Tucsonans who have been moved, promoted or appointed in 2020
Check out people in our community who have moved up in their fields.
Rabe earns promotion at Truly Nolen
Truly Nolen promoted Garrett Rabe to help-desk team lead. He will remain based at the company’s Tucson headquarters at 432 S. Williams Blvd.
Rabe joined the company in July 2018. In his new role, he will be leading the help-desk team as it continues to grow.
Martinez earns promotion at Truly Nolen
Truly Nolen promoted Jose Martinez to assistant IT manager of engineering. He will remain based at the company’s Tucson headquarters at 432 S. Williams Blvd.
Martinez joined the company in May 2014 and has 20 years of programming and IT experience. In his new role, he will continue to lead the company’s developers to meet current and future needs to make sure development needs align with all aspects of software development technology.
Hagardt earns promotion at Truly Nolen
Truly Nolen promoted Jesse Hagardt to assistant information technology manager for infrastructure. He will remain based at the company’s Tucson headquarters at 432 S. Williams Blvd.
Hagardt joined the company in December 2009 and has 15 years of IT experience. In his new role, he will be in charge of all network infrastructure pieces as well as the help-desk team.
Farmers Insurance Group adds Delgado as new insurance adviser
The Southern Arizona district office of Farmers Insurance Group appointed Fabian Delgado as its newest adviser in Tucson.
Fabian holds property and casualty and life and health insurance licenses and focuses on auto, home, life and business insurance products.
Voorhees joins Airport Authority as VP and chief commercial officer
The Tucson Airport Authority announced that John “Dutch” Voorhees joined the Tucson Airport Authority as vice president and chief commercial officer.
In his new role, the authority said, Voorhees will oversee revenue optimization strategies for passenger and cargo air service development, space leasing, concessions, and parking and ground transportation, and will manage economic development, properties, concessions, ground transportation and air-service development departments.
Voorhees has more than 25 years of management experience. Most recently, he served as assistant Pima County administrator and director of aerospace and defense initiatives. He led the county’s Office of Emergency Management, the Elections Department and the Pima County Wireless Integrated Network (PCWIN). He began his service with Pima County in 2013 as the first executive director of PCWIN and helped integrate the TAA Public Safety departments into the regional radio network.
Voorhees served in the U.S. Air Force for nearly 21 years in a range of duties including command pilot and strategic planner. He was based at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base for six years and was deployed to the Middle East, South Korea and South America.
Castillo affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty
Daniel Castillo associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, Castillo was a property manager and listing/buyer sales representative for Vista Point Properties.
Sundt promotes McCarthy to Southwest regional manager
Sundt Construction Inc. promoted Travis McCarthy to vice president and Southwest regional manager for its transportation group.
He will oversee business development, preconstruction and operations in Arizona, Southern California and New Mexico.
A construction industry veteran, McCarthy has been with Sundt for over 20 years.
In his most recent role, as operations manager, he oversaw operations of transportation projects in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Utah and Southern California.
BeachFleischman names Majchrzak as CEO-elect
Eric Majchrzak, chief marketing and strategy officer for BeachFleischman, was appointed CEO-elect.
Majchrzak joined BeachFleischman in 2012 as chief marketing officer and was elected shareholder in 2013. In 2018, he became the firm’s chief strategy officer.
As the strategy leader, Majchrzak’s responsibilities include working closely with the CEO and firm management to develop and execute short- and long-term strategic initiatives such as growth plans, joint ventures, transformation, advanced pricing and business model innovation.
Moses affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty
Lisa Moses associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Moses was previously a director of cardiovascular services at Parkview Medical Center.
Kaysen affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty
BJ Kaysen associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Kaysen served as the Western regional manager of sales and distribution and regional manager of business development in the clinical laboratory industry.
Gil-Azamar joins Coldwell’s OV/Marana office as affiliate
Raul Gil-Azamar associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, he was an agent with Keller Williams Southern Arizona.
Farmers Insurance Group gains Brady as an adviser
The Southern Arizona District Office of Farmers Insurance Group appointed Konan Brady as the newest adviser to Tucson.
Konan holds property and casualty as well as life and health insurance licenses. He focuses on auto, home, life, and business insurance products.
Carondelet Health Network selects Luckett as chief executive
Carondelet Health Network announced Doug Luckett as chief executive officer. Experienced in collaboration, clinical integration, acute-care operations, board relations and community inclusion, Luckett will provide leadership to continue Carondelet’s legacy and lead market strategy and operations at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Marana Hospital.
Luckett has prior experience in Arizona, having served as regional president at Steward Healthcare, providing direction and operations leadership for three general acute-care facilities and one freestanding acute behavioral health facility in the Phoenix, Tempe and Mesa markets.
He has also held executive positions in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Florida, Texas and South Carolina. He is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Luckett hold an MBA from the University of Memphis and a bachelor’s degree in Allied Healthcare administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
TCI Wealth Advisors hires Cohen as new marketing associate
Josh Cohen joined TCI Wealth Advisors as a marketing associate. Cohen is responsible for various elements of TCI’s external communication strategy across the firm’s five locations: Tucson, Scottsdale, Flagstaff, Denver, and Reno/Tahoe.
Cohen brings nearly five years of marketing experience to this newly created position. Most recently he was the marketing manager at Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Cohen graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology.
Sundt Construction hires Cox
Sundt Construction Inc. hired Hudson Cox as a field engineer in its Tucson office.
Cox, a teammate of Bersbach and Hoyt on the UA Student Success District for the past year, had been an intern for Sundt before joining the company full time. He holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Arizona.
Sundt Construction promotes Hoyt
Sundt Construction Inc. promoted Courtney Hoyt to project engineer II.
Hoyt has been in the construction industry for six years. Since joining Sundt two years ago, she has been working on the UA Student Success District project. Before joining Sundt, Hoyt worked as a project engineer for a general contractor in Oregon. She earned her bachelor’s degree in construction engineering management from Oregon State University.
Sundt Construction promotes Bersbach
Sundt Construction Inc. promoted Tom Bersbach to senior project manager.
For the past 15 years, Bersbach has been an instrumental leader on projects across Tucson. He is leading the team on the University of Arizona’s Student Success District, Sundt’s 58th project on the campus. Bersbach served as project manager for Sundt on numerous projects, including the Tucson Fire Central, Pima County Public Service Center and the Pima Animal Care Center. He holds a bachelor’s degree in construction management from Northern Arizona University.
Step Up to Justice adds Shannon as family law outreach, tech fellow
Stephanie Shannon joined Step Up to Justice as the organization’s family law outreach and technology fellow.
She coordinates clinics to help self-represented litigants address urgent family law issues.
Step Up to Justice is a free civil legal center for low-income individuals and families in Pima County.
Crest Insurance promotes Baldwin to senior vice president
Crest Insurance Group promoted Yvonne Baldwin to senior vice president of personal lines.
Baldwin joined the firm in 1984 following her career with Mueller and Associates. Over the course of the next 36 years, Baldwin rapidly moved up the corporate ladder at Crest.
Long’s Realty’s Woods to oversee 3 offices northwest of Tucson
KC Woods, from Long Realty’s Oro Valley office, was named a regional sales leader for the company, overseeing three offices — Dove Mountain, Continental Ranch/Marana and Oro Valley.
It was a homecoming of sorts for Woods, the associate broker who, in 2007, was the founding manager at Dove Mountain.
First licensed in 1987, Woods began as a salesperson with another area brokerage before joining Long Realty in 2000. From 2004 onward, he’s served in a variety of management roles at Dove Mountain and Oro Valley, including sales manager, branch manager and regional manager.
Belvedere is new affiliate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty
Mark Belvedere associated with the Oro Valley-Marana office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
He comes to the office with 18 years of real estate experience and still maintains his license in California.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, he was an agent with Parker Fine Properties in Santa Rosa, California, where he specialized in listing and buyer-driven sales of one- to four-unit properties.
Lee joins cosmetic surgery team at Banner-University Medicine
Dr. Elizabeth Lee joined the Banner-University Medicine reconstructive and cosmetic surgery team.
She has also been appointed clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson in the Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgical Oncology.
As a part of the Division of Surgical Oncology, Lee specializes in plastic surgery reconstruction to maximize cosmetic outcomes for breast cancer patients.
She also specializes in other elective services including Botox and face-lifts.
Lee received a doctor of medicine from the UA College of Medicine-Tucson. She then joined the UA Department of Surgery as a general surgery resident, graduating in 2017.
After completing general surgery residency at the UA, Lee moved to Nashville, where she completed a plastic-surgery residency at Vanderbilt University.
Banner — University Medicine expands urology services
Urologist Dr. Sunchin Kim has joined the Banner – University Medicine urology team and has also has been appointed assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson.
Kim specializes in trauma and reconstructive urology, general urology and robotic surgery. He received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine, in Detroit, Michigan, and most recently finished a fellowship in genitourinary (genital and urinary organ) reconstruction at the University of California, San Diego.
Banner — University Medicine expands urology services
Cara Whittingham, a nurse practitioner, will provide general urology services at Banner - University Medicine's Cortaro clinic.
Whittingham specializes in general urology such as kidney stones, hematuria, urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, prostate issues, erectile dysfunction and elevated PSA, a protein made by cells in the prostate gland that can suggest the possibility of prostate cancer.
She has been with Banner – University Medical Center North for two years and is expanding services to the Cortaro location.
Berkshire Hathaway selects Tucson office branch manager
Keri Grammond has joined Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties as the firm’s Tucson branch manager.
Grammond’s role with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Arizona Properties includes supporting sales executives in operating the firm’s marketing tools, assisting with home transactions and helping agents in negotiating sales.
Before joining the firm, she worked in a similar role for a large brokerage where she managed an office of 160 agents.
Robert Jensen to lead Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona
Robert Jensen has been named CEO of Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona.
Jensen has a vast Tucson background in the business community. He started working for Eegee’s while in high school and continued to work there for 34 years, eventually becoming the president and CEO.
In addition to Eegee’s, Jensen worked as a sales consultant for Shamrock Foods for the last four years. He founded, and still owns, Sign Watch LLC, a commercial real estate sign installation business that works with new home builders.
Literacy Connects selects its new executive director
Matthew Tarver-Wahlquist has been selected to serve as executive director of Literacy Connects.
Tarver-Wahlquist comes to Literacy Connects with over 17 years of experience in creating, growing, and running innovative programs.
He most recently served as executive director/chief executive officer of The Arc San Francisco, a nonprofit serving over 700 individuals with developmental disabilities. He has extensive experience advocating for personal, educational, and professional progress for marginalized groups, having previously held directorial roles at Lifehouse, the Cedars of Marin, and Opportunity for Independence (all service organizations in the greater Bay Area).
Restaurant group Ares Collective hires Dudley for marketing post
Ares Collective, a Tucson-based restaurant group with three concepts and five locations in Tucson and Scottsdale, has hired Shannon Dudley as director of marketing.
Dudley comes to the position having served as the company’s photography and social media contractor since 2014. She will now oversee all aspects of the company’s marketing communications for Prep & Pastry, Commoner & Co., and Flora’s Market Run, the newest concept slated to open early next year.
Prior to joining Ares Collective full time, Dudley served as community liaison for the Sunshine Mile Business Association.
Edward Smith affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty
Edward Smith has associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, he was part of the math faculty at Pima County Community College.
Metropolitan Education Commission names exec. director
The Metropolitan Education Commission has selected Cathy Duarte Gastelum to serve as executive director.
Duarte Gastelum previously was an English teacher at Pueblo High School, a curriculum specialist at the University of Arizona as well as an adjunct faculty member at Pima Community College and the University of Arizona.
A Pueblo High graduate, she holds a doctorate of philosophy in Mexican American studies from the UA with a minor in educational leadership and policy. Her research focused on the structural inequities that Latino students encounter throughout their educational career.
Farmers Insurance Group gains insurance advisor Fera
The Southern Arizona District Office of Farmers Insurance Group has appointed Eugene Fera as the newest advisor to Tucson.
Fera holds property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses. He focuses on auto, home, life, and business insurance products.
Arizona EndoVascular Center adds nurse practitioner Evans
Rawley Evans, a board-certified family nurse practitioner, has come on board at Arizona EndoVascular Center.
Before joining the Arizona EndoVascular Center, Evans was at Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital as an ICU medical/trauma clinical nursing leader, providing patient care for life-threatening medical conditions and injuries.
Evans received his associates degree in nursing from Pima Community College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Grand Canyon University, and a Master of Science in nursing, family nurse practitioner degree from the University of Phoenix.
Children’s cleft lip and palate specialist joins UA, Banner
Children’s cleft lip and palate specialist, Dr. Jonathan Skirko, is joining the University of Arizona Health Sciences and Banner – University Medicine.
Skirko has been appointed associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson, Department of Otolaryngology.
He will also serve as medical director of the Cleft and Craniofacial Program at Banner — University Medicine Tucson and will see patients at Banner University Medicine — North, as well as treat patients in an inpatient setting at Banner Children’s — Diamond Children’s Medical Center.
Skirko cares for children with complex craniofacial and aerodigestive disorders, particularly children with cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
In addition, he provides clinical care and treatments in otolaryngology, advanced ear, nose and throat medicine.
He completed his medical degree at the University of Washington and remained in Seattle for his residency in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery.
At the University of Washington, he completed a two-year clinical research fellowship, while obtaining a master’s of public health degree in epidemiology. Skirko continued his surgical training at Colorado Children’s Hospital in Denver with a fellowship in pediatric otolaryngology and additional focus on pediatric facial plastic surgery.
Farmers Insurance Group picks Fry as newest adviser
The Southern Arizona district office of Farmers Insurance Group appointed Jeremy Fry as the newest adviser to Tucson.
Fry holds his property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses. He focuses on auto, home, life, and business insurance products.
Truly Nolen makes Welsh a senior reporting analyst
Truly Nolen Pest Control has promoted John Welsh to senior reporting analyst within the company’s accounting department.
Welsh joined Truly Nolen in May 2008.
Before joining the company, he had spent 12 years with another pest control company in Tucson where he worked as a technician for residential and commercial services.
He also managed that company’s bird division.
He earned his degree in accounting from Brown College while working in pest control.
Some of Welsh’s accomplishments while at Truly Nolen include improving the company’s process for handling sales tax compliance, proactively developing changes to the company’s internal branch-of-the-month contest, and reworking statistical reporting by improving the format and data integrity of reports.
Coldwell Banker Realty adds Fuentes to team
Cecil Fuentes has associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, Fuentes was an admissions counselor with Southern New Hampshire University.
Before that, he worked full time in Christian ministries at his local church.
Zerbinatti will co-direct UA drug discovery center
Celina Zerbinatti joined the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy as co-director for the Arizona Center for Drug Discovery (ACDD) and an associate professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology.
Zerbinatti will work with fellow ACDD co-director Wei Wang to provide strategic leadership for a wide research portfolio across biological targets, therapeutic areas and modalities in drug discovery, from early stage research to Phase 2 clinical trials.
She also will be responsible for identifying novel opportunities for new grant applications, startup companies, intellectual property and partnerships.
Zerbinatti is a senior leader from the pharmaceutical industry who gained extensive drug discovery experience at New Jersey-based Merck & Co., where she led research lab program teams in the area of neuroscience for nearly 10 years.
She then joined Hamburg, Germany-based Evotec A.G. as the scientific and operational head of a broad drug discovery alliance on Huntington’s disease with the CHDI Foundation.
Expanding into the biotech sector, Zerbinatti was a senior consultant for the Dementia Discovery Fund at Boston’s SV Health Investors and, most recently, the head of biology at Escape Bio, a San Francisco-based clinical stage biotechnology company focused on discovery and development of small-molecule drugs to treat genetically defined neurodegenerative diseases.
Udall Foundation turns to Harris, Muter to run education programs
The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation hired Alicia Harris as director of education programs.
Harris has over 20 years of experience in student aid program administration. Before joining the Udall Foundation, she worked for the U.S. Department of Education as acting director of its Federal Student Aid, Minority-Serving and Under Resourced Schools Division.
Udall Foundation turns to Harris, Muter to run education programs
The Morris K. Udall and Stewart L. Udall Foundation promoted Bret Muter to deputy director of education programs.
Muter has been connected to the work and mission of the Udall Foundation since he was selected as a Udall scholar in 2005.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Muter returned to Tucson in 2006 to intern with the Udall Foundation’s education programs.
Since then he has worked for the Udall Foundation as a program assistant, program coordinator, and, most recently, as the program manager for Parks in Focus and acting director of education programs.
Gillett named city of Tucson’s first urban forestry program manager
The city of Tucson selected Nicole Gillett to serve as the city’s first urban forestry program manager.
Gillett will work to develop a climate-resilient and sustainable community, leading the implementation of the Tucson Million Trees program to plant 1 million trees on public and private property by 2030.
She will also spearhead the effort to revamp and align the city’s policies, programs and practices relating to the growth, care and maintenance of the city’s urban forest.
She has a community-oriented environmental background, working most recently as a conservation advocate for the Tucson Audubon Society.
Arter to work on end-of-life issues at Step Up to Justice
Riley Arter joined Step Up to Justice, a free civil legal center for low-income individuals and families in Pima County.
Arter was named the Prep with Tech: End of Life Care Project leader. Prep with Tech invests in technology to help volunteer attorneys generate the documents necessary for end-of-life planning.
Paul to work on housing issues at Step Up to Justice
Jordan Paul joined Step Up to Justice, a free civil legal center for low-income individuals and families in Pima County.
Paul is the organization’s Housing Outreach Mentoring and Education fellow. He coordinates clinics that provide tenants with assistance regarding urgent housing needs.
Boyd affiliates with Coldwell’s Foothills office
Tafe Boyd has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, she was a project specialist in the remodeling department of Lowe’s. Before that, she worked for American Remodelers in the Los Angeles and Orange County areas. She is Computer-Aided Design-certified in 20/20, AutoCAD and Architectural Desktop.
UA’s Staten takes on added role
The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau appointed Michael Staten, associate dean for career and academic services in the UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, to a two-year term on its Academic Research Council.
Staten was director of the university’s Take Charge America Institute from 2007-16, developing and scaling up financial education programs, including the award-winning Take Charge Today personal finance literacy curriculum for high school and middle school classrooms.
Buck to lead Sundt group
Chad Buck was selected to lead the Southwest District for Sundt Construction’s Building Group. As senior vice president and Southwest district manager, Buck will provide direction to the district’s leadership team and is responsible for the district’s overall performance, including acquiring and executing work.
Sundt’s Southwest District constructs buildings for public and private clients in a wide range of sectors including healthcare, education, data centers, commercial office, hospitality and more, in Arizona and other regional markets.
Buck brings over 20 years of industry experience to his new role, including 11 years at Sundt. Before joining the Building Group, Buck most recently served as senior vice president for the company’s Industrial Group.
UA’s Orr takes on added role
Ethan Orr was named the associate director for agriculture and natural resources for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. In this role he will have statewide responsibilities pertaining to environmental issues, food production, forest health, gardening and horticulture. Ethan is a Tucson native with a master’s degree in public administration and a faculty member for over 20 years at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College.
Tanner Joins Keegan Linscott & Associates
Keegan Linscott & Associates, PC announced that Sean Tanner joined the firm as a principal in the Consulting Services department.
He will focus his time working with clients on restructuring, litigation support, fraud and forensic accounting cases, and mergers and acquisitions.
Tanner is a certified public accountant and a certified fraud examiner with more than 15 years of public accounting and industry experience.
Tanner previously worked with Keegan Linscott and has rejoined the firm after serving as a vice president of finance and controller in the private sector.
Tanner holds bachelor’s degrees in accounting with a concentration in taxation from Michigan State University and is a member of the National Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Rowley gets a promotion at Sundt
Sundt has promoted Cade Rowley to senior vice president and Southwest and Intermountain regional manager for the company’s transportation group. In his new role, Rowley will oversee the company’s heavy civil construction work throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Southern California.
Rowley joined Sundt over 20 years ago as a field engineer. Since then, he has served in multiple roles within the Transportation Group including project manager, area manager, business development manager, preconstruction manager and Southwest regional manager.
He holds a degree in civil engineering from Arizona State University and is a registered professional engineer.
Promotion to manager for Truly Nolen’s Opocensky
Truly Nolen Pest Control recently has promoted Paul Opocensky to manager of the company’s SaddleBrooke service office.
Opocensky joined Truly Nolen in July 2019 as a manager in training.
Prior to joining the company, he had extensive retail industry experience including nine years a manager with Target. Before that, he was a manager at AMC Theaters for 12 years.
UA Sarver Heart Center welcomes two incoming cardiologists
Two cardiologists, Drs. J.R. Exequiel T. “Keng” Pineda and Andrew R. Williams, have joined the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center.
They are now faculty members of the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson’s Division of Cardiology, and are seeing patients at Banner — University Medical Center Tucson.
Williams is board certified in internal medicine and pediatrics. His clinical interests include echocardiography, specifically trans-esophageal echocardiography and 3D echocardiography, nuclear cardiology, vascular imaging as well as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and sports cardiology.
Williams earned his medical degree at the UA College of Medicine — Phoenix and completed a combined residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Banner — University Medical Center Phoenix. He then completed a fellowship in adult cardiology at the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in Oklahoma City.
UA Sarver Heart Center welcomes two incoming cardiologists
Two cardiologists, Drs. J.R. Exequiel T. “Keng” Pineda and Andrew R. Williams, have joined the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center.
They are now faculty members of the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson’s Division of Cardiology, and are seeing patients at Banner — University Medical Center Tucson.
Pineda is board certified in internal medicine and cardiovascular disease. His clinical interests include preventative cardiology, cardiovascular care of patients with cancer who develop cardiovascular toxicities from their treatment, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and interventional cardiology.
His research interests include heart muscle cell research in lab models to understand the cardio-toxic effects of some chemotherapeutics.
Pineda earned his medical and doctoral degrees at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. He completed an internal medicine residency and fellowship in vascular medicine at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, before coming to the UA College of Medicine — Tucson for fellowship training in cardiovascular disease, research and interventional cardiology.
Marana School District names community engagement director
Marana Unified School District has named Alli Benjamin director of public relations and community engagement.
Benjamin joins the district from the University of Arizona Health Sciences, where she served as the executive director of brand promotion and communications.
She has more than 15 years of experience working in communications, public relations and marketing.
In her role at MUSD, she serves as the primary public relations and information officer and liaises with the media, community organizations and local businesses.
Dr. Hazleton joins UA Pediatrics, Banner – University Medicine
Children’s liver, gastroenterology and nutrition expert Dr. Keith Hazleton has joined Banner — University Medicine in Tucson. He is the only pediatric hepatologist in Southern Arizona.
Hazleton will see patients at the Diamond Children’s Multispecialty Services Clinic on Wilmot, Banner — University Medicine Pediatric Specialty Clinic on La Cholla, and Banner’s Multispecialty Clinic in Sierra Vista. Additionally, Hazleton will perform endoscopies and provide consultation for inpatient children at Diamond Children’s Medical Center.
He has been appointed assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson joining the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.
His research includes studying the effects of diet on the gut microbiome. Specifically, how a western-style diet effects C. difficile infection and nutritional status in cystic fibrosis.
Hazleton received his medical degree and graduated Alpha Omega Alpha from The Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, where he also obtained his doctorate. He trained as a resident, a pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition fellow and as an advanced/transplant hepatology fellow at the Children’s Hospital Colorado/University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.
Tierra Right of Way Services welcomes Getty to Tucson HQ
Tierra Right of Way Services, Ltd. has hired Allison Getty as project manager/environmental compliance lead in the company’s Tucson headquarters.
Getty is a National Environmental Policy Act specialist with more than 13 years of professional experience in environmental planning and land use, project management and permitting and compliance.
An expert in state and federal environmental law, policy and regulations, she has extensive experience managing NEPA projects for energy, transportation, pipeline, oil and gas and development projects.
Cologuard Classic brings Pradella on board as tournament director
Katy Pradella has been named the executive director of the Tucson Conquistadores and the tournament director of the Cologuard Classic
The Tucson Conquistadores is the tournament management team that oversees the PGA Tour Champions’ Cologuard Classic.
Pradella served in an advisory role at the 2020 Cologuard Classic before officially coming on board as the senior tournament services manager in May.
She has more than 17 years of experience managing PGA Tour and PGA Tour Champions events, most recently serving as the senior tournament services manager at the PGA Tour Champions’ Invesco QQQ Championship at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, Calif.
Prior to that, she was the tournament manager for the Northern Trust Open golf tournament at the Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades, Calif.
Pradella began her career in professional golf at the PGA Tour in 2003 at the Charles Schwab Cup Championship in Sonoma, Calif.
She worked her way up the ladder from answering phones and recruiting volunteers to eventually becoming responsible for managing key title, sponsorship and host venue relationships, garnering extensive experience in every facet of event management from sales support to operational planning.
Erin Christiansen named chief meteorologist at KOLD-TV
KOLD-TV has hired Erin Christiansen as the station’s chief meteorologist.
Christiansen will take over all chief meteorologist duties and her first scheduled broadcast will be on Oct. 12 during KOLD News 13 at 5 p.m.
She holds two Emmy Awards for weathercasting, an Arizona Press Award for news writing and she is also a member of the American Meteorological Society and National Weather Association.
Lisa Brien joins Coldwell Banker’s Foothills office as affiliate agent
Lisa Brien has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
She comes to the office with seven years of real estate experience.
CEO named for the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation
The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation has named Dr. Ravi Grivois-Shah as the Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Grivois-Shah comes to SAAF after serving as Medical Director of Alvernon Family Medicine and the UA Mobile Health Program.
In his role as CEO, Dr. Grivois-Shah will provide executive leadership and direction to further SAAF’s vision, mission, business strategy, and annual goals and objectives.
Rusing Lopez & Lizardi adds new attorney
Attorney Matthew A. Bailey has joined the staff at Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, with extensive experience in serving commercial clients.
Bailey has served as in-house and outside counsel during his career, as well as years serving as a business executive and manager. He has experience advising clients in a wide range of commercial and corporate affairs with an emphasis on business transactions, governance, energy, financing, real estate and regulatory compliance. His practice experience includes working for UNS Energy Corp., Farmers Investment Co., Snell & Wilmer L.L.P., and Moyes Storey Ltd. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in hydrology from the University of Arizona and earned his juris doctor from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University.
Rusing Lopez & Lizardi adds new attorney
Attorney Robert M. Warzel has joined the staff at Rusing Lopez & Lizardi, with extensive experience in serving commercial clients.
Warzel has represented Fortune 500 companies in a variety of practice areas. His practice consists of a wide range of complex commercial litigation, employment matters and major injury defense. He has experience working with the mining, entertainment, transportation, construction, financial and farming industries, and has represented plaintiffs and defendants in matters including breach of contract, wrongful termination, fraud, and negligence. Warzel also is a graduate, cum laude, of the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. Born and raised in Canada, he earned an undergraduate degree in business from Carleton University in Ottawa. He is admitted to the state bars in Arizona, Colorado and Washington.
Fidelity National Title Agency welcomes new president
Eric Schroeder has been named the president for Fidelity National Title Agency. Schroeder is a Tucson native and has been serving the real estate community in Southern Arizona for many years.
Schroeder is very excited to have the opportunity to grow a company that allowed him to develop and find much success.
Dr. FitzPatrick joins Southwest Shoulder Elbow & Hand Center
Dr. Shannon FitzPatrick has joined Southwest Shoulder Elbow & Hand Center, PC.
She specializes in hand and upper extremity surgery including trauma, nerve compression syndromes, complex wrist disorders and overuse injuries.
Fitzpatrick completed a medical degree from Harvard Medical School. She completed an orthopedic surgical residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, where she served as chief orthopedic resident. Then, she completed a fellowship at Brown University in hand, upper extremity and microvascular surgery.
MOCA Tucson selects Green for executive director role
MOCA Tucson has named Kate Green executive director.
Green will officially begin her new role in October and will be responsible for upholding MOCA’s mission to inspire new ways of thinking through the cultivation, exhibition, and interpretation of contemporary art.
She comes to Tucson from the El Paso Museum of Art, bringing extensive knowledge of border communities and the international art world.
MOCA’s interim director and curator Laura Copelin will continue to serve the museum in a curatorial capacity.
At the El Paso Museum of Art, Green served as senior curator. Previously, Green directed Marfa Contemporary. From 2004 to 2007, Green led curatorial and education departments at Artpace San Antonio, and before that worked in curatorial at MoMA PS1 and as an educator at Dia Art Foundation.
Tedesco joins Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agent
Kristi Tedesco, formerly a news anchor for KVOA News 4 Tucson, has come on board at Coldwell Banker Realty’s Tucson/Foothills office.
She served as a news anchor for nearly 13 years before going on to become the director of marketing and business development at Focus HR, Inc.
There she worked with local business owners and operators to find payroll, human resources and employee benefit solutions.
Munoz joins Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agent
Jasmine Munoz associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office of Coldwell Banker Realty.
She previously served as an agent with Keller Williams Southern Arizona. She also has experience as a manager at Panda Express.
Renteria joins Coldwell
Three Tucson-area Coldwell Banker Realty offices added new affiliate agents.
George Renteria associated with the Williams Centre office in Tucson.
Most recently, he served as an avionics/maintenance technician for American Airlines. After owning a restaurant and bar for 10 years, Renteria sold the business and worked as a production supervisor in aircraft production and modification with Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. Then, he went to work for GE engine services, building jet engines for commercial and government use.
Dr. Rubin named UA chair of Medical Imaging Dept.
After a national search, Dr. Geoffrey Rubin was named chair of the Department of Medical Imaging at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
Rubin, an internationally recognized expert in the field of cardiovascular and pulmonary imaging, is the former chairman of the Department of Radiology at the Duke University School of Medicine. He also serves as the George B. Geller distinguished professor of research in cardiovascular diseases and as a professor of radiology. He also holds an appointment in Duke’s Pratt School of Engineering as professor of biomedical engineering.
Rubin earned an undergraduate degree in chemistry and biology from the California Institute of Technology and went on to complete his medical degree at the University of California at San Diego. He did his residency training in diagnostic radiology and a fellowship in body imaging at Stanford University. In 2014, Rubin earned an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business.
Sagehorn-Elliott will lead Vantage West Credit Union
Sandra Sagehorn-Elliott was selected to serve as president and CEO of Vantage West Credit Union of Arizona.
Sagehorn-Elliott has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry and comes from Workers Credit Union in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, where she was executive vice president/chief operating officer of the $1.6 billion organization since 2015.
Garcia joins Coldwell
Three Tucson-area Coldwell Banker Realty offices added new affiliate agents.
Sam Garcia returned to Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent with the Oro Valley/Marana office. He has 10 years of real estate experience in residential sales, vacation rental management and property management in the Palm Springs, California, market.
Before reaffiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, he worked as the director of event planning at JW Marriott Tucson Resort and Spa.
Restad-Hamilton joins Coldwell
Three Tucson-area Coldwell Banker Realty offices added new affiliate agents.
Laurie Restad-Hamilton associated with the Green Valley office. She comes on board with five years of real estate experience.
Restad-Hamilton was previously a designated seniors real estate specialist with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services-Premier Properties in Tucson.
St. Mary’s to have Watson as its chief nursing officer
Carondelet Health Network announced Lynn Watson as Carondelet St. Mary’s chief nursing officer.
Watson has over 20 years of experience in health care and is joining St. Mary’s from Saint Joseph’s Medical Center in Illinois, where she served as CNO and vice president of patient care services from 2017 to 2020.
Watson completed her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Illinois State University-Mennonite College of Nursing and her master of science degree in nursing education and administration from the University of Phoenix.
Arizona Forge hires Bartnicki as executive in residence
Arizona Forge hired two executives in residence to provide support to Forge entrepreneurs.
Executive in residence Olga Bartnicki will assist with a gap assessments at program entry, consulting on topics of relevance to startup companies, supporting startup development planning — including access to appropriate resources — and leveraging Forge and professional networks to improve startups’ chances of success.
Bartnicki, a four-time founder, is the current managing director of the NY Barclays (FinTech) Accelerator, powered by Techstars.
During her early career, Bartnicki launched ventures at a large media conglomerate, invested in startups as an investment banker at Allen&Co, and conceived and launched new products as a strategy consultant for Merck, Reuters, and Thompson.
She made her way into the startup world, gaining experience in the areas of health care, entertainment, e-commerce, and enterprise SaaS, and five business models. Bartnicki went on to build two companies with successful exits to Oracle and to Bessemer Ventures.
Arizona Forge hires Fleming as executive in residence
Arizona Forge hired two executives in residence to provide support to Forge entrepreneurs.
Executive in residence, Stephen Fleming, will assist with a gap assessments at program entry, consulting on topics of relevance to startup companies, supporting startup development planning — including access to appropriate resources — and leveraging Forge and professional networks to improve startups’ chances of success.
Fleming brings experience with startups, large corporations and academia. He will help Forge develop partnerships to collaborate on research and development, commercialize new technology via Tech Launch Arizona, and provide students with opportunities for experiential learning and employment.
Most recently, Fleming served the University of Arizona as vice president of strategic business initiatives. Previously, he led the economic development group at Georgia Tech, where he played a leading role in establishing the National Science Foundation I-Corps program. Earlier, Fleming was general partner of an early-stage venture capital firm, a senior leader in multiple startups, and an engineering manager in a Fortune 500 corporation.
Sundt promotes Robledo to Tucson field superintendent
Sundt Construction Inc. recently promoted Oswaldo Robledo to field superintendent.
Robledo has been with Sundt for over five years. He first started with the company as an intern while earning his bachelor’s degree in construction management from Arizona State University. After graduation, he was hired full time as a project engineer. Robledo is currently working on the University of Arizona Student Success District project.
NAI Horizon expands Tucson office with hire of retail associate Nalli
NAI Horizon’s Tucson office hired Sam Nalli as a retail associate.
Nalli joins NAI Horizon after three years at United Real Estate Southern Arizona. He was responsible for guiding buyers and sellers in all aspects of the real estate transaction process.
He also has extensive experience in the restaurant business.
Gilligan named tax partner at Regier, Carr & Monroe, LLP
Regional accounting firm RCM has appointed Terri Gilligan the newest partner in the firm’s Tucson office.
As a tax partner, Gilligan is responsible for managing daily operations and staff within the tax department and guiding the overall strategic direction.
Gilligan joined RCM as a tax manager in 2015. She has 18 years of experience in the accounting industry and specializes in small business accounting, taxes and tax planning.
Cardiologist joins UA Sarver Heart Center, Banner – UMC
Drs. Arka Chatterjee recently joined the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center and Banner – UMC Tucson as an associate professor.
Chatterjee is associate director of the Structural Heart Program at Banner – UMC Tucson. He is board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, internal medicine and echocardiography. Chatterjee is experienced in transcatheter therapies for valvular disease and other congenital/structural heart defects.
Cardiologist joins UA Sarver Heart Center, Banner – UMC
Talal Moukabary recently joined the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center and Banner – UMC Tucson as an associate professor.
Moukabary is a cardiac electrophysiologist, specializing in heart rhythm disorders or arrhythmias. He is an expert in computer modeling of cardiac arrhythmia, imaging in the cardiac electrophysiology lab, cell-based arrhythmia therapy and clinical cardiac electrophysiology. He is board certified in clinical cardiac electrophysiology and internal medicine.
Cardiologist joins UA Sarver Heart Center, Banner – UMC
Madhan Sundaram recently joined the University of Arizona Sarver Heart Center and Banner – UMC Tucson as an assistant professor of medicine.
Sundaram is director of the Banner – UMC Tucson Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Endovascular Services. He is board certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, echocardiography and internal medicine. His clinical interests include complex coronary interventions, chronic total occlusions, endovascular peripheral interventions, interventions for acute pulmonary embolism and structural heart disease interventions.
KVOA-TV announces Casper as addition to anchor team
KVOA’s midday anchor, Priscilla Casper, will continue to anchor the live weekday broadcasts at noon, in addition to joining Overall at the anchor desk for the live weeknight broadcasts at 5 p.m.
Casper will officially join the afternoon and evening newscasts in late September.
KVOA-TV announces Gomez as addition to anchor team
KVOA-TV’s morning anchor, Amanda Gomez, will join John Overall at the News 4 Tucson anchor desk for the live weeknight broadcasts at 6 and 10 p.m. in addition to anchoring live at 4 p.m.
Gomez will officially join the afternoon and evening newscasts in late September.
UA College of Nursing adds faculty member Bell
The University of Arizona College of Nursing has a new faculty member in Aleeca Bell.
Bell joined the College of Nursing in mid-July. Her research in translational, multidisciplinary and biobehavioral clinical studies focuses on the intersection of perinatal mother-infant health outcomes and the underlying oxytocin system.
She was most recently an associate professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, Department of Women Children and Family Health Science.
At UIC, she also earned her master’s degree in nursing in midwifery in 1998, practiced as a certified nurse midwife, and earned a doctorate in nursing in 2009. In addition, she was a postdoctoral fellow there from 2009-11.
Kasnoff appointed Tucson ER, Hospital’s director of marketing
Crystal Kasnoff has been named director of marketing, communications and public relations at Tucson ER and Hospital.
Kasnoff brings more than two decades of experience to the table, including serving as the executive director for Tucson’s January 8th Memorial, and the marketing and external affairs director for University Medical Center.
Crest Insurance names Nelson COO of employee benefits division
Crest Insurance Group of Tucson has named Matt Nelson as chief operating officer of the company’s employee benefits division.
Nelson joined the Crest Insurance team in 2020 as a benefits and commercial lines consultant with many years of experience and industry expertise, including benefit plan and program design, carrier relations, Affordable Care Act and ERISA compliance, risk management, and strategic planning.
MOD Ventures promotes Freeman to accounting specialist coordinator
Nicole Freeman of MOD Ventures, LLC, has been promoted to client accounting specialist coordinator.
This position serves to support the firm’s strategic plan to expand its consultative services and strengthen the team’s leadership capabilities.
Freeman has experience in private and public accounting. She serves clients in the automotive, health and wellness, hospitality, nonprofit, real estate, and research and development industries.
She is highly proficient in project management, and takes a strategic approach to automating accounting and financial processes.
UA College of Nursing adds director Wilson
The University of Arizona College of Nursing has a new program director in Kelley Wilson.
Wilson was named program director of the college’s Master of Science for Entry to the Profession of Nursing program.
She joins the college from Georgetown University’s School of Nursing and Health Studies, where she served as program director for the school’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program.
Wilson earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia, and completed her doctorate from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., with a concentration in nursing administration.
Chisholm comes on board at Friends of PACC
Torre Chisholm has been hired as the development director for Friends of PACC, the nonprofit partner to Pima Animal Care Center.
As development director, Chisholm will guide the vision and direction of all fundraising initiatives of the organization.
He brings with him over two decades of experience in development and team-building ranging from intercollegiate athletics to Special Olympics of Oregon.
Gillis joins SARSEF as development associate
Gina Gillis joined SARSEF — the Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation — as a development associate.
Gillis will support grant writing, donor stewardship and new development opportunities.
She comes to SARSEF after successful fundraising campaigns for the Tucson Wildlife Center and the Arizona chapter of American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Bigelow promoted at Santa Rita Landscaping
Santa Rita Landscaping has promoted Jeremy Bigelow to senior design consultant.
Bigelow has been with Santa Rita Landscaping for five years. He is part of the design build team and meets with customers to make their visions a reality.
Bigelow, a native Tucsonan, has spent the last 25 years working in creating outdoor spaces.
In 2019, he was honored with “The Award of Excellence” through Arizona’s Landscape Contractors Association.
Barrio Brewing hires specialist
Jeremy Storton has been named brand specialist at Barrio Brewing Company.
Storton comes to Barrio having worked in craft beer in various capacities throughout Oregon. He is a certified cicerone, a BJCP judge, an Institute of Brewing and Distilling-certified brewer, and an award-winning beer writer and podcaster.
At Barrio, Storton joins the sales team who will grow the company’s on-premise and off-premise customer community across Arizona. Storton will also provide input in the creation of new Barrio brews.
Barrio Brewing hires manager
Gary Fritze is the new brewery operations manager of Barrio Brewing Company.
Born and raised in Indiana, Fritze spent nearly two decades working with Gordon Biersch Brewery in Tempe, Glendale, New Orleans and Memphis, with a stint in Taipei, Taiwan, helping to set up operations.
He began his beer journey with Abita Brewing Company in Louisiana and has an education in chemical engineering.
Fritze oversees all of Barrio’s brewing operations including brewing, cellaring, canning, maintenance, and inventory. He is also involved in the creation of new Barrio brews.
Yarborough joins UA Innovation Center
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation expanded its team to include four subject-matter experts that will help serve the increasing number of startups in the incubator.
The experts will assist the UACI startups in taking action toward four critical functional aspects of their ventures.
Jody Yarborough will meet regularly with incubator entrepreneurs to assist with accounting and finance operations for their startups. She is a certified public accountant and a serial chief financial officer with deep experience in health care.
Garber joins UA Innovation Center
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation expanded its team to include four subject-matter experts that will help serve the increasing number of startups in the incubator.
The experts will assist the UACI startups in taking action toward four critical functional aspects of their ventures.
Susan Garber is working with incubator entrepreneurs on the marketing, branding and pitching strategies for their startups. She comes to UACI with years of experience helping companies large and small identify and execute their marketing strategy.
Underwood joins UA Innovation Center
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation expanded its team to include four subject-matter experts that will help serve the increasing number of startups in the incubator.
The experts will assist the UACI startups in taking action toward four critical functional aspects of their ventures.
Devon Underwood is responsible for assisting UACI entrepreneurs with the development of recruitment and onboarding strategy as well as establishing and utilizing a board of directors. Underwood has more than 15 years of experience working with organizations to help them strategically grow their teams, as well as leading her own business, the Talent Store.
Vohnout joins UA Innovation Center
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation expanded its team to include four subject-matter experts that will help serve the increasing number of startups in the incubator.
The experts will assist the UACI startups in taking action toward four critical functional aspects of their ventures.
Sonia Vohnout helps entrepreneurs who seek government awards, primarily focused on Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer awards. She is one of Southern Arizona’s top experts on the proposal and management of these awards and has a track record of helping companies succeed in this area.
Therapeutic Riding of Tucson names Wells executive director
Therapeutic Riding of Tucson named Peter M. Wells its new executive director.
He comes to TROT from the Flowing Wells Unified School District, starting as an educator and ending his career there as the administrator.
Wells has spent his career striving to improve the lives of his students and finding ways to enrich their lives outside of the classroom.
He has a lifelong love of horses, even serving as a groom in his father’s stable of racehorses in upstate New York.
Boorom selected to lead SW University of Visual Arts
After a national search, Richard Boorom was selected to lead Tucson’s Southwest University of Visual Arts (SUVA).
He comes to Tucson from Denver, where he previously served as vice president of educational partnerships at Sinousia, Dean of Academic Affairs at Johnson & Wales University, and president of Argosy University’s two campuses.
SUVA, which is accredited by the regional Higher Learning Commission, offers a master’s degree in fine arts and undergraduate degrees in animation, photography, interior design, graphic design and illustration.
Karp selected to lead UA Dept. of Psychiatry
After a national search, Dr. Jordan Karp was appointed chair of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Arizona College of Medicine in Tucson and medical director of digital strategies for behavioral health at Banner-University Medicine Tucson.
His appointment is effective Oct. 1.
Karp currently serves as a professor of psychiatry, anesthesiology and clinical and translational science at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he directs the Late-Life Depression Prevention and Treatment Research Program.
He is an internationally recognized expert in the fields of geriatric psychiatry, depression treatment and suicide prevention.
In addition to his active research program, Karp serves as faculty for several NIH-funded training programs. He directs the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) fellowship in geriatric psychiatry and several clinical programs.
Karp earned his undergraduate degree in psychology from Emory University and his medical degree at the University of Pittsburgh.
He completed residency training in psychiatry at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York State Psychiatric Institute in New York City, followed by clinical and research fellowships in geriatric psychiatry at the Western Psychiatric Hospital of UPMC.
Casa de la Luz hospice adds Franzi-Osborne
Dr. Rebecca Franzi-Osborne is coming on board at Casa de la Luz as associate medical director.
Osborne has served people throughout the spectrum of health care. A practicing physician for nearly 15 years, the University of Arizona alum recently returned to Tucson after spending more than a decade in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
Osborne was first introduced to the person-centered hospice care model when she volunteered with Carondelet Hospice before starting medical school.
Later in her career she served as medical director for Freda H. Gordon Hospice and Palliative Care of Tidewater in Virginia Beach.
She is responsible for directing all aspects of patient care at Casa de la Luz, including determining hospice and inpatient eligibility, collaborating with community physicians to provide superior care and managing difficult symptoms.
Works affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty
Nadia Works associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agent.
Works previously was a family services specialist and a tissue recovery technician for the Southwest Institute For Bio-Advancement.
Wilson affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty
Melissa Wilson associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agent.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, Wilson was an agent with Tierra Antigua. Before that, she worked in retail for 13 years.
Mayor’s office names Cruz communications director
Myriam Cruz has been named communications director for Tucson Mayor Regina Romero.
For more than a decade, Cruz has helped nonprofits and brands share their stories through engaging bilingual efforts.
Most recently she led statewide outreach and communication efforts for the international nonprofit Better Business Bureau.
Cushman & Wakefield Picor promotes Rebecca Fuentes
Rebecca Fuentes, a 17-year veteran of Cushman & Wakefield Picor, has been promoted to director of operations.
Fuentes most recently served as director of human resources.
During her tenure at C&W Picor, Fuentes’ role has expanded from office management to professional human resources oversight and broad operational leadership.
Evans affiliates with Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty
Johnny Evans has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
He comes to the office with 26 years of real estate experience and 30 years of experience as an international finance consultant.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, he was an agent with Keller Williams Biltmore Partners.
Michelle Aguirre affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty
Michelle Aguirre has associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, she worked in food and beverage, caretaking, and cleaning/errand services for private homeowners.
Insurance advisor Hammonds joins Farmers Insurance Group
The Southern Arizona district of Farmers Insurance Group has appointed John “Al” Hammonds as an advisor to Tucson.
Hammonds holds his property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses. He focuses on auto, home, life and business insurance products.
Colibrí Center for Human Rights picks Tony Banegas to serve as CEO
Tony Banegas is the new chief executive officer of the Colibrí Center for Human Rights.
The center works to help identify remains found along the southern border and provides support to families of migrants who have disappeared.
Banegas served as Honorary Consul of Honduras in Arizona from 2006 until 2016. In that role, he was the primary contact for Hondurans facing challenges along the border and in immigration detention centers and the judicial system.
He serves as the Chair of the Board of Advisors of the Consular Corps of Arizona.
Banegas has previously served as philanthropic advisor at the Arizona Community Foundation and as an executive with two large nonprofits providing oversight of numerous child-welfare programs in Phoenix.
Harrigan named Partner-in-Charge at RCM regional accounting firm
Regional accounting firm Regier Carr & Monroe has named Nicole Harrigan Partner-in-Charge of the Tucson office serving Southern Arizona.
Harrigan is responsible for managing daily operations and departments and guiding the overall strategic direction.
She started her career at RCM in 1999, becoming a partner in 2009. She specializes in tax compliance and planning for high-wealth individuals, small businesses, real estate developers, trusts and estates.
Spanish Trail Pet Clinic adds vet
Veterinarian Dr. Spencer Deale is joining Spanish Trail Pet Clinic.
Deale graduated from UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in May. He looks forward to incorporating new low-stress animal care techniques.
Avery Therapeutics hires senior product development engineer
Avery Therapeutics, Inc., a cardiovascular regenerative medicine company, has named Carlos Chang senior product development engineer.
Chang brings extensive experience with designing and developing biomanufacturing systems, models and products for research and medical use.
The position brings Chang back to Tucson where he earned his Ph.D. in biomedical engineering at the University of Arizona.
UA selects director for Doctor of Nursing Practice program
University of Arizona College of Nursing Associate Professor Allen Prettyman has been selected to serve as director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice program.
A certified family nurse practitioner with more than 25 years of experience, Prettyman had served as the interim director of the program since February and was chosen for the position after a national search.
A fellow in the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice in nursing, Prettyman joined the UA in 2015.
He served previously as the college’s family nurse practitioner specialty coordinator (within the DNP program) and director of Faculty Practice.
UA Cancer Center names new director Joann Sweasy
Joann Sweasy has been named director of the University of Arizona Cancer Center, and the inaugural holder of the Nancy C. and Craig M. Berge Endowed Chair for the director of the Cancer Center.
As director, Sweasy will set the vision, priorities and strategies for the center. She will serve as the chief adviser to the university in cancer-related matters and will serve as principal investigator of the Cancer Center Support Grant from the National Cancer Institute, which designates the center as an NCI Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Sweasy received her doctorate in microbiology at Rutgers University and conducted postdoctoral studies at the University of Washington.
Kading new CEO for Sierra Tucson Mental Health Treatment Center
Dr. Valerie M. Kading is the new chief executive officer for Sierra Tucson, the behavioral health and addiction center offering inpatient, residential and outpatient treatment for substance use, mood, trauma, pain and co-occurred disorders.
Kading previously served as director of medical operations, chief medical operations officer, interim chief medical officer and chief operating officer for Sierra Tucson over four years.
Most recently, Kading was CEO of Sunrise Recovery Ranch in Riverside, California and Sierra by the Sea in Newport Beach, California — both now part of the Sierra Tucson portfolio of health-care centers. She has expertise in postpartum care, adverse childhood experiences and trauma.
Kading graduated with honors from New Mexico State University with a doctor of nursing practice degree, after graduating from the University of Arizona with a master’s degree in nursing, a bachelor of science degree in nursing and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She also received a master’s of business administration from the UA Eller College of Management. She is the founder of the Southern Arizona Advanced Practice Nurse- Nurse Practitioner Society.
Crest Insurance welcomes Eddie Hjort, director of fleet management
Eddie Hjort has joined Crest Insurance Group of Tucson as director of fleet management.
He spent 26 years with Airborne Express/DHL and managed territories consisting of seven cities (Amazon) and 29 cities (DHL Express) across the Southeast United States. He was most recently director of safety for Direct Hit Logistics.
Charleston, South Carolina will serve as his home base and he will assist in designing and carrying out safety plans for customers, in addition to handling large auto claims.
Certified family nurse practitioner Crowson joins New Pueblo Medicine
Board-certified family nurse practitioner Casandra Crowson has joined New Pueblo Medicine, part of OptumCare.
A native Tucsonan, Crowson completed bachelors’ degrees in nursing and psychology and a master’s in nursing from the University of Phoenix.
Her clinical practice focuses on being a partner and advocate for patients making health-care decisions appropriate for the individual and their family.
Certified family nurse practitioner McCabe joins New Pueblo Medicine
Board-certified family nurse practitioners Elena McCabe has joined New Pueblo Medicine, part of OptumCare.
McCabe has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Northern Arizona University, graduating summa cum laude. Her interests include counseling, coaching and education for patients with Type 2 diabetes, thyroid conditions or hyperlipidemia. In addition to English, she is fluent in Russian and Romanian.
Chesson at University of Arizona named regents professor
The Arizona Board of Regents appointed University of Arizona faculty member Peter Chesson as regents professor.
Chesson established a classification of coexistence mechanisms that has had a profound effect on environmental issues and the management of natural populations.
Greenberg at University of Arizona named regents professor
The Arizona Board of Regents appointed University of Arizona faculty member Jeff Greenberg as regents professor.
Greenberg, professor in the Department of Psychology, developed a unique conceptual framework called terror management theory to address the psychological conflict between the self-preservation instinct and the realization that death is inevitable and unpredictable. The conflict results in terror, which then can be managed by embracing cultural beliefs or systems that counter the biological reality with forms of meaning and value.
Woodhouse at University of Arizona named regents professor
The Arizona Board of Regents appointed University of Arizona faculty member Connie Woodhouse as regents professor.
Woodhouse, professor in the School of Geography and Development, is the world’s foremost authority on the use of tree-ring science to understand the variable flow of river systems on time scales from years to millennia. She pioneered connecting results from dendrochronology to the information needed by public officials, policymakers and stakeholders to improve both planning and prediction in the face of expected changes in the demand for water.
Brown at University of Arizona named regents professor
The Arizona Board of Regents appointed University of Arizona faculty member Judith Brown as regents professor.
Brown, a professor in the School of Plant Sciences, focuses on viruses and bacteria transmitted by insect vectors to agriculturally important plants — especially the geminiviruses and the whiteflies that transmit them. She was the first to use a “gene gun” to inoculate genomes of these viruses, the first to estimate the size of the whitefly genome, and among the first to sequence the genome of the sweet potato whitefly.
Brinton at University of Arizona named regents professor
The Arizona Board of Regents appointed University of Arizona faculty member Roberta Diaz Brinton as regents professor.
Brinton is an internationally recognized neuroscientist whose research on Alzheimer’s disease has led to critical insights into the causes of the disease, as well as innovative therapies to treat it. She has led the Center for Innovation in Brain Science at the University of Arizona since 2016.
Holualoa promotes Baker to chief financial officer
Holualoa Cos. promoted Lani Baker to the position of chief financial officer.
Baker has more than 15 years of experience in commercial real estate.
Her areas of expertise and responsibility include commercial real estate transactions including acquisitions, financing and sales, treasury, and investor relations.
UA Health Sciences grad program will be co-directed by Dr. Sweitzer
Dr. Nancy Sweitzer was appointed co-director of the University of Arizona Health Sciences graduate program in Clinical Translational Sciences.
She is director of the UA Sarver Heart Center and holds appointments as professor of medicine and chief of the division of cardiology in the College of Medicine in Tucson.
Board-certified in advanced heart failure and transplant cardiology, Sweitzer is a clinical researcher specializing in heart failure, mechanical circulatory support and heart transplant patient care.
Sweitzer joined the UA in 2014 as director of the Sarver Heart Center.
She received both her medical degree and doctorate in physiology in 1993 from the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
After her medical training, she completed her internship and residency in internal medicine, and fellowships in cardiology, heart failure and cardiac transplantation at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, where she remained as an instructor in medicine from 1999-2001.
From then until 2014, Sweitzer returned to Madison to serve on the faculty at the University of Wisconsin.
Daicoff takes program director job at Southern Arizona Legal Aid
Susan Swaim Daicoff joined Southern Arizona Legal Aid Inc. as the Volunteer Lawyers Program director.
Daicoff comes to SALA from Maricopa County Justice Court, where she served as the administrative pro tem/court administrator.
Previously a professor of law and the director of clinical programs at Arizona Summit Law School, Daicoff was a program administrator for four years, directing free law school legal clinics serving clients, and a tenured or tenure-track professor of law at three ABA-accredited law schools.
Golder Ranch Fire District promotes Lundeberg
Golder Ranch Fire District has a new captain. Paramedic Adam Lundeberg moved up to the rank of captain.
Golder Ranch Fire District promotes Taylor
Golder Ranch Fire District has a new battalion chief.
Jason Taylor, formerly a captain, was promoted to battalion chief after a rigorous testing process.
Universal Avionics restructuring puts Bouliane in new role
Marc Bouliane, vice president of business development, is also taking on marketing and services for Universal Avionics.
Bouliane was named vice president of business development in March 2019 with 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry.
He previously worked for more than 12 years in various sales and management roles at Esterline Avionics Systems and CMC Electronics. Earlier on in his career, Bouliane served in engineering and product management roles for Bombardier Aerospace
Universal Avionics restructuring puts Rivnai in new role
Gil Rivnai was appointed vice president of engineering for Universal Avionics.
Rivnai joined Universal Avionics in September 2018 as director of Enhanced Flight Vision System Products before he was promoted to head of engineering in December 2019.
Before coming on board at Universal Avionics, Rivnai had a long tenure within the aerospace division of Elbit Systems Ltd., working in engineering roles ranging from board design, product management, team and department leadership, to chief engineering.
Garcia-Hernandez is first Latina to lead Girl Scouts of S. Arizona
Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona named Kristen Garcia-Hernandez as the organization’s new chief executive officer.
The council’s first Latina CEO, Garcia-Hernandez has served the organization for 12 years in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as interim CEO.
Before joining the Girl Scouts, Garcia-Hernandez’s corporate career experience led her to managing multimillion-dollar revenue streams.
In her previous roles with Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, Garcia-Hernandez led the cookie program, retail stores, operations and membership, and helped increase revenue for the organization by $1.2 million.
Arizona Public Media hires Dale as chief development officer
Deb Dale joined Arizona Public Media as chief development officer.
Dale is a certified fundraising executive who, over the course of her career, has helped raise over $50 million and assisted organizations in distributing millions more.
She brings more than 20 years of experience, most recently as principal of Deb Dale & Associates, a Tucson-based fundraising and nonprofit management consulting firm.
Before that, she served as chief development officer for the Primavera Foundation,corporate and major gifts officer for the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault, and chief executive officer of Arizona List.
She spent a decade as a partner in Smith & Dale LLC and was a founding partner of Décor Solutions LLC, a special-event company.
Vanderslice takes adviser role at Farmers Insurance Group
The Southern Arizona District Office of Farmers Insurance Group appointed Kevin Vanderslice as its newest adviser.
Vanderslice holds property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses. He focuses on auto, home, life and business insurance products.
Hispanic Chamber picks Georgelos as its interim president and CEO
Isabel Georgelos was named the new interim president/CEO of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Georgelos has been running the Tucson Hispanic Chamber for the past year as the chamber administrator.
The Tucson native brings 25 years of corporate leadership experience, working for the top retailers in the country.
Georgelos understands the needs of small-business ownership and is passionate about advocating, guiding and delivering resources that help Tucson’s small businesses and Hispanic community thrive.
NAMI Southern Arizona appoints executive director
The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Arizona has a new executive director.
Christina Bickelmann previously served as NAMI Southern Arizona’s communications and events director for nearly seven years.
Prior to joining NAMI SA, she worked in the field of water conservation in both the public and private sectors. Bickelmann’s public service experience included nearly 18 years with the Arizona Department of Water Resources.
NAMI Southern Arizona provides no-cost advocacy, education, and support to those affected by mental illnesses.
Svenheim named Truly Nolen national training manager
Scott Svenheim has been promoted to the newly created role of national training manager for Truly Nolen Pest Control.
Svenheim will oversee the field training of team members, written training programs, classroom training and online training.
He first joined Truly Nolen in June 1986 as a route technician and has held multiple roles during his 34-year career. His primary focus has been training since 1994.
Bostwick continues ascent with Tucson Airport Authority
Christopher Bostwick has been promoted to director of airside operations for the Tucson Airport Authority.
Bostwick oversees the day-to-day airside operations at both Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield.
This includes the coordination of airfield construction with TAA’s planning team and airspace coordination with TAA tenants and stakeholders.
He has more than 14 years in the aviation industry, beginning his career with TAA as senior supervisor of airfield maintenance before transitioning to an airside operations officer, then senior supervisor of airfield operations and, most recently, deputy director of airside operations.
Prior to arriving in Tucson, Bostwick served nearly a decade in the U.S. Navy where he was a naval air crewman.
Kerry Blount affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty
Kerry Blount has associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
He comes to the office with eight years of real estate experience.
National Park Service selects leader for office in Southern AZ
Patrick Putnam has been named superintendent of the National Park Service’s Southern Arizona office.
Putnam has nearly 30 years of National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management experience and most recently served as the associate district manager for the Phoenix District office, BLM Arizona since 2010.
He began his National Park Service career as a fee collector at Saguaro National Monument before it became a national park. He continued his career through Montezuma Castle and the Flagstaff Area National Monuments.
In his new role, Putnam will also supervise the superintendents of Montezuma Castle, Tuzigoot and Tonto national monuments.
Flowers, Rieger & Associates adds experienced tax manager
Ike Braden has joined the certified public accounting firm of Flowers, Rieger & Associates, PLLC as a tax manager and director of business valuations and litigation services.
Braden brings over 15 years of prior CPA firm experience. In his new role, Braden serves as a tax manager and director of business valuations and litigation services, offering tax planning and tax compliance for various business entities as well as strategic business planning.
He has experience working with construction and real estate clients along with small businesses and high net worth individuals.
Mae Innabi joins Rusing Lopez and Lizardi on its transaction team
Rusing Lopez and Lizardi has added Mae Innabi to its transaction team.
An experienced transactional attorney, she comes prepared to serve a wide range of commercial clients.
Innabi’s experience includes representing startups, small to medium businesses, real estate investors and developers, and service professionals with entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, commercial leasing, succession planning, and other business and real estate matters.
Prior to joining the firm, she was the founding attorney of Innabi Law Firm, P.L.L.C.
McKenna establishes tie with Coldwell Banker Realty
Jill McKenna has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent. She comes to the office with five years of real estate experience.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, she was an agent with Keller Williams. She holds a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from the University of Arizona. Active in her community, she serves on the board of hostesses for Silver and Turquoise and as a board member for the Catalina Foothills School District Foundation.
Crown West Land Group hires Gaulin as director of land
Crown West Land Group announced today that James Gaulin has joined the company as director of land, bringing with him expertise and experience in managing land development.
In his new position, Gaulin will be responsible for assisting in the management and disposition of lots and property, including the buying, entitling, developing and selling of land in Arizona, Nevada and other markets.
Before joining Crown West Land Group, Gaulin was the land acquisitions manager for DR Horton in Tucson,and formerly managed land departments for other homebuilders in Tucson. Gaulin previously worked with Wingert at the land development company Forest City Land Group from 2006 through 2012.
A 2003 graduate of the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Gaulin has lived in Tucson for the past 23 years.
Mayo Clinic’s Holmes named UA ophthalmology chairman
Dr. Jonathan M. Holmes was appointed chair of the University of Arizona College of Medicine’s Department of Ophthalmology in Tucson.
Holmes currently serves as the Joseph E. and Rose Marie Green professor of visual sciences and professor of ophthalmology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota. He has served as chair of the department of ophthalmology for an eight-year term.
Holmes is an internationally recognized strabismus surgeon, and his surgical practice focuses on complex ocular misalignment and double vision in both children and adults.
He is currently the co-chair of the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group, a National Institute of Health-funded network conducting clinical trials in pediatric eye care and strabismus – a vision condition in which a person cannot align both eyes simultaneously under normal conditions.
Holmes has additional NIH funding to develop patient-reported outcome measures across the spectrum of childhood eye conditions.
Local Long Realty offices add sales agent Nelson
Jon P. Nelson joined Long Realty’s Tanque Verde office as a sales agent.
Nelson brings more than two decades of experience as a realty pro. First licensed in 1999, Nelson is a veteran of a number of area brokerages and has served in multiple capacities, including several levels of broker (associate, designated and self-employed). From 2002 to 2008, he owned and operated his own Tucson-based brokerage.
Nelson’s focus is working with first-time buyers, and sellers who are looking to upgrade. He represents properties across Tucson and the surrounding area, from Red Rock to Green Valley.
Local Long Realty offices add sales agent Whatley
Dalice Whatley has joined Long Realty's River and Campbell location as a sales agent.
Whatley has been licensed as a sales agent since February 2019. She spent a year with another area brokerage before joining Long Realty.
Whatley’s background features experience in design, construction, staging and contract negotiations. Her responsibilities with several firms included strategic programming, planning and interior design for corporate and commercial clients. Whatley has also worked with public/governmental clients and projects.
Coldwell Banker Realty gains affiliate agent
Maria Rosa Tast has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Tast is joining the Tucson/Foothills office. She previous worked as a certified occupational therapist assistant at the Tucson Orthopedic Institute. Recently, Tast created a business called Good Manos LLC, providing licensed medical massage therapy to members of her community.
Coldwell Banker Realty gains affiliate agent
Anjel Manzo has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Manzo is joining the Green Valley-Continental office. Most recently, she was the area and operations technology supervisor for McDonald’s in California for 13 years, overseeing the operations of three stores and supervising the technology for six stores.
Waters Center for Systems Thinking appoints Thea Cola
Thea Cola has been appointed director of impact and development by the Waters Center for Systems Thinking.
In this role, Cola will lead the nonprofit’s grant strategy, which includes identifying grant opportunities, managing submissions, grant writing, program oversight, and more.
Previously, Cola was the lead trainer for the University of Arizona Division of Equity, Inclusion and Title IX, where she spearheaded efforts with a team of training coordinators to build best practice training and facilitation content around sexual violence prevention and the promotion of inclusion and diversity.
She has worked in higher education for more than a decade. Cola also managed the University of Arizona sexual violence prevention within the Women & Gender Resource Center.
Tucson attorney starts coaching program for new lawyers
Jimmy Fein has opened a law coaching program, uslawcoach.com.
The business works to assist new lawyers in developing a successful law practice using established coaching techniques.
Fein has been an attorney in Tucson since 1974. He has been listed in the publication “Best Lawyers in America” and is AV (highest rating) by the legal publication Martindale Hubbell. He is past president of the Arizona Association for Justice and is counsel to the Tucson law firm of Fein, Flynn & Associates.
C-Path appoints executive director
Sudhir Sivakumaran has been named executive director of the Critical Path for Alzheimer’s Disease consortium. Sivakumaran, a neuroscientist and research and development professional, has nearly 20 years combined experience in academic, preclinical and early clinical research and development, phase 1 and phase 2 clinical study design, data analysis and diligence and business development. He has been with C-Path since July 2019 as associate director for CPAD.
In his new role, Sivakumaran will guide operational and scientific input for the CPAD Consortium and develop and implement the strategic plan and priorities for individual working groups within CPAD. He will work with key individuals at global regulatory agencies, and will also provide scientific leadership and oversee projects dealing with neuroscience, biomarker qualification, clinical outcome assessment development, data sharing and aggregation related to utility of modeling and simulation in Alzheimer’s disease.
He has previously held positions as associate director, research management at Aptinyx, Inc., and senior manager, external partnerships & alliances, neuroscience at Pfizer, Inc.
C-Path appoints chief science officer
The Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has appointed Dr. Klaus Romero as its new chief science officer.
Romero, a clinical pharmacologist and epidemiologist with more than 17 years combined experience in academic and pharmaceutical clinical research, translational sciences, pharmacometrics, modeling and simulation and pharmacoepidemiology, has been with C-Path since December 2007. His most recent role has been as executive director of clinical pharmacology and quantitative medicine. He will continue in dual roles as CSO and head of the Quantitative Medicine Program.
As CSO, Romero will spearhead innovations in research and science by delivering strategic and operational leadership of C-Path’s programs in medical product development solutions. In collaboration with senior leadership, he will set the vision for C-Path’s scientific endeavors and ensure that the focus of C-Path’s public-private partnerships stay aligned with its mission to accelerate the pace and reduce the costs of medical product development.
Psomas Tucson office promotes Darlene Danehy to associate
Darlene Danehy, based in the Psomas Tucson office, has been promoted to associate.
As project manager and traffic engineer, Danehy has 14 years of transportation planning and traffic engineering experience throughout Arizona and California.
She has been with Psomas for 14 years and is responsible for regional and site-specific safety, mobility and operational planning studies throughout the company.
Coldwell Banker Realty gains affiliate in Lopez
Beata Lopez has associated with the Green Valley-Continental office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, Lopez worked in the food service industry.
Coldwell Banker Realty gains affiliate Benson
Ami Benson associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Benson previously was the Western regional sales manager for Mesa Distributors. She has more than 25 years of sales experience in the textile equipment industry.
Heath Thompson named CEO of AudioEye, Inc.
AudioEye, Inc., has appointed Heath Thompson as its new chief executive officer.
The company, headquartered in Tucson, works to eradicate barriers to digital accessibility.
Thompson will primarily operate out of the company’s Atlanta offices, where the AudioEye development, product and engineering teams are stationed.
Thompson brings nearly three decades of leadership and engineering experience at organizations ranging from start-ups to large global corporations with a deep background in SaaS and software product businesses.
Most recently, he comes from SANS, where he was general manager of the security awareness business. Prior to SANS, he was with Forcepoint, where he held a variety of management-level roles including senior vice president positions in products, user and data security, enterprise security, and most recently, corporate development, business development & strategy.
Copelin is new interim director and chief curator at MOCA Tucson
MOCA Tucson announced the appointment of Laura Copelin as interim executive director and chief curator. Copelin will be responsible for carrying forward MOCA’s mission to inspire new ways of thinking through the cultivation, exhibition and interpretation of contemporary art.
Before joining MOCA, Copelin served as executive director and curator at Ballroom Marfa, a nonprofit contemporary art space in west Texas. She was with the organization for five years and will continue to serve as Ballroom’s curator at large through her current show with Solange Pessoa Longilonge, and a forthcoming exhibition with Carolina Caycedo and David de Rosas titled The Blessings of the Mystery. Before her time in Texas, Laura was the Assistant Curator at the Santa Monica Museum of Art (now the ICA LA) under Director Elsa Longhauser; and received dual degrees in Arts and English from UCLA.
Bradley named senior partner at insurance firm Q&A Group
David Bradley joined Q&A Group LLC as senior partner. Q&A Group is an insurance firm specializing in Medicare insurance, group insurance, and education and advocacy. Bradley has 25 years of insurance sales experience, which includes 13 years in the Medicare industry. He has worked with several major insurance carriers before joining Q&A Group, most recently with Cigna.
Bradley will focus on agent development, recruitment, and cultivating community partnerships.
Tucson Computer names Morales business development manager
Tucson Computer announced the hiring of Arielle Morales as business development manager for the Tucson, Marana, Oro Valley and Green Valley areas. Morales also will be managing the Tucson Computer and Tucson Phone Repair offices at 1016 W. St. Mary’s Road. Tucson Computer provides both computer repair and IT consulting services for home and business computer operations.
Land and Water Trust’s Iuliucci is new donor engagement manager
Colleen Iuliucci was promoted to donor engagement manager for Arizona Land and Water Trust. In her expanded role, she will lead stewardship efforts, support overall fundraising activities and forge deeper relationships with supporters of Arizona Land and Water Trust.
A fundraiser for conservation organizations for the past seven years, Iuliucci enjoys connecting community members who share her passion for preserving the environment with the Trust’s work.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Belmont University in Nashville.
Samsel named a principal at engineering firm Psomas
Psomas appointed Sean Samsel as a principal of the firm. A senior project manager for the engineering firm in Tucson, Samsel has 15 years of experience managing a wide range of public works projects for jurisdictions throughout the state. He has also become a roundabout expert, having designed high-profile roundabouts in Arizona, California, and Utah.
Tech Parks Arizona hires Welch to take care of corporate relations
Tech Parks Arizona announced the expansion of the University of Arizona Tech Parks Arizona team with the appointment of Lindsay Welch as executive director of corporate relations.
In her role, Welch will develop, plan and collaborate with team members to prospect for new business.
She will lead development efforts that best address corporate needs and strategic initiatives that align with the priorities of Tech Parks Arizona.
She will amplify national and international business relationships, expanding the network that is provided by Tech Parks Arizona.
Welch holds a B.A. in marketing with an emphasis in education from the University of Phoenix.
Bohnke named partner at Gust Rosenfeld’s Tucson office
Heather L. Bohnke has been named a partner for the Tucson office of Gust Rosenfeld, PLC.
Bohnke’s practice focuses on medical and nursing malpractice and personal injury defense. She regularly handles catastrophic cases, including elder abuse and wrongful death matters.
She brings more than 18 years of medical malpractice litigation experience to the law firm.
New attorney added to law firm
Guadalupe Garcia has joined the law firm Mesch Clark Rothschild.
Garcia joined MCR as a law clerk in 2018 and was hired as an associate attorney in November. She will be practicing in the employment and civil litigation areas of the firm.
New attorney added to law firm
Robert Way has joined the law firm Mesch Clark Rothschild.
Way’s practice focuses on estate planning, probate and trust administration, guardianship and conservatorship, elder law, corporate representation, and probate and end-of-life litigation. His professional career has included work as a deputy Yuma County attorney in both the criminal and civil divisions. He also has been a solo practitioner in Tucson. He is licensed in both Arizona and the District of Columbia.
Rothschild returns to law firm
Former Tucson mayor and longtime attorney Jonathan Rothschild has rejoined Mesch Clark Rothschild.
Rothschild was an attorney at MCR for 30 years until he was elected mayor of Tucson in 2011. He served as mayor until December 2019. His practice areas will focus on business law, company formation and agreements, employment law, estate planning, succession transitions for both individuals and companies, arbitration and mediation, and government and municipal law.
Snell & Wilmer adds Perrella to firm’s partnership
A Tucson attorney has been elected to join Snell & Wilmer’s partnership.
Jill Perrella has been in the firm’s Tucson office in the Bankruptcy, Insolvency & Business Reorganization practice group since 2012. Her practice is focused on representation of creditors and debtors in complex commercial bankruptcy cases and state court litigation.
Snell & Wilmer adds Pearson to firm’s partnership
A Tucson attorney has been elected to join Snell & Wilmer’s partnership.
Lindsay Pearson has been in the firm’s Tucson office in the Commercial Finance practice group since 2011. Her practice is concentrated in banking, commercial finance, real estate finance, loan sale transactions, and loan restructures and workouts. Her experience includes representing financial institutions and borrowers in real estate secured and commercial lending transactions, including experience in commercial projects, construction loans, hotels, restaurants, and residential loan transactions.
Camarillo joins KGUN as reporter, ‘GMT’ host
Lydia Camarillo is anchoring “Good Morning Tucson” and reporting for KGUN 9 News.
Camarillo spent her high school and college years in Arizona and has worked as a journalist in Tucson, serving as morning and noon anchor at another station in town.
Canyon Community adds banking vet Jenks
Don Jenks was named executive vice president of Canyon Community Bank.
He is responsible for promoting the bank’s overall growth and Tucson community bank focus.
Jenks has 43 years of banking experience with 32 years in Tucson concentrating on commercial banking.
R&A CPAs grant stake to Liewen
R&A CPAs, a public accounting and business advisory firm, named Laura Liewen shareholder.
Liewen has more than 20 years of experience in public accounting. She specializes in income tax return preparation, compliance, and research for individuals and businesses. In her new role, she will also oversee quality control for the firm’s tax department. Liewen joined R&A in 2013.
R&A CPAs grant stake to Lightcap
R&A CPAs, a public accounting and business advisory firm, named Jed Lightcap shareholder.
Lightcap specializes in for-profit tax engagements, entity selection and CFO/controllership services. In his new role, he also leads R&A’s client advisory services team. Lightcap has more than 15 years of public accounting experience. He joined R&A in 2016.
Williams will manage Long Realty’s GV office
Diane Williams is the new branch manager at Long Realty’s Green Valley office.
After an initial stint as a sales agent with the Green Valley office, Williams’ career took her, in 2007, to a Long Realty office in Safford, where she served as a sales agent and branch manager. Later that year she moved up to a broker license.
Williams would later serve as designated broker/owner of a Long Realty affiliate office in Thatcher, operating the brokerage for nine years before returning, in 2016, to the Green Valley office as an associate broker.
Last May, she moved to Long’s corporate offices to join the company’s brokerage and contract review department.
Malpractice litigator Bohnke named partner at Gust Rosenfeld
Heather L. Bohnke was named a partner at the law firm Gust Rosenfeld PLC.
Bohnke brings more than 18 years of medical malpractice litigation experience to the firm.
Her practice focuses on medical and nursing malpractice and personal injury defense.
She regularly handles catastrophic cases, including elder abuse and wrongful-death matters.
Psomas names Samsel a principal of the consulting engineering firm
Psomas has appointed Sean Samsel as a principal of the firm.
A senior project manager in Tucson, Samsel has 15 years of experience managing a wide range of public works projects for jurisdictions throughout the state.
He has also become a roundabout expert, having designed high-profile roundabouts in Arizona, California, and Utah.
Psomas is a consulting engineering, environmental, construction management, and survey firm.
Farley named chief executive of Humane Society of Southern Arizona
Former state Sen. Steve Farley was hired as the new CEO for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.
Farley has relationships with leaders throughout the community and experience in public communications, public policy, and public management.
He served in the Legislature for over a decade and previously unsuccessfully ran for Arizona governor and Tucson mayor.
He also had a leading role in establishing the Regional Transportation Authority in 2006, which is responsible for many major road projects and Tucson’s streetcar system.
Farley was selected to serve as the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s CEO after a national search.
Wright hired by SARSEF as volunteer, events manager
Danielle Wright joined the Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation.
She is responsible for managing volunteers and events, including SARSEF’s annual Science and Engineering Fair at the Tucson Convention Center.
Wright has worked as a stage and events manager for the past 15 years, coordinating a variety of productions ranging from small community shows to large-scale concerts and conferences.
Arizona Oncology hires Choquette to expand clinical trials program
Arizona Oncology hired Karin S. Choquette as clinical research manager for program development.
Choquette brings experience and training in advance practice nursing and research operations. She is a University of Arizona College of Nursing alum with a background in research operations at a large cancer specialist practice in Virginia, and most recently with US Oncology Research.
Choquette will be in charge of expanding Arizona Oncology’s cancer clinical trials program in Tucson, which pursue advances in cancer care by testing the safety and efficacy of new or modified cancer treatments.
These trials help uncover new cancer treatment options and give patients the opportunity to receive newly developed therapies or investigational drugs not yet available outside the study.
Promotion for Crum at Rusing Lopez & Lizardi
Isaac Crum was promoted to partner at the law firm Rusing Lopez & Lizardi PLLC.
Crum has over a decade of experience representing major corporations in commercial and intellectual property litigation around the country. His legal experience and technical background in computer engineering have been leveraged by many of the country’s largest companies across a wide range of technologies.
Promotion for Letzkus at Rusing Lopez & Lizardi
Sarah Letzkus was promoted to an “of counsel” position at Rusing Lopez & Lizardi PLLC.
Letzkus’ practice is focused on commercial litigation, including breach of contract, commercial torts, and lender liability.
Promotion for Saffer at Rusing Lopez & Lizardi
Jonathan Saffer became the fifth equity partner at Rusing Lopez & Lizardi PLLC.
For the last 18 years, Saffer’s practice has concentrated on all aspects of commercial litigation, finance and business law. He has extensive trial experience in both state and federal courts, advises banks and other lending institutions in all phases of commercial finance matters, and represents several local businesses.
Shot Ventures designates DiFuccia as operating partner
Shot Ventures appointed Angela DiFuccia to serve as an operating partner for its investment funds and portfolio companies.
DiFuccia worked in various sectors of commercial real estate markets for over a decade.
Shot Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Tucson and San Francisco.
Ascent Aviation names Kocksch director of purchasing, materials
Alexander Kocksch joined Ascent Aviation Services as director of purchasing and materials.
In addition to being responsible for the development, direction, and coordination of the purchasing and materials departments, Kocksch and his team are also coordinating with the operations group.
Kocksch brings more than 32 years of domestic and international experience in the airline, airport, and aviation maintenance-related industry. He has held leadership positions in materials planning and management with Gemini Air Cargo, MAXjet Airways, and Marana Aerospace Solutions.
Former Wildcat Dobyns to coach Tanque Verde High’s football team
Former University of Arizona Wildcats All-Pac-10 wide receiver Jay Dobyns was named head coach of the Tanque Verde High School football program.
In addition to having played for the UA, Dobyns played in the Canadian Football League and the USFL.
He has also worked for the past 10 years as an assistant coach at Salpointe Catholic High School.
Ariz. Land and Water Trust selects Cashman as development director
Tom Cashman joined Arizona Land and Water Trust to lead development and fundraising efforts.
As director of development, Cashman will focus on expanding the support and resources needed for current and future land and water conservation efforts.
After a nationwide search, he was selected for his experience in fundraising, government relations, public issues advocacy and community outreach.
Cashman’s experience includes serving as executive director of Catholic Charities of Yolo/Solano in Vallejo, Calif. He is also the founding director of the Foss Waterway Seaport, a marine science education and maritime heritage center in Tacoma, Washington. Cashman has been a consultant in several areas, including strategic planning, public affairs, media, major gifts, fund development and communications.
Rich named local executive director of mental-health support group
Debbie Rich, who has served as the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona’s chief executive officer for nearly 15 years, will be the next executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Southern Arizona.
Rich will moves into her role at NAMI SA in March. Her initial work will be to ensure open communications with staff, clients and their families, elected officials and area communities while learning about services and additional funding opportunities.
NAMI SA is an affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, a nonprofit providing no-cost advocacy, education and support to people with mental illness and their loved ones.
Composer Lopez-Hanshaw to lead UA Faculty/Staff Choir
The UA Faculty/Staff Choir selected Robert Lopez-Hanshaw as its new director.
Lopez-Hanshaw is also the music director at Temple Emanu-El and a composer, with recent premieres by the Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Tucson Girls Chorus, and forthcoming work with the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus and Arizona Repertory Singers.
The UA Faculty/Staff Choir is made up of University of Arizona faculty, staff, affiliated personnel and graduate students interested in choral singing.
Unscrewed Theater adds creative director Trammel
Alan Trammel has accepted the position of creative director for Unscrewed Theater’s improv troupe, Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed.
Trammel has been performing improv for more than 10 years, the last five years with Not Burnt Out Just Unscrewed.
He has also passed along his art and improv skill at Unscrewed Theater’s training center for the last four years, facilitating classes for new and experienced improvisers.
Commercial broker Smith joins Tucson Realty & Trust Co.
Zach Smith has joined Tucson Realty & Trust Co.
A veteran commercial broker, Smith specializes in industrial and flex space sales and leasing along with investments.
Previous clients have included Google, Conoco Philips, Timken, Batteries Plus and BMW.
NAI Horizon’s Tucson office hires Itule as sales specialist
NAI Horizon has added Christopher Itule to its Tucson office.
Itule holds the position of multifamily and investment sales specialist.
The commercial real estate company serves Arizona with offices located in Tucson and Phoenix.
Hernandez to serve as Girl Scouts’ interim CEO for Southern Arizona
Kristen Hernandez was named interim CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona.
Hernandez will take on the role in March.
During her tenure with the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona, Hernandez has led the cookie program, retail stores, operations, membership, growing revenue for the organization by $1.2 million.
Before joining the Girl Scouts organization 12 years ago, Hernandez worked for Macy’s, managing multimillion-dollar departments.
Tucson Angry Crab Shack names Prentice, Arnold as new owners
Matthew Prentice and Josh Arnold are the new owners of the Angry Crab Shack’s Tucson franchise.
The pair started working at one of Angry Crab Shack’s locations in 2015 as servers, working their way up to franchise owners this year.
Together they also own an Angry Crab Shack in Surprise.
Angry Crab Shack specializes in seafood and boils with Asian and Cajun flavors.
Tucson Angry Crab Shack names Prentice, Arnold as new owners
Matthew Prentice and Josh Arnold are the new owners of the Angry Crab Shack’s Tucson franchise.
The pair started working at one of Angry Crab Shack’s locations in 2015 as servers, working their way up to franchise owners this year.
Together they also own an Angry Crab Shack in Surprise.
Angry Crab Shack specializes in seafood and boils with Asian and Cajun flavors.
Arizona Oncology adds breast cancer specialist
Arizona Oncology has hired a medical oncologist to its east-side Craycroft practice in Tucson.
Medical oncologist and hematologist Dr. Aisha Ahmed brings extensive experience and training in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Ahmed has been in practice for more than 10 years, treating cancer patients, teaching and participating as a clinical investigator for clinical trials. She treats and evaluates all cancer types.
Arizona Oncology adds breast cancer specialist
Arizona Oncology has hired a breast surgical oncologist to its east-side Craycroft practice in Tucson.
Breast surgical oncologist Dr. Rebecca Klein Viscusi brings extensive experience and training in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Viscusi has been practicing medicine in Tucson since 2005, specializing in advanced surgical techniques and the care of women diagnosed with breast cancer and at high risk for breast cancer development.
DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy name Letarte new shareholder
Zelma Letarte is the newest shareholder at DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy, P.C.
Letarte joined the firm in August 2016. Her practice is primarily focused on family law matters including actions for dissolutions, legal separations, prenuptial agreements, relocation matters and paternity actions.
Coldwell Banker Brokerage adds Tune to Tucson/Foothills office
Sherry Tune has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office as an affiliate agent.
She previously worked as a forest supervisor for the federal government, overseeing the management, protection and development of all forest resources.
Coldwell Banker Brokerage adds Krotchie to Tucson/Foothills office
Michael Krotchie has returned to Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage as an affiliate agent with the Tucson/Foothills office.
He comes to the office with 13 years of real estate experience. Before re-affiliating with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, he was an agent with Tierra Antigua Realty.
BeachFleischman adds new shareholder
BeachFleischman has promoted Julia Miessner to shareholder.
Miessner is the practice leader for the firm’s Financial Forensics and Valuation Services Group. As a forensic accountant and business valuation analyst, Miessner works closely with attorneys and clients in Arizona as a litigation consultant and expert witness for civil and criminal litigation cases. She also performs complex financial calculations, authors reports, and testifies in connection with cases involving marital dissolution, economic damages, lost profits, fraud, and probate and trust matters.
BeachFleischman adds operating officer of tax
BeachFleischman’s Kim D. Paskal has been appointed the firm’s chief operating officer of ta.
Paskal joined the public accounting firm in 1996 and has also served as the industry segment leader for the BeachFleischman’s financial and professional services practice since 2010 and the cost segregation practice since 2019. She will transition her industry segment leadership role to focus on her new responsibilities as the tax department leader. Paskal’s specialties as a tax practitioner include tax-planning, consulting, and compliance for entrepreneurial businesses as well as high net worth individuals. She also has a depth of experience with cost segregation, tax-deferred exchanges, and other tax savings vehicles.
Tucson Airport Authority selects vice president of operations, COO
Bruce Goetz has been hired as the vice president of operations and chief operating officer for the Tucson Airport Authority.
Goetz comes to Tucson with more than 25 years of aviation experience.
Most recently, he was the director of operations at Denver International Airport since 2014. He was also a principal contract for regulatory issues with the Federal Aviation Administration. Prior to his work in Denver, Goetz was superintendent of operations at Paine Field/Snohomish County Airport in Everett, Washington.
Lindsay Ridpath joins UA Alumni Association as coordinator
Lindsay Ridpath joins the University of Arizona Alumni Association as the coordinator for business development and activation.
Before her start at the Alumni Association, Ridpath worked in promotional product advertising with Tucson company Garment Graphics. She also has years of experience in the food and beverage industry.
St. Joseph’s Hospital hiring new chief operating officer
Healthcare executive Dr. Nikki Castel has been named chief operating officer of Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Castel previously served as associate administrator at Abrazo West Campus in Goodyear, Ariz. She also has a background in healthcare consulting with McKinsey & Company, consumer marketing research, and did her plastic surgery residency training at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
Castel received a bachelor of science degree in biochemistry at Arizona State University, and earned her Doctor of Medicine Degree from the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine.
Fox Tucson Theatre announces Schock as executive director
Bonnie Schock is the Fox Tucson Theatre’s new executive director.
Schock comes to Tucson from Red Wing, Minnesota, where she served as the executive director of the Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts since 2015. She boasts three decades of experience in the theater arts and entertainment industry.
Real estate lawyer Neff joins Udall Law Firm’s Tucson office
Jeffrey M. Neff has joined the Udall Law Firm’s Tucson office.
Neff has been a Tucson real estate lawyer since 1978 and is a certified real estate specialist. Neff’s practice has emphasized all aspects of real estate law, including Tucson real estate litigation and transactions. He also has experience practicing as an attorney in estate planning, wills, probate and trusts.
Real estate lawyer Boyer joins Udall Law Firm’s Tucson office
Debra C. Boyer has joined the Udall Law Firm’s Tucson office.
Boyer is a real estate attorney experienced in all areas of real estate law from real estate development to municipal law, including planning and zoning, and litigation in related matters.
UA’s Nymeyer-John will direct Alumni Association’s Career Lab
Lacey Nymeyer-John joined the University of Arizona Alumni Association as the director of the Alumni Career Lab.
Nymeyer-John previously worked in special events, community relations and student-athlete development in Arizona Athletics.
Valenzuela brings civil-designing experience to Perry Engineering
German Valenzuela accepted a position as senior civil designer at Perry Engineering.
Valenzuela has over 15 years’ experience as a civil designer in Southern Arizona and in Mexico. His technical focus includes site preparation, development, grading, paving, and sewer and water plans for residential and commercial development projects.
Avery Therapeutics hires Crosby as clinical specialist
Jessi Crosby joined Avery Therapeutics, Inc., as a clinical specialist.
Crosby is responsible for leading clinical planning and operational activities to bring Avery products to patients in need.
She has previous industry experience with Class 3 cardiovascular medical devices and clinical experience working with patients requiring mechanical circulatory support.
Avery Therapeutics is a cardiovascular regenerative medicine company.
Cushman & Wakefield Picor names longtime shareholder Reuter CEO
Cushman & Wakefield Picor named longtime shareholder Barbi Reuter chief executive officer and chair of the board. Reuter was also named designated broker for Picor.
In addition to direct operational responsibilities as president, Reuter takes charge of C&W Picor’s strategic direction.
As a student at the University of Arizona, Reuter joined the startup at its founding in 1985, became a shareholder in 1992, and led its property management division until taking on successive roles in company leadership beginning in 2006.
Tucson Airport Authority names Bewley president, CEO
Danette Bewley is the new president and CEO of the Tucson Airport Authority.
She had been serving in the position temporarily since July. Bewley joined the TAA in 2012 and had been vice president of operations and chief operating officer the past five years.
With 30 years of experience in commercial airport management, before coming to Tucson Bewley held management positions with the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, the Jacksonville Aviation Authority and the Port of San Diego/San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.
She is an accredited airport executive through the American Association of Airport Executives. Bewley also serves on several other committees and is a former AAAE board member.
Tucson Barbershop eXperience selects Diamond as new director
The Tucson Barbershop eXperience men’s chorus selected Luke Diamond to serve as its new director.
Diamond is pursuing a master’s degree in choral conducting at the University of Arizona. He is also directing UA’s Bass Glee and is the assistant director of the University’s Coro Ensemble, as well as serving as the musical director for Christ Presbyterian Church.
The chorus has been a part of Tucson since 1947, open to men of all ages.
Cadden Community Management remains under family leadership
Cadden Community Management appointed Brett Cadden Anderson president and chief executive officer.
Cadden Anderson will be the second generation to assume leadership of the family-owned and operated business that was established in 1987. The business is a provider of homeowner association services in Southern Arizona.
Anderson joined CCM in 2012 as a portfolio manager and held several interim positions before assuming the role of vice president in 2018, at which time she led the company’s successful transition to a paperless business model and developed collaborative work teams to support employee education and manager retention.
In 2018, she achieved the Professional Community Association Manager industry qualification.
Garcia affiliates with Coldwell Brokerage
Chris Garcia associated with the Oro Valley-Marana office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage as an affiliate agent.
Garcia has 19 years of real estate experience and more than 30 years of experience working in sales.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, he was an agent with Long Realty.
Lunsford affiliates with Coldwell Brokerage
Barbara Lunsford came on board at the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage as an affiliate agent.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, affiliate agent Lunsford was teaching in Vietnam at TH School. Before that, she taught in Saudi Arabia for Saudi Aramco Expatriate Schools.
Check out people in our community who have moved up in their fields.