Stick to the basics. Listen to what your customers want, be timely and responsive. Business relationships are built on trust. Once you establish that relationship, nurture it. Be proactive. Put your clients’ interests ahead of all else, including your own.”

Dream dinner: “Barry Goldwater at the Velvet Elvis in Patagonia. He was Arizona through and through with limitless topics to discuss — both historical and in current affairs.”

REBECCA BURNHAM Shareholder Greenberg Traurig gtlaw.com

Burnham represents real estate interests in connection with the acquisition, planning, development, financing, operation and sale of real estate developments, as well as legislative and public policy matters pertaining to economic development and land use.

Business advice: “Always be thoughtful and prepared, but also be willing to lead and take risks — and it doesn’t hurt to have a few good mentors and a little luck.”

Dream dinner: “Abraham Lincoln. Coming from humble beginnings and largely self-educated, he was able to express our most cherished values in terms so eloquent his words remain among the most inspirational ever written – yet, at the same time, he was a skilled politician, managing to hold together his cabinet and Congress through the most harrowing period of our history.”

164 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

JAY KRAMER

Shareholder Fennemore Craig fclaw.com Kramer chairs Fennemore Craig’s Commercial Transactions Section. He practices in the areas of real estate transactions and finance, including acquisition, infrastructure financing, entitlements, development and sale, and loan workouts, restructuring and enforcement. He represents a wide variety of national and local homebuilders, planned community developers, commercial and industrial developers, and financial institutions.

Business advice: “Your reputation is your most important business asset. It takes years to develop and seconds to destroy.”

Superpower: “All of Superman’s super powers, because he is the superhero that I grew up with and he got all the girls.”

Surprising fact: “I worked in the White House when I was a college senior at Georgetown.”

DON MINER

Director Fennemore Craig fclaw.com Miner focuses his practice on the areas of real estate and business transactions and development, including finance, leasing and brokerage matters, along with related workouts, creditors’ rights and bankruptcy. His practice encompasses development and leasing on Native American lands and on Arizona State Land Department tracts, as well as affordable housing development, leasing and management.

Superpower: “To become ‘all knowing.’ Accurate knowledge relevant to one’s industry is an important key to success.”

Surprising fact: “I used to work in potato farming country, helping to grow, harvest and process potatoes.

I thought I’d stay there but changed direction when I was dumped by the farmer’s daughter. I truly believe that from most unpleasant events in life new opportunities arise.”

PAUL WEISER Managing shareholder, Scottsdale office Buchalter Nemer buchalter.com

Weiser focuses his practice on commercial landlord/tenant matters, including the drafting, interpreting and enforcing of leases and amendments related to office, retail, medical and industrial properties, real estate brokerage issues, construction claims and creditors’ rights.

Business advice: “The providing of excellent legal services must be a given. After that, remember that we are in a service profession. Either accommodate your clients’ time frames or give them a realistic expectation of when a specific project will be completed. Keeping clients up to date on the matters that you are handling and billing them fairly are keys to repeat business.”

Superpower: “Super hearing.

Knowing what others are saying would be helpful in negotiating.”

LAW

{ SECURITIES & FINANCE }

JAIME DADDONA

Partner Squire Patton Boggs squirepattonboggs.com Daddona’s practice focuses on corporate matters, with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, securities offerings and compliance and corporate governance. Daddona has a diverse transactional and corporate counseling practice representing public and private companies in strategic transactions, working closely with boards of directors and senior managers on governance matters, managing debt and equity investments, and drafting and negotiating supply, distribution and other commercial agreements.

Superpower: “Omnipotence. If I knew everything, then I could fix anything. ” Dream dinner: “I would dine with Jimmy Hoffa at Durant’s. I’d like to know where he’s buried. ” Surprising fact: “My favorite family vacation involves fishing for sharks in South Carolina. ”

PAUL ROSHKA, JR. Shareholder Polsinelli PC polsinelli.com

Roshka is a seasoned commercial and securities litigator who is trusted to resolve clients’ financial matters, primarily those involving the prosecution and defense of claims in federal and state courts alleging violations of securities laws. Roshka practices regularly before the SEC, Arizona Securities Division and FINRA. Having a national practice, he has represented entities and individuals in numerous disciplinary and enforcement matters originating out of SEC and FINRA offices across the country, and he has handled securities industry arbitrations in jurisdictions nationwide.

Business advice: “Listen to what clients say and be passionate about helping them resolve their problems and achieve their goals.”

Surprising fact: “I still want to be a fighter pilot.”

166 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

ROBERT KANT Shareholder Greenberg Traurig LLP gtlaw.com

Kant has represented numerous large and small issuers of equity and debt securities in hundreds of securities transactions involving the sale of more than $20 billion of securities through virtually every major investment banking firm in the United States. He regularly represents national, regional and local investment banking firms, as well as a variety of investment banking, private equity and venture funds. He also serves as a director or member of advisory boards to public and private companies.

Superpower: “Being able to predict the future.”

Dream dinner: “John Wooden. I love basketball.

A lot of people, such as John Kennedy, Bill Clinton, Steve Jobs, and the like would be interesting, but they probably would give political answers designed to make themselves look good.”

MARC LIEBERMAN Senior partner Kutak Rock LLP kutakrock.com

Lieberman chairs Kutak Rock’s Alternative Investment Group, which negotiates private equity, hedge fund and real estate transactions for institutional investors like public pension systems, endowments, banks, insurers and sovereign wealth funds.

Professional accomplishment: “I am recipient of the Arizona Attorney General’s Civil Rights Award. The award was presented for my work to enact Arizona’s Hate Crime Law, which vests judges with discretion to levy enhanced sentences upon persons who assault others for discriminatory reasons.”

Superpower: “Regeneration. I could drive motorcycles with abandon without fear of the consequences.”

Dream dinner: “Benjamin Franklin. I believe he was the greatest genius ever produced by America.

We would have Thai food at Soi 4, something that would even astonish Ben.”

JONATHAN FRUTKIN

Principal The Frutkin Law Firm, PLC frutkinlaw.com Frutkin is a principal at The Frutkin Law Firm and CEO of Cricca Funding, a crowdfunding advisory company. As an entrepreneur who has led companies in diverse areas including software, digital marketing, food service and real estate, he understands the unique challenges facing business owners. As the founder of his firm, he has worked to put together the top legal talent available to assist business and individual clients. His practice focus is on providing general counsel, including capital formation, mergers and acquisitions, litigation strategy and intellectual property.

Business advice: “Remember that clients are turning to lawyers for answers, not a list of things they should or should not be doing.”

Superpower: “Flying – then my business travel would be a lot more fun.”

LAW

{ TAX }

JAMES BENHAM

Founding partner Moore Benham & Beaver PLC mbmblaw.com Benham practices individual, corporate and partnership taxation law, tax controversy, estate preservation and probate; formation, operation and reorganization of corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies. Benham is certified as a Tax Specialist by the State Bar of Arizona Board of Legal Specialization and a past chairman of the Executive Council of the Tax Section of the Arizona State Bar. He has taught numerous tax seminars for the Arizona State Bar, Maricopa County Bar, and National Business Institute. He authored a tax article for ALI-ABA Practical Lawyer Journal that was reprinted in a training manual for AICPA. Benham received his J.D. from Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College. He is a member of the State Bar of Arizona since 1973.

SHAD BROWN

Managing partner Brown & Jensen Law Firm brownandjensen.com Brown represents clients in a variety of legal areas, including estate planning, probate, trust administration, guardianships, conservatorships, tax matters and QDROs. He is skilled and experienced in estate planning and at helping clients protect assets through tax strategies and other means. Before entering private practice, he worked as an attorney with the IRS’s Office of Chief Counsel, where he represented the IRS in civil and criminal tax matters.

Business advice: “All attorneys know that they need to immerse themselves in the law and become an expert in their field. However, to be successful, an attorney should have an understanding of how to connect with people. Clients want to work with someone they can trust and relate to.”

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PAT DERDENGER Partner Steptoe & Johnson LLP steptoe.com

Derdenger focuses on federal, state, and local taxation law. Widely recognized as one of Arizona’s top tax lawyers, Derdenger has been listed in Best Lawyers in America since 1995, and in 2016, was selected as the Phoenix Tax Lawyer of the Year. He also has been listed in Southwest Super Lawyers for 10 consecutive years and in 2013, was selected as one of the “Top 50 Attorneys in Arizona.”

Dream dinner: “I would like to have a dinner conversation with President Ronald Reagan and find out more about the role that Margaret Thatcher, Pope John Paul II and he may have played in bringing an end to the Cold War (a war I lived through). Dinner would be at Desert Highlands Golf and Country Club, a quiet place with a great view and conducive to dinner table talk.”

MARTHA PATRICK

Shareholder Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A. bcattorneys.com Patrick’s law practice focuses exclusively on civil and criminal tax controversies. She joined Burch & Cracchiolo in 1987 after nine years with IRS Chief Counsel. Patrick is a peer review rated AV-Preeminent attorney, recognized since 2008 by Best Lawyers in America for Tax Law and named 2014 “Lawyer of the Year” for Tax Controversy in Phoenix.

Business advice: “Don’t let others define your success. Do what brings you satisfaction, be true to your values and treat others fairly. As simply stated

by Mark Twain and Spike Lee , ‘Do the right thing.’”

Professional accomplishment: “Successfully resolving my clients’ issues with the IRS. Nothing could be greater or provide more satisfaction.”

Surprising fact: “When I was 18, I wanted to be a long-haul truck driver.”

YALE GOLDBERG Partner Frazer Ryan Goldberg & Arnold LLP frgalaw.com

Goldberg has a national reputation for successfully representing businesses and individuals in tax controversies in state and federal tax courts, trial courts and courts of appeal. He began his career as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice.

Goldberg is a Certified Specialist in Tax Law (Arizona Board of Legal Specialization) and is a fellow of the American College of Tax Counsel.

Professional accomplishment: “I was recently elected to the American College of Tax Counsel. It recognizes years of commitment to the tax profession and therefore is very rewarding.”

Dream dinner: “It would be Winston Churchill, to be able to ask him how it was he had such a dramatic impact on world history. I would take him to any of the many restaurants where his picture hangs.”

TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT

{ INDUSTRY OUTLOOK }

Mother of re-invention Arizona’s luxury resort properties are in a constant state of re-imagination

By ALISON BAILIN BATZ

K

eeping up with the Joneses? In Arizona, high-end luxury resorts ARE the Joneses – and it’s almost impossible to keep up with all they do to ensure ours are amongst the most highly rated in the world. Here’s a peek at some of the most impressive recent enhancements and upgrades.

Kimpton Amara Resort and Spa

When Kimpton bought the Amara property in 2013, they wasted no time in making plans to re-imagine the 100-room Uptown Sedona resort famous for its views of the Cleopatra Red Rock formation for today’s luxury traveler, investing millions in an full update to the property’s rooms, spa and dining concepts. “‘Modern native’ was the idea our design team was inspired by, and we held ourselves to that creative development in all aspects of the refresh,” said Devin Mahoney, general manager at Amara.

“It was important for us to infuse elements of the craftsmanship and traditions of the Hopi and Navajo tribes that are indigenous to Northern Arizona, such as basket-making, rope-weaving, rain sticks and turquoise. Our designers were inspired by native patterns and indigenous skills, but we’ve reinvented it in a contemporary way instead of trying to be too literal.”

Pulling from the color palette of the surrounding lush foliage and the brilliant desert flowers that dot the property, green, aubergine, bright marigold and injections of hot fuchsia can be found throughout the new interiors, which perfectly complement the red rock views that envelop the resort.

Design elements found throughout the rooms are live-edge wooden headboards that were individually crafted from fallen

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trees and vary from room-to-room, crystal drawer accents and geode artwork that pull inspiration from Sedona’s spiritual center, turquoise table lamps, oversized sitting chairs with woven rope accents, colorful rain sticks positioned above the bed to promote sweet dreams and artwork featuring a jackalope, the mythological creature, adding a bit of whimsy.

The resort’s signature restaurant was also redeveloped as SaltRock Southwest Kitchen and Craft Margaritas and boasts an expansive list of agave-based cocktails and inspired Southwestern dishes bursting with rich, robust flavors.

Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch

Last year, as it approached its 40th anniversary in business, the Scottsdale Resort & Conference Center underwent a massive $10 million renovation to transform the independent resort and revitalize its amenities. The result? The property has been rechristened The Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, A Destination Hotel. The completely re-imagined space now includes a new restaurant and bar, hip main pool, significant outdoor meeting and event space upgrades, and – of course – enhanced guest rooms.

Kitchen West Restaurant, the new dining establishment onproperty, has been among the most celebrated enhancements thus far. Historical photos adorn the walls, paying homage to the rich history of the land upon which The Scottsdale was built. The beautiful views of McCormick Ranch Golf Club, not to mention the open kitchen concept, certainly don’t hurt either.

The resort’s new lobby bar, Bar Six40 – named after the number

of acres of land that Army Chaplain Winfield Scott purchased in 1888 that would become Scottsdale – serves as an extension of Kitchen West, offering local coffee, freshly squeezed juices, and light breakfast options in the morning and afternoon along with craft beers and wines on tap with delectable bites from Kitchen West later in the day.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

The past several months have been extra special for the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess as they recently unveiled their newest attraction: Sunset Beach.

“We looked at our customer and said, you know, people in Arizona, the only thing we’re really missing is a beach, so why not add a beach?”’ said Pam Gilbert, the resort’s director of sales and marketing. “This 9,000-square-foot beach, thanks to 830 tons of white sand from Florida and a $27 million investment by the resort, features the Princess’ largest and grandest pool.”

The pool itself is almost 7,000 square feet and has an entirely zero-edge entry with a swim-up bar. According to Gilbert, Sunset Beach also boasts more than 400 feet of water slides, beachthemed cocktails and a splash pad for the little ones.

“But that’s not all we had up our sleeves by a longshot,” said Gilbert, noting the recent renovation also included the addition of an eye popping 100-plus new luxury rooms and Toro Latin Restaurant and Rum Bar.

Orchards Inn

Orchards Inn, located in Uptown Sedona and just steps from some of the best shopping, dining and art galleries in the area,

recently completed a nearly year-long renewal of its property. Not only did the Inn, which boasts some of the most awe-inspiring views of the Red Rocks in the entire region, add on a soon-to-beaward winning Sonoran-style Mexican restaurant in 89 Agave Cantina; they completely re-imagined their spacious guest rooms and suites. Each room now features new furniture and fixtures with thoughtful details and colors reflective of the nearby mountains, creek beds and running water. Every detail was clearly thought out and is infused with subtle hints of the Southwest.

L’Auberge de Sedona

Already one of the most luxurious and eye-poppingly beautiful resorts in the world, L’Auberge underwent a recent $7 million renewal targeted at improving the arrival and dining experiences for guests by focusing on Oak Creek, on which the resort is located. The result: each of the upscale accommodations including Vista Suites, Creekside Cottages and Lodge rooms have been renovated with modern furniture, Italian linens, down bedding, and inspired décor featuring local artists. Many of the cottages now offer cozy fireplaces, outdoor cedar showers and private balconies for taking in the scenic surroundings.

Perhaps the most impressive element of the renewal was the development and launch of two new dining experiences at the resort – Cress on Oak Creek and Etch Kitchen & Bar. Both were designed to infuse the incredible Creekside location into each guest’s dining experience, and both succeed on all levels.

Cress on Oak Creek has already been named “One of the Top Ten Restaurants in the Southwest” by Conde Nast Magazine.

TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT

{ ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT } DIERKS BENTLEY

Country music singer Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row dierkswhiskeyrow.com Phoenix-born Bentley is an American country music singer and songwriter who has been signed to Capitol Records Nashville since 2003.

That year, he released his self-titled debut album.

Both it and its follow-up, 2005’s “Modern Day Drifter,” are certified platinum. His Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row has locations in Tempe, Scottsdale and Nashville.

Toughest challenge: “I was trying to make headlining happen, and sometimes you can’t do that just through work, you have to let the music steer the way. I don’t know how the hell I’m here, really, but something’s happening.

Ten years into my career, I’m headlining these places, but I wouldn’t have it any other way, man. It’s been a great climb. A slow climb.”

Surprising fact: “I met my now wife in eighth grade in middle school in Phoenix.”

CHARLIE LEVY

Owner Crescent Ballroom and Valley Bar crescentphx.com While bringing live music to downtown Phoenix with his own venue, Crescent Ballroom, Levy also books concerts through his promotions company Stateside Presents at almost every Phoenix and Tucson area venue and other venues around the state. Levy is also the brainchild of Viva PHX festival, a music festival that has energized downtown Phoenix. Last year, Levy opened another music venue and bar downtown called Valley Bar. Levy has promoted concerts in the Valley since 1991, when he began working for famed gig-maestro Danny Zelisko at Evening Star . He founded his own company, Stateside Presents, in 1995 and booked touring acts into Nita’s Hideaway in Tempe. He opened the 550-capacity Crescent Ballroom in October 2011 and it quickly became a thriving live music hotspot.

DAN HARKINS Owner and CEO Harkins Theaters harkinstheatres.com

Since his father, Dwight “Red” Harkins opened Tempe’s first movie house at the height of the Depression in 1933, Harkins has helped grow Harkins Theatres to more than 400 screens and growing. Harkins’ leadership and creativity goes beyond the world of movies and Harkins Theatres has helped set a new standard for charitable giving through charity benefit premieres and screenings and public service announcements on the movie screens.

Business advice: “My father taught me the meaning of showmanship. He taught me that showmanship means much more than it sounds. To my father, showmanship meant you were a good marketer, a good leader and a good citizen. Being a good showman meant operating with high integrity and giving back to the communities we serve.”

MARK METTES, CFE President and CEO Herberger Theater Center herbergertheater.org

Mettes is president and CEO of the Herberger Theater where he has been working for 25 years. He is currently the first vice chair of the board of directors for the International Association of Venue Managers after serving three years on the board representing the performing arts sector. He has served as president of the board at Valley Academy Charter School.

Business advice: “Always be open to learning more and growing as a leader.

Keep your eyes on your long-term vision of the future.”

Dream dinner: “John Williams, composer and conductor, and I would like to eat dinner at Toro Latin Restaurant. I choose him because his work is brilliant, iconic and will last for many years to come. Also, he is still composing and conducting amazing work at age 84.”

JIM WARD

President and CEO The Phoenix Symphony phoenixsymphony.org Ward leads The Phoenix Symphony and is also a venture partner in the venture capital firm, Alsop Louie Partners, which focused on early stage evernet/cloud computing start-ups. Prior to joining Alsop Louie, Ward was President of LucasArts and Sr. Vice President of Lucasfilm, Ltd. where he led the business growth of the video game company and oversaw the planning, development and execution of global marketing and distribution programs for all of Lucasfilm’s theatrical, home video and television intellectual properties, including “Star Wars” and “Indiana Jones.”

Surprising fact: “I was classically trained on the piano from the age of 6 and played the oboe and the bassoon in school orchestras. I also played football.

The two worlds often collided, resulting in broken fingers.”

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TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT

{ EVENT MANAGEMENT } ROBB CORWIN CEO Pride Group pridegroup.us

Corwin leads the Tempe-based company that helps many of the Valley’s biggest events run safely and efficiently.

Best part of job: “The opportunity to mentor and help others grow, achieve, prosper, develop, mature and be great human beings. Our focus is on our associates, their quality of life, their life balance and getting them to be well grounded. That means emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally and family. When you take care of your people, that naturally takes care of our clients.”

First job: “At 14, I was a sales-service-everything guy at our neighborhood sporting good store in Minneapolis. I earned $5 per hour, but that was after I learned how to sharpen hockey skates, sew lettering on a letterman’s jacket ... and everything there was to know about running shoes.”

STEVE LEVINE

CEO Steve LeVine Entertainment and Public Relations slentertainment.com LeVine has been involved in the entertainment and special events industry since the age of 13, when he began DJing in Los Angeles. After moving to Arizona to attend Arizona State University, he continued working as a DJ and simultaneously ran his own DJ company, Universal Sounds. In 2007, LeVine founded SLE, a full-service event planning and public relations agency based in Scottsdale.

Professional accomplishment: “Building a successful business out of my passion has been my most rewarding professional accomplishment. I’m proud to say that when I go to work every day, I get to do exactly what I love and care about.”

Superpower: “I would want the power to be invisible. It sounds like fun to be able to stand in a room and no one would know you were there.”

AMIR GLOGAU President and CEO PRO EM proem.org

Glogau has held the position of president and CEO since June 2011. Glogau leads the business operations, planning and goalsetting for PRO EM. He is an entrepreneurial executive with more than 20 years of experience in business turnarounds and growth management. Intuitive, laser focused and dynamic, Glogau is a spiritual and creative individual who enjoys interacting and exchanging ideas with others.

Business advice: “Have clarity and alignment throughout your organization on values, vision and direction. Inspire your team to facilitate the momentum and energy that will make these ideas a reality. Allow what’s considered risk and out-of-the-box thinking and doing. Have fun and make sure everyone else does around you does, too. Operate from a place of love, not fear.”

ROGER HELMS Founder and CEO HelmsBriscoe helmsbriscoe.com

In 1992, Helms, a sales executive with the Registry Hotel Group, realized how much clients could benefit from the industry knowledge that he and others like him had gained over the years to help them find the right meeting venues with the best possible contracts and rates. He seized this moment to create HelmsBriscoe and has spent each day driving the organization’s vision and culture. Today, HelmsBriscoe is the highest volume purchaser in the meetings and event industry and boasts the most expansive and experienced network in the market with 1,200 associates operating in more than 55 countries. In 2014, HelmsBriscoe booked a record $1.075 billion in group room revenue, representing 5.45 million room nights and more than 42,000 programs in 100 countries worldwide.

CAMILLE HILL President Merestone merestone.com

Hill has been honored for the last 10 years as one of Top 100 Business Women in the State of Arizona. Presently, Hill is very involved in her community as a commissioner of the Scottsdale Tourism and Development Commission. In 1974, Hill and her husband, Ted Hill, CEO of Unique Inc., co-founded Merestone. Even after 40 years of owning and growing a production company, Hill still finds joy in “putting the key in the door each day.”

Business advice: “Find the best accountants and attorneys you can afford and listen to them.”

Superpower: “To be able to divide and conquer ... so many choices, so little time.”

Dream dinner: “Margaret Thatcher at Morton’s in Scottsdale. How often do you get a chance to talk to someone who saved a nation from descending into a third-world country?

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TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT

{ FOOD & BEVERAGE } ROBERT DELGADO President and CEO Hensley Beverage Company Hensley.com

Delgado leads an organization that, from its inception in 1955, has grown to become not only Arizona’s largest beer distributor, but also one of the nation’s largest both in terms of size and leadership influence within the beer industry. Hensley has headquarters in Phoenix and facilities throughout Arizona.

Business advice: “Appreciate, respect and learn from the past. In business, however, it is imperative that you always focus on the future. Throughout the journey, integrity is your most important quality.”

Professional accomplishment: “Jim Hensley founded our company and instilled a wonderful culture within it. I am extremely proud of the fact that I was able to play a significant role in maintaining and perpetuating that culture through another generation.”

Surprising fact: “My ancestry is from Spain.”

STEVE CHUCRI

President and CEO Arizona Restaurant Association azrestaurant.org Chucri has helped the restaurant industry become almost a $10-billion-a-year industry in Arizona, based on annual sales. The insight Steve has gathered through his experience with the restaurant association was a contributing factor in his decision to run for public office. Chucri, a Republican, was elected to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 2012.

Business advice: “The restaurant industry isn’t for the faint of heart. I believe it’s the best industry to be a part of and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

However, be sure to do your homework before even contemplating opening up your own restaurant. Fabulous service, amazing cuisine and a hip environment breed success.”

Surprising fact: “I ride dirt bikes and ATVs with my kids in the desert.”

RICHARD FEDERICO CEO P.F. Chang’s China Bistro, Inc. pfchangs.com

Federico, who has led the growth and development of P.F. Chang’s China Bistro and its Pei Wei Asian Diner concept since 1996, was selected as the 2012 winner of the Norman Award from Nation’s Restaurant News. The “Norman” honors extraordinary leadership in a restaurant executive who consistently mentors and inspires future industry leaders. He is a founding director of Chances for Children and a member of the board for both the Arizona Youth Hockey Foundation and the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute.

Business advice: “Norman Brinker, one of my mentors, loved seeing members of his team take calculated risks, to step out and go try things, even if it meant leaving his company. He applauded that and that’s why so many people have been influenced by Norman in the industry.”

SAM FOX

Founder and CEO Fox Restaurant Concepts foxrc.com Fox is the creative visionary behind the wildly successful restaurant group with more than 45 locations and 15 unique concepts spanning six states. A New York Times bestselling cookbook author, Fox was named to the Nation’s Restaurant News “Power List” and was selected by Restaurant Hospitality as the Richard Melman Innovator of the Year.

Business advice: “For most people who dine out, it’s about the entire experience. From the food to the ambiance, to the friends they dine with. I implore restaurateurs to create dining experiences with genuine hospitality. Give your guests a reason to want to spend their hard-earned money with you.”

Surprising fact: “I’m a fierce competitor when it comes to coaching my son’s flag football team.”

ROD KEELING

President Arizona Wine Growers Association arizonawine.org Keeling, a winemaker at Keeling Schaefer Vineyards, began making wine in 1998 and Keeling Schaefer’s first commercial vintage came in 2004. He is now president of the Arizona Wine Growers Association, which serves grape growers and winemakers in Arizona, allying its members for representation, promotion and education.

The association strives to advance with integrity the sustainable growth and production of authentic Arizona-grown wines.

Toughest challenge: “Right now, a No. 1 responsibility would be to protect and defend farming right and retain water rights. A second priority would be to establish a more defined wine brand for Arizona. We’re committed to having a focus on quality and authenticity.”

176 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT

{ GAMING }

JOSEPH MAGLIARDITI CEO Gila River Casinos wingilariver.com

Magliarditi was named CEO in September 2015. Magliarditi has more than 20 years of experience leading complex gaming organizations and growing the profitability and value of companies in the gaming and hospitality industry. An accomplished senior gaming executive, Magliarditi most recently served as president and CEO at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. Prior to joining Palms, Magliarditi served as president and CEO at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, as well as executive vice president at Morgan’s Hotel Group.

Goals for position: “I look forward to leading (Gila River Casinos) to new levels of success. We will continue to increase value for our guests and the Gila River Indian Community.”

DENNIS LEONG

President and CEO Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort talkingstickresort.com With more than 30 years of experience in the gaming hospitality industry, Leong has held executive management posts with the Trump organization, Caesars, Harrahs, Playboy, Laguna Development Corporation, the Soaring Eagle Casino Resort in Michigan, and the Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Minnesota.

Business advice: “The gaming hospitality industry is first and foremost, a people business. Someone considering this industry as a career must fully understand and accept the fact that we are here to serve the customer and in the process, create a positive and memorable guest experience. Be willing to work harder than anyone else, always treat everyone with respect, and above all else, never allow your integrity to be compromised.”

LOUIS MANUEL

Chairman Arizona Indian Gaming Association azindiangaming.org Manuel is currently a councilman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community. An advocate for education and social and health services, Manuel has served as first vice president of the Inter Tribal Association of Arizona and vice chairman of the AIGA. Manuel has also served as vice chairman of an AIGA subsidiary entity titled ATG2 (Arizonans for Tribal Government Gaming).

Leadership strengths: “When I came in (as leader of the Ak-Chin Indian Community), I was able to bring what I learned working on the business side of the casino industry and watching how committees worked with community housing and planning and zoning and understanding what we needed to do to start off and grow those. Those concepts turned into a plan and we were able to move forward.”

JERRY SIMMS

Owner Turf Paradise Race Course turfparadise.net Simms purchased Turf Paradise in 2000. Prior to that he owned automobile dealerships, founded a bank and invested in residential and commercial real estate in Southern California and Arizona.

After buying Turf Paradise, Simms invested in a multimillion-dollar renovation plan for the clubhouse and Turf Club, as well as renovating the main and turf tracks. Turf Paradise is now the third-largest sports attraction in the state and holds court to one of the longest seasons of thoroughbred racing in the country.

Business advice: “Surround yourself with the best people.”

Professional accomplishment: “That which gives me the most pride are the good relationships built over time.”

Superpower: “To eliminate disease.”

Dream dinner: “Warren Buffet at True Food.”

Surprising fact: “I follow a vegan diet.”

KIMBERLY VAN AMBURG CEO Casino Del Sol Resort casinodelsolresort.com

Van Amburg oversees the strategic direction and operation of Casino Del Sol Resort, Sewailo Golf Club, AVA Amphitheater and Casino Del Sol’s sister property, Casino of the Sun. She works closely with the Pascua Yaqui Tribal Council to realize its vision of a prosperous future for its members. Van Amburg graduated from the UA College of Law and serves on the board of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.

Business advice: “Use critical thinking and data analysis when making hiring decisions. Just because someone has a lot of experience in their industry doesn’t always mean they are the best person for the job.”

Childhood dreams: “At a certain point, I knew I wanted to go to law school. I am so glad I followed through with this dream, it turned out to be a fantastic experience.”

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TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT

{ RESTAURATEURS } JUSTIN BECKETT

Owner and executive chef Beckett’s Table and Southern Rail beckettstable.com, southernrailaz.com Beckett seems to have found his niche as one of the Valley’s most talented and creative chefs and esteemed restaurateurs. Beckett is the force behind Beckett’s Table, a chef-driven extension of Beckett’s own home that invites folks to come together over familiar classics with inventive touches, and Southern Rail, a vibrant restaurant that celebrates modern Southern cooking, where Beckett creates flavorful and light versions of the traditional American and Southern dishes he loves.

Surprising fact: “When I was 5, I was kidnapped in Guatemala and held ransom for a dulcimer and sewing machine. I was safe and ended up back with my mom and dad a day later and have told this story countless times.”

KEVIN BINKLEY

Chef and owner Binkley’s, Cafe Bink and Binkley’s @ Midtown binkleysrestaurantgroup.com A James Beard (2012-201616) recognized food pioneer, Binkley has inspired a Southwest culinary scene that is both artfully presented and exotically composed. Owner of three award-winning restaurants throughout the Valley, Binkley will continue to innovate with his new concept, Binkley’s @ Midtown, opening in 2016.

Toughest challenge: “Opening our first restaurant. The amount of hours and energy that went into Binkley’s in the first few years was unbelievable.”

Surprising fact: “I started in the restaurant business at a TCBY (The Country’s Best Yogurt) when I was 14. It was a great learning experience. I learned how to be a dishwasher in a threecompartment sink, how to sweep and mop a floor, how to work a register, how to make frozen yogurt and crepes and how to close a store.”

180 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

CRAIG DEMARCO Co-CEO with Lauren Bailey Upward Projects upwardprojects.com

DeMarco is a founding partner of Upward Projects, the Phoenix-based hospitality business behind Postino WineCafe, Joyride Taco House, Windsor & Churn and Federal Pizza. DeMarco is also an active member of YPO – Arizona Chapter, founding member of Devour Phoenix, an Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame Restaurateur of the Year as well as an Arizona Restaurant Association Food Pioneer.

Business advice: “Surround yourself with great people. Whether it’s building a team of people aligned with your mission, or stepping back to focus on professional development with other business leaders, it all comes down to the people around you.”

Professional accomplishment: “Opening the original Postino WineCafé in Arcadia. It gave us a platform to be creative and grow, and has been with us now for 15 years.”

RYAN HIBBERT

CEO and managing partner Riot Hospitality Group riothg.com Hibbert has helped RHG develop two on trend/ restaurant/bar concepts in Arizona and Chicago since 2009. Hibbert, with colleagues Mike Troyan and Jon Wright, combined their passion for the industry and expertise to develop Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row and El Hefe. In fiscal 2014, RHG recorded more than $24 million in sales with growth of more than 300 percent.

Business advice: “Multi-tasking to me is a big no-no, I am a big believer in taking on every task in business as its own small project. I will analyze everything on my desk individually and see it to its completion, which in my opinion gives a better overall finished product.”

Dream dinner: “I guess Al Capone. See if there’s really a hidden Capone’s treasure out there.”

SILVANA SALCIDO ESPARZA Founder and chef Barrio Cafe and Barrio Queen chefsilvana.com

Chef Silvana was inducted into the Arizona Culinary Hall of Fame in 2004 and was nominated for the prestigious James Beard award in 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014. Barrio Cafe was named Best Mexican Restaurant by the Arizona Republic every year from 2002 to 2010. She was awarded a scholarship from the exclusive IACP for study in Mexico and was named one of the Top Latino Chefs in the country by Latino Magazine. Chef Silvana was named one of the Top 10 Mexican Chefs by MSNBC Latino and earned a spot among the Best New Restaurants by Esquire Magazine 2012.

Personal strengths: “My personality is reflected in my cuisine and being an ‘I don’t care’ kind of person liberates me from the things that paralyze people. I push the envelope and it’s reflected on the plate.”

TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT

{ RETAIL }

EDWARD BASHA III President, CEO and chairman of the board Bashas’ Family of Stores bashas.com

Basha leads Bashas’ Family of Stores, the family-owned grocer that operates Bashas’, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store and Bashas’ Diné supermarkets across Arizona. He is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of more than 110 grocery stores and 8,500-plus employees.

Professional accomplishment: “I am most proud of working alongside my family and others to restore the company to good health.”

Superpower: “Invisibility, because the knowledge you can glean from being in places you shouldn’t be is unbeatable.”

Surprising fact: “I eloped with my high school sweetheart at the Justice of the Peace in downtown Chandler and we have been happily married, blessed with children and grandchildren for over three decades. ”

ANN SINER

CEO and founder My Sister’s Closet, My Sister’s Attic and Well Suited Siner founded My Sister’s Closet, My Sister’s Attic and Well Suited, which are among top designer consignment stores in the U.S. The company processes tens of thousands of used clothing and home furnishing items each week through its 14 stores in Arizona and San Diego. Founded in 1991, Siner’s company has brought a new level of professionalism to the consignment industry.

The company employs nearly 260 people. In 2013, the company gave back 32 percent of its net profits to charities.

Business advice: “Overnight success takes 10-15 years.”

Childhood dreams: “I wanted to be a vet and save animals. My favorite charities today are those that do just this. I serve on the board for Arizona Humane Society and Arizona Nature Conservancy, as well as the National Council for Defenders of Wildlife.”

AMIN MAREDIA CEO Sprouts Farmers Market sprouts.com

Maredia assumed the position of chief executive officer of Sprouts in August 2015.

As chief executive officer, Maredia serves as the steward of one of the largest natural and organic retailers in the country, and champion to the company’s mission: to inspire, educate, and empower every person to eat healthier and live a better life. Maredia served as Sprouts’ chief financial officer from August 2011 to August 2015. Prior to joining Sprouts, Maredia served in key strategic and finance roles for Burger King Corporation.

Best part of job: “There has never been a more exciting time for our company as consumers’ expectations of grocery stores continue to evolve. I know we will continue to be nimble, innovative and customer-focused to deliver on our mission of ‘Healthy Living for Less.’”

MICHAEL MASSEY President and CEO PetSmart petsmart.com

Massey is president and chief executive officer of PetSmart, a position he has held since March 2015. Massey also serves on the board of directors of Office Depot. Prior to his most recent appointment, Massey served as chief executive officer and president of Collective Brands, Inc. from June 2011 to October 2012, as general counsel and secretary from March 2003 to October 2012 and as senior vice president from March 2003 to June 2011. From 1996 to 2003, Massey served as chairman of Payless ShoeSource’s international joint ventures, as well as other executive roles at Collective Brands. He is a pet parent to three dogs: Rocky “The Wonderdog,” a 13-year old Bichon Frisé; Darby, a seven-year old Shih-Poo; and a nine-week old Golden Retriever named Daisy.

MICHAEL ZUIEBACK CEO Discount Tire discounttire.com

Zuieback, who previously served as president, succeeded outgoing CEO Tom Englert effective Jan. 12, 2015. Zuieback has been with Discount Tire for 14 years, first acting as the executive vice president of strategic planning before becoming the company’s president.

As president, he was in charge of corporate strategy for the company at the executive and board level. Zuieback helped initiate the company’s cross-dock logistics procedure with Englert, who has served Discount Tire for nearly 40 years. Prior to joining Discount Tire, Zuieback was the treasurer of Asia Pacific for Johnson Controls, senior manager of foreign exchange and international finance for Sara Lee Corp. and credit analyst at First America Bank.

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TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT

{ SPORTS }

MICHAEL BIDWILL President Arizona Cardinals azcardinals.com

Bidwill was instrumental in the effort that led to the creation of the University of Phoenix Stadium. The stadium has been noted as a catalyst for the Cardinal’s recent success and the team has sold out every game it’s played since the venue’s opening. Along with the responsibilities of guiding the Cardinals organization, Bidwill has been a strong advocate for economic development and education in the greater Phoenix community. Bidwill received the 2014 Transformational Leader Award from the Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Bidwill also chairs the NFL committee that reviews the personal conduct policy.

Surprising fact: “Before joining the Cardinals in 1996, I was a federal prosecutor in Phoenix for six years.”

ROBERT SARVER Owner Phoenix Suns nba.com/suns

Sarver, chairman and CEO of Western Alliance Bancorporation, bought the Suns from Jerry Colangelo in the spring of 2004. He also wons the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, which has won three WNBA championships.

Business advice: “A lot of (becoming successful) has to do with management and hiring the right people, motivating the right people, retaining the right people, putting them in the right position, keeping your customer happy, and exceeding your customer’s expectations. That’s true whether you’re selling banking services or seats to a basketball game.”

Toughest challenge: “Basketball is a very humbling business. In the banking business, a lot of banks can make money in a given year. In basketball, one team wins and one team loses every night.”

KEN KENDRICK Managing general partner Arizona Diamondbacks dbacks.com

Kendrick is a charter member of the ownership group that brought baseball to Phoenix in 1998.

He has been managing general partner of the D-Backs since 2004. He is founder/principal/ owner of several other businesses in the fields of technology, financial services, real estate development and manufacturing/distribution.

Business advice: “Be willing to become an intern in the minor leagues of baseball and learn the business from the ground up.”

Toughest challenge: “Overcoming the significant debt accumulated by the D-Backs in our early years. We designed a capital and operating plan that we have executed over the last 10 years.”

Surprising fact: “Being from a small town in West Virginia, I wrote in the high school annual that my ambition was to own a sports team. A true ‘Walter Mitty’ dream.”

ANTHONY LEBLANC President and CEO Phoenix Coyotes coyotes.nhl.com

In August of 2013, LeBlanc and his partners in the newly formed IceArizona Acquisition Company purchased the Phoenix Coyotes from the National Hockey League. In September of that year, he was named the franchise’s president, CEO and alternate governor. Within the first three months, significant long-term contracts were completed with Fox Sports Arizona, Levy Restaurant Group and Ticketmaster.

Within the first year of operating, the team had broken all franchise revenue records and had signed a new long-term naming rights agreement with the Gila River Indian Community. This was the first federally recognized Tribal naming rights deal with a sports venue that houses one of the four major professional sports leagues in the United States.

BRYAN SPERBER

President Phoenix International Raceway phoenixraceway.com Sperber has been a leader in NASCAR for more than two decades and has served as president of Phoenix International Raceway since 2002. During his tenure, PIR successfully landed a second NASCAR race and has become one of the most popular tracks on the NASCAR circuit among drivers and fans. A native of Daytona Beach, Sperber has also been chairman of Auto Club Speedway and president of Watkins Glen International.

Business advice: “Push the envelope, but be open to other points of view.”

Professional accomplishment: “PIR being awarded the spring NASCAR race. It was a long shot at best when we threw our hat in the ring. When we were successful, it was incredible because it was a team effort that made it so much more exciting.”

Superpower: “Time travel. It would be good to see how things work out.”

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TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT

{ TOURISM }

DEBBIE JOHNSON Director Arizona Office of Tourism visitarizona.com

For more than 20 years, Johnson has championed the benefits of Arizona tourism to audiences ranging from U.S. Senators at the nation’s capital to hospitality students at local high schools. As director of the Arizona Office of Tourism, she plays an integral role in marketing Arizona to visitors around the world. Johnson’s passion for the value that tourism provides to Arizona through economic development, job creation and quality of life, drives her daily efforts.

Professional accomplishment: “Being asked by Gov. Doug Ducey to lead our state’s tourism marketing agency is something I never imagined possible.

It has been an incredible experience and I’m truly proud every single day to be part of the fantastic team here at the Arizona Office of Tourism.”

KIM SABOW

President and CEO Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association azlta.com

Sabow previously served as director of the Arizona-Mexico Commission, led international affairs for Gov. Doug Ducey, served as assistant vice president of state relations for the University of Arizona, as well as serving in three previous gubernatorial administrations.

Business advice: “Surround yourself with strong talent. Hire people smarter than you. Listen.

Communicate. Take risks and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Never stop learning. It’s OK not to have all of the answers. Focus on collaboration and modernization. Most of all, be authentic and do what you love.”

Surprising fact: “I have a passion for sports. I grew up playing competitive tennis and went to college on a tennis scholarship. My career goal at the time was to be a sports broadcaster.”

STEVE MOORE President and CEO Visit Phoenix visitphoenix.com

A 40-year veteran of the visitor industry, Moore helped secure state funding for the expansion of the Phoenix Convention Center and was inducted into the Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame in 2012.

Business advice: “Have a thick skin and learn to love 60-hour work weeks.”

Toughest challenge: “The hijacking of our state’s brand during the SB 1070 saga, including the boycott of travel to Arizona. We responded by initiating mass fly-ins of customers so they could see the REAL Arizona for themselves.

Our work with the Real Arizona Coalition influenced the National Council of La Raza ... to lift its boycott of our state, sending the signal that illegal immigration is not just an Arizona issue but a national one, and making it easier for us to get back to the business of booking conventions.”

RACHEL SACCO

President and CEO Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau experiencescottsdale.com For 30 years, Sacco has played an integral role in Scottsdale’s tourism industry. She has been inducted into Scottsdale’s History Hall of Fame, ASU College of Public Programs’ Alumni Chapter Hall of Fame and Arizona Governor’s Tourism Hall of Fame.

Superpower: “The superpower I would love to have and to bestow on everyone I meet is the ability to see the absolute best in every single person. I think the world would be a totally different place if we could look inside others and see those kernels of goodness.”

Dream dinner: “I’m preparing to hike the Grand Canyon rim to rim soon.

With that in mind, I would love to spend time with Edward Abbey. We would sit at the bottom of the Canyon watching the Colorado River flow by over a cold beer. That’s probably all we’d need.”

LORRAINE ZOMOK

Manager Glendale Convention & Visitors Bureau visitglendale.com Zomock is the manager for the Glendale Convention & Visitors Bureau, the first CVB in the West Valley, representing 14 communities. She currently serves on the state of Arizona’s Tourism Advisory Council.

She is also active in several community boards and groups, including the Glendale Woman’s Club, the Glendale Civic Pride Ambassadors, the Glendale Historical Society, Rotary and the Arizona State University West Campus Community Board.

Toughest challenge: “Developing a robust tourism program that showcased the entire West Valley was a challenge the Glendale team took on with pride, energy and passion. We are now celebrating our fifth year as the CVB representing all West Valley communities. We have facilitated huge increases in tourism growth in the region.”

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Experience AZ is an exciting guide to Arizona lifestyle and adventures, offering readers the best advice on where to eat, stay and play.

Included in the 2016 fall/winter issue: Super

Sports Guide

Online at azBIGmedia.com

TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT

{ TOURISM }

GUY BITTNER Resort manager The Phoenician thephoenician.com

Bittner joined The Phoenician in December 2014 after 10 years with Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. In his current role, he oversees the daily operations for both the 643-room AAA Five Diamond resort and its boutique hotel, The Canyon Suites — one of only two Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond properties in Arizona. A native of Israel, he sits on the board of the Valley Hotel & Resort Association.

Professional accomplishment: “Beyond the numbers, the financial achievements, it’s seeing individuals I mentored succeeding in their careers around the globe. I enjoy and am committed to helping others reach their potential.”

Surprising fact: “I am an avid guitar player and not too bad with a riff. I have played for several internal functions here at The Phoenician.”

MICHAEL SURGUINE

Vice president and managing director Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain sanctuaryaz.com As vice president and managing director of Sanctuary , Surguine operates one of the country’s premier boutique resorts. His experience guides the executive team that oversees resort operations. Surguine joined Sanctuary in 2001 with an eye to reinventing the resort. He oversaw a full-scale remodeling, capturing the imagination of the public and the accolades of the travel industry. Surguine’s innovations have given Sanctuary an award-winning restaurant, spa and Mountainside Estates.

Business advice: “Make sure you are passionate about the hospitality industry. If you are going to spend the time necessary to be successful, you need to love it or it will not work out well.”

Superpower: “It would only apply to me and I would be the first person to run a sub-two-hour marathon.”

STEVE HART Area vice president Marriott International marriott.com

Hart, a 45-year hospitality veteran, has served Marriott for 39 of those years. Additionally, he developed the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa and opened the resort as general manager in 2002. He oversees all Marriott development and operations in Arizona. He is the driving force behind Marriott Worldwide Business Councils.

Business advice: “Take awesome care of the people you work with and those you serve. Family is always first. Be committed. Have a terrific, want-to-serve attitude and be willing to take on additional responsibility.”

Surprising fact: “I helped to create and blend our signature, single-barrel select bourbon that is served in our twenty6 lounge at Desert Ridge Resort. I wanted something that would appeal to a broader audience.”

DAVID KONG

President and CEO Best Western International bestwestern.com

Kong is a hospitality industry leader with more than four decades of experience. Since he was named president and CEO in 2004, Kong has led the company to its highest RevPAR Index of 110 in 2012 and 2013, as well as unprecedented performance in guest loyalty and hotel satisfaction.

Business advice: “Don’t be concerned about career progression in the earlier stages of your career. It’s much more important to broaden horizons and build a solid foundation through lateral moves so when opportunities knock, you are ready.”

Dream dinner: “Sun Tsu. ‘The Art of War’ contains many strategies that are relevant today.”

Surprising fact: “My wife and I have been married for 38 years after dating for 10 years. We have never dated another person.”

JACK MILLER

General manager Fairmont Scottsdale Princess scottsdaleprincess.com Miller is a 40-year industry veteran. At the Princess, he has overseen the resort’s expansion with the Palomino Conference Center, 102 new rooms, Sunset Beach and award-winning events.

Professional accomplishment: “Being recognized as the American Hotel & Lodging Association General Manager of the Year and awarded Fairmont Hotel of the Year clearly has been an amazing exclamation point to a rewarding 40-year career. It was humbling to have been chosen from an incredibly talented group of general managers throughout the U.S.” Surprising fact: “I never went to college. Starting my career as a dishwasher, I worked my way up to be youngest GM in history of Holiday Inn at the age of 22. I share this story to inspire young people to have dreams and work to achieve them. It is possible. Believe in yourself.”

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TOURISM & ENTERTAINMENT

{ TOURISM }

CRAIG JACKSON

Chairman and CEO Barrett Jackson Auction Company barrett-jackson.com Jackson has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most respected car collector and restoration experts with nearly 40 years in the industry. Jackson has helped propel BarrettJackson’s evolution into the world’s leading collector car auction and automotive event.

Business advice: “Be more transparent, don’t waste time playing games. It’s important to be open and fair to everyone.”

Professional accomplishment: “My strong commitment to philanthropy has resulted in raising more than $50 million since our first auction and I’m always so honored and humbled to be able to continue to make these contributions year after year.”

Surprising fact: “I’m a true car enthusiast and restore my own cars ... I enjoy every aspect of the car world.”

SEAN CURRIE Executive director Celebrity Fight Night celebrityfightnight.org

Celebrity Fight Night is a star-studded evening to help raise money for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute.

Celebrity Fight Night has raised more than $95 million and has included stars like Jennifer Lopez, Andrea Bocelli, Halle Berry, Tom Hanks and Steve Martin.

Business advice: “The best business advice I ever received is to focus on improving your strengths, rather than dwelling on improving your weaknesses … do what you do best better.”

Toughest challenge: “The biggest obstacle is bringing many people from multiple areas of expertise all onto the same team and ensuring they all had the same standards of excellence. The best way to meet this challenge is to lead by example and treat them with respect the way you would want to be treated.”

ANDY MARKHAM

Tournament chairman Waste Management Phoenix Open wmphoenixopen.com An active Thunderbird since 2005, Markham has more than 18 years of experience in commercial real estate, specializing in the acquisition, disposition and leasing of industrial real estate in Arizona. Working at Cushman and Wakefield, Markham is part of a four-person team that has established themselves as industry experts and one of the Valley’s most respected and admired teams by their clients and colleagues.

Business advice: “Surround yourself with awesome people. Whether it be your partners, clients or friends, life is too short to do business or associate with those that you don’t enjoy.”

Dream dinner: “I would have dinner with Ronald Reagan. Imagine the stories he could tell that are ‘classified.’ We would sit at the front table at Durant’s.”

MIKE NEALY Executive director Fiesta Bowl fiestabowl.org

Before taking the reins of the Fiesta Bowl, Nealy served as the president and chief operating officer of the Phoenix Coyotes and had been with the organization for eight years. Nealy oversees the community-based Fiesta Bowl organization, which operates the Fiesta Bowl, Cactus Bowl and numerous other events. He joined the Phoenix Coyotes in January 2006 after four seasons with the Minnesota Wild, where his responsibilities included strategic planning and finance, and he led the Wild’s charitable activities. In 2012, he was named Sports Business Leader of the Year by Minnesota State University for demonstrating outstanding business, academic and visionary leadership through effective management of his organization.

DAWN ROGERS

Executive director and CEO Phoenix NCAA Basketball Final Four phoenixfinalfour.com Rogers is executive director and CEO of the 2017 Phoenix NCAA Final Four. Rogers spent nine years at ASU as senior associate athletics director and senior women’s administrator.

She also served as athletics director at Xavier University.

Professional accomplishment: “Being part of the team to bring the 2017 Phoenix Final Four to Phoenix, the first ever Final Four here, meant a great deal to me. Hosting the event in the west for the first time since 1995 and bringing this iconic event to the Valley and being able to lead our team is incredible.”

Surprising fact: “I won the Port Huron Marathon and ran the Boston Marathon twice. I’ve run 11 total marathons, which taught me to take life one mile at a time. There was nothing better than a long run after work to clear my mind. Now, it’s the elliptical. ” 190 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

REAL ESTATE

{ INDUSTRY OUTLOOK }

Here’s the deal Cautious optimism should define the real estate industry in 2017

By MICHAEL GOSSIE

A

ccording to an Urban Land Institute survey U.S. real estate economists, mild caution and optimism will define the real estate industry in 2017. Real estate researchers are predicting slower economic growth, slipping real estate fundamentals, lower returns from both the public and private markets and no imminent downturn. But in Arizona, which was slow to the economic recovery party, the news might be a little brighter.

Healthcare The trends in the commercial real estate healthcare and medical sector show vacancies are down and rental rates and net absorption are both up, which is a great sign for the industry.

The City of Tempe is moving forward with the development of the city’s first biomedical and technology campus on 18 acres of Tempe land west of the Tempe Center for the Arts. The development team – made up of The Boyer Company, SmithGroupJJR and Okland Construction – proposed a phased project of five, five- to eight-story buildings totaling approximately 1 million square feet, along with two parking structures with about 2,500 spaces.

Projects like the North Phoenix KUD Biomedical corridor in conjunction with Mayo Clinic, Sundt Construction’s work on Banner Health’s 11-story tower at University

Medical in Tucson, Phoenix Children’s Hospital’s new Emergency Department and Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center and ASU’s 193,000-square-foot Biodesign Institute expansion are all promising commercial prospects that are either underway or were slated to start 2016. Experts believe these developments will serve as the catalyst for not only future advancement in biodesign construction, but will undoubtedly stimulate job and economic growth exponentially once completed.

The first half of 2016 saw a very sharp decrease in vacancy in medical offices in the Greater Phoenix area, with increases to asking rents and tenant demand. Vacancy at the end of the second quarter was resting at 16 percent, down 180 basis points since the second quarter of 2015. Additionally, asking rents have risen a modest 2.5 percent, indicating the medical market is beginning to trend in the right direction.

Michael Dupuy, vice president at Colliers, partly credits the the encouraging trends in rental rates and vacancy to changing attitudes of physicians toward new healthcare structures.

“I think physicians are more comfortable with their business models and compensation structures than they were after the healthcare reform,” he says. “I am optimistic we’ll see physicians and healthcare users continue to explore reasons why they should grow as opposed to why they should contract.”

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Industrial Net absorption for industrial was down in the second quarter for the first time in 12 quarters. Experts say the market looks to improve with a strengthening housing market on the horizon.

Sales and leasing activity of industrial buildings have both been accelerating, but the market is still very much in recovery, according to Rob Martensen, senior vice president at Colliers.

“The net absorption number is not as good as it should be, just because there’s a lot of new construction,” he says. “If new construction slows down, which I think it will, and leasing continues, then we’ll start to absorb more space.”

The Colliers mid-year report for 2016 projected net absorption to reach 6.7 million square feet by the end of the year.

Martensen projects that the market will continue to show steady improvement with the rise of the housing market. “We’re recovering without housing, and industrial is always real dependent on housing. If and when housing comes back, I think (industrial( will really get going,” he adds.

In the West Valley, particularly along the 303 corridor, dramatic growth in the industrial sector has and will be seen, as will the surrounding area of Mesa Gateway Airport in the East Valley. “(Expect) a lot of conversation on clear height,” says Will Strong, senior vice president of Cushman & Wakefield. “People

HIGH-PROFILE PROJECT: Hensel Phelps is building the boutique hotel at One Hundred Mill, which will be adjacent to the Hayden House and will feature 2,900 square feet of retail fronting Tempe’s active Mill Avenue District. The $190 million mixed-use project is scheduled to have a 2017 completion date. PROVIDED PHOTO

are saying they want 36-foot clear. They also want power, infrastructure and trailer storage is becoming more of a necessity where it used to be a luxury. Expandability and parking are also big as well as air conditioned space for ecommerce space.”

Multifamily Multifamily vacancy rates are their lowest since 1999 and the demographics for those seeking apartments — fueled by Millennials who will stay in apartments longer — have never been stronger. Elliott D. Pollack, chief executive officer of Scottsdale-based economic consulting firm Elliott D. Pollack and Company, says the multifamily market

is one of the strongest sectors in Arizona.

Want proof? More than 20 apartment and condominium developments — which will bring 2,000 new housing units to downtown Phoenix — are currently under construction; they range from high-end projects like Portland on the Park and Deco Communities’ Edison Midtown, to Lennar Multifamily Communities’ 367-unit The Muse, to Metrowest Development’s Union @ Roosevelt (a mixed use residential and retail development). All these projects are strategically placed on the light-rail line.

The Valley’s multifamily sector have seen and rise in rental rates and transaction activity. Rents have risen more than 8

percent over the course of the last 12 months, which means we can expect more improvement in the multifamily market with vacancies tightening and rents continuing to shoot upward.

Cliff David, vice president of investments at Marcus and Millichap, feels the market now is more likely to be sustainable than when it peaked in 2007, due to Phoenix’s desirability as an affordable market.

“Phoenix is a better value than some of the other major markets we compete with for capital,” he explains. “So you couple our strong fundamentals — the favorable corporate tax structure that we offer as a state and the value to buy apartments here

REAL ESTATE

{ INDUSTRY OUTLOOK }

relative to other major metros in the west — and Phoenix has a really good story.”

Office Net absorption totals have surpassed 4.7 million square feet over the last 12 months, which means the market is expected to remain healthy as job growth continues to rise.

Ryan Timpani, a vice president at Colliers who specializes in office leasing and sales, called the second quarter of 2016 “one of the strongest quarters we’ve had in the last few years.”

The numbers seem to support this claim: net absorption is seeing its strongest 12-month period since 2007, vacancy has dipped to 16.6-percent from 18.1-percent at Q2 2015, and rental rates have risen 5.5-percent over the past year as well.

Healthy job growth in the Greater Phoenix area is largely responsible for this hugely successful quarter, according to Timpani. He says the numbers are a result the influx of companies relocating to Phoenix, as well as a surge of brand new companies.

“We continue to see both existing companies hire and save more space in addition to some corporate relocations from out of market,” he explains. “So many new companies have rather quick occupancy dates, so they don’t have the benefit of waiting for new construction, so they’re gobbling up existing inventory.”

Residential real estate The vast majority of real estate firms have an optimistic outlook for the future of the industry’s profitability and growth, according to the National Association of Realtors 2016 Profile of Real Estate Firms.

Profitability expectations have declined from the 2015 survey, mainly due to inventory shortages and home-price growth, but real estate firms remain confident about their overall future profitability.

The report is based on a survey of firm executives who are members of the National Association of Realtors® and provides insight into the business characteristics and activity of firms, benefits and education provided to agents and outlook for the future.

“For a second year in a row, a majority of real estate firms have a positive outlook on

profitability, with 91 percent of all firms expecting their net income to increase or remain the same over the next year,” said NAR President Tom Salomone. “Although there is an overwhelmingly positive outlook, low inventory and high prices have led to an overall decrease in real estate firms’ sales volume since last year’s report. High home prices are holding back first-time buyers and low inventory means fewer sales at a time of increased Realtor membership.”

Retail The population growth rate of the Phoenix metro area has been nearly four percent per year for the past 40 years and the demand for retail will keep increasing, too. Vacancy is at a pleasant low across the region. Restaurants are partially to thank for filling space and igniting economic stimulation, particularly in Downtown and Midtown Phoenix.

“Record-breaking sales occur as marketplace confidence continues upward and as new businesses and residents continue migrating into Arizona,” says Chris Loeffler, CEO of Caliber Companies.

Shopping centers are accommodating the population boom — and through innovative and unique means.

In the retail sector, vacancies are down, rental rates are up and net absorption is down. Retail vacancy in the Greater Phoenix area is 60 basis points lower than one year ago.

With vacancy trending downward and rents rising, the Phoenix retail market is showing very measured and steady improvement.

However, notable closures of large retailers such as Sports Authority and Carl’s Jr. have served as setbacks and affect the market’s overall net absorption numbers.

Larry Miller, associate vice president specializing in retail leasing at Colliers International, believes that despite the dip in net absorption from these closures, the market is still strong.

“We’re still moving forward to an extent,’ he says. “The big key will be how we’re affected by the Sports Authority closures and the like.”

Erin Davis and Matt Durack contributed to this report.

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REAL ESTATE

{ ARCHITECTS }

BETH HARMONVAUGHAN

TRUDI HUMMEL Principal and board chair Gould Evans gouldevans.com

Managing principal Gensler gensler.com

RORY CARDER President DAVIS thedavisexperience.com

With more than 17 years of experience in her field, Carder’s original career path was an interior architect for corporate, hospitality and multifamily environments. In her present role, Carder oversees the daily collaboration, passion, and creative energy of the architecture and design firm.

Business advice: “Never underestimate what the future can hold, and, most importantly, align yourself with a mentor in the industry.”

Professional accomplishment: “Starting my career as an interior designer, building knowledge and experience to become a female president of a firm, speaks volumes to trust and accountability. I’m proud to be a role model to my daughter that with determination, you can do anything.”

Surprising fact: “I am in the 99th percentile for situational awareness and people.”

Harmon-Vaughan brings more than 30 years of experience to her role at Gensler Phoenix. A recognized leader in design, she is sought after for her synthesis of practice, research, education and public service. Active in the local community, she serves on the Taliesin West Board of Stewards, holds Fellowship status in the International Interior Design Association and is an adjunct professor at ASU. Business advice: “Don’t be afraid to disrupt the status quo. Disruptive leadership and ‘breaking things’ in a meaningful way can result in the most revolutionary and creative solutions.”

Superpower: “The world we live in has become increasingly loud and distracting, I would love to have control of a universal mute button and be able to selectively turn off life’s annoyances.”

BRAD WOODMAN Vice president, office director SmithGroupJJR smithgroupjjr.com

Woodman is deeply engaged within the firm and the industry. A member of ACE Board, Woodman is an integral member of the

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PATRICK HAYES Principal Stantec Architecture stantec.com

Hayes is a pioneer in the innovative use of computer graphics in three-dimensional design, documentation, renderings and animated videos. With nearly 30 years of experience, he has been recognized with numerous industry awards and is considered a creative visionary and Industry leader within the real estate community.

Business advice:“The profession of architecture is a sophisticated mix of art, science, business and human synergistics. Within the environment of the ‘business practice’ of architecture, one needs to have critical considerations of the balance and understanding of those components.

Combining this awareness with experience provides for the evolution of success.”

Dream dinner: “Thomas Jefferson. He was so far ahead of the curve in critical and dynamic thinking for his time.”

Phoenix construction community.

Prior to becoming office director, Woodman spearheaded the science and technology studio in Phoenix for eight years and led the team for nationally recognized projects such as the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Energy Systems Integration Facility.

Business advice: “Be authentic

Hummel co-founded the Phoenix studio in 1996 for Gould Evans, a national practice with six studios across the country. With 30 years of experience as an architect and design leader in the public and private sectors, she is skilled at engaging clients in an intellectual partnership that solves the design problem in an unexpectedly meaningful way.

Superpower: “If could I have any superpower, I would want teleportation. I travel often and long distances for business, spending far too much time waiting to get on and off planes. If I could skip the airports altogether and just will myself to the destination, that would be ideal — nay, life changing.”

Dream dinner: “I would love to sit down with Ursula LeGuin over margaritas at Barrio Café to discuss her book, ‘The Left Hand of Darkness.’”

and hold yourself to the same high standards you expect of your partners and employees. It’s OK to make mistakes, but learn from them, live up to them and don’t repeat them.”

Superpower: “I’m not a Trekkie, but having watched ‘Star Trek’ some growing up, I was fascinated with the idea of travel from one location to the next in the blink of an eye.”

REAL ESTATE

{ BROKER MANAGERS }

LEROY BREINHOLT

FRED DARCHE Managing principal Lee & Associates leearizona.com

President and designated broker Commercial Properties Inc. cpiaz.com

PETE BOLTON

Executive vice president and managing director Newmark Grubb Knight Frank ngkf.com Bolton is a former Army infantry officer who has started two companies and turned around two companies that are still in business. He has been managing director for three major commercial real estate companies.

Business advice: “In order to be successful in our industry, you must find the segment that you have a passion for and then go for it, stick with it and become an industry segment expert. You must have the determination to see yourself through the first few years — they can be extremely frustrating, humiliating, filled with doubting yourself and your decision to do this, day after day.

Find good mentors and know that if you apply yourself, you can be successful in this business.”

Surprising fact: “I am truly an adrenaline junkie.”

Breinholt has more than 29 years of commercial real estate and industrial market experience.

During his tenure as president and designated broker, he has repeatedly been recognized as a top broker in the Valley, while growing the company through various market conditions. For the last 12 years, Breinholt has been named by CoStar as one of the top Phoenix deal makers.

Business advice: “Work harder than anyone else, be honest and treat everyone with respect, even if you don’t care for them.”

Toughest challenge: “Trying to manage a company and remain the top producer so the company could survive. I managed it by hiring an amazing GM that can handle company issues, allowing me to do what I enjoy and do best, which is focus on doing real estate transactions.”

BRYON CARNEY Managing principal Cushman & Wakefield cushmanwakefield.com

Carney has more than 30 years of experience in commercial real estate. He is responsible for the company’s strategic planning and the day-to-day operations.

Under his guidance, the Arizona office of Cushman & Wakefield is one of the largest and most successful commercial brokerage offices in the Southwest.

Business advice: “Change is inevitable and most people struggle with change. So to survive and thrive in today’s completive business environment, you must embrace change not only to improve your performance, but continue to add value to your company. You can choose to change with the times, take advantage of new opportunities in your industry and grow your business, or you can fight the changes, refuse to adapt and watch your business likely perish.”

DENNIS DESMOND Senior managing director JLL us.jll.com/phoenix

Desmond has two distinct roles: leading his own successful investment sales practice within the Phoenix Capital Markets Group and directing the growth of the Phoenix office as a whole. It’s a process that has transformed the team into an award-winning

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Darche specializes in the representation of landlords and tenants specializing in the leasing and sale of office space in the Metropolitan Phoenix real estate market. Darche’s extensive knowledge of the Metropolitan Phoenix market is complemented by thorough analysis and marketing skills involving tenant relocation, tenant expansion, lease negotiations, market analysis and property marketing. These qualities, along with a strong work ethic, have enabled him to become a respected presence within the market. His notable clients include the Dial Corporation, Fennemore Craig, American Express and Twentieth Century Fox. Darche is a licensed Arizona Real Estate Broker and a graduate of University of Arizona. He is an active member of University of Arizona Alumni.

brokerage group providing office, industrial and retail tenant and landlord representation, multifamily investment services, property management services and construction services.

Business advice: “Work hard. Start with the basics and learn them well. Always look at each of your transactions from the perspective of both the buyer/ seller or landlord/tenant to ensure you are making accurate decisions and providing maximum benefit.”

Surprising fact: “I was a Secret Service agent for eight years and protected Presidents Nixon and Ford.”

REAL ESTATE

{ BROKER MANAGERS }

CRAIG HENIG

TERRY MARTIN-DENNING

Senior managing director and Arizona market leader CBRE cbre.com

GARY GREGG Managing principal Cresa cresa.com/phoenix

Gregg is a recognized leader in the industry with extensive experience representing clients in a wide variety of industries.

His areas of expertise include strategic portfolio planning, corporate headquarters transactions, lease renegotiations, build-to-suits, saleleasebacks, dispositions, portfolio repositioning and complex transaction requirements. Gregg formed the Phoenix office in 1999 and his clients range in size from 1,200 square feet locally to 38 million square foot portfolios and include notable companies such as 3M, Sub-Zero Wolf, Insight Enterprises and Fender Guitar.

Professional accomplishment: “Starting the business from scratch 17 years ago is one of my proudest professional accomplishments and watching the growth we’ve had year over year has been incredible.”

Henig not only leads one of the firm’s largest single offices, but he is also solely responsible for executive-level oversight of the company’s entire Arizona operation, including 15 distinct lines of business and more than 450 employees.

Business advice: “Work as hard in a recovery as you would in a downturn. Remember your core values of respect, integrity, service and excellence. You can spend a lifetime building a good reputation, but it only takes one mistake to take all that you’ve worked for away.”

Childhood dreams: “I grew up in the real estate business and it’s been in my blood from Day 1. By observing my father’s hard work and perseverance, it gave me the initiative to embark on my own career in commercial real estate.”

Surprising fact: “I have been to 27 Van Halen concerts.”

BOB MULHERN

Managing director Colliers International colliers.com/greaterphoenix Mulhern oversees brokerage operations of more than 100 professionals in the Phoenix and Scottsdale offices. He has managed

200 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

CEO NAI Horizon naihorizon.com

PERRY LAUFENBERG

Managing director SVN svndesertcommercial.com Laufenberg serves as the managing director, designated broker and cofounding Partner of SVN | Desert Commercial Advisors in Phoenix.

Since entering the commercial real estate industry in 2003, Laufenberg has worked diligently to help his team set and reach their individual sales and income goals.

Professional accomplishment: “Being one of the youngest managing directors in our industry is a point of pride for me. The most rewarding part of my position is helping guide others to success and watching them achieve their personal and financial goals.”

Superpower: “Teleportation.

I love to travel, so that would allow me to explore the world and accomplish all of my personal travel goals and save a few dollars along the way. The morning commute would get easier too.”

brokerage, development and property management organizations, and more than 10 million square feet of commercial property.

Business advice: “I would encourage everyone to take the 2,000 year-old advice from the philosopher, Socrates: ‘Know thyself.’ We all want to be happy and successful in our careers, so it follows that we should identify what we

Martin-Denning has more than 30 years in the industry. She is responsible for the overall strategy of NAI Horizon, providing leadership and direction to ensure consistent high quality results, client satisfaction and on-target financial performance while promoting the vision, culture and professionalism of NAI both internally and externally. She is a leader within the NAI network, serving as past chair of the Western Region Principals group.

Business advice: “Learn to be a good listener and only make promises that you expect to fulfill. Don’t be satisfied with today’s success. Continue learning and setting new lofty goals. Ethics and integrity are more important than any financial gain.”

Surprising fact: “I am a scratch bowler and participate in state and national tournaments.”

enjoy doing and are uniquely qualified to accomplish and spend as much time doing these things as possible.”

Surprising fact: “I am a co-founder of Great Hearts Academies, an Arizona charter management organization which has developed 18 Valley charter schools and has an enrollment of over 10,000 students.”

REAL ESTATE

{ BROKERS INDUSTRIAL }

MARK DETMER

MICHAEL HAENEL

A 22-year industry veteran, Detmer leads the Industrial Capital Markets practice for the Western United States at JLL, specializing in industrial investment sales for institutional clients as well as private owners of real estate.

During his career, Detmer has exclusively represented institutional owners, REITs, sovereign wealth and developers in the acquisition or disposition of office and industrial assets. Globally, he has completed more than $390 billion in transaction volume over the past five years.

Business advice: “Set yourself up to exceed expectations. Put an objective in place at the start of every deal so that you can outline your goals, stay synchronized and accountable so that you can deliver excellence.”

Haenel has more than 32 years of experience in the acquisition, disposition and leasing of industrial, back-office buildings and land in Arizona.

Business advice: “This is not an overnight success type of business.

Get trained by an expert, have a mentor, work 60-plus hours a week, cold call every day, build and nurture relationships, do what you say you’re going to do and eat and sleep commercial real estate until you figure it out.”

Childhood dreams: “My parents were in the real estate business, so that’s the avenue I took. Due to their strong encouragement of making me work during high school/college, I developed a work ethic that’s helped me grind over the past 30 years. If the real estate market ever goes into a free-fall, I do know how to valet cars, bus tables, and deliver pizza.”

Managing director Jones Lang LaSalle jll.com

R. CRAIG COPPOLA

Founding principal Lee & Associates c2advisors.com Coppola is the top producing broker nationally in Lee & Associates’ 36-year history. He is one of the eight founding principals of Lee & Associates Arizona. Coppola specializes in the representation of landlords and tenants in the leasing and sale of office properties. With more than three decades of brokerage experience, Coppola has completed more than 3,500 transactions. Coppola is the author of four books.

Professional accomplishment: “I was awarded the William J. Lee Lifetime Achievement Award last October. I have always wanted this business to be my career.

This award is a validation of three decades of focused hard work.”

Dream dinner: “Milton Friedman. I find his thoughts, ideas, and explanations of why free enterprise is the only option to be the most compelling I have ever seen.”

Executive managing director Cushman & Wakefield cushwake.com

PAT FEENEY

Senior vice president CBRE cbre.com Feeney specializes in the sale and lease of single and multitenant industrial properties, land sales, build-to-suit projects, investment property sales and landlord and tenant representation assignments throughout metropolitan Phoenix. Entering his 31st year in commercial real estate, Feeney has brokered more than 3,000 transactions worth more than $300 million in total consideration.

Business advice: “Suit up for every game. Get there early, stay late and ask aWs many questions as you can. Get up the next day and repeat this procedure — and always remember to have fun along the way.”

Surprising fact: “I try to read 50 books a year of all genres and types. Spy novels are a favorite, as I plan international trips for my wife and me based on ideas I find in some of these books. ”

ROB MARTENSEN

Senior vice president Colliers International colliers.com/rob.martensen

Martensen is a Phoenix native and a graduate of Brophy Prep and ASU. Martensen joined Colliers International in 1997 and has spent his entire career with Colliers as an industrial broker. Martensen specializes in helping industrial developers, investors

202 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

and users find opportunities in Phoenix, as well as helping institutional and private clients lease and sell industrial buildings.

Professional accomplishment: “I am one of only 10 people in Arizona that hold both the CCIM and SIOR designations. The CCIM designation is rewarding because the curriculum was very difficult. The SIOR designation is earned through a number of factors including, experience, education, gross fee income and, most importantly, peer recommendations. That to me, is the most rewarding.”

When it comes to real estate, we see potential everywhere. CBRE turns scale into strength, expense into performance, and property into prosperity. How can we help you transform your real estate into real advantage?

Phoenix Office 602 735 5555 www.cbre.com/phoenix

Tucson Office 520 323 5100 www.cbre.com/tucson

Build on Advantage

REAL ESTATE

{ CITY MANAGERS }

ED ZUERCHER

BRIAN DALKE, CECD

City manager City of Phoenix phoenix.gov

KEVIN PHELPS City manager City of Glendale glendaleaz.com

Phelps brings more than 30 years of private sector experience and 18 years of government sector experience to the city’s top management job. Phelps was appointed as Glendale’s city manager in February of 2016. For the past six years, Phelps has been the highest-ranking appointed official in Pierce County, Washington, an area that includes greater Tacoma and is the state’s second-largest county.

Phelps was previously a deputy auditor in the Washington State Auditor’s Office and served for seven years as an elected council member for the city of Tacoma. Prior to his tenure in government, Phelps spent decades in the private sector as founder and managing general partner of the Landmark Convention Center, which is also in Tacoma.

Zuercher oversees the largest council-manager form of government in the United States with 14,500 employees serving 1.5 million residents.

Working with the Phoenix City Council, he’s responsible for a budget of $3.2 billion.

Zuercher encourages employees to “do what matters” by working smarter, saving money aggressively and treating customers with kindness.

Childhood dreams: “Probably like other kids, I started out wanting to be a firefighter. But my mom was a teacher and my dad was an administrator (of a hospital). At different times, I wanted to be each of those. In fact, I have had both jobs in my career.”

Business advice: “Never believe that you are the only one with good ideas; solutions come from shared effort, ideas and collaboration.”

City manager City of Goodyear goodyearaz.gov

STEPHEN CLEVELAND City manager City of Buckeye buckeyeaz.gov

Cleveland is an accomplished leader with 39 years of public and private experience. He has a master’s degree in public administration from ASU and a bachelor’s degree in community services and public affairs from the University of Oregon.

Toughest challenge: “The economy and declining revenues caused me to cut 200 jobs. This meant cutting good people and having the remaining people shoulder more work. To address the problems, staff took salary cuts, and the community supported some tax increases. Today, we have rebounded and have 440 employees and a healthy budget.”

Surprising fact: “While attending University of Oregon, I worked summers for the Hanna Nickel Smelting Company, sweeping floors in a smelter five days a week in 100-degree summer heat.”

CHRIS BRADY City manager City of Mesa mesaaz.gov

With more than 25 years of public sector management experience, Brady is the chief administrative officer of a municipality with approximately 3,500 employees, an annual operating and capital budget of $1.2 billion and a population of 450,000 residents. Working with

204 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Dalke is the city manager of the sixth-fastest-growing city in the U.S. He received the prestigious 2014 AAED William Lampkin Long Term Excellence in Economic Development Award and is a Certified Economic Developer.

Business advice: “Build a team of positive, motivated employees.

If you make mistakes, admit them, fix them and move on. Have mentors throughout your life to coach you, share ideas and hold you accountable. Take time to pray.”

Business advice: “Helping to manage the city during the Great Recession at a time when revenues plummeted and development stalled. In collaboration with employees and City Council, we reduced costs and stabilized revenues. This fiscally conservative approach allowed us to maintain services and emerge from the recession in a strong position.”

the mayor, city council, business and community leaders and residents, he has been instrumental in improving the city’s financial and budgeting models earning the respect of his peers, and more importantly, Mesa residents. These efforts included the passage of several capital bond initiatives for streets and public safety, with debt service being tied to a secondary property tax (the first in more than 65 years). The city’s general obligation bond rating was upgraded by Standard and Poor’s Rating Service to AA.

REAL ESTATE

{ REAL ESTATE CONTRACTORS }

MIKE BONTRAGER

DAVE CRAWFORD CEO Sundt Construction, Inc. sundt.com

Senior vice president Adolfson & Peterson Construction a-p.com

PETER BERG Project executive DPR Construction dpr.com

A design-builder and leader in sustainable construction for DPR Construction’s Phoenix office, Berg offers a wealth of expertise in all phases of research and development, higher education, healthcare, advanced technology, commercial and sustainable construction. Berg joined DPR in 1996. As DPR’s first Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Accredited Professionals (LEED AP) in Arizona, Berg is committed to environmentally responsible construction and uniting great teams to build sustainably. He is an active member of DesignBuild Institute of America, Lean Construction Institute, Arizona U.S. Green Building Council Chapter, Alliance for Construction Excellence, DPR Construction’s National DesignBuild Team and the Arizona Chapter Board of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business.

As senior vice president, Bontrager is responsible for Adolfson & Peterson’s strategic direction and overall growth of the business. His extensive resume in the industry spans more than three decades, serving in numerous positions along the way. Bontrager received his degree in construction engineering from Iowa State University and serves on numerous associations, including Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce board of directors, The Better Business Bureau board of directors, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Phoenix Community Alliance, Sky Harbor Coalition and Leading Age Arizona. Adolfson & Peterson is a privately held firm that is consistently ranked among the Top 50 construction managers and general contractors in the nation.

CASEY CARTIER President and CEO Jokake Construction Services, Inc. jokake.com

Cartier’s strategic vision focuses on two fundamental aspects – providing leadership and growth opportunities

206 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

BO CALBERT

President, Southwest Division McCarthy Building Companies mccarthy.com Calbert oversees McCarthy’s construction operations throughout the southwest, including Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah.

He is also responsible for the company’s expansion into new markets and growing existing sectors. During his 30-plus years in construction, his diverse experience is instrumental in establishing and growing the company’s presence in the region.

Business advice: “Honesty is always the best policy. No matter what’s happening and how difficult it may be to explain an issue with a client, partner or employee, being honest about the circumstance and owning your part of an issue will allow everyone involved to address and resolve an issue and importantly, learn from it. Honesty is also at the core of trust, which is invaluable in every relationship.”

for the company’s team members and elevating Jokake’s reputation as a sophisticated builder and player in the commercial real estate market. He oversees and manages local and regional construction operations for the company and is the champion of Jokake’s stakeholder model. This includes expanding opportunities with related industry partners,

Crawford has been in the construction industry and affiliated with the Sundt family of companies since 1968. He was named to his current position in 2011. He is a registered Professional Civil Engineer in the states of Arizona, Colorado and Texas, and has held a number of high-level positions in industry groups.

Business advice: “The one thing to keep in mind is that it is always about the people.

Not only do you have to have a passion for building, but you need to be passionate about the teams, organizations and the communities in which we live and work.

It is also important to be creative and innovative in trying to provide ever changing services to the owners and business partners that comprise your team.”

including architects, developers and construction managers.

Dream dinner: “Ferdinand Magellan.

He had the conviction to prove the world wasn’t flat. What made him challenge conventional wisdom and how did he convinced his crew to trust him? We’d go to Steak 44 because after that long at sea, who wouldn’t love a great steak and glass of red wine?”

REAL ESTATE

{ REAL ESTATE CONTRACTORS }

CHRIS HARRISON

BEN STROBL

Vice president, Southwest operations JE Dunn Construction jedunn.com

Executive vice president and Arizona general manager The Weitz Company weitz.com

ANDREW GEIER Executive vice president Layton Construction laytonconstruction.com

Geier is an executive vice president at Layton Construction, a nationally-ranked commercial contractor with offices in seven states including Arizona. In 2005, at the age of 29, Geier was promoted to business unit leader over Layton’s Arizona interior construction group becoming the youngest business unit leader in the company’s history.

Today, along with his business partner, Geier leads all of Layton’s Arizona construction activities with an emphasis on business development, pre-construction and strategic planning.

Superpower: “Is being a Jedi a superpower? If yes, then that’s what I choose. The Jedi mind trick would come in handy in almost every business situation.

I could move objects with my mind and I get to carry a lightsaber. Count me in.”

Harrison is the executive vice president and general manager for Weitz’s Arizona office. With more than 29 years of industry experience at Weitz, he has held numerous leadership roles, including leading the Nebraska office and national business units prior to coming to Arizona.

He has earned two degrees from Iowa State University in construction engineering and civil engineering.

Business advice: “Learn to be a great communicator; it is what we do every day in this business.

If you’re in college, take all the speech classes and opportunities to present when you get the chance. Learn not only to speak, but to listen intently.”

Superpower: “Who wouldn’t want to fly? Talk about getting a great perspective looking down at our projects when you literally fly by.”

DAN PIERCE President Kitchell kitchell.com

Pierce joined Kitchell 35 years ago, right out of college, as a project engineer. He has advanced from project manager to healthcare division

208 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

JOHN LARGAY President Wespac Construction wespacaz.com

Largay leads Wespac Construction with nearly 30 years of contracting experience. His dedication to client service and quality construction sets the standard for all Wespac staff members.

Throughout his career, Largay has focused his efforts on proactive construction strategies and sound management techniques.

Childhood dreams: “I wanted to be the bassist for Bob Marley’s backing band. He still plays with The Wailers and they have played the McDowell Mountain Music Festival, which is produced by Wespac.”

Surprising fact: “Some people call me ‘Farmer John.’ I grow a lot of my own produce and preach about the importance of a sustainable civilization. Providing one’s own power, food, shelter is most beneficial for conserving the earth’s environment and I hold that as one of many personal philosophies.”

senior vice president, and today serves as president of Kitchell Contractors Inc. He was instrumental in building the company’s healthcare division, nurturing the medical technology planning division and expanding the virtual construction group.

Business advice: “There will be good days and there will be bad days; it is

Strobl leads JE Dunn’s Southwest division and is responsible for driving strategic initiatives and objectives in the region, while remaining true to the company’s core values. He has been in the construction industry for more than 20 years; 18 of which have been with JE Dunn. Having worked across the United States, Strobl has a diverse resume of project experience, ranging from justice facilities and data centers to gaming, residential, office, healthcare and more.

Business advice: “Building relationships based on integrity and trust is of utmost importance. The construction business is a small world and burning bridges can quickly earn you a bad reputation in this business. Go the extra mile to do it right every time if you plan to have any long term success in this business.”

how you rebound from the tough times that will create the best success.”

Dream dinner: “I would take Sam Kitchell to the Hotel Valley Ho to dine, so we could talk about how much the Arizona landscape has changed since Kitchell original built that hotel.”

Surprising fact: “I am the grandfather of four, three of whom are triplets.”

REAL ESTATE

{ REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS }

DAVID SELLERS

SHARON HARPER

Sellers is the owner, president, and CEO of LGE. LGE is full-service design/build commercial construction company that is the parent company of its construction company, LGE Design Build, and its architectural firm, LGE Design Group. Since 1994, LGE has completed more than 900 projects totaling more than 18 million square feet.

Superpower: “I would like to read people’s minds. I bet I would get more deals done if I was a mind reader. ” Surprising fact: “I was diagnosed with colon cancer when I was 29 and spent the next 12 months going through various types of chemo, all while working full time during the recession of 2007. Not many people know this since at the time I didn’t want that kind of attention. Now that I am 100 percent clear and healthy, I am more open to discussing it.”

Harper leads Plaza Companies, a dynamic and multi-faceted real estate investment and services firm, involved in healthcare, senior housing and bioscience and biotechnology sectors. Harper is trustee for the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, The McCain Institute for International Leadership with ASU, chairman of Greater Phoenix Leadership, an ASU trustee, past chair of Banner Health Foundation and on the executive board for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council.

Dream dinner: “I would have dinner with John Quincy Adams, but must admit he is a distant relative. I live by something he said and it would be great to discuss it over dinner.

The quote is as follows: ‘If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.’”

President LGE Corporation lgedesignbuild.com

JOHN GRAHAM President Sunbelt Holdings sunbeltholdings.com

Sunbelt has been a recognized leader in real estate development, management and investment throughout the Southwest since 1979. Sunbelt has developed more than 50,000 acres of land during the past 30 years and some of the Valley’s most beloved residential communities, including McDowell Mountain Ranch, Power Ranch and Vistancia and commercial projects Phoenix Gateway Center, Hayden Ferry Lakeside and the PV|303.

Business advice: “Be patient, work hard and always treats others kindly and with respect.”

Toughest challenge: “The downturn of the 1980s that included life with the RTC was my darkest time by far. I took the tumble far too personally and it took a toll on my physical and mental health. I was lucky to have strong people around me who helped pick up the pieces and move forward.”

JIM SWANSON CEO Kitchell kitchell.com

Since 2008, Swanson has led Kitchell as it expanded into new practices, fostering a spirit of collaboration and innovation among a 950-member

210 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Chairman, president and CEO Plaza Companies theplazaco.com

JOHN STRITTMATTER Chairman, Southwest Ryan Companies US, Inc. ryancompanies.com

As chairman of Ryan’s Southwest Division, Strittmatter continues to manage the development and construction of Marina Heights, the more than two-million-squarefoot corporate campus, along with other select projects. He remains an integral part of the division by providing industry-leading quality, integrity and professionalism to ensure that future projects are consistent with Ryan’s objective of building lasting relationships.

Superpower: “I would want to fly so that I could very easily complete real estate site searches and/or tour Ryan construction sites around the Valley.”

Dream dinner: “As chairman of the board of trustees for Brophy College Prep, a Jesuit boys school in Phoenix, I would love to have dinner with the first Jesuit pope, Pope Francis, to discuss education.”

workforce that spans the western and southwestern U.S. Swanson co-chairs with Gov. Doug Ducey the Classrooms First Initiative Council, is on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council board, Teach for America Phoenix board and Greater Phoenix Leadership board.

Professional accomplishment: “I came into this role during a very

tumultuous and challenging time in the industry. Our employee ownership model means we focus first and foremost on creating value and protecting our shareholder investments. I’m proud that we’ve managed to enhance shareholder value every year and continue this trajectory through careful planning, innovation and great execution.”

REAL ESTATE

{ ENGINEERS }

PATRICK EDWARDS

ROBERT LEMKE JR.

Vice president Burns & McDonnell Engineering Company, Inc. burnsmcd.com

GREGG CREASER, P.E.

President and CEO Speedie & Associates Inc. speedie.net Creaser is president and CEO and Geotechnical Division manager, providing consulting engineering services for private and public entities. He manages company-wide geotechnical operations for S&A’s three Arizona offices — located in Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff.

Creaser has been instrumental in the firm’s growth since its inception in 1980.

Professional accomplishment: “Being able to say I’ve been with Speedie & Associates from Day 1, when we started with just three employees and then flashing forward to becoming an owner, taking the ball and running with it and helping grow the company to 120-plus people.”

Dream dinner: “Henry David Thoreau to ask if lakeside living is all it’s cracked up to be. I would take him to Four Peaks Restaurant. A few strong beers might open up the conversation.”

Edwards, vice president and regional office manager, directs the course of major projects delivered across Arizona and the Southwest. With more than 25 years of experience, his focus includes facilities with critical operations, including large-scale power generation projects, manufacturing, controls upgrades, research and educational laboratories and federal administration. Edwards excels in managing all aspects of the spectrum, from advisor through construction. He is a stickler for accountability and insists on consistent and concise communication from his team.

The engineering firm’s regional revenue in 2015 rose nearly 20 percent over the previous year.

Business advice: “Don’t get into a deal unless you can control the outcome. Otherwise, you’re just along for ride.”

CEO AZTEC Engineering Group, Inc. aztec.us

PAUL HOSKIN

Principal and water resources director Hoskin Ryan Consultants hoskinryan.com Hoskin has more than 32 years of experience in the field of hydrology, hydraulics, drainage master planning and floodplain management. He has worked on several master drainage plans, storm drainage system design and floodplain delineation studies for multiple private and public clients throughout Arizona. His graduate research study was in the use of sediment transport techniques including the use of HEC-6. He also has experience in the use of TR-20, TR-55, HEC-1, HEC-2 and HEC-RAS. He has acted as project engineer and project manager with responsibilities for technical analysis, report writing and project control. He earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from Arizona State University.

CLIFFORD PAUL Principal PK Associates, LLC pkastructural.com

Paul is a partner in the structural engineering firm PK Associates and holds professional registrations in 34 states. He graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder Campus in 1977 with a degree in architectural

212 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Lemke is a 1986 graduate of North Dakota State University with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. He moved to the Phoenix area in 1987 and became a profession engineer in 1991.

In May 1997, he went to work at AZTEC as a senior vice president and was promoted to CEO in October of 2006.

Business advice: “Never settle for second place. The extra little effort in the quality of your work or work product can set you apart from the competition and will open doors to many opportunities.”

Surprising fact: “During the summers of my junior and senior years of high school, I worked at the street department for a small town in North Dakota replacing the bottom slabs of active sewer manholes. I took a lot of pride in my work even though no one else would see the final product.”

engineering, majoring in structural engineering. Paul also completed graduate level courses toward a Masters in Architecture. In 1992, he joined forces with Jack Koehler to form Paul Koehler Consulting Structural Engineers, Inc., later to become PK Associates, LLC. In the past 38 years, Paul has gained extensive experience in structural design, analysis, investigation and renovation of buildings in both private and public market sectors.

Business advice: “Meet all deadlines. Follow through with what you say. Listen to the client. Never say ‘can’t.’”

REAL ESTATE

{ ENGINEERS }

DAVID SKINNER

SCOT SCHLUND

Vice president and area operations manager HDR hdrinc.com

THOMAS RYAN

Principal Hoskin Ryan Consultants, Inc. hoskinryan.com Ryan has more than 30 years of experience in Arizona, which is comprehensive and extensive in the field of land development.

His project experience includes numerous large master planned communities, residential developments ranging from low density to high density, commercial, and industrial projects. Ryan’s approach to project management is grounded in the responsibility and accountability of all the aspects of the project, including the initial survey work, planning, preliminary plat/preliminary site planning, engineering — sewer, water, grading, paving, drainage, final plat — and the preparation of the construction documents. Ryan establishes working relationships with the reviewing agency by engaging them early on in the project and including them as a valuable member of the team.

Skinner graduated from Washington State University in 1991 and began his career as a roadway design engineer for the Washington State Department of Transportation. He opened an office for HDR in Olympia, Wash., in 2001 and relocated to Arizona in 2012.

Business advice: “Have the drive to push boundaries and the integrity to do the right thing for the right reasons. Be willing to take risks, continually seek mentors and listen to experience before taking action.”

Dream dinner: “I would have dinner at Elote in Sedona with Abraham Lincoln because I would enjoy his perspective on our current presidential race and show off the Sedona scenic views with a great margarita.”

Surprising fact: My childhood neighbor and best friend was Kurt Cobain, who turned into a rock star with Nirvana.

DARREL WOOD

Founding principal Wood, Patel & Associates Inc. woodpatel.com Wood has more than 30 years of experience serving clients in the private and public works sectors, particularly related to entitlement work and

214 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Managing senior principal, water Stantec Consulting Services Inc. stantec.com

RYAN WEED President and CEO Coe & Van Loo Consultants Inc. cvlci.com

Weed became president of CVL in January 2015, previously holding the title of executive vice president. He has more than 20 years of experience in planning, zoning, preliminary and final design, and construction documents in the hospitality, retail, residential, commercial, solar and energy sectors. Weed directs his teams to think creatively and solve problems in ways that benefit agencies, communities and clients.

Superpower: “Mind Reading.

No explanation needed. ” Dream dinner: “Charles Barkley, at CK Bar and Grill in Chandler, participating in a chicken wing eating contest. He is probably one of the few people that could beat me and he seems to have great perspective on any topic. I’d like to see him tackle engineering.”

challenging drainage assignments. As a founding principal of Wood/Patel, Wood is involved in the day-to-day operations of the firm, as well as sharing his knowledge and expertise on a variety of ongoing projects. Wood/ Patel supports the community through financial contributions, donating professional services and volunteering to worthy causes.

Schlund is the managing leader of the Water Practice for five Stantec offices in the Southwest. He brings together 100 skilled staff to take on challenging water projects that ultimately benefit the community.

Leadership style: “I work with highly skilled individuals where we have a dialog, not a monolog. That is crucial in building trust.”

Toughest challenge: “The recession has been a challenge that most us have faced. I believe our reputation for service and quality of work helped sustain us locally.

We also learned we can reach beyond our local market. Being part of a large company that promotes worksharing is vital.”

Surprising fact: “In high school, I was a longhaired drummer in a rock band. We played at school dances.”

Business philosophy: “Clients need positive results without surprises.

As a firm, we empower our team members to best serve our clients and create win-win relationships. We do this by being committed, hardworking and personable, all balanced with a skill set of competitive, expertise and client service.”

REAL ESTATE

{ ENVIRONMENTAL }

BRETT CREASER

KEN HOUSER

Senior vice president and CFO Speedie & Associates, Inc. speedie.net

CARLA CONSOLI Partner Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie LLP lrrc.com

Consoli leads her firm’s regulatory and government practice and advises clients regarding the environment and natural resources, including commercial developers, international mining companies, manufacturers and investors. In 2013, Consoli was named one of Az Business magazine’s “50 Most Influential Women in Arizona Business” and was listed among The International Who’s Who of Environmental Lawyers.

Business advice: “Listen carefully and attentively.

Spend the time to learn. Be compassionate. Deliver early.

Presume goodwill. Take vacations.”

Childhood dreams: “I wanted to be a marine biologist, a tennis star or a lawyer. I became stupidly afraid of science too early and didn’t work hard enough on the court. Now, I am working hard in court and with science every day and loving it.”

Creaser is senior vice president and CFO and Field Services Division manager with overall responsibility for the administration and execution of all construction materials testing and inspection services performed by the firm, including northern satellite offices. It is Creaser’s ultimate responsibility for ensuring that adequate personnel and other resources are made available for each project and for the quality and timeliness of Speedie & Associates overall performance: administratively, technically and financially.

In addition, Creaser provides principal oversight in all financial transactions of the firm and performs review of the majority of contractual matters. Creaser’s career started in 1978 with Speedie & Associates’ predecessor firm, Halpert Associates.

Senior principal Southwest

SWCAEnvironmentalConsultants.com

KAREN GAYLORD

Partner Jennings, Haug & Cunningham, LLP JHC-Law.com Gaylord has nearly 30 years of environmental law experience.

Through her career, she has handled the legal challenges associated with permitting projects, Brownfield property developments, federal and state Superfund cleanups, as well as water quality, air quality and solid and hazardous waste issues. She assists clients with the most complex remediation projects in Arizona.

Business advice: “I advise other lawyers to never underestimate the importance of technology. We can’t fall behind in use of important new software and hardware as our clients move forward.”

Superpower: “Super strength, to help my dragonboat team to victory. I love winning medals.”

Surprising fact: “I lived in Japan for many years.”

KELLIE HUSTON

Principal Owner Huston Environmental Services hustonenvironmental.com Huston is principal owner of Huston Environmental Services. Huston is a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) and has 14 years environmental experience. Huston is an approved Maricopa County Dust Control Trainer and provides Rule 310 Comprehensive and Basic Training. She has

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Houser is the senior principal for SWCA’s Southwest operations encompassing offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, Las Vegas, Reno, Albuquerque, Durango, and Carlsbad. He is based in Phoenix. Throughout his career, he has served as a project manager or senior technical adviser on hundreds of natural resource management and NEPA projects. He is also adept in managing environmental assessments and environmental impact statements, having completed such documents for agencies including FERC, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service and Department of Defense. An expert in Clean Water Act regulations, Houser has overseen site investigations, regulatory compliance, and permitting for various water supply and utility projects.

performed a multitude of site inspections for compliance with environmental regulations. Many of these reviews have been performed under a third-party contract for client confidentiality purposes. Huston’s experience includes preparation and review of air quality permits, environmental compliance audits, training and site inspections. Her experience comes from a variety of sources, including industrial, commercial, home builders and associated subcontractors, and public agencies.

REAL ESTATE

{ INVESTMENT TRUST }

THOMAS NOLAN

GLENN RUFRANO

Nolan joined Spirit in September 2011. Prior to joining Spirit, Nolan worked for General Growth Properties, Inc., serving as a director for six years and as president and COO for the last two years while at GGP. Nolan was a member of the senior management team that led GGP’s reorganization and emergence from bankruptcy, which included the restructuring of project-level debt, payment in full of all of GGP’s pre-petition creditors and the securing of equity commitments. Prior to his work with GGP, Nolan served for four years as a principal and CFO of Loreto Bay Company, the developer of the Loreto Bay master planned community in Baja, California.

For more than 20 years, Nolan held various financial positions with AEW Capital Management, L.P., a national real estate investment advisor.

Since joining the organization, Rufrano reconstituted the board of directors, formalized the VEREIT management team and introduced a business plan to guide the company’s strategy. Under his leadership, the company changed its name to VEREIT, moved its listing to the NYSE and implemented a company-wide business approach based on discipline, transparency and consistency.

Professional accomplishment: “I take most pride in creating value. That accomplishment for me has been most satisfying in starting a business and growing it to profitable levels for investors and associates (as I witnessed as a founder of The O’Connor Group in 1983) and leading back to profitability an existing company which had lost its way (demonstrated as CEO of New Plan Excel Realty Trust, Centro Properties Inc. and Cushman & Wakefield).”

Chairman and CEO Spirit Finance REIT spiritrealty.com

MATTHEW MOONEY

Vice president and managing director Parkway Properties, Inc. pky.com Mooney has managed the Phoenix office of Parkway Properties since 2007. During his tenure, he has sourced $300 million in acquisitions and development and consummated more than 200 lease transactions. He is deeply involved in the Phoenix community, serving as programs chair for the board of NAIOPArizona, chair of the Downtown Tempe Authority, Advisory Council member of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council and as a Phoenix Thunderbird.

Dream dinner: “William Wilberforce, because he led one of the most important causes in history to a successful completion. Despite encountering overwhelming difficulty and resistance, he had a relentless joy and strength of spirit that by all accounts, commanded respect even among his detractors.”

CEO VEREIT, Inc. VEREIT.com

SCOTT PETERS

Chairman, CEO and president Healthcare Trust of America htareit.com Peters founded HTA in 2006 and has grown it into one of the largest dedicated owners of medical office buildings in the U.S. with more than 14.1 million square feet, invested assets of more than $3 billion and an enterprise value of approximately $4 billion. HTA is the third real estate company Peters has grown and taken public.

Business advice: “Find an opportunity that allows you the ability to be a sponge and learn as much about everything and anything and take a risk professionally. You should always be in over your head.”

Surprising fact: “I would have liked to have been a college coach of basketball, football, or hockey, to help the young leaders of tomorrow shape their character, principles and integrity in preparation to become successful individuals and business professionals.”

CHRISTOPHER VOLK President and CEO STORE Capital storecapital.com

Volk co-founded STORE Capital in May 2011 and serves as STORE Capital’s president and CEO. STORE, which was listed on the New York Sock Exchange in 2014, is the third Arizona-based, NYSE-listed company Volk has led. Prior to forming STORE Capital, Volk

218 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

co-founded Spirit Finance Corporation. Earlier, Volk served as president of Franchise Finance Corporation of America.

Business advice: “Get a broad exposure to the business, learn how to write well, present well, sell well and solve problems.”

Toughest challenge: “Prevailing in the face of needless litigation. My wife, family and friends helped me to overcome this and move forward.”

Surprising fact: “ I majored in European history and French in college.”

REAL ESTATE

{ RETAIL OWNER OPERATOR }

SCOTT NELSON

MICHAEL POLLACK

Nelson currently works as vice president of development for Westcor, where he manages regional retail development and redevelopment projects in Arizona. He has more than 12 years experience in real estate and management consulting.

Prior to his position at Westcor, Nelson was with Ernst & Young’s Management Consulting practice, where he worked with several Fortune 500 companies to implement business best practices. He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute and Valley Partnership, where he participates on the ULI Arizona Steering Committee and Valley Partnership board. He is also an active member of the International Council of Shopping Centers.

Nelson received a MBA from the University of Southern California and a BBA from Emory University in Atlanta.

For more than 40 years, Pollack has specialized in all aspects of retail, commercial, multifamily and single-family real estate developments, including ownership, management, construction and leasing of various types of real estate projects in Arizona, California and Nevada. Pollack has been named “Best Owner/ Operator for Retail Properties” in Arizona since 2005 by Ranking Arizona.

Superpower: “It would be the ability to cure people that are sick. In my lifetime, I have witnessed the unbearable powerless feeling of watching loved ones sick, seeing children with incurable diseases battle for answers and the elderly struggle to live forgetting their precious pasts. I would want to make a difference with the super power that would end pain and bring peace and joy into the world.”

Vice president of development Macerich westcor.com

MARTIN DE RITO CEO De Rito Partners, Inc. derito.com

De Rito formed De Rito Partners, Inc. in 1992 and it has grown to become one of the largest retail brokerage firms in Arizona. The company consists of five entities — De Rito Partners, De Rito Partners Development, De Rito Property Management, DP Opportunity Investors De Rito Land Development.

Business advice: “At the end of the day, you must be very persistent day in and day out.

Look for solutions that benefit both parties and remember that every day is but a small life.”

Childhood dreams: “I grew up in the Bronx going to Catholic School. I started working when I was in the sixth grade for my mom and dad in the restaurant business. So, it’s no surprise that while working for Grubb & Ellis as a retail leasing agent, I started my first restaurant called Cajun Joe’s.”

PAUL RHODES

President of management services Vestar vestar.com Rhodes, a founding principal of Vestar, oversees construction for its operations. Rhodes has been responsible for the construction of

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Founder and CEO Michael A. Pollack Real Estate Investments pollackinvestments.com

JAMES PEDERSON

Founder and chairman Pederson Group Inc. pedersoninc.com The objectives of any organization start with the philosophy and goals of the owner. A native Arizonan, Pederson started his career as administrative assistant to the mayor of Phoenix after receiving bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arizona. His experience in real estate development began as vice president of the Grossman Company and then vice president of operations for Westcor, Inc. After 10 years experience with these shopping center developers, Pederson began his own company in 1983. Since that time, the company has grown to be among the premier retail developers in the southwest. Pederson has been awarded the CSM (Certified Shopping Center Manager) and CMD (Certified Marketing Director) by the International Council of Shopping Centers.

more than 95 shopping centers, in excess of 21.5 million square feet.

Business advice: “Someone in the retail construction industry needs the experience to succeed. This experience will highlight means and methods, how things are built and how projects are put together. And just as important are project schedules and budgets and

how projects are developed.”

Dream dinner: “Dinner with Ronald Reagan. While attending college at ASU, he was elected president of the United States. I believed in what he stood for at that time and I would be very interested in his perspective on the world today — ISIS, Millennials and their view of the world and why.”

REAL ESTATE

{ PROPERTY ASSET MANAGEMENT }

JACKIE HINES

ALISA TIMM

Vice president, group manager JLL us.jll.com

SUE CANNON Senior vice president Cushman & Wakefield cushmanwakefield.com

Cannon has more than 20 years of experience as a licensed real estate professional leading, managing and overseeing property management services for institutional and large investor owners in Arizona.

She has experience creating and supervising teams of property managers, accountants and maintenance personnel, as well as presenting property strategies to institutional owners for multimillion square foot portfolios. She is responsible for strategic business planning and management of client relationships.

Business advice: “Take problems and challenges head on. Do not delay. In asset management, a quick response with complete communication — whether positive or negative — will produce a more optimal resolution and serve to build relationships.”

Hines oversees the firm’s management business for Arizona, providing support and guidance to the local property management team and assisting JLL’s regional director in pursuing new business opportunities and growing market share. Hines also applies her market expertise as she directly manages several key local projects, including two prominent Class A office properties in Scottsdale and two large industrial centers in Phoenix. In these roles, Hines oversees all tenant leases and tenant improvement projects, and holds complete operational and financial responsibility, requiring strong relationship skills and a broad understanding of Arizona’s major commercial real estate markets and property types.

ANDI ST. JOHN Managing director of asset services CBRE cbre.com/phoenix

St. John has been with the company for more than 19 years. She oversees CBRE’s real estate professionals who

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Director of management services, Desert West Region Lincoln Property Company lpcphx.com

PATRICK MCGINLEY

President of management services Vestar vestar.com McGinley oversees all operations for Vestar’s 23 million square feet under management. He graduated from the University of Arizona in 1985, with a major in finance. He has worked in the real estate field since that time in the areas of development, property management and leasing, and commercial lending. He joined Vestar in 1989 and has been involved in the significant growth of its property management division. He is a member of many civic and philanthropic organizations in the Valley.

Business advice: “Be multifaceted and indispensable to your clients, and employers should treat everyone with respect.”

Childhood dreams: “A psychologist. It was a huge benefit to my career. The ability to listen, find common ground and amicably solve problems is crucial in our business.”

are responsible for the management of office, industrial and retail assets in more than1.3 million square feet of real estate in the Phoenix Metropolitan area.

Business advice: “Work hard and be accountable. Don’t make excuses, just commit to getting the job done right.”

Childhood dreams: “I thought it would be cool to be a semi-truck

After starting her career in Denver, Timm moved to Phoenix in 1985, working as a life insurance company portfolio manager. In 1991 she launched Trust Realty Advisors and in 2010 was recruited to establish and grow Cassidy Turley’s Phoenix property management portfolio to more than 3 million square feet.

She joined Lincoln Property Company in 2013, growing its four-state portfolio to more than 7 million square feet and increasing gross revenue by more than 50 percent in 12 months.

Childhood dreams: “Real estate is in my blood. As a child, I’d drive to properties with my dad, a retired mortgage banker. He modeled the importance of staying upto-date on market trends, continuing to educate yourself throughout your career, putting the client first and surrounding yourself with a great team.”

driver. I was influenced by movies like ‘Smokey and the Bandit’ and the CB radio in our car. My handle was ‘The Little Saint.’

Surprising fact: “I’m the ‘crazy aunt’ who takes the kids in my life to ride roller coasters, play in the mud or spend all day at a water park. And I’ll always have gum.”

REAL ESTATE

{ SUBCONTRACTORS }

JAMES DINAN

JERRY BUESING

Dinan leads Bel-Aire Mechanical, which was founded in 1986 as a full service HVAC, mechanical and plumbing contractor.

It is now the largest private and locally owned signatory mechanical/plumbing contractor in the state of Arizona.

Business advice: “Develop a company culture that consistently strives for employee motivated safety, superior craft training, continuous education courses, advancement opportunities, employment longevity and the highest level of customer service possible.”

Professional accomplishment: “Many of our fast-track and complex projects – while very challenging on the entire organization – are very satisfying when successfully completed.

Customer and client satisfaction is always first and foremost at Bel-Aire Mechanical.”

Buesing began working in the construction industry at age 16 years in Minnesota. After years in the industry, he and his brother founded Buesing Corp., which he later moved to Arizona, developing a reputation for taking on difficult projects.

Business advice: “Be willing to start from the bottom and work your way to the top position in the company. Along the way, contribute as much as you can to that position, that department and the company.”

Toughest challenge: “Adjusting to economic trends. I overcame that challenge by diversifying the company to ensure that regardless of what was happening in the economy the business would survive and even thrive.”

Surprising fact: “I started this business 50 years ago.”

Owner, president and CEO Bel-Aire Mechanical belairemechanical.com

JERRY BARNIER President Suntec Concrete suntecconcrete.com

Barnier is an ex-farm boy from Washington state that couldn’t take the wet so he headed out.

After leaving and spending one season as a ski bum in Jackson Hole, he hitch-hiked to Phoenix, where he started his career in concrete. In 1984, after working at Artcraft for a few years, Barnier bought their concrete division and started Suntec Concrete.

Business advice: “If you do not love risk, do not be in the business.”

Toughest challenge: “The 1989 crash in Arizona was a good dose of reality. For a five-year-old company, we went from 125 people to 28. It was a great lesson. We were lean and young, but it tested us and prepared us for the roller coaster ride of this business.”

Childhood dreams: “A farmer or a carpenter. Not exactly a big dreamer.”

STEVEN HOOVER

President, maintenance division SiteWorks siteworksllc.net Hoover joined the team of landscape professionals at SiteWorks as partner and maintenance dvision

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President and CEO Buesing Corp. buesingcorp.com

RON HARMAN Vice president and general manager Coreslab Structures coreslab.com

To achieve success in life, you must surround yourself with great people/mentors and Harman says he has been been fortunate to do just that. His high school and college coaches inspired him to play and coach football, which he says taught him the value of teamwork, strategic planning and how to apply the tactical aspect of a plan.

Business advice: “Join a company that has a culture of continually striving for safety, quality and a high level of customer service. That kind of company will provide long-term opportunities for their employees.”

Surprising fact: “I taught and coached football at Sunnyslope High School in Phoenix before venturing into the concrete industry.”

manager in 2012. His years in the construction industry as both contractor and owner positions him well to grow the division.

Business advice: “Realize the value of our service. As the economy returns, so must equilibrium in pricing. As demand for our service grows, so must the value for quality

service. Price fairly, but accordingly.”

Childhood dreams: “I always wanted to be a pilot in the Air Force.

Upon enlistment, I found out that my vision wasn’t good enough to do so.

The thought process of a pilot must always be several steps ahead and I feel that this mindset has always helped me with business strategy.”

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REAL ESTATE

{ SUBCONTRACTORS }

TIM KING

WES MCCLURE

President HACI Mechanical Contractors, Inc. hacimechanical.com

DAVE JONES

CEO MidState Mechanical midstatemechanical.com Jones is a visionary who provides strategic leadership to one of Arizona’s largest mechanical contractors. Under his leadership, the company has enjoyed significant growth.

Jones has helped the company stay on top of industry trends, anticipate changes in the various markets and develop company measurements for success. Jones has implemented several new business strategies that have allowed Midstate to grow during challenging economic times.

Personal strengths: “Determination and hard work. When I started Midstate Mechanical, I was the estimator, project manager and field crew. I had to work hard and fill all those roles until the company grew and I could afford to hire people. That determination to do whatever it took led to my success.”

King has more than 36 years’ experience and has spent the last 23 years as owner and president of HACI Mechanical. Under his leadership, HACI has grown from a sheet metal contractor to a fullservice mechanical contractor, including sheet metal, piping, plumbing and an extensive facilities service division.

Business advice: “Work hard and have a positive attitude.

Always strive to take on more responsibilities and gain additional experiences.”

Professional accomplishment: “I am prideful of the many landmark construction projects in Arizona that HACI has been a part of constructing. I enjoy annoying my family by reminding them HACI built part of that building as we drive by.”

Superpower: “I would like to be able to fly to avoid being stuck in traffic.”

Owner and president Wilson Electric Services Corp. wilsonelectric.net

STEPHEN KOVACH

Vice president Kovach Building Enclosures kovach.net With more than 17 years of experience in project management working a multitude of projects nationwide, Kovach is responsible for strategic direction, pre-construction, and product development. Kovach was raised in the construction and sub-contracting business and started his formal career with Kovach Inc. in 1997.

Business advice: “Set expectations early, be honest with people, plan for the long term and enjoy the people you work with.”

Professional challenge: “More recent and exciting developments has been integrating a major glazing component into our operations. We need to constantly be creative in problem-solving designers’ wild and innovative ideas. Each time we solve a problem, there is a new one waiting around the corner. It’s a lot of fun.”

DAN PUENTE President and founder DP Electric dpelectric.com

Puente founded D.P. Electric in 1990 out of his garage with one truck. He has grown the company to 200-plus employees and more than $30 million in revenue.

Business advice: “The one thing that I have found that makes the most impact is giving. Give your

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McClure started his construction career nearly 40 years ago, joining Wilson Electric in 1991 as the Sierra Vista Division manager. In 2003, McClure took ownership of the organization as president. Today, the company is 47 percent employee-owned.

McClure is a life director and past president of the Arizona Builders Alliance and board member of the Support Sky Harbor Coalition. He is dedicated to the advancement of the construction field.

Business advice: “Identify the greatest need in your company or in your market and do whatever it takes to make yourself the ‘goto’ person in that area.”

Superpower: “I wish I could think of some superpower that I could use for the greater good of mankind or something like that.

But I just wish I could fly because it would really be cool.”

employees the opportunity to grow, reward them and help to improve their quality of life. They are the most important part of your business. Give to the community and the industry that give so much to you.

Lastly, give of yourself.”

Surprising fact: “I do not have a college education.

People can assume that when you have a large, successful business, you must have a college education. In my case, my education was through life experience. Success has come from how I responded to those challenges.

REAL ESTATE

{ LAND INVESTORS }

NATE NATHAN

KULDIP VERMA

Nathan graduated from Arizona State University in 1976 and founded Nathan & Associates, Inc. in December of 1980. Over the past 35 years, the firm has concentrated its efforts on land transactions for master-planned communities, residential, commercial, retail, industrial and multifamily projects in Arizona.

Nathan is an active member of the Urban Land Institute and serves on the ULI Community Development Council.

Business advice: “I have said it over and over again: become the very best at one thing, surround yourself with the very best, and share the wealth.”

Superpower: “I would like to be Deadpool and end all wars and terrorism with my newfound powers.”

Surprising fact: “I was in special education from second grade through 11th grade due to a severe case of dyslexia.”

Verma founded Vermaland, in 2001.

Vermaland is a land banking and land development company based in Arizona.

Vermaland owns nearly 25,000 acres of land, mostly in the West Valley. Vermaland currently has the largest holdings of 50- to 1,200-acre parcels in Metro Phoenix.

Business advice: “Be willing to always be a student and learn new things. The business world is constantly evolving.

Learning is what keeps you focused on your tasks while expanding your knowledge and growing your business.”

Superpower: “I would like to be able to have the power to heal. Not only could I get rid of minor injuries like cuts and bruises, but I could also help people suffering from serious illnesses.

Cancer, Alzheimer’s, autoimmune diseases and AIDS would all be history.

President Nathan & Associates, Inc. nathanandassociatesinc.com

JOSEPH HOGAN Founder The Hogan Group hogangroupaz.com

In 1993, Hogan founded Hogan & Associates in Tempe. The company has specialized in the sale of raw land and finished lots to major home builders, developers and land speculators.

Before becoming The Hogan Group in 2009, Hogan & Associates had completed well over $2 billion in sales transactions in the previous five years, with a record $921 million in 2005. The Hogan Group is one of the premier land brokerage firms in the Phoenix Metro area and hopes to continue Hogan & Associates’ success. The Hogan Group is comprised of nine land brokers with a combined experience totaling more than 100 years in commercial and residential land brokerage and has been involved in more than $2 billion dollars of transactions, which include the liquidation of raw land, P&E lots, finished lots and MPC.

GREG VOGEL

Founder and CEO Land Advisors Organization landadvisors.com Since founding the company in 1987, Vogel has applied his unique knowledge in the areas of land economics, land use and market trends

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Founder and CEO Vermaland vermaland.com

CHAZ SMITH Senior vice president Colliers International colliers.com

Smith is a senior vice president with The LandSource Team, specializing in the sale of land, with 30 years of commercial real estate experience. As the senior member of The LandSource Team, Smith defines the team’s focus and direction, ensures negotiations are finalized and that all parties fulfill their obligations and provides a clear line of communication between all parties. Prior to joining Colliers in 2006, Smith specialized in land at NAI Horizon. Smith began his commercial real estate career at CB Richard Ellis in 1983, selling apartments.

During his 21 years with the company, he transitioned to the sale of land for apartment developments. His experience in the sale of apartments solidified his awareness of the value of proximate amenities to land locations.

to become a trusted advisor and broker to a broad spectrum of clients, including financial institutions, investors, homebuilders and master-planned community developers. Vogel has led the expansion of the company into 23 markets across the United States.

Business advice: “Specialization combined with a strong work ethic

leads to the solid foundation that breeds success. Become the known, goto expert in your area of specialization.

Get involved in ULI or other organizations that serve your portion of the industry. Don’t just join; become a leader in these organizations as there is a truism in ‘the more you give, the more you receive.’ ”

REAL ESTATE

{ RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT }

BRENT HERRINGTON

WILLIAM OLSON

Herrington provides strategic leadership for the DMB organization and oversees all aspects of the company’s operations. He joined DMB in 1998 and has been actively involved in the visioning and strategy of many of the company’s major projects since that time. Prior to joining DMB he served as town manager for Celebration, Florida, a 5,000-acre planned community developed by the Walt Disney Company.

Business advice: “The best real estate developers have an uncanny ability to design places and spaces that people really love. When designing a new project, focus first on what’s most important to the people who will live, work or play in the environment you are creating. In real estate, making people happy and making a lot of money tend to go hand in hand.”

Olson brings 34 years of diverse real estate industry experience to Newland. Before joining Newland, he held leadership roles with Del Webb, The Rouse Company and 17 years at Hines as managing director.

Olson’s background spans most disciplines in commercial and residential development and management. He is a board member of the Fighter Country Partnership, WESTMARC and a member of NAIOP, Valley Partnership, ULI, IREM and ICSC, an honorary commander at Luke Air force Base and holds an Arizona real estate broker’s license and dual general contractor’s licenses.

Surprising fact: “I am an artist and in my spare time and enjoy sculpting. I work with marble, granite and various metals.

I have flown an F-16 fighter jet as second seat and am a private pilot’s license candidate.”

Senior vice president and division manager Newland Communities newlandcommunities.com

President and CEO DMB Associates dmbinc.com

JOHN CHADWICK

President, Southwest area Pulte Homes pulte.com Chadwick is Southwest area president for Pulte Homes, the largest homebuilder in the nation and one of the largest in Phoenix and Tucson. The company’s homebuilding business includes the acquisition and development of land primarily for residential purposes within the U.S. and the construction of housing on such land.

Toughest challenge: “Despite difficulties in market conditions, Pulte still performs at or near the top of the industry. That’s because our strategy remained the same – providing highquality products, providing buyers with affordable housing options and maintaining a strong commitment to customer satisfaction. Those are the things that make the greatest difference in the long term – a willingness to stick to strategies.”

GREGG TRYHUS President and owner Grayhawk Development grayhawkdevelopment.com

Tryhus is the principal driving force responsible for the company’s involvement in land development, community development, golf club

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CRAIG KRUMWIEDE

President and director Harvard Investments harvardinvestments.com Krumwiede oversees the company’s development and investment activities. He is actively involved in the Arizona real estate and business communities, including numerous leadership positions with Urban Land Institute and ASU’s W.P. Carey College of Business and Master’s of Real Estate Development programs. He also is a founding partner of Social Venture Partners.

Business advice:“Never compromise your integrity. People will generally forgive and forget when you make a mistake; they will never forget if you compromise your integrity.”

Dream dinner: “Abraham Lincoln. We’d go to the patio at Lon’s and I would ask him how he found the strength to lead our country through its most difficult time.”

Surprising fact: “I have a need for speed, especially fast boats.

The faster, the better.”

development and golf operations.

Actively involved with community, corporate and philanthropic organizations, Tryhus has served on numerous boards both past and present. Currently, he is a trustee for Arizona State University and president of the Sun Angel Foundation, a member of the Brophy College Preparatory Academy

Board of Regents, World Presidents’ Organization, Greater Phoenix Leadership and a life member of the Scottsdale Charros. He also serves on the board of HelpingHands Housing Services, Thunderbird Charities, the USGA Junior Amateur Committee, Drivetime Automotive Group and Arizona Golf Foundation.

REAL ESTATE

{ HOMEBUILDERS }

DOUG FULTON

DON MURPHY

Fulton was named CEO in August 2007 and leads Arizona’s largest family owned and operated homebuilder. Fulton Homes primarily builds mid-priced to high-end homes and has built more than 60 communities in the Phoenix area, most of which are located in the East Valley.

The largest community built

by Fulton is Fulton Ranch in Chandler, which is still being expanded. Fulton Homes has contributed more than $300 million to Arizona’s schools, communities and children.

Business advice: “I hire people that I don’t have to go around wiping their nose. I make it very clear to everyone that this is where we’re going, get them to buy into it, to understand it and treat them with respect.”

Surprising fact: “I have been a special deputy with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.”

Shea Homes hired Murphy as the new division president in February 2015. Murphy originally joined Shea Homes Active Adult in February 2002, where he acquired $1.4 billion worth of property and 14,000 home sites during his tenure. He lived in Arizona and held various positions including vice president of acquisitions and also served as interim area vice president for the division’s Northern California operations.

In 2005, Murphy was selected to lead the Sacramento division and was successful establishing Shea Homes there. Murphy holds a bachelor’s degree from the School of Journalism at the University of Oregon and an MBA from Arizona State University. Shea Homes is America’s largest privately owned new home builder, primarily building mid-priced to high-end homes.

CEO Fulton Homes fultonhomes.com

MATTHEW CODY President Cachet Homes cachethomes.net

Cody has been active in the real estate industry during the last 32 years, with extensive experience in the Phoenix metropolitan area. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin/ Madison with a master’s degree from the real estate program. He has a diversified background in marketing, design, construction management and finance.

Incorporated in 1990, Cachet Homes, works closely with awardwinning architects and engineers to build homes that feature simple elegance and sophisticated style.

Business advice: “The current era of technology seems to emphasize immediacy and urgency. However, when developing an overall business strategy or personal career, I think it is wise to adopt a long-term and patient mindset, carefully evaluating and reevaluating along the way.”

Division president Shea Homes sheahomes.com

STEVEN HILTON

Chairman and CEO Meritage Homes Corporation meritagehomes.com Hilton co-founded and has led Meritage Homes for the last 30 years. Meritage builds homes in 19 markets and nine states across the U. S. and has delivered more than 90,000 homes since it was founded. Meritage is the seventh-largest public homebuilder in the U.S. based on homes closed in 2015.. Hilton is recognized as an entrepreneur and for his leadership in energyefficient homebuilding.

Business advice: “Get the broadest amount of experience in your industry as early as possible in your career, even it if requires personal or financial sacrifice.”

Dream dinner: “Winston Churchill. It would be cool to share a Scotch and cigar with a man who arguably saved the world from ruthless tyranny, oppression, death and destruction in one of the darkest periods of modern times.”

SHERYL PALMER

President and CEO Taylor Morrison Home Corporation taylormorrison.com Palmer oversees a leadership team in several key national homebuilding markets. With more than 25 years of hands-on experience, including leadership in land acquisition, sales and marketing, development and operations management, Palmer has been able to lead Taylor Morrison into the top ranks of American’s

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homebuilders, following the company’s IPO in 2013.

Currently, Palmer is implementing a new business strategy focused on expanding the company’s U.S. footprint. As part this initiative, Taylor Morrison successfully acquired JEH Homes in Atlanta, marking the company’s entrance into a new major metropolitan market.

Surprising fact: “I started my career at McDonald’s and the high point was being the ‘Hamburglar’ and popping out of Ray Kroc’s birthday cake at the (San Diego) Padres’ stadium.”

REAL ESTATE

{ CUSTOM HOMEBUILDERS }

ROD CULLUM

TOM LEWIS

Cullum founded Cullum Homes in 1985 and has helped it become one of the oldest and most reputable luxury homebuilders in Arizona. The Scottsdalebased business specializes in custom and semi-custom homes in affluent areas of the Phoenix metropolitan area such as Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Silverleaf, Firerock and Desert Mountain. Cullum Homes’ new custom homes at the redevelopment of the Mountain Shadows golf course in Paradise Valley features homes ranging between $2.3 million and just under $4 million.

Trend to watch: “We are seeing a more savvy buyer who still wants the best quality materials, but instead of the huge mega mansions with acreage that we saw in the mid 2000s, today’s buyer wants a home that is right-sized to fit their current lifestyle needs.”

Lewis is the founder, wwner and CEO of T.W. Lewis Company, a Phoenix-based real estate investment company known for its quality and outstanding customer service in the home building industry. T.W. Lewis Company, founded in 1991, has received numerous industry awards, including America’s Best Builder in 1998 and the National Housing Quality Gold Award in 2009.Individual awards given to Lewis include Arizona Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year

by Ernst & Young in 1994 and Arizona Business Leadership Award in 2006.

Business advice: “Show up. Have a plan. Commit. Improve.”

Superpower: “I would like to have the power to go back in time.”

Dream dinner: “Abraham Lincoln in a booth at Fleming’s Steakhouse in Scottsdale to gain his perspective on the Civil War.”

Owner and founder Cullum Homes cullumhomes.com

TOM ARGUE

Founder and president Argue Custom Homes arguecustomhomes.com Nearly two decades ago, Argue Custom Homes entered the Valley’s homebuilding market with the goal to build the finest homes in the finest neighborhoods. Today, Argue is a preferred builder in DMB’s prestigious Silverleaf, Estancia, Troon and Fulton Ranch communities. Many of these communities offer exquisite architecture, private golf courses and world-class amenities. With more than 100 luxurious homes from Cave Creek to Paradise Valley, Argue has become one of the premier builders in the Valley. Argue Custom Homes was the No. 1 Custom Home Builder in the 2016 edition of Ranking Arizona.

Latest projects: “Carefree Estates in Carefree and Village of Saguaro Forest within Desert Mountain.”

Owner and CEO T.W. Lewis Company twlewis.com

DAVID KITNICK Founder and president Rosewood Homes RosewoodHomes.com

Kitnick is a 30-year homebuilding veteran, having earned local and national recognition, including having started and successfully led the Arizona Division of Greystone Homes in the 1990s, then Ashton Woods in 2001 before starting Rosewood Homes.

He led all three start-ups to “Builder of the Year” or “Small Volume Builder of the Year” recognition at the homebuilding industry’s MAME Awards. More notably, his Rosewood Homes is the only Arizona builder to have been recognized by homeowners with the prestigious Eliant Homebuyer’s Choice Award for providing the “Best Overall Purchase and Ownership Experience” in North America.

Business advice: “Associate yourself with hardworking, fair-minded, honest people who have a long-term outlook while striving for excellence in everything they do.”

ANTHONY SALCITO President Salcito Custom Homes salcito.com

For more than 37 full years Salcito Custom Homes has been defined by consistency in service, attention to detail, timely project delivery, and a consistent demand for our product and services. Its projects are distinctly built with the highest quality building products and

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are unmistakable in their fit, finish, and timelessness.

With 300 projects delivered Valleywide, 120 within the past decade, Salcito’s portfolio is diverse and encompasses custom homes, renovations, additions, commercial buildings and tenant improvements.

Professional accomplishment: “We pride ourselves on setting the standard in the luxury custom home building market by providing the highest level of customer service in design-build, construction management, interior design, framing and trim carpentry and property management.”

REAL ESTATE

{ MULTIFAMILY BUILDERS }

ALAN JONES

BRUCE WARD

Jones leads the Arizona operations of Lennar, the largest U.S. homebuilder by market value. In 2015, Lennar formed a $1.1 billion joint venture that will develop apartment communities in 25 U.S. metropolitan markets, including Phoenix, where it is constructing The Muse at the high-profile northwest corner of Central Avenue and McDowell Road. When completed, the highly anticipated project will have 367 apartments, a fitness center with yoga room, dog washing room, pool with Zen garden, car charging stations and outdoor terrace with views of central Phoenix. Plans call for the development to be open to renters in March 2017.

Lennar’s multifamily division developed the luxury apartment complex in Tempe called Skywater at Town Lake.

As chairman and CEO of Alliance Residential Company, one of the largest, private multifamily development and management companies in the country, Ward oversees acquisition, development, rehabilitation and property management efforts. Ward and his executive team have acquired or developed 74,000 apartment homes across 27 markets, and the company manages a $9 billion portfolio. Ward is the former group managing partner of Trammell Crow Residential – West, responsible for all operating businesses in the western U.S. Business advice: “Start your career with a high-quality company that has scale and processes in place you can learn and incorporate into your professional life.”

Surprising fact: “I grew up in Indonesia and still have a working knowledge of the language.”

Division president Lennar lennar.com

CHAPIN BELL President PB Bell pbbell.com

Bell oversees all companywide personnel, accounting, financial analysis and support functions.

Bell is also responsible for overseeing all development and acquisition activities. To date, Bell has participated in the development of nearly 3,000 multifamily units. Prior to joining P.B. Bell in 1993, Bell was a commercial lending officer and vice president of National City Bank, a major regional financial institution headquartered in Cleveland.

He is currently an active board member of the Arizona Multihousing Association. His roles at the AMA have included chairman of the board, secretary of the board, Finance Committee chairman, Government Affairs Committee chairman, AMAPAC chairman, Education and Trade Show Committee chairman, and co-chairman of the Big Hands for Little Hearts Committee.

Chairman and CEO Alliance Residential Company allresco.com

SCOTT TAYLOR Principal Mark-Taylor mark-taylor.com

Taylor has overall responsibility for investment strategy, venture structuring and operations.

Mark-Taylor develops, builds, and manages apartment development, building, and management company that develops multifamily properties in Arizona. Prior to joining Jeff Mark to create Mark-Taylor, Taylor was an executive vice president for Pinnacle. He has served as chairman of the Arizona Multi-Housing Association, on the board of the National Apartment Association, as an associate director of the National Multi-Housing Council, a member of Phoenix’s Vision 2025 Committee and on the advisory board of Childhelp USA. He graduated from Washington State University with a degree in accounting and passed the CPA exam.

PAT WATTS

Partner and co-founder Deco Communities decocommunities.com Watts is determined to break the mold of affordable apartment living. With a belief that the surrounding environment has a profound effect on daily attitudes and feelings, Watts guides her company in creating comfortable and relevant home environments that

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have a positive impact on residents.

Business advice: “Look forward, not back. Business models that were successful in the 2000s will not be successful now. All aspects of consumer and economic fundamentals have changed and are still changing and businesses need to evolve more quickly than ever to adapt.”

Childhood dreams: “I wanted to be a writer. Creating a story from a blank piece of paper seemed like magic to me. And, in a way, designing projects for a vacant piece of land gives me that same sense of magic.”

REAL ESTATE

{ REALTY FIRMS }

D. DEEMS DICKINSON

RICH RECTOR

President Realty Executives International realtyexecutives.com

President and designated broker Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty russlyon.com

WALT DANLEY President Walt Danley Realty waltdanley.com

Danley moved to Arizona from Oregon for the sunshine and established himself in the real estate industry. He decided to make the luxury home market his focus after selling a luxury home to an opponent during a tennis match.

Business advice: “There are no shortcuts in this industry.

You have to know the inventory.

Looking at updates on your computer is OK, but to really understand the market, you have to see the properties in person.

Also, know the contract inside and out. Have questions? Ask your broker – don’t guess.”

Dream dinner: “Elton John.

The first reason is obvious: I love his music. But more importantly, he is a true philanthropist. He has done so much to help people from all different walks of life.

His charitable heart is inspiring.”

As a second-generation Realtor, Dickinson’s career spans two of the three generations of owners of Russ Lyon | Sotheby’s International Realty. In addition to serving as president and designated broker for one of the Top 75 real estate companies in the United States, Dickinson also serves on the National Association of REALTORS® and the Arizona Regional Multiple Listing Service board of directors.

Business advice: “Stay relevant. With the technological advances in today’s world and the amount of information available, it is important for agents to understand their market and interpret it on their client’s behalf.”

Superpower: “As a pilot, the ability to fly would be cool.”

Surprising fact: “I have resurrected my desire to learn how to kite board.”

GREG HOLLMAN President Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Arizona azmoves.com

Hollman took over as president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Arizona in September 2014. He has held numerous leadership roles for Coldwell in both Arizona and Southern California. Hollman oversees Coldwell’s 26 offices and 1,300 independent sales associates across Arizona. The company, which serves areas including Metro Phoenix and Tucson, Prescott and Lake Havasu, is part of NRT LLC, the largest residential real estate brokerage in the nation. Hollman, who has been with Coldwell Banker since 1991, started his career with Coldwell Banker Success in Arizona. In 2005, NRT acquired Coldwell Banker Success, where Hollman was made regional vice president of the Southern Arizona operations three years later.

MATT WIDDOWS

CEO and founder HomeSmart International homesmart.com

Widdows founded HomeSmart in 2000 as a technology-forward real estate brokerage in Arizona.

HomeSmart was created on the principle of providing the highest value in the industry with amazing customer service, at a low cost to agents and is driven

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Rector began his career in real estate in 1975. In 2006, he was named on the “25 Most Influential People in Real Estate”

by REALTOR Magazine. In 2012, he co-wrote the book, “The E-Myth Real Estate Brokerage,” with Michael E. Gerber.

Business advice: “Put systems in place for all of your processes so your product or service is consistent and can be replicated.”

Superpower: “It would be the ‘Infallible Integrity Meter,’ because I have trusted a few people in business that I never should have.”

Dream dinner: “Miles Davis. He was a rebel who was years ahead of everyone else musically. Dinner would be at Nobuo at Teeter House, because I believe Chef Fukuda is far ahead of others in his field, too.”

by proprietary technology. Over the next 16 years, Widdows grew the brokerage from two agents to more than 10,000 in 15 states. Today, HomeSmart is one of the largest real estate companies in the nation.

Business advice: “This business takes a lot of hard work and thinking outside the box. Never accept the ‘way it’s supposed to be,’ because you will just end up looking like everyone else. We need creative thinkers in every industry to continue improving the way we conduct business today and how it will look tomorrow.”

REAL ESTATE

{ RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SERVICES }

JOHN KEMPER

ELLIOTT POLLACK

President FirstService Residential Arizona fsresidential.com

JIM BELFIORE

President Belfiore Real Estate Consulting belfioreconsulting.com Belfiore has 16 years experience in real estate research and analysis. During the last 9 years, he and his team have helped Arizona developers, homebuilders, lenders, investors and brokers understand buyers, macro and micro-level supply and demand conditions and potential outcomes of community development and building strategies.

Business advice: “I believe self-evaluation is extremely important to success. Regularly assess your strengths and weaknesses and push to improve where you know you need improvement. We all have areas we can improve upon — both in our personal life and in our business life.”

Surprising fact: “I am an avid outdoorsman and love to be outdoors — fishing, skiing, hiking, grilling, running, or just hanging out — as much as possible.”

Kemper oversees all aspects of daily operations and is responsible for driving a collaborative effort to grow FirstService Residential’s client base along with colleague growth and retention. Prior to joining FirstService Residential, Kemper spent the past two decades as a leader in the recruiting industry, where he worked with some of the world’s largest and most respected companies.

Business advice: “Create an environment where people want to come to work. Employee engagement and inclusion is critical to the success of any company.

Empower your employees to be creative, think outside the box and invent new ways of doing things in your industry.”

Surprising fact: “I was a professional waterski racer when I was 12 years old.”

CEO Elliott D. Pollack & Company arizonaeconomy.com

K. MICHELLE LIND CEO Arizona Association of Realtors aaronline.com

Lind oversees the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the largest trade association in Arizona. Prior to becoming CEO, Lind served as general counsel, the primary legal advisor to the association.

She is the author of “Arizona Real Estate: A Professional’s Guide to Law & Practice,” and a State Bar of Arizona boardcertified real estate specialist.

Business advice: “Listen more than you talk and keep your mind open to new ideas.”

Dream dinner: “Elizabeth I, Queen of England and Ireland because she led a remarkable life and governed successfully in very turbulent times. We would dine at Different Pointe of View to enjoy the beautiful view, quiet ambiance and good food.”

Surprising fact: “ I am an English history buff (Battle of Hastings in 1066 through the Stuart Dynasty).”

LAURA ZIFF

Co-CEO Associated Asset Management (AAM) associatedasset.com Prior to founding AAM in 1990, Ziff gained significant experience working with leading financial institutions in the Phoenix metropolitan area, which eventually led her to establish her own community management firm. Her goal was to raise the bar in terms of integrity and customer

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Pollack leads Elliott D. Pollack and Company, an economic and real estate consulting firm that was established in 1987. The company is widely known for accurate and insightful analyses of economic and policy issues. His firm consults to a broad spectrum of private and public sector clients.

Business advice: “Don’t get dogmatic and focus on the needs of the customers. Tell it like it is regardless of what the client might want to hear. Credibility is critical.”

Childhood dreams: “I thought I’d be a lawyer. That changed due to the draft. It was one of best — and luckiest — things that ever happened to me as it set me on a completely different path.”

Surprising fact: “ have a great sense of humor and really don’t take things too seriously — except the quality of the work the firm produces.”

service, which is evident in the quality of the firm.

Business advice: “Always take the high road and do the right thing. Leave your ego at the door when you are dealing with your board of directors, homeowners and committee members. The majority of them are volunteers and without them, we do not have an industry.”

Superpower: “To be truly psychic. Clients, owners in our communities and family members all expect that I can read their minds, so it would be great to actually be able to have that power.”

REAL ESTATE

{ TITLE & INSURANCE }

CHIP CARMER

BART PATTERSON

Carmer brings more than 30 years of title experience to his position. Since joining First American in 1993, he has held various positions in both title and escrow operations, including experience in First American’s National Commercial Services division. He has held executive positions at title companies in Texas, Arkansas, Arizona and California. First American Title Insurance Company, the largest subsidiary of The First American Corporation, traces its history to 1889. One of the largest title insurers in the nation, the company offers title services through nearly 1,200 offices and an extensive network of agents throughout the United States and abroad.

Imagine founding a company that was totally reliant on Phoenix-area real estate transactions and then being hit with the Great Recession.

That’a what Patterson did in 2007 when he founded Clear Title Agency of Arizona. But not only did Clear Title not fold up during the recession, Patterson changed its initial course and found creative ways to generate revenues via bank owned real estate transactions and foreclosures and experienced 200 percent compounded annual growth.

Professional accomplishment: “The secret to our success has been hiring the best and brightest escrow agents in town and turning lemons into lemonade during the recession. Our people built a great name and reputation for themselves during that time which continues to serve us well as the Arizona real estate market comes back.”

President, Southwest/ Southcentral Title Division First American Title Insurance Company firstam.com

BRUCE BEVERLY

CEO Great American Title Agency, Inc. azgat.com Beverly has been the CEO of Great American since 2004, which has grown to 17 escrow branches. By adhering to industry best practices and delivering on its commitment to exceed the expectations of its customers, Great American has been rated the no. 1 Title Company in Arizona by Ranking Arizona magazine for eight consecutive years.

Business advice: “Be passionate about your craft and have a sense of urgency. Get things done now, not later. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just improve it.”

Superpower: “The power to make people happy. There is too much pain and suffering in our community and world today, so if I had the power to change lives for the better and make people happier, I would do it.”

Surprising fact: “I am an admirer and collector of flags — AKA — Vexillologist.”

CEO Clear Title Agency of Arizona cleartitleaz.com

DYLAN KING Vice president and operations manager Chicago Title Agency chicagotitle.com

King is a vice president for Chicago Title, a brand that is recognized and respected with Fortune 500 credentials and 160 years of stability. King’s former roles within the industry include founding and managing Intravest Title Agency, where — under his management as CEO — it grew from being No. 50 in the marketplace to being in the Top 25. Prior to his role at Intravest Title Agency, he was a vice president for Fidelity National Title. King is a member of the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona, National Association for Home Builders, Valley Partnership, Arizona Land Title Association, The International Council of Shopping Centers and the Arizona State Escrow Association.

MICHELLE SCHWARTZ

Senior vice president and county manager Old Republic Title ortc.com Schwartz built her career from the ground up, beginning as a receptionist, and credits her mentors for fostering her servant-leader mentality. “To be successful in the real estate business you need vision, you must be able to see the potential in a property or

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what a loan can accomplish. My objective as a leader is to help others see the potential in themselves.”

Business advice: “Don’t let other’s perceptions or expectations guide you. Follow your own vision.”

Superpower: “Magician. I want the ability to make everyone’s dreams come true.”

Dream dinner: “Mother Theresa at T. Cook’s at the Royal Palms. Her clarity of purpose is inspiring.”

Surprising fact: “ I used to be a competitive ballroom dancer.”

WHO’s WHO

{ CEO’s } WILLIAM AMELIO CEO Avnet avnet.com

RICHARD ADKERSON Vice chairman, president and CEO Freeport-McMoRan fcx.com

Adkerson has been in his current role since January 2008. He has an established career in the mining sector and is past chairman of the International Council on Mining and Metals.

Business advice: “When you decide to do a deal, the most important thing is to get the deal done, not necessarily to trade for the best deal that is there.

You want to get the best terms you can, but too often people let deals get away from them.”

Toughest challenge: “When the financial meltdown occurred in the second half of 2008, it had a dramatic effect on copper prices and other commodities that we produce. We cut back hard cost production, we deferred capital projects, we cut back on our general and administrative expenses and adjusted the cost structure of our business to deal with the lower prices.”

Amelio, brings more than 35 years of management and industry experience, was named CEO of Avnet in September 2016.

Amelio was the president, CEO and a director of CHC Group Ltd., an international oil-field services company, from 2010 to 2015.

Professional accomplishment: “For me, Avnet is all about passion and possibilities. We have an experienced management team and an engaged workforce comprised of talented employees who are dedicated to serving our customers, suppliers and partners. By better aligning these resources with our competitive solutions specialist, embedded and supply chain strengths, Avnet will undoubtedly be positioned to achieve profitable growth for our shareholders and deliver upon the ever growing market potential in our industry.”

DONALD BRANDT

Chairman, president and CEO Pinnacle West Capital Corporation pinnaclewest.com In 2009, Brandt was elected to Pinnacle West’s board of directors and promoted to chairman, president and CEO of Pinnacle West and chairman and CEO of APS. A recognized industry and community leader, Brandt currently serves on the boards of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, the Nuclear Energy Institute, the Edison Electric Institute and Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited.

Toughest challenge: “We know solar power is going to play a big part in meeting Arizona’s future energy needs. We’re doing our part to help make that happen. As a national leader in utility-scale solar, we believe APS can help make Arizona the solar capital of America. One of our responsibilities is to make sure the infrastructure is in place to support a future of rapidly increasing solar adoption.”

PETER FINE President and CEO Banner Health bannerhealth.com

Fine was appointed president and CEO of Banner Health in 2000, helping it become one the nation’s largest nonprofit health systems. Banner Health has been recognized by Truven Analytics as one of the top five large health systems in the United States. Fine’s leadership has earned many distinctions from prestigious organizations, including a spot on Modern Healthcare’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare.

Source of pride: “If I had to say what I’m most proud of, it’s that we’ve been able to get Banner to look to the future, to not hold onto its historical past, recognize that this is an industry in turmoil that’s being re-invented and get people to focus on where we are going.”

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DONALD “DON” SLAGER President and CEO Republic Services, Inc. republicservices.com

Slager has overseen the growth of Republic Services and has established a talent management initiative to retain, develop and attract the best team of employees.

Business advice: “I would say there are three pieces of advice that I would give, regardless of industry: 1) Be flexible. People who are rigid don’t get very far.

2) Be a lifelong learner of your industry and craft. 3) Find a mentor who not only guides you but will hold up a mirror.”

Surprising fact: “I began my career in the waste industry washing trucks when I was just a teenager and over the past three decades, I have held just about every operations position, including a driver. I’m grateful for this experience, as it gave me a critical customer-centric perspective that I still use daily to lead Republic.”

WHO’s WHO

{ DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP } KERWIN BROWN President and CEO Black Chamber of Arizona blackchamberaz.com

DAVID ADAME President and CEO Chicanos Por La Causa cplc.org

Prior to his current role at the nonprofit, Adame was the chief economic development officer of Chicanos Por La Causa, managing CPLC’s statewide multifamily and single-family development company Tiempo Inc., commercial and retail development company Agudo, property management companies Tiempo and Agudo, construction company La Causa Construction, economic development and joint venture activities, real estate companies Tiempo and La Causa Realty, housing counseling programs, commercial loan company Comercio and Prestamos and resource development. CPLC has staff of more than 600 with an operating budget of $137.75 million and directly serves more than 192,000 people throughout Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico.

Brown is president and CEO of The Black Chamber of Arizona and has been appointed as treasurer and Western Regional director for the United States Black Chambers. He has held numerous sales, management and business development positions in the insurance, banking and investment industries.

Business advice: “Position yourself to lead. Find opportunities that are outside of the norm and take advantage of them. Don’t be afraid to fail. Learn from your experiences — good and bad — in order to become the best that you can be.”

Dream dinner: “I would like to have dinner with Maya Angelou at the quiet and scenic Sanctuary Restaurant on Camelback Mountain. I’d love to hear her historic perspective on becoming an entrepreneur.”

Surprising fact: “I occasionally sing lead in the church choir.”

GONZALO DE LA MELENA, JR.

President and CEO Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce azhcc.com De la Melena serves as president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, which operates the Minority Business Development Agency Center in Phoenix. The AZHCC is the state’s leading advocate for nearly 70,000 Hispanic-owned business.

Business advice: “Learn to be an active listener and build consensus early.”

Professional accomplishment: “Helping small diverse businesses build capacity, get access to contracts and capital. Successful entrepreneurship is one of the most rewarding things to witness and be a part of.”

Superpower: “To be a healer. There is too much pain and suffering in the world.”

Dream dinner: “The Dalai Lama. We share the same birthday. I would ask him to share his point of view on the interdependence of the world. Dinner would take place at The Farm at South Mountain.”

LEONARDO LOO Partner Quarles & Brady quarles.com

Loo chairs Quarles & Brady’s Business Law Practice Group in Phoenix and practices in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, financing, international transactions, securities and general corporate law. He is the chairman of the board of directors for Chicanos Por La Causa and serves as general counsel for both the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Black Chamber of Arizona.

Business advice: “Find and develop mentors and those who will serve as your champions. Rarely is success achieved without the assistance and influence of others.”

Surprising fact: “My first language is actually Spanish, followed by Chinese and then English. Between those three languages, I am usually able to communicate with a good portion of the world when traveling. I make up for the rest in hand gestures.”

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DELBERT RAY SR.

President Salt River PimaMaricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) srpmic-nsn.gov Ray is the 24th President of the Salt River PimaMaricopa Community. Ray was elected on September 2, 2014 and sworn in to office on December 20, 2014.

When he was elected, he was serving his first term as a member of the Council, representing District A. Ray is a champion of inclusiveness and invokes the O’odham phrase, “ththvem aboju” which means “we will do this together.” As a Council member, Ray served on the Forfeiture and Permanency Committees for SRPMIC. Ray also served as a Chief Judge for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. He also served as a judge for many other tribes, including the Hualapai Tribe, Ak-Chin Indian Community, Fort Mohave Tribe and Tonto Apache Tribe. Currently, Ray sits on the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Indian Affairs.

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WHO’s WHO

{ ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT } JOYCE GROSSMAN

Executive director Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) aaed.com

CHRIS CAMACHO

President and CEO Greater Phoenix Economic Council gpec.org Camacho leads one of the longest standing public private partnerships for economic development across the country. A proven leader with more than 10 years in executive management roles, Camacho was recently appointed to the International Economic Development Council board of directors.

Business advice: “The best advice I can provide for others in this industry is to lead with pace and intensity, but always maintain your integrity.”

Superpower: “To not have the need to sleep. I love to constantly create. ” Dream dinner: “President John F. Kennedy. He was an impeccable leader and led the U.S. during one of the most important times in our history. I would take him to Windsor, as I love seeing the urban restaurant renaissance occurring in the region.”

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Before her current position, Grossman was a deputy director with the City of Phoenix.

Her notable projects were the attraction of the International Genomics Consortium/ Translational Genomics Research Institute and retention of thousands of jobs in Phoenix.

Business advice: “If you want to make a difference in the economy of Arizona you should be a member of AAED. If you are looking at honing your skill set for advancement, AAED is also your place.

Childhood dreams: “As a child, I wanted differing careers but at the core of each I knew I wanted to make a difference in my community. That is why my career choice to be in government and now in AAED turned out to be an excellent fit.”

JOE SNELL

President and CEO Sun Corridor Inc. suncorridorinc.com In his 11 years at the helm, Snell has led the organization in the development and implementation of long-range strategies to improve economic competitiveness and drive investment into the region through primary job creation, resulting in a total economic impact of nearly $7.9 billion dollars. Sun Corridor continues to leverage its power and strengths to lead the growth of Southern Arizona’s economy, promote and grow bi-national commerce with Mexico and advocate for mega-regional solutions that will improve our prosperity.

Professional accomplishment: “I think too many people in our industry measure success by measuring transactions. The real value in creating wealth is not individual transactions but in our ability to transform the economic landscape. Success is tied to transformation not transactions.”

SANDRA WATSON President and CEO Arizona Commerce Authority azcommerce.com

Watson brings more than 20 years of economic development leadership experience.

She and her teams have attracted hundreds of companies to Arizona that have invested billions of dollars in capital and created more than 75,000 quality jobs for the state.

Professional accomplishment: “I’m extremely proud of the fact that we are strongly exceeding our five-year business plan goals. To date, we’ve worked with hundreds of companies who have committed to creating 50,030 projected new Arizona jobs – more than 10,000 ahead of plan – and generated $6.08 billion in capital investment, exceeding our five-year goal in only three years. Knowing that our work helps employ Arizonans and contributes to the health of our economy is incredibly rewarding.”

Superpower: “The ability to be in multiple places at once.”

SINTRA HOFFMAN

President and CEO WESTMARC westmarc.org Hoffman’s career includes almost 20 years in local, state and federal government. Prior to joining WESTMARC, she served as assistant division director for ADOT, deputy city manager and intergovernmental relations director for the City of Surprise. Her career has focused on building relationships with elected and business leaders in Arizona. She has been recognized for successful transportation lobbying and problem solving.

Business advice: “Try to understand all facets of an issue and how others are approaching a situation. Then, you will respect the person’s goal and solutions come more easily. Don’t take things personally and never burn bridges.”

Superpower: “Teleportation.

It would be great to instantly show up at meetings around the region and state in a split second.”

WHO’s WHO

{ INFLUENTIAL WOMEN } JAMIE FLETCHER CEO Mach 1 Global Services mach1global.com

Fletcher is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of Mach 1’s organizational strategies, goals and policies. She is instrumental in implementing growth-based initiatives and serves as leadership development counsel, community liaison and corporate spokesperson. Fletcher graduated cum laude from the W.P. Carey School of Business at ASU. Business advice: “Freight never sleeps, transportation and logistics is a 24/7/365 industry. Be prepared for long hours, hard work and lots of reward.

Don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves to get the job done.”

Childhood dreams: “When I was a child, I always knew I would work for Mach 1. I didn’t know back then if it would be straight out of college or later in life, but I am sure glad I did join the company after I graduated from ASU.”

DEBORAH BATEMAN

Vice chairman National Bank of Arizona nbarizona.com Bateman serves as vice chairman of the board of directors for National Bank of Arizona. She is involved with the ongoing development of the bank, with a focus on the bank’s impact and engagement in Arizona communities. A veteran banker, with more than 40 years of banking experience, Bateman’s career has spanned leadership capacities in wealth strategies, retail banking, operations and technology, treasury management, program management, service excellence, community bank consulting, and merger/ acquisition integration.

Business advice: “Be authentic in everything that you set out to do and always make sure you are doing it because you truly want to create value and make a difference by serving others.”

250 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

AMY HILLMAN

Dean and Rusty Lyon chair of strategy W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University wpcarey.asu.edu Hillman is a world-renowned management expert, popular teacher, noted researcher and dean of ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business.

Consistently ranked in the Top 30 by U.S. News & World Report, the school serves more than 14,000 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs. She serves on the board of directors of publicly traded CDK Global and earned a PhD in strategic management and business and public policy from Texas A&M University.

Dream dinner: “Nobel Laureate Daniel Kahneman, because his thinking challenges most people’s basic assumptions and he’s correct. We’d go to Tarbell’s. It’s best in class and has a great neighborhood vibe. ” Surprising fact: “When young I competed in rodeo barrel racing, synchronized swimming and golf. Believe it or not, what I do now is way more fun.”

KIMBERLY MCWATERS Chairman and CEO Universal Technical Institute, Inc. uti.edu

McWaters is CEO of UTI, the leading provider of post-secondary education for individuals seeking careers as automotive, diesel, motorcycle, marine and collision repair technicians.

Business advice: “Success isn’t about a title or list of accomplishments, it’s about doing something you love and knowing you make a difference. We push too many students into college and careers that don’t fit, when we should be training them to do jobs that make them happy and help them contribute to their family and community. That’s success.”

Surprising fact: “I started working at UTI more than 30 years ago, when I was 20 years old, as a part-time receptionist. That’s why I believe so strongly in our students, who are committed to following their dreams and then make them happen.”

DIANE BROSSART

President and CEO Arizona Forward arizonaforward.org Brossart joined Arizona Forward more than three decades ago when it operated as Valley Forward, focusing on Maricopa County. She served on the board prior to being appointed president in 1991. Leading its statewide expansion in 2013, Brossart manages a sustainability agenda mobilizing business leaders and policymakers to leverage their collective power to influence how we grow our communities, stimulate our economy and enhance our environment.

Superpower: “The ability to read minds could be a blessing or a curse, but would unveil the ultimate truth. If used properly, this super power could significantly enhance communication. It would eliminate misunderstandings, uncover hidden perceptions and bear egos. We could get right to the point in every encounter and de-clutter our minds.”

WHO’s WHO

{ CFO’s } DENNIS DAHLEN

Senior vice president and CFO Banner Health bannerhealth.com Dahlen was appointed senior vice president, chief financial officer of Banner Health in 2009. Dahlen joined Banner as an internal auditor in 1983. Under Dahlen’s leadership, financial pro formas have been reliably solid foundations for Banner’s expansions in Arizona. They have included construction of Cardon Children’s Medical Center, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Banner Ironwood Medical Center, new towers at Banner Baywood Medical Center, Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center and Banner Estrella Medical Center; the acquisition of Sun Health (two hospitals and a research center), Arizona Regional Medical Center and Casa Grande Regional Medical Center; and the development of the Banner Health Network.

KATHERINE MILLS

Senior vice president and CFO Donor Network of Arizona dnaz.org Mills oversees finance, information technologies, quality systems and regulatory affairs for the state’s federally designated, nonprofit organ procurement organization. In the past 24 years, her leadership has contributed to the expansion of the organization to 10 times its start-up size, facilitating continued growth in donation and transplantation services. She is a recipient of FEI’s 2015 CFO of the Year Award.

Superpower: “If I could, I would choose the superpower of healing, so that I could end the tragedy of the average of 22 people that die daily waiting for a lifesaving organ.

A new person is added to the waiting list every 10 minutes.

Ending the deaths on the waiting list is a goal never forgotten and weighs heavily on the many great minds of those in our profession.”

252 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

BRYCE HANCOCK

CFO BeyondTrust beyondtrust.com

Hancock brings more than 18 years of executive operational experience to his position. Hancock carries global responsibility for the management of company finances, accounting, tax, human resources, legal and risk management, IT and strategic planning and analysis. Hancock built a successful financial model for BeyondTrust and today, it is experiencing 41 percent profit margins. He is a recipient of FEI’s 2015 CFO of the Year Award.

Virtues of position: “The most rewarding aspect is having a meaningful daily impact on the tactical and strategic direction of the company. We use data and experience to plan and measure outcomes and there is genuine satisfaction that comes from being an integral part of the business direction.”

JAMES HATFIELD

Executive vice president and CFO Pinnacle West pinnaclewest.com With more than 35 years of utility experience, Hatfield’s responsibilities include human resources, information technology, finance and treasury, investor relations, financial planning and budgeting, investment management, accounting, tax services, enterprise risk management, corporate development, enterprise process improvement and internal audit. Additionally, he is one of two expert community members of the Arizona Board of Regents audit committee and also serves on the board of the Fiesta Bowl.

Business advice: “Never underestimate the power and pace of change.”

Surprising fact: “I am a former football referee, having worked games in the Big XII Conference and the Western Athletic Conference, as well as the Arena Football League.”

GLYNIS BRYAN CFO Insight Enterprises Inc. insight.com

Bryan was named CFO of Insight in December 2007 to lead the company’s finance and accounting functions including accounting/control, tax, treasury, risk management and investor communications.

Business advice: “The technology industry is undergoing major changes. Keep current, understand the changes and the possible impact on your business. Any change creates opportunities, so be prepared and remain flexible to take advantage of new opportunities as the industry evolves.”

Childhood dreams: “I wanted to be a psychiatrist. I ended up with an undergraduate degree in psychology and determined going further wasn’t a good personality fit. I got an MBA instead. I think my psychology background has helped me appreciate and understand the interpersonal dynamic in bUsiness and in life as well.”

WHO’s WHO

{ MAYORS } JACKIE MECK Mayor City of Buckeye buckeyeaz.gov

W.J “JIM” LANE Mayor City of Scottsdale scottsdaleaz.gov

With the heart of an accountant, Lane is a businessman who can think out of the box. Lane moved to Scottsdale in 1973 and has worked in accounting, managed publicly traded corporations and later owned/operated businesses. He was elected to the Scottsdale City Council in 2004 and elected mayor in 2008 and 2012. Through reforms, results and leadership Scottsdale enjoys a strong economy, more jobs, increasing property values, a vibrant downtown, and a revitalized South Scottsdale.

Business advice: “Respect and enjoy people. Listen to others. Be willing to do the hard work needed to make sure your business heads in the right direction. Standing still is never an option in the private or public sector. Reform thinking fuels positive change, so always look for ways to improve results.”

Meck was born and raised in Buckeye, where he is now mayor. Meck has shown his passion and commitment to the region by currently serving on the board of directors for the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), vice chair on the MAG Transportation Policy Committee, member of the MAG Economic Development Committee and is on the board of trustees for the West Valley Hospital. Meck has also served on the board of directors of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, WESTMARC, and Valley Metro RPTA. Business advice: “If the door closes, open another. There is always an answer if you keep knocking.”

Surprising fact: “I played college baseball for ASU and college football one year for the University of Arizona. Another fun fact is that I have been married to my wife for 54 years.”

JONATHAN ROTHSCHILD

Mayor City of Tucson mayorrothschild.com

Rothschild went to City Hall promising accountability in government, increased emphasis on economic growth and help for those most in need. As mayor, he’s increased incentives for Tucson businesses and led efforts to pass a $100 million road improvement bond. He’s a leading advocate for developing trade, tourism, and the transportation infrastructure to support both. Rothschild had a 30-year career practicing law with the firm of Mesch, Clark & Rothschild.

Business advice: “A business owner can make decisions and that’s what happens. Government is different. You have to listen to all sides, weigh competing and sometimes contradictory interests and come up with the best result.”

Superpower: “The ability to immediately go from one place to another. Save on travel time.”

GREG STANTON Mayor City of Phoenix phoenix.gov/mayor

Stanton was raised in Phoenix. After earning his law degree from the University of Michigan, Stanton returned to Phoenix, where he practiced education law at Jennings Strouss & Salmon and later practiced law at Quarles & Brady. In 2001, he left private law practice to serve on the Phoenix City Council, where he represented the sixth district for nine years. With a staunch commitment to creating high-wage jobs in Phoenix, Stanton was the lead councilman bringing the Translational Genomics Research Institute the ASU downtown campus and the University of Arizona Medical School to the city.

Business advice: “Listen closely and be open to new ideas. I will always listen to the businesses themselves —talking with them and finding out the tools they need to thrive and succeed.”

254 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

JAY TIBSHRANEY Mayor City of Chandler chandleraz.gov

Tibshraeny began his unprecedented seventh term as Chandler’s mayor in January 2015 after returning to the office in January 2011. He originally served as a member of the City Council from 1986 to 2002, as council member, vice mayor and as mayor.

Business advice: “Listen, dialogue and compromise.”

Professional accomplishment: “Returning as mayor of Chandler in 2011. I am a native of Chandler and am very proud to be a part of its continued growth and development as the innovation and technology hub of the Southwest.”

Dream dinner: “Dr. A.J. Chandler at Crust, which opened last year at the San Marcos Resort in downtown Chandler. I would love to get his take on how our community has evolved over the past 100 years.”

Surprising fact: “I have adopted a goat that lives across the wall from my business office.”

WHO’s WHO

{ EDUCATION } MICHAEL CROW President Arizona State University president.asu.edu

Crow became the 16th president of ASU on July 1, 2002. He is guiding the transformation of ASU into one of the nation’s leading public metropolitan research universities, an institution that combines the highest levels of academic excellence, inclusiveness to a broad demographic, and maximum societal impact — a model he terms the “New American University.”

Business advice: “As universities and as a society, we must find ways to make the most of our nation’s intellectual capital. Higher education plays a central role in driving innovation and increasing our nation’s economic competiveness. With a commitment to educating larger and increasingly diverse segments of our population at the highest levels, we strengthen our ability to succeed in an increasingly global knowledge economy.”

RITA CHENG

President Northern Arizona University nau.edu Cheng is the president of NAU, a high research university with a $500 million operating budget, 4,600 faculty and staff and 29,000 students. Cheng firmly believes in making higher education accessible and affordable for all students.

Business advice: “Stay focused on the core mission and always keep student success in mind – creating knowledge and translating it in a way that allows students to achieve their greatest potential.”

Professional accomplishment: “Commencement is my favorite part of the job. It’s a day of celebration and always reminds me of why we do what we do in higher education. I get a great deal of pride out of watching students walk across the stage to receive their degree. It’s very rewarding and fulfilling.”

EILEEN KLEIN

President Arizona Board of Regents azregents.edu Klein has more than 20 years of strategic fiscal, executive management and policy reform experience. She oversees the $4 billion Arizona public university system works with university presidents to achieve ambitious goals to increase degree production, double research activity and reform instructional delivery and financing of the university system.

Toughest challenge: “Helping to resolve Arizona’s record budget deficit and financial turmoil following the economic downturn. A solid plan, strong leadership and a lot of tenacity went a long way in turning things around. ” Childhood dreams: “I love animals and originally planned to become a zoologist or veterinarian — and thanks to the late House Speaker Jake Flake, I know how to give a cow a pregnancy test.”

BRIAN MUELLER

President and CEO Grand Canyon University gcu.edu

Mueller joined Grand Canyon in July 2008 and ushered in a new era for the university — from an entrepreneurial venture to a market-supported private university. Taking the successes he experienced as a teacher and coach at the high school and college level as well as 22 years of experience at the Apollo Group, Mueller has transformed GCU from a financially troubled university into a $2 billion institution that has become a driving force in higher education today.

Business advice: “You have to have a real passion and deep background in education, understand where the industry is going, and be able to look very differently at how to finance what you are doing. You have to be willing to take significant risks. And you have to build a highly loyal, committed team.”

ANN WEAVER HART

President The University of Arizona president.arizona.edu Weaver Hart is the 21st president of UA. Since coming to UA in July 2012, Hart has led a process to create and implement an integrated strategic academic and business plan – Never Settle – that honors the UA’s role as Arizona’s land-grant university and that will guide its future as a super land-grant with two medical schools, big-time research and transformative student engagement that impact Arizona.

Business advice: “A modern research university is a complex organization with a multifaceted mission. Integrating its many activities to achieve success requires expertise and hard work beyond what one person can accomplish. Building relationships with students, faculty, donors, alumni and business and community partners – including elected officials – is critical to success.”

Connecting Industr y with Nonprof its

AZ Big Media is dedicating a new publication to Arizona’s corporate angels who give back through volunteering, contributions and sponsorships.

Az Business Angels magazine will feature profiles of nonprofits, the corporate angel companies who help them thrive and will educate readers about how to get involved.

azBIGmedia.com | 602.277.6045

WHO’s WHO

{ FOUNDATIONS } RENEE PARSONS

Co-founder The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation tbrpf.org

KRISTEN MERRIFIELD

CEO Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits arizonanonprofits.org Merrifield brings more than 13 years’ experience to her role as CEO of the Alliance, serving previously as the COO of the Arizona Small Business Association, as well roles at the ASU Foundation and the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. She is the current board president of the Arizona Society of Association Executives and holds the prestigious designation of Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE).

Business advice: “Pick a lane. Determine what you can do better than anyone else and do that. For everything else, be a great partner and a collaborator. In the association industry, the quickest way to fail is to try to be all things to all people. Know your audience and be the one thing they can’t live without.”

Parsons co-founded The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation in February 2012 with the hope to change the lives of critically wounded veterans and to improve outcomes for individuals and families living in poverty. Co-founded with her husband, serial entrepreneur Bob Parsons, the Foundation is guided by the couple’s personal experiences, values and beliefs. Believing that the work they do through their philanthropy is the most important, the Parsons signed the Giving Pledge in December 2013, making a public declaration to give away at least half their net worth. As of April 2016, Bob and Renee Parsons are among 143 signatories of The Giving Pledge worldwide. The foundation has been giving away at least $10 million a year since its founding.

SUSAN PEPIN

President and CEO Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust pipertrust.org Pepin is a nationally recognized medical educator, clinician and researcher. Formerly, Pepin served as associate dean for diversity and inclusion and associate professor of surgery and pediatrics at Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. She is known for diversifying the medical school’s student body and is a leader in the field of neuro-ophthalmology.

Business advice: “Read broadly and voraciously. Innovation and nimbleness are bolstered by ‘borrowing’ what’s working in different forums.”

Superpower: “Empowerment, so siloed groups could view things with fresh eyes and work together for a stronger common good. We are more impactful when we challenge our thinking, have difficult conversations and build social cohesion instead of going it on our own.”

STEVEN SELEZNOW

President and CEO Arizona Community Foundation azfoundation.org

Seleznow leads the Community Foundation, which promotes innovation across a broad array of issue areas including education, health, community development, the environment, arts and culture and more. The foundation works to expand philanthropy, harnessing the collective generosity of Arizonans to advance public will and create a better quality of life for all. Previously, Seleznow served for five years as deputy director for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Business advice: “Good service is not enough. You must take your clients to a place they didn’t expect you’d go. We want our donors to have an experience that surprises, delights and amazes them. Focus on doing the extra thing, taking another step, reaching beyond expectations, and attaching a value-add to every service.”

260 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

R.F “RICK” SHANGRAW JR. CEO ASU Foundation for A New American University asufoundation.org

Under the leadership of Shangraw, the ASU Foundation has grown ASU’s endowment to more than $640 million. He has successfully introduced a model for philanthropy, focusing on the individual passion of ASU’s investors to produce a customized giving experience that last year produced more than $145 million in new gifts and commitments.

Business advice: “Business is about relationships and understanding what is important to your employees, customers, suppliers, and partners.”

Childhood dreams: “I told my dad I wanted to drive a trash truck. My dad was supportive as long as I was the best trash truck driver in the city and loved my job. I took a different path, but I continue to strive to be the best at whatever I do and to enjoy work.”

WHO’s WHO

{ NONPROFITS } GARY EDMONDS President and CEO Food for the Hungry fh.org

ARMANDO CONTRERAS CEO United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona ucpofcentralaz.org

Contreras leads one of the state’s largest nonprofit services organizations and is committed to strengthening internal capacity, developing new alliances, and creating strategic pathways, taking United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona to a greater level of service benefiting families with disabilities. His career includes serving as cabinet member for Gov. Janet Napolitano.

Professional accomplishment: “Every time a child with a disability walks, speaks, smiles, rides a bike or hugs their parents for the first time, I know my team has provided the best therapies to reach these milestones.

Miracles, to say the least.”

Superpower: “The power of healing the sick. My heart breaks to see children with terminal illnesses and many suffering in pain from disabilities.”

Edmonds is president and CEO of the international relief and development organization, Food for the Hungry, headquartered in Phoenix and helping to end extreme poverty in 20 countries worldwide. He also serves as president of Breakthrough Partners, which builds indigenous leaders in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the United States.

Business advice: “Get crystal clear on defining success, then establish a sustainable cash flow that will allow you to conduct your core work.”

Dream dinner: “Abraham Lincoln, because I would like to hear his wisdom on forming a leadership team and about how he stayed on track in overcoming the great cultural challenge of slavery. We will dine at Seasons 52.”

Surprising fact: “I’ve traveled and worked in more than 70 countries.”

GINGER WARD

CEO Southwest Human Development swhd.org Ward is the CEO of Southwest Human Development, which she founded in 1981 with six staff members serving 175 children through a single program, but with the vision of providing a positive future for young children. Today, Southwest Human Development is Arizona’s largest nonprofit dedicated to early childhood development with more than 850 employees serving 135,000 children and families each year. Ward serves on a variety of boards and committees at the state and national levels working to improve the quality of early childhood.

Source of pride: “For 35 years, our staff have worked in partnership with Arizona families, responding with support and expertise that reflects the best interests of children and their families.”

MERL WASCHLER President and CEO Valley of the Sun United Way vsuw.org

Waschler leads the Valley’s largest nonprofit investor in health and human services. In partnership with the board, volunteers, business supporters and community partners, United Way and Waschler aim to achieve three community objectives: 1) End hunger and homelessness; 2) Ensure children and youth succeed; and 3) Increase the financial stability of families.

Toughest challenge: “The biggest obstacle also created great opportunity: moving from individual organization impact to creating change at a community-wide scale. The evolution requires leveraging and aligning resources beyond your own organization to change disconnected systems we don’t control. It calls for mutual goals, lots of time and shifts in community investments. It’s wickedly complex, but the results are tremendous.”

262 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

DAVID WILLIAMS

President and CEO Make-A-Wish America wish.org Williams leads the corporate office and 62 chapters of Make-A-Wish in the singular purpose to grant wishes for children with life-threatening medical conditions. Williams joined Make-A-Wish in January 2005. Under his leadership, the organization’s annual revenue has increased by $140 million to more than $300 million.

Business advice: “Do what you love to do and then don’t be afraid to fail. I also learned at an early age from my grandfather about the importance of listening.”

Superpower: “To make men be better dads, husbands and leaders. Too many problems in our world are the byproduct of men being too self-absorbed with themselves.”

Surprising fact: “I married my wife, who was my supervisor at Shell Oil Company. I was just trying to get a good review.”

Central Arizona

building affordable housing revitalizing neighborhoods improving communities giving feels great at habitatcaz.org

WHO’s WHO

{ PHILANTHROPISTS } IRA FULTON Founder Fulton Homes fultonhomes.com

Fulton is a philanthropist, land developer, and businessman and founder of Fulton Homes. BusinessWeek listed Fulton among its “50 Most Generous Philanthropists” and reported that Fulton and his wife have given away about $265 million, approximately 60 percent of their net worth. Fulton has contributed millions to ASU, Brigham Young University and Barrow Neurological Institute.

Surprising fact: “When I was a boy, we had a little hamburger stand in Tempe. I was the dishwasher. I was the youngest. And my mother would not turn away anyone who was hungry. I would say, ‘We can’t afford to do this.’

But she would say, ‘Son, they’re hungry.’ And I shut up because she’s my mom.

I learned the principles of giving, and I didn’t even know it. My mother was a very generous lady.”

CATHERINE IVY BENNETT DORRANCE Founding partner DMB Associates dmbinc.com

Dorrance is the grandson of John T. Dorrance, who founded Campbell Soup in 1869. Dorrance owns about 14 percent of the firm and has been on the board since 1989. Dorrance is also a founding partner of DMB Associates, a Valley-based real estate development firm. The Dorrance Merit Scholarship was established

by Bennett and Jacquie Dorrance at the Arizona Community Foundation in June of 1999. The original gift supported 10 Arizona public university students.

What is now known as the Dorrance Scholarship Programs supports as many as 150 recipients at Arizona’s three public universities and at South Mountain Community College. The generosity and foresight of the Dorrances have made the scholarship one of the most influential, privately-funded educational initiatives in the state.

264 ABL | Nominate at azBIGmedia.com

Founder and president The Ben & Catherine Ivy Foundation ivyfoundation.org Ivy is responsible for the administration, investment management, and charitable grantmaking of the Ivy Foundation. She monitors and participates in the design of the overall grantmaking strategies and policies emphasizing the needs of the brain tumor research.

Business advice: “Begin with the end in mind. Ask yourself if your activities are contributing effectively to your goal.”

Professional accomplishment: “Seeing the impact of our medical research on patient’s lives. While the cure to brain cancer has not been found yet, our research is contributing to the progress, giving patients hope and some extension of life. ” Dream dinner: “I would choose to have dinner with Abraham Lincoln. I would want to learn from his wisdom and experiences. The dinner would be at T Cooks for the atmosphere and food.”

ALFREDO MOLINA Chairman and CEO Molina Fine Jewelers molinafinejewelers.com

Molina is chairman and CEO of Molina Fine Jewelers and chairman and CEO of Black Starr & Frost, America’s first jeweler since 1810. His family’s lineage as master jewelers dates back to 17th-century Italy.

Professional accomplishment: “When I started Molina Fine Jewelers I had a negative net worth, no merchandise, no employees and no safety net. I did have a definitive purpose and the drive to succeed. When faced with difficult tasks, we have a choice to make. We can be fearful or we can believe.”

Surprising fact: “Growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional.

People see me as serious businessman, maybe too serious. I wear a threepiece suit everyday, but under this suit is a 17-year-old. I choose not to grow up. I love people and I love fun.

BOB PARSONS Executive chairman GoDaddy godaddy.com

A serial entrepreneur, Parsons’ first endeavor was Parsons Technology, a software company he started in his basement in 1984, after teaching himself how to write computer programs. He sold Parsons Technology to Intuit in 1994 for $64 million. In 1997, Parsons started Jomax Technologies and renamed the company GoDaddy in 1999. In 2012, he established the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation, which has awarded more than $64 million to more than 62 charities and organizations worldwide.

Personal mission: “Timing and luck have been in our favor and we are profoundly grateful for our good fortune.

We intend to donate at least half of our wealth – and likely much more – to nonprofits which are making a difference and inspiring hope for the American Dream.”