Getting to know the CHAMBER BOARD MICHAEL GARZA Payroll Control Systems
Garza moved to Arizona in 2000 when he was offered a job with Consygen in Tempe. Moving through different companies in various roles, including helping raise capital, sales, retail, and B2B, Michael got engaged and focused on getting a job to have a better family life. Through networking he began a career in the payroll industry, and in 2013 moved to Payroll Control Systems. Fortunate to grow with the company, Michael moved from team leader to regional manager, to the director of sales and marketing position. He is passionate about being able to help businesses, hiring employees for the first time, and educating them in the process. He enjoys being a mentor, team leader, and trainer. Michael is currently serving on the Chandler Chamber Board of Directors, is a Chandler Chamber Ambassador, and co-chairs the Chandler Chamber Annual Ostrich Festival.
DR. GREG PETERSON Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Dr. Peterson serves as President of Chandler-Gilbert Community College. He has presented at the White House for both the President’s Domestic Policy Council and the U.S. Department of Education. He serves on governing boards for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, local boards, and the American Association of Community Colleges’ Commission on Workforce and Economic Development. He holds a doctorate from the University of Texas, a master’s from Portland State University, an MBA from Kaplan University, and a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. Recently he was selected as part of the first cohort of the Aspen New President Fellowship and teaches graduate-level courses for Kansas State University.
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Chandler Chamber CONNECT | June 2022
KURT JOHANSEN Western State Bank
Kurt has lived in Arizona for more than 50 years and in Chandler since 1996. In 1989, Kurt started his banking career at United Bank of Arizona and over the past 30+ years, Kurt has remained in banking, currently working as Director of Commercial Lending for Western State Bank here in Chandler. Kurt and his wife Stacy have 3 kids, all attending Chandler public schools. In addition to serving on the Chandler Chamber Board of Directors, Kurt serves on the Chandler City IDA Board and is currently in his seventh straight year of serving on the board for the Chandler Compadres.
LAURA ROBERTSON Banner Desert Medical Center Banner Children’s at Desert Banner Ocotillo Medical Center
Laura Robertson is CEO of Banner Desert Medical Center, Banner Children’s at Desert, and Banner Ocotillo Medical Center. As hospital CEO, Laura is responsible for business development, strategic direction and operational performance, leading more than 5,000 clinical and non-clinical employees, including physicians and volunteers. Robertson has been a leader and change agent in Banner Health for 25+ years. She began her career as a cardiac critical care nurse at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, now known as Banner University Medical Center Phoenix. She is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), serves on the Board of Governors for ACHE and is active in the community serving volunteer organizations.
