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INFLUENTIAL WOMEN
Jennifer Linder, M.D.
Lori Linder
Linder, a board-certified dermatologist and a fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic skin surgeon, guides all product development and clinical trials for PCA Skin, ThinkGlobal’s 2013 Exporter of the Year in the Health & Beauty category. She is one of the foremost U.S. experts in the use of the cosmetic filler, Sculptra, and is also on medical advisory boards for Botox and Juvéderm.
In May, Linder brought more than 33 years of experience to MomDoc, a women’s health organization with six practices and 15 offices in Arizona. Before MomDoc, Linder served in both CFO and CEO roles for Banner Health.
Chief scientific officer PCA Skin
Surprising fact: “While I majored in engineering in college, I pursued my love of art through painting classes. Through medical school and into my life today, I still paint.” Biggest challenge: “My husband and I spent five years living in separate cities – before and after marriage. Being apart was difficult, but we traveled to visit each other frequently.”
COO MomDoc
Surprising fact: I am not the typical stereotype of an accountant. I am known for being approachable with excellent communication and listening skills that have enabled me to effectively collaborate, negotiate and maintain positive relationships.” Biggest challenge: “Opening a new hospital in Northern Pinal County and taking on many assignments that went above and beyond financial experience. I overcame the challenge by just jumping in with both feet and learned as I did the assignment. I asked a lot of questions and utilized my resources.”
Robin Milne
Executive director Phoenix Suns Charities Milne said her job is “a dream” because she can combine her passion for sports and philanthropy. Milne works with the organization’s board of directors to raise and grant more than $1 million annually to programs in the areas of education, health, human services, the arts, rehabilitation, sports and recreation. Surprising fact: “In college, I was a ‘lock’ on the scrum of a women’s rugby club. We were the Phoenix ‘Squash Blossoms‘ — our name said it all.” Biggest challenge: “The organization took on a first-time initiative to ‘adopt’ Central High, in an effort to significantly increase graduation rates. We brought in ASU Teacher’s College’s iTeach AZ graduating teachers to mentor Central High teachers and its students to deliver that individual attention needed.”
Zandra O’Keefe, CPA Managing director CBIZ
With more than 20 years of experience providing accounting, tax planning and compliance services, O’Keefe has developed a specialty and expertise in providing services to professional service practices such as medical practices, architectural and law firms. She is active in the community and serves as the Past President and an Executive Board Member of Southwest Human Development. Surprising fact: “I used to re-break horses so that they could be ridden safely again.”
Sheryl Palmer
President and CEO Taylor Morrison Homes Palmer became president and CEO in August 2007 after serving as executive vice president for the western region of Morrison Homes. She brings more than 20 years of experience to her position, including leadership in land acquisition, sales and marketing, development and operations management. In April, Palmer helped her Scottsdale-based company raise $526 million through its initial public offering of 28.6 million shares. 42 AB | July-August 2013
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.” Biggest challenge: “Overcoming what was potentially a life-threatening health issue and maintaining perspective on what’s important.”
Biggest challenge: “I tend to be an impatient perfectionist, so I’ve had to learn to relax, let go and teach and empower others so they can rise and become successful as part of our high-performing Phoenix office team.”