Brad Halvorsen joined the Flinn Foundation in 1989 as its first communications employee. After 35 years of service to the foundation and Arizona, including nearly a decade as executive vice president, Halvorsen retires June 14. Halvorsen’s departure prompts two other executive leadership changes. Vice President, Communications Matt Ellsworth has been promoted to chief … [More]
Regional Bank Names New Arizona President
UMB Bank, a subsidiary of UMB Financial Corporation, has announced John Damiris as its new regional president for the Arizona market. Since relocating to the state in 2005, Damiris has spent nearly two decades building UMB’s Arizona presence from the ground up. During the last 15 years, Damiris and UMB have seen average loan balances in Arizona increase from $57.0 million to … [More]
Real Estate Development Co. Names Senior Director
VanTrust Real Estate, a national commercial real estate development company, announced the addition of Derek Flottum as Senior Director of Development for its Southwest Region. Flottum is an industry veteran that brings over a decade of development experience in Arizona. He will be working on existing industrial and office projects for VanTrust, as well as expanding the firm’s … [More]
Suns Name New Head Coach
The Phoenix Suns have named Mike Budenholzer, an NBA championship head coach and two-time recipient of both the NBA Coach of the Year and NBCA Coach of the Year awards, as head coach. “We’re excited to name Mike as the head coach of the Phoenix Suns and bring him back to his home state of Arizona,” said Mat Ishbia, owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury. “Mike … [More]
Greater Phoenix Leadership Elects New Board Roster
Greater Phoenix Leadership (GPL), Arizona's premier CEO business advocacy organization announced newly elected officers and board members. Ken Van Winkle, Managing Partner at Lewis Roca, has been elected Chair of Greater Phoenix Leadership (GPL) for 2024-2026. Van Winkle joined GPL in 2009 and previously served as pro bono legal counsel, Arts and Culture Task Force Co-chair, … [More]
Sunwest Bank Names New Arizona Regional President
Sunwest Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Kevin Cutter as its new SVP, Regional President leading the Arizona Commercial Banking Division. In this role, Cutter is responsible for the development and coordination of all banking relationships, including profitability, strategic goals, and policies. He will also be responsible for creating and managing a cross-functional … [More]
Business and Real Estate Law Firm Names New Managing Partner
Medalist Legal, a valley law firm specializing in business and real estate law, announced the promotion of Brandon Bodea to Managing Partner. Brandon Bodea brings a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience, knowledge, and expertise to this new role. Bodea has been with Medalist Legal since the Firm’s inception, focusing on both litigation and transactional real estate … [More]
Western Alliance Subsidiary Names New Top Leader
Western Alliance Bancorporation announced the promotion of Jocelyn Lynch to the President and CEO of Western Alliance Trust Company, N.A. Lynch brings tremendous experience to her elevated role, having served previously as Managing Director in the Corporate Trust group at Western Alliance Trust Company, N.A. "Jocelyn’s deep expertise, unwavering focus on clients and … [More]
Kiterocket Expands Renewable Energy Expertise with Clean Energy Veteran Jessica Fishman
Kiterocket, a PR-forward communications agency for transformative, high growth companies, today announced it has tapped Jessica Fishman as Director for its Renewable Energy Practice. As the climate tech sector experiences exponential growth, Fishman will lead the agency's renewable energy client portfolio and continue its proven track record of advancing brands advancing the … [More]
Phoenix Convention Center Names New Deputy Director
The Phoenix Convention Center & Venues announced May 1 that Sarah Field will assume the role of Deputy Convention Center Director responsible for the Sales & Marketing Division. Field will lead the Sales, Marketing, Ticketing, and Guest Experience sections within the division. She comes to the Phoenix Convention Center from Arizona State University, where she … [More]
Ballet Arizona Announces New Artistic Director
Internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer and arts leader brings a new vision to Arizona
Ballet Arizona is excited to announce its new artistic director, internationally-acclaimed dancer, choreographer, director and arts leader, Daniela Cardim, who will assume the appointment beginning July 1. Cardim will be the first woman to hold the position and the fourth artistic director for the organization, succeeding Ib Andersen’s 24 years of leadership. “I am delighted … [More]
Chicanos Por La Causa Board of Directors Appoints New President & CEO
Chicanos Por La Causa, a leading Arizona-based nonprofit empowering communities in six U.S. states, proudly announces the appointment of Alicia Nuñez as its new President & CEO. Nuñez has more than 23 years of financial and operational management experience in both for-profit and non-profit business. She is now the organization's first female leader in its 55-year … [More]
PR and Marketing Agency Appoints Managing Director to Drive Digital Innovation, Strategy
Aker Ink PR & Marketing, a full-service agency helping companies increase brand awareness, enhance thought leadership and generate leads, has hired industry veteran and expert digital strategist Lauren Garstecki as managing director. In addition to overseeing account teams and developing creative, results-driven marketing programs, Garstecki will help to scale the firm’s … [More]
Nonprofit CEO Set to Depart after 20 Years of Service
After a long and successful career with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ), Laura Capello, president and chief executive officer, will depart after the end of the fiscal year, effective July 1, 2024. “Laura has been an invaluable leader, guiding our organization with dedication, vision and integrity for two decades,” said Brian Wood, BBBSAZ Board Chair. “Her … [More]
Dr. Ashish S. Patel Named Physician-in-Chief at Phoenix Children’s
Phoenix Children's today announced the appointment of Ashish S. Patel, MD, as physician-in-chief of the rapidly expanding health system. In his new role, Dr. Patel leads four of Phoenix Children's eight clinical centers including Emergency and Diagnostic Medicine, the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, the Aerodigestive Clinic and Medical Subspecialties. In addition, he … [More]
Adult Autism Leadership Institute Names Chief Impact Officer
Maureen Casey has been named Chief Impact Officer (CIO) for the First Place Global Leadership Institute, a newly created position supporting the organization’s mission to advance a new generation of housing and community development for adults with autism and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities (A/I/DD). For three years, Casey served as director of The Daniel Jordan … [More]
Law Firm Appoints Chair of Employment and Labor Law Department
Gallagher & Kennedy is pleased to announce that Haley A. Harrigan has been appointed chair of the firm’s employment and labor law department. Haley Harrigan represents and counsels individuals, small businesses, franchised operations, and large corporations in a variety of employment and business disputes. Her proven track record includes litigating and resolving matters … [More]
Banner Health’s Peter S. Fine to Retire, Names New President and CEO
Peter S. Fine, who led Banner Health through 24 years of unprecedented growth and a rise to national prominence, will retire on June 30 and be succeeded by Banner’s president, Amy Perry, who will become the president and chief executive officer, the health system’s Board of Directors announced today. Fine became president and chief executive officer of Banner in 2000, shortly … [More]
