Tucsonans who have been moved, promoted or appointed in 2021
Check out people in our community who have moved up in their fields.
Mercado joins mayor’s office as adviser
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero has appointed Victor Mercado as her communications and policy adviser.
Mercado joins the mayor’s team having served in various communication roles in the energy, education and nonprofit sectors.
Most recently, Mercado served as the marketing and business development principal for ILLUME Advising, a national research consultancy that supports public and investor-owned utilities, state energy programs and government entities as they transition to clean energy. He was previously the public information officer for the Sunnyside Unified School District.
Visit Tucson names president and CEO
Felipe Garcia, interim president and CEO of Visit Tucson, has been chosen to lead the region’s destination marketing organization.
Garcia has led Visit Tucson’s Vamos a Tucson Mexico marketing efforts throughout his tenure, along with partnering with area economic development and community organizations.
Garcia has worked closely with community leaders for the past six years to maximize the potential Tucson’s UNESCO City of Gastronomy designation. Attracting the Food Network to Tucson for multiple shows and bringing in Pati Jinich to film two episodes of her award-winning cooking show “Pati’s Mexican Table,” which airs on PBS in the U.S. and Amazon Prime worldwide, are examples of his accomplishments.
Prior to his work at Visit Tucson, Garcia worked for the city of Tucson as an economic development specialist focused on trade opportunities between Mexico and Southern Arizona. He is an attorney by trade and started his career working on international trade and investment throughout Latin America.
McDonald to lead Audubon Society
Michael McDonald has been named executive director of the Tucson Audubon Society.
McDonald has most recently served seven years as CEO of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. He previously led Habitat for Humanity and Native Seeds/SEARCH, and worked with The Nature Conservancy.
His nonprofit career spans 25 years of commitment to protecting the environment, connecting people, building community and preserving what makes Tucson and the Sonoran Desert unique.
Tucson Audubon Society works to “inspire people to enjoy and protect birds through recreation, education, conservation and restoration of the environment upon which we all depend.”
Truly Nolen promotes Bohne to VP
Greg Bohne has been promoted to vice president of sales and marketing/customer care.
Bohne joined Truly Nolen in August 2013 where he excelled in the manager-in-training program and previously managed both the Tucson and North Tucson service offices. He moved to the domestic franchise division in August 2015 and became the company’s director of sales and marketing in September 2018.
During his three years as director, Bohne has analyzed all the company’s sales processes and needs and has taken an active role in the creation of an inside sales team, which has helped capture sales in a more modern way. In addition, he oversees all sports marketing partnerships.
Bohne will remain based at the company’s Tucson headquarters.
Hughes’ Cuevas named manager
Hughes Federal Credit Union promoted Irlanda Cuevas to marketing manager of business development and community relations.
Since 2018, Cuevas has served as a business development representative and assisted the credit union with its community and business development initiatives, and has strengthened Hughes’ relationships with local Chambers of Commerce, nonprofit organizations, libraries, schools and underserved members of the community.
Cuevas has also previously served as a nonprofit social worker.
Truly Nolen’s Cody Emmett promoted
Cody Emmett was promoted to manager of Truly Nolen’s east Tucson service office at 7475 E. 22nd St.
Emmett joined the company in December 2020 and was most recently a manager-in-training. Prior to joining Truly Nolen, he spent seven years in the retail industry as a store manager for Nike and one year as a manager at Target in Tucson.
Hampson fills court vacancy
Renee L.K. Hampson has been named the new judge pro tempore of Pima County Superior Court.
Hampson is a supervising attorney with the Office of the Pima County Public Defender. Since 2016, she has managed a team of lawyers and staff members working with criminal litigation, probation violations, post-conviction Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Drug Treatment Alternative to Prison Court. Her focus has been almost exclusively on issues relating to addiction, trauma and mental health.
Before joining the Public Defender’s Office, Hampson spent 10 years with the Counsel for Defense of Chelan County in Wenatchee, Washington, where she supervised attorneys representing indigent clients in the dependency and juvenile courts.
In addition to her administrative duties, Hampson held both a felony and misdemeanor caseload in the Chelan County Superior and Juvenile Courts while also representing private clients in personal injury, property and bankruptcy, and family law matters.
Farmers gains insurance adviser
The Southern Arizona District Office of Farmers Insurance Group has appointed Dedrie Thompson as the newest adviser to Tucson.
Dedrie holds her property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses.
She focuses on auto, home, life and business insurance products.
Carondelet Health adds to leadership
Carondelet Health Network has added two individuals to its leadership team.
Dan Shearn has joined Carondelet Health Network as chief nursing officer for Carondelet St. Joseph’s Hospital in Tucson. Shearn has more than 20 years of management experience and brings a focus on quality, personal patient and family-centered care as well as staff and organizational success.
He previously served as chief nursing officer for North Okaloosa Medical Center, an acute care hospital in Crestview, Florida.
Carondelet Health adds to leadership
Carondelet Health Network has added two individuals to its leadership team.
Megan Powe has joined Carondelet Health Network as the market chief strategy officer. Powe comes to Carondelet from The Hospitals of Providence in El Paso, where she has served in multiple leadership roles within business development and strategy.
Most recently, she served as chief strategy officer for The Hospitals of Providence Sierra Campus, where she successfully led the strategic development and growth of key service lines resulting in expanded services, certifications, and performance in cardiology, orthopedics and neurosciences.
Coldwell Banker adds agent
Natasha Weissman has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Weissman associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office. She previously was an agent with CARR. Before that, she owned and then sold a gourmet food store and spent 15 years as a sales professional and executive in the pharmaceutical and health care education fields.
Coldwell Banker adds agent
Kasey Eggenberg has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Eggenberg associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office. Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, she was an agent with Keller Williams Southern Arizona.
Sundt promotes Danny Gumm
Danny Gumm was promoted to concrete division manager at Sundt Construction, Inc.
In this role, he oversees one of the construction industry’s largest concrete workforces, which annually performs millions of hours of structural, architectural and industrial concrete work for Sundt’s wide-ranging projects.
He started in the field as an apprentice carpenter through the Arizona Builders Alliance. During his 28-year career with Sundt, Gumm has served in various capacities in the concrete division. At Sundt, he has been a field engineer, estimator, concrete superintendent, project manager, pre-construction project manager and most recently, the concrete division operations manager.
TFCU announces Gaspari as CEO
Matthew Gaspari has been named the new president and CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union.
From 2007-2021, Gaspari served as executive vice President and chief operating officer of TFCU.
Prior to that, within TFCU, he served as vice president of operations, assistant vice president of operations, and branch manager.
He joined TFCU in 1992.
Meriwether joins Avery Therapeutics
Hannah Meriwether joins Avery Therapeutics, Inc., a cardiovascular regenerative medicine company, in the role of biomedical engineer I.
She will assist in research and development activities.
Meriwether was most recently a QA technical writer with Peter Cremer North America.
Coldwell adds a new affiliate agent
Coldwell Banker Realty has added a affiliate agent.
Brent Brzuchalski associated with the Green Valley-Continental office.
He works for the Border Patrol in Nogales, Arizona, and also owns a Little Caesars in Rio Rico.
Coldwell adds a new affiliate agent
Coldwell Banker Realty has added a affiliate agent.
Ann Jones has associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office. A certified pharmacy technician, Jones worked at Rite Aid pharmacy in California for 28 years.
Coldwell adds a new affiliate agent
Coldwell Banker Realty has added a affiliate agent.
Angela Ruffalo associated with the Tucson/Foothills office. Ruffalo previously was an agent with Long Realty.
RCSA expands with Quezada
Research Corporation for Science Advancement welcomed two new staff members to provide program support and award administration services.
RCSA is a private foundation that funds basic research in the physical sciences at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.
Program and Award Administrator Aileen Quezada previously worked in research and contract administration at the University of Arizona.
RCSA expands with Dukes
Research Corporation for Science Advancement welcomed two new staff members to provide program support and award administration services.
RCSA is a private foundation that funds basic research in the physical sciences at colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.
Jennifer Dukes, senior program and award administrator previously managed a post-award team at the University of Arizona and has worked with a multitude of funding agencies.
Farmers Insurance gains new advisor
The Southern Arizona District Office of Farmers Insurance Group has appointed Andrew Pickford as the newest advisor to Tucson.
Pickford holds his property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses.
He focuses on auto, home, life and business insurance products.
Lee joins Coldwell Banker
Jackson Lee has associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agent.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, Lee worked for R. E. Lee Mechanical Contracting Inc., his family’s business that has been serving Tucsonans for over 50 years.
Anderson joins Coldwell Banker
Gabriella Anderson has associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agent.
Anderson previously worked for Hallcon in railroad transportation, and Copper Star in medical transportation.
Lovitt & Touché expand local office
Lovitt & Touché, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, has expanded its Tucson team with the hiring of Benefits Analyst Chelsea Morando.
Morando will assist with preparing client proposals and managing requests for proposals while building relationships with insurance carriers.
Lovitt & Touché expand local office
Lovitt & Touché, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, has expanded its Tucson team with the hiring of Assistant Client Manager Erin Freker. She will assist with day-to-day management of employee benefits, clients and accounts.
TMC promotes Rich
The TMC HealthCare Board of Trustees announced that Judy Rich, current president and chief executive officer, has taken on the expanded role as system president and chief executive officer.
Under Rich’s leadership since 2007, TMC HealthCare has grown into a leading regional health system with three hospitals, a robust outpatient division, a primary and specialty medical group, and numerous partnerships with local physician groups.
Rich will lead the system’s strategic focus on growth and innovation in line with the organization’s mission to provide exceptional health care with compassion.
Coomler named CEO
The TMC HealthCare Board of Trustees announced that Mimi Coomler will serve as chief executive officer of Tucson Medical Center.
Coomler has been TMC’s chief operating officer since 2017 and before that was the hospital’s chief nursing officer.
Coomler’s previous work experience includes serving as CEO at Children’s Clinics for Rehabilitative Services and director of nursing for TMC’s Women’s and Children’s Services.
Lovitt & Touché expand local office
Lovitt & Touché, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, has expanded its Tucson team with the hiring of two sales executives, a client manager and an assistant client manager.
Client Manager Kim Canez works with the commercial lines team to manage client relationships, develop account plans and deliver proposals.
Lovitt & Touché expand local office
Lovitt & Touché, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, has expanded its Tucson team with the hiring of two sales executives, a client manager and an assistant client manager.
Assistant Client Manager Tatiana Johns assists with day-to-day management of commercial lines clients and accounts.
Lovitt & Touché expand local office
Lovitt & Touché, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, has expanded its Tucson team with the hiring of two sales executives, a client manager and an assistant client manager.
Sales Executive Alex Rodriguez focuses on employee benefits, bringing more than a dozen years of experience in human resources.
Lovitt & Touché expand local office
Lovitt & Touché, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, has expanded its Tucson team with the hiring of two sales executives, a client manager and an assistant client manager.
Sales Executive Chris Monaco focuses on property and casualty insurance for clients in health care, manufacturing and financial industries.
Kino School has new exec. director
Kino School started this school year with a new executive director, Vanessa Phillips.
She worked as a homeroom teacher and English teacher at Kino from 2006-2012, but moved to New Jersey in 2012 to further her education. Phillips would later work as a public high school English teacher and full-time writing lecturer in the Humanities department at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Pima Heart adds vascular surgeon
Pima Heart and Vascular has added Dr. Thomas Bobka, a vascular surgeon.
Bobka will provide care for patients at the vascular suite on River Road, the east side office on Camp Lowell Drive and the Safford location.
Bobka completed his vascular surgery fellowship at the University of Arizona.
K2 Electric names Salveson GM
K2 Electric has hired Sean Salveson as general manager for the firms’ Tucson operations.
Salveson brings 30 years of electrical contracting experience, including time as a company owner.
Salveson will oversee operations in Tucson and client relations.
He started out in California, working in a variety of electrical contractor roles before launching his own electrical contracting firm. Salveson was owner of Golden State Electrical Contractors in Foresthill, California, for 11 years before selling the firm to Sebastian. Salveson joined Sebastian for six years as director of construction. Once in Tucson, he served as vice president for AEC Electric for two years.
LaPeter, Kantor join Coldwell
Al LaPeter and Sandy Kantor of Team Al and Sandy have affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty’s Oro Valley/Marana office.
They come with a combined five decades of experience and service in the real estate industry.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell, they were agents with Long Realty. Since moving to Tucson in 2014, they have been ranked in the Top 1% of all 6,500 agents in Tucson since the end of their first full year in the area.
Shortly after beginning his career in real estate, LaPeter started a brokerage in Southern California that he grew to eight offices and over 800 agents working under his broker’s license. After moving to Sun Valley, Idaho, he took over a brokerage.
Before earning her residential real estate license in Idaho and later in Arizona, Kantor worked as an attorney handling real estate matters in San Francisco and as a member of a real estate commercial development and syndication group. She also founded the National Philanthropic Fund. Kantor has nearly 20 years of residential real estate experience.
Arizona Oncology hires Dr. Talukdar
Arizona Oncology welcomes Dr. Shobhana Talukdar to the gynecologic oncology team.
Talukdar completed a gynecologic oncology fellowship with the University of Minnesota School of Medicine.
She has a special interest in all areas of gynecological cancer such as ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal, and other cancers of the female reproductive organs.
Talukdar has undergone training in laparoscopic, robotic, and complex pelvic and abdominal surgeries. She is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and critical care.
Arizona Forge hires Hager
Arizona Forge has hired Patrick Hager as an executive in residence at Forge at Roy Place.
Hager is coming off of a 30-year career at the 3M Co. in St. Paul, Minnesota. He will work to provide mentoring, input, and guidance to Founders within the Forge ecosystem.
Arizona Forge hires Waynick
Arizona Forge has hired William Waynick II as an executive in residence at Forge at Roy Place.
Waynick retired as a colonel from the U.S. Air Force after 30-years of service. He will work with entrepreneurs to develop business plans, go-to-market and financing strategies, and other key business development materials.
Arizona Forge hires Howell
Arizona Forge has hired Aleshia Howell as program coordinator for Forge at Roy Place.
Howell is a seasoned adult education administrator and community builder, previously spending eight years in higher education admissions and several years in the startup world.
Howell will work with Startup Tucson to create and run community-facing programs which support entrepreneurship in Tucson.
Ridgway Private Wealth adds Larson
Carlota Larson has come on board at Ridgway Private Wealth as a private wealth advisor.
In her role, Larson will be responsible for all administrative matters and new client acquisition. She previously worked for Wells Fargo.
Pallesen joins Crest Insurance
Russell Pallesen has joined Crest Insurance as vice president of commercial sales.
Pallesen previously served as a top performing branch manager for Enterprise Rent a Car. In 2017, he found his niche in insurance. Russell looks forward to continuing his passion handling risk management with contractors and estate/business succession planning with life insurance products.
Legal Aid names deputy director
Jamie Ibrahim has joined Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc. as the new deputy director.
Prior to moving to Tucson, she served as a general magistrate with the Fourth Judicial Circuit for the State of Florida. Before her appointment to the bench, she worked at Jacksonville Area Legal Aid for 11 years serving the low-income population in Jacksonville, Florida.
RLL law firm adds Watters
Attorney Caitlin Watters has joined Rusing Lopez & Lizardi as associate on the firm’s litigation team.
Watters is a former Deputy Pima County Attorney who worked in the domestic violence and animal welfare units.
RLL law firm adds Bernardone
Attorney Dan Bernardone has joined Rusing Lopez & Lizardi as associate on the firm’s litigation team.
Bernardone is a litigator whose practice primarily consists of commercial litigation, insurance coverage, insurance bad-faith litigation and civil litigation.
RLL law firm adds Scalf
Attorney Paige E. Scalf has joined Rusing Lopez & Lizardi as associate on the firm’s litigation team.
Scalf holds a certificate in intellectual property law, which will be one of her practice areas at RLL. She previously had a long career as a cognitive neuroscientist. She also was an assistant professor in the psychology departments at the UA and Durham University in the U.K.
New principal at Desert Christian
Desert Christian Schools has begun this school year with a new high school principal, Jon Self.
Self served as principal of Desert Christian High School from 2008-2016.
NAI Horizon hires Kyle Kilgore
NAI Horizon’s Tucson office has hired Kyle Kilgore to bolster and support its office and medical real estate services in Southern Arizona.
Kilgore will help with the leasing and sales process of office and medical buildings in metro Tucson. He has previously worked for Geico and the Oro Valley Country Club.
Letson joins the UA’s Flandrau
The University of Arizona’s Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium has hired Nick Letson as marketing and communications manager.
Letson brings 10 years of experience in nonprofit arts education marketing, higher education communications and advocacy for local tourism to the position.
He previously served as associate director of Sonoran Glass School and communications specialist for University Analytics and Institutional Research.
Desert Diamond hires Bean as CEO
Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment has hired Mike Bean as its new chief executive officer.
Bean has previously served in senior management positions at Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods Resort Casino, Harrah’s Entertainment and Boyd Gaming. Most recently, he was CEO of the Saginaw Chippewa Gaming Enterprises, overseeing three locations.
Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment has three locations in Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita and Why) and one in the West Valley.
Felix affiliates with Coldwell Banker
Miguel Felix has affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty.
Felix associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office and is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He previously worked as an armed security guard for a private contractor.
Willett affiliates with Coldwell Banker
Sharicka Willett has affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty.
Willett associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office. She previously worked 20 years in multi-family community management.
Park affiliates with Coldwell Banker
Young Park has affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty.
Park associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office and comes to the office with 11 years of real estate experience. She previously was an agent with OMNI Homes International and is fluent in Korean.
Farhang & Medcoff promotes Álvarez
Farhang & Medcoff has promoted Estela Álvarez to director of finance and operations.
Álvarez joined Farhang & Medcoff in 2016 as the firm’s controller.
With over 20 years of experience in the business industry, she brings knowledge in the areas of client service, operations management and finance administration.
R&A CPAs names shareholder
R&A CPAs has promoted Karly A. Meza to shareholder.
Meza joined the firm in 2009. She provides financial reporting and assurance services to clients in a variety of industries. She specializes in auditing and reporting for employee benefit plans, nonprofit organizations, charter schools, and construction entities.
In her new role, in addition to continuing as division head of assurance, she will be expanding her focus on business development and community engagement.
Shanker named attorney general
The Tohono O’odham Nation has named Howard Shanker attorney general.
Shanker has practiced law in Arizona since 1993. He is a recognized expert in Indian law and environmental/natural resources law and has represented multiple tribes and tribal organizations in tribal, state and federal courts in Arizona, Wisconsin, Nebraska and other jurisdictions.
He has also previously served as a tribal court judge and was an adjunct professor at the Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University.
Musca joins Tucson airport authority
Michael Musca has joined the Tucson Airport Authority as its director of properties and concessions.
Musca is responsible for planning, managing and coordinating many facets of the business and commercial development division in property and lease management, concessions, and ground transportation for the TAA, Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield.
He has three decades of experience across a wide diversity of airports. Most recently, Musca served as Fresno Yosemite International Airport’s assistant director for nearly seven years.
Foundation adds new director
The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation has named Jamie Dromgoole-Hernandez director of clinical and prevention services.
She comes with 17 years of nursing experience, working as a registered nurse in multiple disciplines. Dromgoole-Hernandez worked most recently as the associate director of a primary care clinic in Tucson.
Foundation adds new director
The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation has named Monique Vallery the new director of development.
She previously served as the chief operations officer and creative director for the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association. Vallery has spent the last 18 years in Tucson developing and supporting corporate and nonprofit events, as well as fundraising.
Hollander affiliates with Coldwell Banker
Rachel Hollander has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agents.
Hollander most recently worked as marketing manager and assistant buyer for an upscale women’s clothing boutique for 10 years. Before that, she worked for a top-producing real estate agent in Amelia Island, Florida.
Corbitt affiliates with Coldwell Banker
Dillian Corbitt has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agents.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell, Corbitt was the vice president and banking center manager of the Amegy Bank of Texas. She is fluent in Spanish.
Cherry affiliates with Coldwell Banker
Elizabeth Cherry has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agents.
Cherry brings 12 years of real estate experience. She previously was an agent with United Real Estate Specialists.
Sabino Recovery names Gwaltney VP
Sabino Recovery has named Derek Gwaltney vice president of business development.
Gwaltney brings experience as a sales and marketing leader. For the past 10 years, he has worked closely with business development teams at Lakeview Health and Pyramid Healthcare to grow and expand their offerings.
Coldwell Banker adds agent
Jackie Tomaszewski has affiliated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Tomaszewski comes with 13 years of real estate experience. Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, she was an agent with HomeSmart Advantage Group. Before working in real estate, she worked in hospital administration.
Coldwell Banker adds agent
Yolima Mulligan has affiliated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Mulligan previously served as an agent with United Real Estate. Before that, she was a civil engineer working as a project manager in Tucson and New York City.
Coldwell Banker adds agent
Miranda McCluskey has affiliated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, McCluskey was a fourth grade teacher at Basis Tucson Primary.
Rob Hoyle joins Vantage West
Rob Hoyle has joined Vantage West Credit Union as chief information officer.
In this role, Hoyle leads the technology, business intelligence, programming, and application development teams. He plans and directs implementation of new systems, monitors changes in the technology sector, and develops goals and strategies to design and customize technological systems to enhance the member experience.
Hoyle has 22 years of experience leading innovative technology efforts in financial services, health care, government, and university research.
Olson appointed court commissioner
Bunkye Chi Olson has been appointed as a Pima County Superior Court Commissioner.
A deputy county attorney with the Pima County Attorney’s Office, Olson joined their ranks as a law clerk in 1997. Upon graduation from the University of Arizona’s College of Law, she became a prosecutor assigned to PCAO’s misdemeanor crimes division and transitioned to its felony unit in September 2001.
Olson was selected for PCAO’s Special Victims Unit in early 2003, where she specialized in crimes against children. Subsequently, she took two turns in PCAO’s juvenile division, first from 2010 through 2012 and again in 2014 until the spring of 2021.
Snell & Wilmer adds Burstein
Dylan Burstein has joined the Snell & Wilmer’s Tucson office as an associate in the firm’s commercial litigation practice group.
Burstein’s practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, including intellectual property disputes, contract matters and class actions for organizations throughout the United States. He has defended inventors of pharmaceutical compounds in a patent inventorship bench trial, represented an aviation company and a major beer company in a trademark disputes, and represented a large defense contractor in trade secrets litigation.
He recently worked as an associate for a California law firm.
Fox Tucson Theatre names marketing manager
Larry Guarano has been named marketing and communications manager of the Fox Tucson Theatre. He is responsible for the development and execution of marketing initiatives, both through data and creative. He previously held positions at the University of Arizona, ADP and Pima Community College.
Fox Tucson Theatre names box office manager
Tony Hall, who comes to the Fox with extensive experience in customer service, has been named box office manager at the Fox Tucson Theatre. His responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of ticketing and customer service.
Fox Tucson Theatre hires artist services and rentals manager
Jakki Hill has been hired as the new artist services and rentals manager for the Fox Tucson Theatre. In this role, she serves as the key liaison with Fox artists representation and space rental users. Hill brings 30 years of experience in the design and special event world.
Jacqueline Mayo joins Goodmans
Jacqueline Mayo has joined Goodmans Interior Structure, the Arizona dealer for Herman Miller commercial furniture, as a workspace specialist.
Mayo is responsible for assisting clients in achieving optimal workspace settings.
She has diverse experiences within residential living spaces and commercial workspaces.
Shlomovich named head of school
Tucson Hebrew Academy has a new head of school, Johanna Shlomovich.
Since 2013, Shlomovich has served as the chief operating officer of Ramaz School in New York City. In this role, she managed operations, strategically restructured the technology department, facilitated donor relations, and fostered a culture of professional development and investment in employees.
Helfrich is new firm administrator
Loose Law Group, P.C. announced that Joni Helfrich has been appointed its firm administrator.
Helfrich joined the firm four years ago as an executive assistant. She will be responsible for managing the administrative operations of the firm’s Phoenix and Tucson offices.
KXCI selects exec. director
Following a national search, Elva De La Torre has been selected to serve as the new executive director of KXCI.
De La Torre assumed her new role on July 20 after serving as interim executive director, as well as KXCI director of education and outreach, overseeing adult and youth DJ classes and enriching KXCI programming by featuring community voices through programs such as Nonprofit Spotlight and In Our Own Voices.
She brings more than 10 years of on-air programming experience. De La Torre led grant management and program development efforts with Pima Community College, Pima County Juvenile Court, and various nonprofits in Tucson.
Villaseñor named RCM partner
Regional accounting firm Regier Carr & Monroe, LLP, CPA (RCM) appointed Tax Manager Jamie Villaseñor to partner.
Villaseñor has been with RCM since January 2016. Villaseñor’s focus is in the areas of business taxation, real estate taxation and the capitalization and depreciation of business assets.
She has more than 11 years of public accounting experience.
Amy Kraehe joins UA's Arizona Arts
Amelia (Amy) Kraehe has been appointed the inaugural associate vice president of equity in the arts for Arizona Arts at the University of Arizona.
Kraehe will partner with Arizona Arts leadership to promote transparency and coordination around the division’s equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, leading effective strategic planning with collective goal setting.
Arizona Oncology adds an oncologist
Arizona Oncology, a provider of advanced cancer care, has hired a new oncologist, Dr. Suresh Mukkamala, who will serve at the Rudasill location.
Mukkamala recently completed a three-year fellowship in hematology and oncology with Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans. He completed his residency in internal medicine at St. Luke’s Health Easton Hospital in Pennsylvania and is certified through the American Board of Internal Medicine.
Arizona Oncology adds an oncologist
Arizona Oncology, a provider of advanced cancer care, has hired a new oncologist, Dr. Delmer Montoya.
Montoya, a Spanish-speaker, will serve at the Wilmot location.
Montoya brings several years of experience in hospice and palliative care. Montoya relocated to Tucson from after completing his medical oncology fellowship at the University of South Alabama.
Coldwell Banker adds Brandt
Tyler Brandt has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, Brandt worked in the service industry for five years.
Andrada High has new principal
Geoff Parks, former principal of Catalina High School, has been selected to serve as principal of Andrada Polytechnic High School for the 2021-2022 school year.
Parks has an extensive background in education and coaching, with strong administrative experiences as an assistant principal at Cienega High School, as well as superintendent and other principal roles in Washington state.
Roadrunners hire Snyder
The Tucson Roadrunners, owned and operated by the Arizona Coyotes, announced that Jake Snyder has joined the team as manager of corporate partnerships.
Snyder spent the last two years with the NHL’s New Jersey Devils as a group sales ticket representative after previously working as a ticket sales representative for the Roadrunners.
Roadrunners promote Sipe
The Tucson Roadrunners, owned and operated by the Arizona Coyotes, have promoted Julie Sipe to director of ticket sales and service.
She has been with the team since its arrival in Tucson and previously worked for the Arizona Coyotes.
Roadrunners promote Kern
The Tucson Roadrunners, owned and operated by the Arizona Coyotes, have promoted Tyler Kern as director of ticket administration.
He has been with the team since its arrival in Tucson and previously worked for the Arizona Coyotes.
Farmers appoints insurance adviser
The Southern Arizona District Office of Farmers Insurance Group has appointed Andrew Greene as the newest adviser to Tucson.
Greene holds his property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses. He focuses on auto, home, life and business insurance products.
Sahuarita names interim manager
Sahuarita has named Finance Director A.C. Marriotti interim town manager.
Marriotti has served the town as finance director for nearly 17 years. Marriotti will concurrently serve as both finance director and interim town manager.
Marriotti also comes to the position with seven years of experience working for the Arizona auditor general, where he held the position of senior financial auditor.
United Way promotes Rees
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona announced staff promotions as part of a reorganization tied to its strategy to double the organization’s impact to serve 360,000 people in Tucson and Southern Arizona by 2023.
Cory Rees, former senior development officer, has been promoted to associate vice president of annual campaign.
United Way promotes D'Auria
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona announced staff promotions as part of a reorganization tied to its strategy to double the organization’s impact to serve 360,000 people in Tucson and Southern Arizona by 2023.
Melissa D’Auria, former senior director of marketing and communications, has been promoted to associate vice president of communications and engagement.
Minish affiliates with Coldwell
Shelly Minish has associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, Minish was a physician assistant in neurosurgery for the Center for Neurosciences in Tucson.
Feig promoted to program director
Research Corporation for Science Advancement has promoted Andrew Feig to senior program director.
An active member of RCSA’s Cottrell Scholar community since 2002, Feig joined the RCSA staff in 2019. He leads three Scialog initiatives: advancing bioimaging; microbiome, neurobiology and disease; and mitigating zoonotic threats.
Feig works alongside RCSA’s two other senior program directors, Silvia Ronco and Richard Wiener, in the management of RCSA’s programs and initiatives.
Golder Ranch Fire promotes Waldorf
Golder Ranch Fire District promoted Michael Waldorf to the rank of captain.
Before being promoted to captain, Waldorf worked as an engineer.
Golder Ranch Fire promotes Smith
Golder Ranch Fire District promoted Andrew Smith to the rank of captain.
Before being promoted to captain, Smith worked as an engineer.
Madigan joins Tucson Rodeo
Stacy Madigan joins the Tucson Rodeo — La Fiesta de los Vaqueros as operations manager.
Madigan has assumed various roles within her family-owned dairy farm operation. She has also consulted with other dairy/ranch operations and is a certified National Dairy Farm Animal Welfare evaluator.
Over the past several years, Madigan has been building professional relationships within Southern Arizona, including networking with various civic organizations.
Carey affiliates with Coldwell
Jennifer Carey has associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
She is concurrently a school counselor for a local elementary.
Wiggins to lead Marana Chamber
Amanda Wiggins has been appointed to lead the Marana Chamber of Commerce as president and CEO.
An experienced community leader, Wiggins held various roles within the Greater Tallahassee, Florida, Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, she was the program director of Leadership Tallahassee Inc., a program of the Tallahassee Chamber with more than 1,100 members and effective community leadership programming.
Ballet Tucson names director
Margaret Mullin has been named associate artistic director for Ballet Tucson.
Mullin is from Tucson and trained at Ballet Arts, the official school of Ballet Tucson. She relocated to Seattle, Washington, in 2007, where she was a soloist dancer with Pacific Northwest Ballet for 13 seasons.
Upon her retirement from dance in June 2020, she joined the Ballet Tucson staff as artistic associate and media director. Since taking on that role, she has developed new company endeavors, including the Ballet Tucson YouTube Channel and the Ballet Tucson Bravo League, the company’s young patrons league.
United Way staff promotions
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona announced staff promotions as part of a reorganization tied to its strategy to double the organization’s impact to serve 360,000 individuals in Tucson and Southern Arizona by 2023.
Allison Titcomb, former senior vice president of community development, has been promoted to chief impact officer.
United Way staff promotions
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona announced staff promotions as part of a reorganization tied to its strategy to double the organization’s impact to serve 360,000 individuals in Tucson and Southern Arizona by 2023.
Jeff Petrovic, former senior vice president of philanthropy, has been promoted to chief development officer.
Cox Names Percy Kirk as Southwest Region Manager
Percy Kirk has joined Cox Communications as senior vice president and region manager for the Southwest region, overseeing Cox operations and more than 4,300 Cox employees. The Southwest region is Cox’s largest operation nationwide and includes Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Southern Arizona. Most recently, Percy led Cox’s Central Region, based in Oklahoma. Kirk returns to Arizona where he previously held the position of Cox Arizona’s vice president of network operations.
Serving more than 35 years in the cable telecommunications industry, Percy has held a variety of positions within Cox Communications.
Percy’s career grew up in the cable industry as it evolved into a full-service, multi-product telecom industry. Prior to leading the Central Region for Cox, Percy was the senior vice president and general manager for Cox Oklahoma where he managed strategic operations in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa metro areas. He also served as senior vice president and general manager for the company’s Omaha market; and held the position of vice president of operations for Cox Communications Kansas.
Golder Ranch Fire promotes Pearce
Fred Pearce will be appointed to the Deputy Chief of Fire and Emergency Services. Chief Pearce has worked in the fire service for 19 years. Pearce is moving into the Deputy Chief role after working as a Division Chief for the past two years assigned to special projects. He received his degree in Business Administration from Humber College in Toronto Ontario in 1994 and later acquired a degree in Finance and Economics from Grand Canyon University in 2016.
Golder Ranch Fire promotes Grant Cesarek
Grant Cesarek will be appointed to the Deputy Chief of Health and Life Safety Services. Chief Cesarek has worked in the fire service for 22 years. Cesarek is moving into the Deputy Chief role after working as Division Chief for the past 3 years assigned to Emergency Medical Services. He received his degree in Public Safety Emergency Management from Grand Canyon University in 2015.
Golder Ranch Fire promotes Nickolas Boone
Nickolas Boone: Golder Ranch Fire District (GRFD) promoted Nickolas Boone to the rank of Captain.
Boone will be operationally assigned to their new roles to serve the community at one of the 10 district fire stations.
Golder Ranch Fire promotes Sean Sicurello
Sean Sicurello: Golder Ranch Fire District (GRFD) promoted Sean Sicurello to the rank of Captain.
Sicurello will be operationally assigned to their new roles to serve the community at one of the 10 district fire stations.
Hicks joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Michael Hicks 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 an account manager of the Southern California territory for Keller Electrical in Phoenix, Ariz. Before that, he was the service representative for Sulzer EMS-Phoenix.
Pima Animal Care names director
Monica Dangler, who has served as Pima Animal Care Center’s interim director of animal services since October and led the shelter during the worst public health crisis in a century, has been named the facility’s permanent director.
Dangler came to the shelter in July 2019 as one of three team members chosen for the Maddie’s Fund Executive Leader Fellowship Grant. She has spent 11 years working in animal welfare. Prior to her role at PACC, she was the volunteer manager at Austin Pets Alive!, and she served as a shelter director at PAWS Shelter of Central Texas. During her time at PACC, Dangler came up with innovative ways to help pet owners facing job losses, health crises and potential evictions brought on by the pandemic. Those life-saving strategies helped the shelter maintain a 91% live release rate, which counts every animal entering PACC and every animal leaving.
Dangler has an Executive Leadership Certification from Southern Utah University, which was part of a leadership class offered through the Best Friends Animal Society.
Arizona Land & Water Trust Hires Amoroso
Amy Amoroso has joined Arizona Land & Water Trust as the new donor engagement manager. In this role, she will lead stewardship efforts, support overall fundraising activities, and forge deeper relationships with supporters of Arizona Land and Water Trust.
Amoroso holds a master’s degree in environmental science and communications from Antioch New England Graduate School and Bachelor of Arts from Hobart and William Smith College.
Amoroso brings a diverse skillset to the trust through her experience as the Tribal Lands Program Manager with the National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Director with the Cow Creek Umpqua Tribe and then as a writing instructor at Umpqua Community College in Oregon.
CFSA appoints Flynn as CEO
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA) announced that its Board of Trustees has appointed Jenny Flynn as President and CEO.
Flynn currently serves as Senior Vice President for Development Services and is a member of the University of Arizona Alumni and Development Program executive team. Flynn is also a current board trustee for the Women’s Foundation of Southern Arizona.
CFSA appoints Montoya as COO
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona (CFSA) announced that its Board of Trustees has appointed Mark Montoya, currently serving as Interim President and CEO for the Foundation, as Chief Operating Officer.
For nearly a decade, Mark Montoya has led CFSA’s operations. He also provides staff leadership to the Santa Cruz Community Foundation, CFSA’s geographic affiliate, and management oversight of the Community Foundation Campus.
Clint Mabie joins Northern Trust
Northern Trust Wealth Management announced that Clint Mabie will join the Tucson team as a senior relationship manager.
He will be responsible for helping new and existing clients using his background in philanthropy and knowledge of the market. He, along with other team members, will help to advise high net worth families and business owners on wealth planning strategies tailored to their goals.
Mabie recently retired from his role as president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona and led initiatives connecting government, private, and nonprofit entities to grow the reach of the foundation and magnify its impact.
Pepper Viner adds, promotes talent
Alma Newberry recently accepted a promotion to purchasing manager at Pepper Viner. She has many years and varied experience in the construction industry.
Pepper Viner adds, promotes talent
Larry Jackson has joined Pepper Viner Homes as financial controller. Jackson comes to Pepper Viner after a successful tenure with Woodhill Homes in Bend Oregon.
Snell & Wilmer names associate
Rory Bennett has joined Snell & Wilmer's Tucson office as an associate in the firm’s commercial finance practice group.
Bennett previously served as a summer associate at Snell & Wilmer in 2020, as well as a summer extern at the Van Alsberg Law Firm. He has also worked as a commercial video editor in San Francisco.
Pepper Viner adds, promotes talent
Mika Johnston has joined Pepper Viner Homes as a customer service representative. She has many years and varied experience in the construction industry.
Farmers gains insurance adviser
The Southern Arizona district office of Farmers Insurance Group has appointed Eric McDonald as the newest adviser to Tucson.
Eric holds his property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses.
He focuses on auto, home, life, and business insurance products.
Truly Nolen promotes Gannon
Truly Nolen has promoted Emily Gannon to training department administrator.
Gannon joined Truly Nolen in 2018 as a phone agent with the company’s customer care center. She most recently worked as an administrative assistant for the Western Admin Center.
Some of Gannon’s new responsibilities will include coordinating the training department’s in-house and continuing education classes along with materials and travel details, overseeing the company’s pin program, which honors longevity and special achievements, and taking on Arizona Pest Management Division registrations and licensing.
Kramer joins Tucson law firm
Clayton R. Kramer has joined the DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy PC firm as an associate in its Tucson office.
Kramer will focus his practice on litigation, government and school law matters.
Before joining the firm, Kramer worked with the Pima County Attorney’s Office as deputy county attorney in the civil division, tort unit.
Carondelet names CFO
Carondelet Health Network has named a new chief financial officer for St. Mary’s Hospital.
Jody Dial was named chief financial officer for St. Mary’s Hospital.
Dial has nearly 15 years of experience leading in health-care finance and management and will oversee hospital’s finance, case management and materials management teams.
Dial is joining Carondelet from Medical City Healthcare in Weatherford, Texas, where he most recently served as CFO. He also previously served as CFO for Good Samaritan Hospital in San Jose, California, and Timpanogos Regional Hospital in Orem, Utah.
Cassidy joins Lazarus & Silvyn
Jackson Cassidy has joined the Lazarus & Silvyn PC as a land planner with specialized expertise in geographic information systems mapping and high-end graphic design.
Before joining Lazarus & Silvyn, Cassidy was a University of Arizona graduate research assistant supporting a team collaborating with Salt River Project to investigate relationships between development and water consumption in the Phoenix area.
Carondelet names market CEO
Carondelet Health Network has named a new market chief executive officer.
Monica C. Vargas-Mahar has been selected to serve as market chief executive officer.
She has more than 20 years of experience in health-care administration and has served in multiple leadership positions.
Before joining Carondelet, Vargas-Mahar was chief executive officer of the Hospitals of Providence East Campus and market chief operating officer of the Hospitals of Providence in El Paso.
Torch hires Lewis for director post
Torch Properties, a local commercial real estate investment firm, has hired Eileen Lewis.
A veteran Tucson commercial property manager, Lewis will serve as director of property management.
She will oversee and manage Torch Properties’ growing portfolio of real estate investment properties in Tucson.
Reynolds joins Ridgeway firm
Gordon Reynolds recently joined the firm Ridgway Private Wealth as managing partner.
Reynolds spent the last 15 years in Tucson with Wells Fargo Investment Management and Trust. At Ridgway Private Wealth, he advises clients, handles the investment, planning and administration of accounts, and oversees the management of the firm.
Dougherty affiliates with Coldwell
Angela Dougherty has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Dougherty associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office. She comes with eight years of experience owning and operating a direct home sales business.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty she worked for We Gotta Guy Contractor Referral Service.
Pancoast affiliates with Coldwell
Lindsay Pancoast has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Pancoast associated with the Tucson/Foothills office.
She previously was an agent with Keller Williams Southern Arizona. Before that, she was an agent with Vernon Realty in Vernon.
UACI adds mentor- in-residence
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation has selected Peter Nestler to serve as mentor-in-residence.
In this role, he will work to support startups with an added focus on life sciences.
Nestler has more than 25 years of experience in academic life sciences, big pharma and biotech environments. In 1992, he obtained his Doctorate of Philosophy with a focus on Chemistry from Goethe University in Frankfurt, Germany. His career led him through a postdoctoral fellowship at Columbia University and a faculty position at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory into industry and eventually to Tucson.
Gross joins Santa Cruz Valley Hospital
Santa Cruz Valley Regional Hospital announced that family and sports medicine primary care provider Dr. Anthony Gross has joined Santa Cruz Valley Regional Hospital.
Gross practices family and sports medicine with a concentration in preventative and functional care and manages a wide spectrum of diseases.
He has his Master’s and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Touro University Nevada, with a residency at the Richmond Medical Center and a fellowship in primary care sports medicine.
Self joins Coldwell Banker
Brent Self has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Self has associated with the Green Valley Continental office. He previously served as the manager of Mr. Automotive.
Felde joins Coldwell Banker
Olga Felde has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Felde joins the Tucson/Foothills office. Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, she was the executive meeting manager at Marriott University Park Hotel.
NAI Horizon names marketing manager
NAI Horizon has hired marketing and design expert Meg Zemlicka as its new marketing manager.
Zemlicka will be responsible for all marketing collateral that aligns with the commercial real estate firm’s branding initiatives for its agents.
She joins NAI Horizon after spending two years as marketing coordinator and director of marketing and member services for the Arizona Association of Economic Development. Before that, she was a graphic designer at Northern Arizona University.
Peute promoted to CEO of PWR
The board of directors of Parkinson Wellness Recovery have appointed Kimberly Peute chief executive officer.
During her six years at PWR, Peute has held key positions of responsibility and authority including chief strategy officer and chief operating officer.
Her significant contributions in the last two years include overseeing the relocation of PWR to its new facility on Oracle Road and the expansion of therapy and exercise programs to include virtual options.
PWR provides Parkinson-specific exercise and physical therapy. It also delivers training and certification for exercise and therapy professionals.
Truly Nolen promotes Koskey
Truly Nolen has promoted Melanie Koskey to administrative assistant of training and technical services.
Koskey joined Truly Nolen in 2014 as the training administrator in the same department. Before joining the pest control company, she worked in the banking industry as a mortgage documentation specialist and a credit card fraud specialist. In addition, she has previously handled customer service and inside sales duties for other companies.
Some of Koskey’s new responsibilities will include assisting the company’s vice president of training and technical services with everything from customer correspondence to loss control case management.
THCC selects Rob Elias for CEO post
The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has selected Rob Elias as president and chief executive officer.
Elias, who co-founded the Oro Valley Music Festival in 2015, has served various Tucson-based organizations in senior leadership capacities and ran for political office in 2019.
The mission of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber is to advocate for and provide services that help grow its members’ businesses.
McCormick joins Farhang & Medcoff
Patrick Emerson McCormick has joined Farhang & Medcoff Attorneys as an associate.
McCormick will practice in the firm’s litigation group. He focuses his practice on corporate, intellectual property and emerging industries litigation.
McCormick is also a certified Blockchain Professional and can assist clients with any blockchain issues through all stages of litigation, from discovery to collecting a judgment.
He is a graduate of the University of Southern California’s Gould School of Law. Most recently, McCormick served as secretary of the P.I.C.O. Neighborhood Council and was previously the founding chief financial officer of Friends of GALA, a nonprofit for the benefit of an all-girl public STEM school in Los Angeles.
UACI hires program manager Buchanan
The University of Arizona Center for Innovation (UACI) have expanded their team with Amanda Buchanan in the position of Program Manager. In this role, she will primarily be working on government contracts and programming to support startups in the clean energy space.
Buchanan comes to UACI with an extensive background in program coordination, marketing and communications. In her previous experience she led the rollout of an association rebranding, managed large-scale projects with private, municipal and nonprofit organizations and helped to manage a large federal grant.
While at the University of Arizona, Amanda helped manage a large federal grant and oversaw projects funded through that resource, tracking and reporting progress. Each project funded under the grant was diverse and specific to the location requiring extensive interaction within the community and effective communication to ensure timely completion.
TAA names exec. vice president, COO
Bruce Goetz has been promoted to executive vice president and chief operating officer for the Tucson Airport Authority.
Goetz joined the TAA as vice president of operations/COO in January 2020. Prior to joining the TAA, he was director of operations at Denver International Airport for five years.
Prior to his work at Denver, Goetz was the superintendent of operations at Paine Field/Snohomish County Airport in Everett, Washington, where the Boeing wide-body production plant is located.
Goetz is an Accredited Airport Executive through the American Association of Airport Executives and International Aviation Professional through Airports Council International.
Valle joins Coldwell
Karina Valle has returned to Coldwell Banker Realty as an agent affiliated with its Tucson-Williams Centre office.
She previously was an agent with Keller Williams. Before that, Valle was a relationship banker.
Taylor joins Coldwell
Baylee Taylor has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Taylor previously worked in the service industry for more than five years.
Crest Insurance promotes Jimenez
Crest Insurance Group, LLC of Tucson promoted Nathalia Jimenez to commercial lines manager in its Tucson office.
SARSEF names program manager
Brooke Meyer has been promoted to chief program officer for SARSEF (Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation).
In this new role, she will oversee program quality and lead staff in providing innovative programs that create opportunity for students to think critically and solve problems using science and engineering.
Tucson airport fills director post
Tucson Airport Authority has filled the post of director of airside operations.
Allen Kinnison has been promoted to the director position, overseeing airside operations at Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield. This includes ensuring compliance with federal regulations, coordination with airport users and stakeholders, coordination of airfield construction and other airfield projects.
Kinnison served in the United States Air Force and Arizona Air National Guard for more than two decades.
Tucson airport fills technology post
Tucson Airport Authority has filled the post of chief technology officer.
Anthony Casella was named chief technology officer, carrying out key aspects of the organization’s strategic plan, ensuring the TAA is prepared for the future, and safe from cyberthreats.
Prior to joining the TAA, Casella was managing director and strategic development officer for internet service provider Simply Bits.
Sundt selects exec. director
The Sundt Foundation named Stefanie Teller as the organization’s new executive director.
Teller previously served terms as president and vice president of the foundation’s board of directors.
She is also an employee of Sundt Construction as the company’s vice president and director of corporate communications, as well as a member of its eight-person executive team.
Dr. Lee joins practice
Dr. Sarah Lee has joined Arizona Community Specialists.
Lee is an advanced laparoscopic and board-certified general surgeon who has been practicing in Tucson for over 13 years. She is fellowship trained in minimally invasive surgery, including hernias, colon cancer and benign colon disease, small bowel disease, gallbladder disease and other common general surgical diseases. Lee is practicing at Sarah Lee General Surgery.
Dr. Pfau joins practice
Dr. Zeno Pfau has joined Arizona Community Specialists.
Pfau is practicing at Desert Podiatric Medical Specialists. Pfau completed a surgical residency at Northern Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colorado, and worked in private practice.
Dr. Adra joins practice
Pulmonologist Dr. Fadi Adra is practicing at Arizona Community Specialists’ Catalina Chest Clinic.
Adra attained his medical degree at the University of Tishreen in Syria. He completed his residency at Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University, and then a fellowship at University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
He is board certified in pulmonary and critical care medicine.
Dr. Kakish joins practice
Pulmonologist Dr. Elias Kakish is practicing at Arizona Community Specialists’ Catalina Chest Clinic.
Kakish graduated from the University of Jordan in 2000 and has been in practice for 17 years. He was a medical resident and a chief medical resident at Chicago Medical School. He completed a fellowship in pulmonary and critical care and sleep medicine at University of Kentucky in Lexington. Kakish is board-certified in pulmonary medicine and critical care, as well as sleep medicine.
Coldwell Banker adds Scavo
Ramiro Scavo has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Scavo associated with the Tucson/Foothills office. He previously was an agent with Cushman & Wakefield Picor. Before that, he was a restaurateur who was featured on the Cooking Channel and Food Network, named Tucson’s Iron Chef and nominated as Tucson’s Best Chef.
Coldwell Banker adds Vaughn
Militza Vaughn has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Vaughn associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office. She previously was an international liaison for Banner University Medical Center for Tucson and the Phoenix area. Before that, she worked with the Mexican Consulate for almost 10 years, assisting in legal affairs and overseeing sensitive cases.
Tucson Airport names new VP
Kirk Eickhoff has been promoted to vice president of finance and chief financial officer for the Tucson Airport Authority.
Eickhoff served as TAA director of finance for two years, and before that was the manager of financial planning, budgeting and analysis. In his new role, he oversees the finance department, including planning and administering the business plan and administering budgets and financial functions for the TAA and its two airports, Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield, as well as grant programs and regulatory compliance. He will also work with airline stakeholders to negotiate future airline use agreements.
A certified public accountant, Eickhoff joined the TAA in June 2015.
Tucson Airport names new VP
Twyla Salaiz has joined the Tucson Airport Authority as vice president and chief people officer.
Salaiz comes on board at TAA from Raytheon Missiles and Defense where she held various human resources positions since 2007, most recently as director of talent acquisition.
She is responsible for leading people operations as the TAA prepares to meet and address challenges in a post-pandemic environment.
Before joining Raytheon, Salaiz led learning and development at APAC Customer Services and Spherion Corp.
Blum joins Cushman & Wakefield PICOR
Cushman & Wakefield PICOR has added commercial real estate professionals.
Jesse Blum joins Cushman & Wakefield PICOR’s industrial team. Blum kicked off his industrial real estate career at Grubb & Ellis in 2008, followed by more than seven years with CBRE. He specializes in large scale and long-term positioning for real estate ownership, site selection and competitive analysis for users, and disposition of investment properties in greater Tucson.
Demeroutis joins Cushman & Wakefield PICOR
Cushman & Wakefield PICOR has added commercial real estate professionals.
Alex Demeroutis, is also joining the industrial sales and leasing team, focusing on the leasing, acquisition and disposition of warehouse, distribution, logistics and research and development properties in the greater Tucson region. Demeroutis spent eight years with the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce before entering commercial real estate.
Seleznov joins Cushman & Wakefield PICOR
Cushman & Wakefield PICOR has added commercial real estate professionals.
Andy Seleznov is coming on board, specializing in retail real estate transactions. He has 20-plus years of experience in commercial real estate sales, leasing, management and development. He is rejoining Cushman & Wakefield PICOR, where he kicked off his commercial real estate career in 2001. Seleznov joined Larsen Baker in 2005, where for 16 years, he oversaw the company’s leasing and operations.
Coldwell Banker Realty expands
Claudia Acosta has associated with Coldwell Banker realty as affiliate agents.
Acosta associated with the Green Valley-Continental office. She previously owned and managed a coffee shop and coffee roasting company for 10 years. Before that, she was a business banker for four years and personal banker for two years.
Coldwell Banker Realty expands
Joshua Stanley has associated with Coldwell Banker realty as affiliate agents.
Stanley associated with the Tucson/Foothills office. He previously was an agent with My Home Group Realty.
Pu named program medical director
Dr. Jeffrey J. Pu, associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, has been appointed medical director of the adult Hematopoietic Cell Therapy and Transplantation (HCTT) program at Banner-University Medicine-Tucson and associate director for the HCTT program at the UArizona Cancer Center.
The HCTT program conducts research and provides treatments to patients in need of blood or marrow transplants and cell therapies.
Pu will collaborate with HCCT director Dr. Emmanuel Katsanis and others in developing investigator-initiated clinical trials that will lead to safer and more effective stem cell transplant protocols by reducing disease relapse after stem cell transplantation, complications from acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease, and incidence of opportunistic infections. He will also secure extramural funding and develop an independent research program in HCTT or malignant hematology.
Pu will also lead the bone marrow transplant/leukemia clinical research team for the Cancer Center.
Pu received his doctorate in developmental molecular cell biology from New York Medical College and his medical degree from Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine.
Sinotte tapped for market CEO
Northwest Healthcare announced that Brian Sinotte will assume the role of market chief executive officer for the Tucson market.
He will lead the strategic growth and development efforts for Northwest Healthcare system.
Sinotte joins Northwest Healthcare from University of Chicago Medicine, where he currently serves as president of the community health and hospital division and president of Ingalls Health System.
He has nearly 15 years of executive-level experience, leading hospitals in Michigan, North Carolina, Virginia, Indiana and Illinois.
Sundt selects operations manager
Clint Sundt will serve as the operations manager for Sundt Renewables, overseeing construction operations for the subsidiary’s growing portfolio of renewable power projects across the country.
A 30-year construction industry veteran, Sundt has held numerous roles within the company and is a descendent of its founder, Mauritz Martinsen Sundt. Since joining the construction company in 1994, Sundt has worked on office facilities, mixed-use projects, water and wastewater projects and mining projects.
He most recently served as the business development manager for the Industrial Group’s mining, power and energy sectors.
Sundt also served in the United States Army for 25 years before retiring as a lieutenant colonel.
Sundt Renewables is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sundt Construction that was launched last year to focus on utility-scale solar and energy storage projects across the United States.
Tocco is Hughes’ compliance VP
Hughes Federal Credit Union promoted Tara Tocco to vice president of internal audit and compliance.
She will lead the internal audit and compliance departments responsible for ensuring the strength of the compliance program, including policies and procedures that are designed to safeguard credit union assets and comply with state, federal, and local regulations.
With over 20 years of experience working at Hughes, Tocco most recently held the internal audit manager position for 11 years. Before joining the credit union, she worked for Bank One, starting as a file clerk and working her way up the organization to serve as a branch manager before joining Hughes.
Franklin lands chief deputy role
Pamela Franklin has been selected to serve as chief deputy of the Pima County Recorder’s Office.
Franklin joined the Recorder’s Office in 2012 as special staff assistant and added responsibilities as voter registration manager in 2015, where she is most proud of planning the logistics for the Recorder’s Ballot Processing Center and leading up to 100 employees in ensuring efficient, timely completion of processing hundreds of thousands of ballots for every election.
Hotel names sales director
Hampton Inn by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton Tucson Downtown has named Laura Inman director of sales.
The dual branded property is under construction and is scheduled to open in July.
Inman will lead strategic sales and marketing endeavors.
Her previous roles in the hospitality industry have included director of sales for Wyndham Resorts and Hotels, director of sales for IHG Hotels and Resorts, director of event sales for Marriott, and catering sales for Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Hotel names GM
Hampton Inn by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton Tucson Downtown has named Lewiston Murray general manager of the hotel.
The dual branded property is under construction and is scheduled to open in July.
Murray will be responsible for directing all aspects of hotel operations, including guest services, hotel administration, and overseeing sales and marketing efforts.
He previously served as an area general manager of Hilton branded properties for Magna Hotels in New York City.
Dr. Ata joins Northwest Primary
Northwest Primary & Specialty Care welcomed Dr. Imran Ata, who specializes in cardiology, to its growing practice.
Heithoff to serve as CEO of Trico Electric Co-op
After a nationwide search, Brian D. Heithoff was named the new CEO/general manager of Trico Electric Cooperative.
Heithoff has worked for electric cooperatives for more than three decades, including 22 years as a CEO.
He has served for the past 10 years as the CEO and general manager of High West Energy Inc., which serves members in western Nebraska, northern Colorado and southeast Wyoming, including the Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne.
Dr. Murachanian joins Northwest Primary
Northwest Primary & Specialty Care welcomed Dr. Kenneth Murachanian, who focuses on internal medicine, to its growing practice.
Blease Financial Services adds consultant Dowdle
Financial consultant Eric Dowdle came on board at Blease Financial Services.
Previously, Dowdle served as the principal and minister of Casas Christian School for 22 years.
In 2019, Dowdle retired from education and decided to pursue a career as a financial consultant.
Technology Council names Morales VP of S. Ariz. office
The Arizona Technology Council appointed Karla Morales as vice president of its Southern Arizona regional office.
Morales will lead, manage and oversee the council’s Southern Arizona operations, including recruiting new members, securing sponsorships and supporting events.
She brings to her position more than 20 years of experience in the region’s education, nonprofit and governmental communities.
Morales joins the council after nearly five years of working for the University of Arizona, where she most recently was director of the Office of Multicultural Advancement.
Previous roles at the university included senior program coordinator for the Office of Government & Community Relations and coordinator of desk and summer operations for Housing & Residential Life.
She also served as executive director of Rio Rico Health & Wellness; director of resource development at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona; and as a program service evaluator for the Arizona Department of Economic Security.
Golder Ranch Fire District names Robb assistant chief
Golder Ranch Fire District Deputy Chief Scott Robb was promoted to assistant chief.
Robb started his career as a reserve firefighter in 1999 with the city of South Tucson and Golder Ranch Fire District.
In July 2001, Robb secured a full-time position with Golder Ranch Fire District, where he steadily moved up through the ranks from firefighter to paramedic, captain, battalion chief and most recently deputy chief.
Adviser Chasan joins Farmers Insurance Group
The Southern Arizona district 11 office of Farmers Insurance Group appointed Robert Chasan as the newest adviser to Tucson.
Chasan holds his property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses. He focuses on auto, home, life and business insurance products.
Love fills position at SonderCare
Cara Love was named clinical coordinator at SonderCare Behavioral Health.
Under this new position, Love is responsible for overseeing the therapeutic adult day program as well as developing and implementing intensive outpatient programs.
She has over 10 years of experience working in mental health and providing services to the community.
Guido-Felix fills position at SonderCare
Christina Guido-Felix was selected to serve as clinical director of SonderCare Behavioral Health.
A licensed clinical social worker with 20 years of experience in the field of behavioral health, Guido-Felix has worked as a therapist and supervisor in community mental health in a variety of settings with diverse populations. She has taught graduate courses at Arizona State University’s School of Social Work and has worked as program therapist for an intensive outpatient program treating adults and adolescents with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders.
COO Swingle appointed interim president of C-Path
Kristen Swingle, chief operating officer of Critical Path Institute (C-Path), was appointed interim president.
Swingle has served as COO since July 2019. She brings nearly two decades’ worth of experience in the medical and molecular sciences industry.
C-Path is an independent, nonprofit organization that works to catalyze the development of new approaches that advance medical innovation and regulatory science.
Holland affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty
Michelle Holland has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Holland associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office. She previously worked as a transaction coordinator for Tierra Antigua Realty for five years. Before that, she was a bookkeeper for 10 years.
Doyle affiliates with Coldwell Banker Realty
Rick Doyle has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Doyle associated with the Green Valley-Continental office. He previously was an agent with Realty Executives. Before that, he served in the Air Force and National Guard.
Associate medical director post at Codac will be filled by Boone
Dr. Sabreen Boone was named associate medical director of Codac Health, Recovery & Wellness Inc.
As associate medical director, Boone is responsible for providing care; establishing policies and procedures and recommending changes to improve patient experience and outcomes; supervising and evaluating the work of medical staff; and working collaboratively to further develop Codac’s integrated care model and services.
Boone is a family medicine provider with over 11 years of experience practicing medicine. She has also owned and operating a concierge medical practice in Tucson for the past five years.
Boone received her doctor of osteopathy degree from the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey School of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a family medicine residency and integrative medicine fellowship at the University of Arizona Department of Family and Community Medicine.
Hughes promotes Ross to VP of marketing, sales and service
Hughes Federal Credit Union’s Elisa Ross was promoted to vice president of marketing, sales and service.
Ross will lead efforts to continue to strengthen the credit union’s mission to provide personalized service and financial products to its members while maintaining the credit union’s long-term financial stability.
The former vice president of sales and services at Hughes for the past 10 years, Ross said she will leverage her skills and experience to develop strategies, objectives and marketing communications programs to increase market share through membership growth and continue to broaden relationships with business and community partners.
Hazel named presiding judge of Oro Valley Municipal Court
The Oro Valley Town Council appointed James W. Hazel Jr. as presiding judge for the Oro Valley Municipal Court, effective April 19.
Before joining Oro Valley, Hazel served as presiding judge for the Apache Junction Municipal Court in Apache Junction, Arizona, since 2008. He also served as judge for the City of Mesa from 2003 to 2008, and judge of the Arizona Superior Court in Gila County from 2002 to 2003.
Before being appointed to the Superior Court by Gov. Jane Hull, Hazel served as the Gila County Attorney.
Timler to lead design team for Bowman’s mining group
Stan Timler, a 30-year veteran, is joining Bowman’s mining group as the mineral process design team lead for process plant and consultation services.
A registered mechanical and metallurgical engineer, Timler’s expertise in mining and metals industry includes zinc, copper, gold, silver, lead, uranium, phosphate and molybdenum.
Previously, Timler worked for Thompson Creek Metals in Challis, Idaho, as a process engineer and at Asarco-Encyle and Zinc Corporation of America as an operations manager. With more than 10 years of consulting experience, he has designed metallurgical recovery and mineral processing plants of vast scale. He has also installed and commissioned plants and facilities to optimize operations.
Bowman is a multidisciplinary professional services firm offering a range of energy, infrastructure, real estate and environmental management solutions to customers who own, develop and maintain the built environment.
Mooney to join KVOA-TV’s evening newscasts in July
KVOA-TV morning anchor Sean Mooney will join Priscilla Casper at the News 4 Tucson anchor desk for the weeknight broadcasts of “News 4 Tucson-Live” at 5 p.m.
Mooney will also be co-anchoring “News 4 Tucson-Live” at 6 p.m. and “News 4 Tucson-Live” 10 p.m. with Amanda Gomez.
Mooney will officially join the evening newscasts in early July.
Coldwell Banker Realty welcomes new agents
Patte and Charles Caraway have associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agents.
Patte and Charles Caraway associated with the Tucson/Foothills office, bringing a combined 13 years of real estate experience.
Previously, they were agents with Realty Executives Arizona Territory. Before working in real estate, Patte Caraway ran a large medical practice for 17 years. Charles Caraway has been a boxing coach in Tucson for more than 15 years.
Coldwell Banker Realty welcomes new agents
Kelly McCarthy has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
McCarthy associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office, coming with six years of real estate experience. She previously worked an agent with Tierra Antigua Realty. Before that, she was an agent with Keller Williams Realty.
Coldwell Banker Realty welcomes new agents
Jose Gonzalez has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Gonzalez associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office. He previously was a Mandarin-speaking flight attendant for American Airlines since 2016. He also owns Tumamoc Nutrition Club & Fitness.
Truly Nolen expands in accounting department
Truly Nolen Pest Control has hired Shelby Gaither as senior business and strategy advisor in the company’s accounting department.
Gaither recently returned to the company following several months as a consulting director with Tomlinson Financial Group in Tucson, where she was the outsourced chief financial officer for Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona and provided accounting and tax services to an array of clients.
Prior to her first tenure with Truly Nolen from 2014 through October 2020, Gaither was a tax supervisor at Keegan Linscott, a public accounting firm in Tucson.
Pima County Superior Court names commissioner
Pima County Superior Court has appointed Randi Burnett as commissioner.
Randi Burnett is an attorney at The McCarthy Law Firm representing individuals in dissolution, paternity, child support, post-decree, and third-party rights cases.
Burnett is also a volunteer attorney and former founding member of Step Up to Justice, a Pima County-based pro bono civil legal services organization. Additionally, Burnett has served as a Pima County Superior Court judge pro tempore and an arbitrator for civil law cases.
Pima County Superior Court names commissioner
Pima County Superior Court has appointed Lisa Schriner Lewis as commissioner.
Lisa Schriner Lewis is a shareholder at Waterfall Economidis Caldwell Hanshaw & Villamana, where she has practiced since 2012. Her caseload is devoted to all aspects of family law, including dissolution, custody matters, child support, paternity, pre-and post-decree matters, appeals and collaborative divorces.
Throughout her career, Lewis has also represented children as a best interests attorney, court-appointed child’s attorney and family court advisor. Additionally, since 2012 she has acted as a judge pro tempore for the Superior Court’s family law bench.
Lewis currently conducts family law clinics through Step Up to Justice, where she provides pro bono counsel for low-income and self-represented litigants. She also volunteers with Southern Arizona Legal Aid’s Volunteer Lawyer Program, representing low-income clients in dissolution and custody cases and supervising law students assisting clients with various family law matters.
Pediatric hospitalist joins Banner-University Medicine
Dr. Lauren Naile has joined the Banner-University Medicine pediatric hospitalists team. She also has been appointed clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine- Tucson, Department of Pediatrics.
Naile specializes in the care of hospitalized children at Diamond Children’s Medical Center.
She earned her medical degree at Albany Medical College, did her residency at Phoenix Children’s Hospital/Maricopa Medical Center and is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics.
Castillo affiliates with Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty
Lysandra Castillo has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
She is joining her husband’s sales team, the Castillo Real Estate Group, which is affiliated with the same brokerage.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, Castillo was an on-site homeowners association manager for Tucson Estates No. 2.
Szuter to lead education, preservation foundation
Christine Szuter has been chosen to lead the local philanthropic Southwestern Foundation for Education and Historical Preservation.
Szuter is the former president and CEO of the Amerind Foundation in Dragoon.
She previously was director of the University of Arizona Press and director of the graduate scholarly publishing program at Arizona State University.
The Southwestern Foundation has supported local nonprofit organizations since its establishment in 1991.
Novak promoted to GM of 4D Technology Corporation
4D Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of Onto Innovation Inc., has appointed Erik Novak as its general manager.
Novak served as the director of business development of 4D Technology for the past eight years.
He brings decades of expertise in engineering, product innovation, team building and industry insight from senior roles at some of the world’s leading optical metrology companies, including WYKO, Veeko, and Bruker.
The Tucson-based business offers breakthrough products for optical manufacturers and industrial parts measurement.
College of Medicine-Tucson selects neurosurgery chair
Dr. Justin S. Cetas has been named the new chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, effective July 1.
Cetas currently serves as chief of neurosurgery at the VA Portland Health Care System and as associate professor, residency program director and vice-chair for education in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland. At the UA, he will lead a neurosurgery faculty base of 10 current medical providers, nine college affiliates and several community partners.
Cetas began his undergraduate studies at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. He earned his medical degree in 2002 and a doctorate in neuroscience in 2000 at the University of Arizona, followed by an internship in general surgery in 2003 and residency in neurological surgery in 2009 at the Oregon Health and Science University.
Experienced Bartos joins Universal Avionics
Wendy M. Bartos has been appointed as director of contracts at Universal Avionics. Bartos will manage the full life cycle of contracts, license agreements, nondisclosure agreements and more, and will lead the drafting, review and negotiation of agreements.
Bartos joins Universal Avionics from Collins Aerospace where she was a director in the law department for aircraft interiors, with Airbus and Boeing among her key customers. She joined Collins Aerospace from Honda Aircraft and prior to this, Bartos held senior positions at Gannett-Fleming, Hewlett-Packard and IBM.
Northwest Primary & Specialty Care adds Dr. Narong Kulvatunyou
Northwest Primary & Specialty Care recently welcomed several new providers to its growing practice.
Dr. Narong Kulvatunyou is a general surgeon and trauma surgeon.
Northwest Primary & Specialty Care has more than 80 outpatient providers representing 14 specialties.
Northwest Primary & Specialty Care adds Chiamaka Baba
Northwest Primary & Specialty Care recently welcomed several new providers to its growing practice.
Family Nurse Practitioner Chiamaka Baba specializes in obstetrics for pre- and post-natal care. Baba also provides gynecological care.
Northwest Primary & Specialty Care adds Dr. Rachael Gates
Northwest Primary & Specialty Care recently welcomed several new providers to its growing practice.
Family Medicine Dr. Rachael Gates serves patients of all ages.
Longtime agent Jodi Koch returns to Long Realty
Jodi Koch has joined Long Realty’s Oro Valley office.
Koch launched her realty career in 1998 as a sales agent with Long Realty and worked with the company for 13 years before shifting to another area brokerage.
She attained her Arizona broker’s license in 2003 and serves as an associate broker at the Oro Valley branch.
Niyati Patel joins Santa Cruz Valley Regional Hospital
Santa Cruz Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Campus has hired Niyati Patel, an acute-care nurse practitioner with an emphasis in adult gerontology.
Patel received her bachelor’s of science in Nursing from Northern Arizona University and her Master’s in Acute Care Nurse Practitioner with Emphasis on Adult Gerontology at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix.
She is a board-certified nurse practitioner with American Nurses Credentialing Center and is a licensed registered nurse and advanced practicing registered nurse by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.
In addition to her education and accreditations, she has more than eight years of nursing experience in medical oncology and trauma general surgery.
Farmers Insurance Group gains new insurance adviser
The Southern Arizona District Office of Farmers Insurance Group has appointed Adrian Watkins as the newest adviser to Tucson.
Watkins holds his property/casualty, and life/health insurance licenses.
He focuses on auto, home, life, and business insurance products.
Broker Saunders associates with Tucson Realty & Trust
Dennis Saunders associated with Tucson Realty & Trust. He has over 27 years of real estate experience as a broker specializing in industrial real estate in California and Arizona for users, investors and developers.
Dosemagen joins International Cultural Exchange Services
International Cultural Exchange Services has a new local coordinator in Tim Dosemagen.
Dosemagen will work with international high school students and the local families that host them.
He said he believes that having exchange students in local schools and communities increases mutual understanding and improves relationships between countries.
Tong named Northern Trust VP and private banking adviser
William Tong was selected to serve Northern Trust as a vice president and private banking adviser for the Tucson office.
Before joining Northern, Tong had an extensive 20-plus year banking career in the Tucson market including Bank One, Wells Fargo, Alliance Bank and Churchill Commercial Capital.
His experience includes private banking, commercial real estate financing and life insurance premium finance.
Anderson named director of operations for The Haven
Diane Anderson joined The Haven as director of operations.
Anderson’s focus is on operational strategy, process improvement, communications, and implementing daily operations while supporting The Haven’s mission of offering prevention and treatment services for women with substance use disorders.
She has worked in the medical field for 30 years, holding various leadership positions.
Previously, Anderson has worked in academic medicine, outpatient surgery, orthopedics, laboratory, government, and primary care.
Anderson has worked in the behavioral health arena since 2013, working for both profit and not-for-profit organizations.
White elevated to project engineer at Sundt Construction in Tucson
Sundt Construction Inc. promoted Amy White to project engineer in its Tucson office.
In her new role, White will support assigned projects in construction and preconstruction throughout the Tucson region.
In 2016, White started at Sundt as an intern, working on its award-winning Banner-University Medical Center tower project.
She joined the company full time as a field engineer in 2019, continuing to work on upgrades at Banner-University Medical Center.
White will support the Tucson Convention Center improvements and east-side garage project team in her new role.
Martin joins Research Corp. for Science Advancement
Meg Zimlich Martin has joined Research Corporation for Science Advancement as its pre- and post-award manager.
She manages the administration of awards made by the foundation, which has supported basic research in the physical sciences at American and Canadian colleges and universities since 1912.
Martin has more than 13 years of experience in research administration at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and at the University of Arizona, where she led a team managing sponsored awards for all of the university’s medical colleges.
KVOA-TV hires Quinn for morning anchor duties
KVOA-TV announced that Destiny Quinn will soon join Sean Mooney on the News 4 Tucson anchor desk for the morning broadcasts of “Tucson Today — Live at 5 a.m.” and “Tucson Today — Live at 6 a.m.”
Quinn joins KVOA from Jonesboro, Arkansas, where she was most recently the morning news anchor and reporter at KAIT-TV.
She will officially join the morning newscasts in mid-March.
Mesch Clark Rothschild adds attorney Sutton
Jana L. Sutton has been named associate attorney at Mesch Clark Rothschild law firm.
Sutton joins Mesch Clark Rothschild in the labor and employment law and commercial litigation practice group.
Sutton earned her Juris Doctor, summa cum laude from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law and clerked for former Chief Justice Rebecca White Berch at the Arizona Supreme Court.
She later entered private practice in Phoenix, where she represented clients in complex commercial litigation, regulatory hearings, and in matters on appeal.
She also served as a staff attorney specializing in capital habeas litigation at the United States District Court for the District of Arizona.
Carlton affiliates with Coldwell Banker
Carole Carlton has associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
She comes to the office with 24 years of real estate experience. Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, Carlton was an associate broker with Tierra Antigua Realty in Tucson.
Farmers Insurance Group gains adviser Lopez
The Southern Arizona district office of Farmers Insurance Group has appointed Martin Lopez as the newest adviser to Tucson.
Lopez holds his property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses.
He focuses on auto, home, life and business insurance products.
Urology specialist Hall-Harper joins Banner
With over 20 years’ experience as a board-certified urologist, Dr. Suelyn Hall-Harper has joined the Banner-University Medicine urology team.
Hall-Harper is a urology specialist with a focus on pediatric, female and general urology and has advanced experience in surgeries to treat male reproductive issues.
She is also an assistant professor with the University of Arizona College of Medicine — Tucson, Department of Urology.
The Haven picks La Croix to lead residential program
Allison La Croix joined The Haven as residential program manager.
Her focus is on managing the women’s residential substance use program and ensuring that clinical services, substance use treatment and daily living skills are offered and taught to the individuals receiving treatment.
La Croix’s responsibilities also include coordination with various community stakeholders, supporting treatment team members, and collaboration with the leadership team of The Haven.
She has worked in behavioral health and substance use treatment services since 2013, in both residential and outpatient settings in the roles of case manager, therapist and residential coordinator.
Farhang & Medcoff’s Tufts named partner
Travis Tufts was promoted to the position of partner within Farhang & Medcoff.
Tufts joined the firm in 2015 with a background in litigation and estate planning. Tufts’ practice areas include estate planning, probate litigation, and complex estate and trust administration.
Green Valley Pecan Co. promotes Driscoll to COO
Brian Driscoll was promoted to vice president and chief operating officer of Farmers Investment Co (FICO) / Green Valley Pecan Company.
Driscoll will oversee all divisions of the company: FICO, Green Valley Pecan Co., and the Pecan Store.
His career with FICO started in 2009 as the farm manager for the San Simon operation. In 2019, he was named general manager of farming operations which included farms in Albany, Georgia; San Simon, Sahuarita and Green Valley.
Prior to FICO, Driscoll worked in international regulatory operations with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Pace Foods/Campbell Soup Co., and took on management roles within the chile processing industry in Arizona.
Farhang & Medcoff’s Peterson named partner
Adam Peterson was promoted to the position of partner within Farhang & Medcoff.
Peterson joined the firm in 2016 with a broad litigation background, including commercial litigation and casualty defense. His practice areas also include professional liability, employment law, and personal injury matters.
Arizona Oncology adds Hazard
Arizona Oncology added radiation oncologist Dr. Lisa Hazard to its Tucson locations.
Hazard attended medical school in Buffalo, New York, before completing her internal medicine internship at the University of Utah and her residency at the University of Arizona. She is board-certified in radiation oncology.
Hazard specializes in using radiation therapy to treat malignant and benign tumors. She treats a wide variety of cancers and has a particular interest in prostate, brain and spinal cord cancers and tumors.
Arizona Oncology adds Cooper
Arizona Oncology added medical oncologist Dr. Susannah Cooper to its Tucson locations.
Cooper is board-certified in both medical oncology and hematology and has been practicing since 2011.
As a graduate of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Cooper spent the early part of her career as a military physician, caring for active-duty military members, retirees and their dependents.
Andrea Lopez affiliates with NW office of Coldwell Banker Realty
Andrea Lopez associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, she was the owner and operator of an in-home child care center.
SARSEF selects Jeremiah Smith to write its grant proposals
Jeremiah Smith joined SARSEF as its new grant writer.
Smith will manage the organization’s grant process, including writing all grants and reports, as a key member of the development team.
Smith has worked with some of the largest and smallest nonprofits in Arizona, securing over $25 million in funds.
Terracon promotes Derek Koller to principal at Tucson office
Derek D. Koller was recently promoted to principal by Terracon Consultants Inc.
He has been instrumental in growing the firm’s Tucson office since joining Terracon in 2014 and has been the Tucson office manager since 2018.
Koller, the office and environmental department manager of the Tucson office, has 12 years of environmental consulting experience in Pima County.
Larsen Baker hires Isaac Figueroa as leasing and sales director
Larsen Baker LLC, a real estate development and property management company, hired Isaac Figueroa as its director of leasing and sales.
Figueroa will head up all leasing and sales for Larsen Baker’s 3 million-square-foot real estate portfolio.
With a background in brokerage and development, he brings diverse experience to the firm. Figueroa got his Certified Commercial Investment Member designation in 2018.
Gordley Group names Phil Burdick community relations director
Gordley Group named Phil Burdick — a veteran Chicago TV news producer and community engagement advocate — community relations director.
Burdick comes to Gordley Group after serving as a news producer for WGN-TV in Chicago, where he won two Emmy awards. He also worked at Harper College, a community college outside Chicago for 14 years, where he served as chief communications officer overseeing marketing, media relations, government relations and community engagement.
In Arizona, Burdick has done communications work for Northern Arizona University, the city of Casa Grande and Transdev/Waymo autonomous vehicle testing.
Killion joins Coldwell as an affiliate agent
Margo Killion associated with the Tucson/Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, she worked with Anthropologie as a display artist while also freelancing with a variety of companies.
Tanque Verde High adds assistant principal Bacalia
Joel Bacalia will take the reins as Tanque Verde High School’s assistant principal of curriculum and instruction.
In his new role, Bacalia will work to support program growth and enhancement including the new University of Arizona Honors College partnership, as well as to assist in the rollout of Academies at the school.
Bacalia has spent 18 years serving people of all ages through education. He taught English in Mexico, Spanish in Tucson, led seven-plus years as assistant principal at Pueblo and University high schools, and has served this year as the principal at University High School.
SARSEF selects Miranda to act as programs liaison
America Miranda joined SARSEF as the new programs liaison. She brings 15 years of experience in large-scale event and concert production to the team, as well as experience coordinating community and school programs.
At SARSEF, she will take lead on administrative tasks associated with programs and interact with the public to respond to general and program inquiries.
College of Medicine names Hsu head of OB-GYN Dept.
Dr. Chaur-Dong Hsu, a renowned figure in the field of maternal-fetal health, was appointed the new chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine.
Hsu joins the UA College of Medicine-Tucson from the Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, where he served as chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology since March 2016. He practices medicine at the Hutzel Women’s Hospital, one of eight institutions that compose the Detroit Medical Center.
Hsu received his medical degree from Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan in 1982. He completed his obstetrics and gynecology residency training at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York in 1990. He completed a postdoctoral research and clinical fellowships in maternal-fetal medicine at Johns Hopkins University from 1991 to 1993. He obtained his master’s in public health from Johns Hopkins University in 1991.
Glas named anesthesiology chair at UA College of Medicine here
The University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson named Emory University School of Medicine’s Dr. Kathryn E. Glas as its new chair for the Department of Anesthesiology.
Glas is a professor in the division of adult cardiothoracic anesthesiology at Emory’s Department of Anesthesiology, where she has been a faculty member since 1997. She also served as interim department chair (2017-18) and interim division chief (2019-20). She has been a cardiac anesthesiologist at the Atlanta VA Medical Center for nearly 10 years and was cardiac anesthesiology director at Emory Healthcare for nearly six years.
Glas holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Penn State University. After a gap year working in a DuPont pharmaceuticals research lab, she completed her medical degree and anesthesiology residency training at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Afterward, she completed a cardiothoracic anesthesiology fellowship at Emory, then started her career as an assistant professor there.
Radiology specialist Chiang joins Banner-UMC imaging team
Dr. Alan Chiang has joined the Banner-University Medicine medical imaging team. He has also been appointed assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson’s Department of Medical Imaging.
Chiang specializes in advanced breast imaging and is part of the multidisciplinary breast cancer team at the University of Arizona Cancer Center.
As a physician scientist, Dr. Chiang’s special interest is in the early detection of breast cancer. He previously served as the lead radiologist for Colorado Breast Care, a multi-center breast imaging network in southeast Denver.
Chiang earned his medical degree and Ph.D. in molecular biology from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Therapeutic Riding of Tucson picks Copfer as executive director
Therapeutic Riding of Tucson selected Jeff Copfer to serve as executive director.
Copfer, a U.S. Air Force veteran, has lived in Tucson for decades and worked as a deputy sheriff with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department for the past 26 years.
TROT is an accredited therapeutic riding facility for children and adults of all ages.
Gonzales takes on chief exec role, succeeding Koberlein at Long Cos.
Reneé Gonzales has taken over as CEO for the Arizona real-estate firm Long Cos.
Gonzales replaces Rosey Koberlein, who will serve as chairperson of the business, focusing on strategic planning and growth.
Gonzales is moving up from executive vice president of core services, president of Long Title Agency and managing director of Long Mortgage Co. — roles she’ll continue to hold as part of her CEO position.
She joined Long Cos. in 2002 to oversee its mortgage operations. Gonzales led the 2004 startup of Long Mortgage Co. and served as president of the new division before moving in 2009 into her role of executive vice president.
Koberlein joined Long Realty Co. in 1991. She moved through a series of branch and senior management positions before being named general manager, in 1998. In 2004 she rose to president and CEO of Long Cos.
Gonzales takes on chief exec role, succeeding Koberlein at Long Cos.
Reneé Gonzales has taken over as CEO for the Arizona real-estate firm Long Cos.
Gonzales replaces Rosey Koberlein, who will serve as chairperson of the business, focusing on strategic planning and growth.
Gonzales is moving up from executive vice president of core services, president of Long Title Agency and managing director of Long Mortgage Co. — roles she’ll continue to hold as part of her CEO position.
She joined Long Cos. in 2002 to oversee its mortgage operations. Gonzales led the 2004 startup of Long Mortgage Co. and served as president of the new division before moving in 2009 into her role of executive vice president.
Koberlein joined Long Realty Co. in 1991. She moved through a series of branch and senior management positions before being named general manager, in 1998. In 2004 she rose to president and CEO of Long Cos.
DeConcini McDonald et al. makes Tilley a shareholder
Attorney Paul M. Tilley is the newest shareholder at DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy PC.
Tilley is a member of the Natural Resources Practice Group.
His primary practice areas include public lands, mining law, natural resources and environmental law, water law, and general real estate matters.
Tilley advises clients on the development of natural resource projects, title considerations involving the acquisition of mineral rights, and due diligence associated with the acquisition and conveyance of water rights.
Mister Car Wash names Adams marketing VP
Jill Adams is joining Mister Car Wash as vice president of marketing.
Adams brings 19 years of experience in marketing and communications having worked with top brands in the restaurant industry.
She now oversees Mister Car Wash’s marketing efforts including marketing communications, marketing technology, and the brand’s subscription-based membership program.
Before joining Mister Car Wash, Adams served as senior vice president of marketing at QDOBA Mexican Eats.
Gordian Advisors gains financial planner
JD Matchett-Robles joined Gordian Advisors as a financial planner and investment adviser representative.
Before joining Gordian, Matchett-Robles was an estate planning attorney at Waterfall, Economidis, Caldwell, Hanshaw & Villamana for three years.
He also spent five years as a senior tax associate at Clifton Larson Allen, a national accounting firm.
Mocaby joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Padraic Mocaby associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Mocaby associated with the Williams Centre office. He previously was an agent with Tierra Antigua Realty.
Giroir joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Vanessa Giroir associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Giroir associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office. She previously served as a sales coordinator at Volcom.
Payne joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Dominique Payne associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Payne joined the Tucson/Foothills office. Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, she worked for Orange Theory Fitness.
SARSEF promotes Gillis to engagement manager
Gina Gillis was promoted to corporate and community engagement manager for SARSEF.
She previously served as SARSEF’s development associate.
In this new role, Gillis will work to increase the organization’s sustainability through fundraising and corporate relationships.
S. Tucson picks Villegas to lead Housing Authority
The city of South Tucson named Betty Villegas executive director of the South Tucson Housing Authority.
Villegas recently completed an interim term as the District 5 Supervisor on the Pima County Board of Supervisors. She has extensive professional housing and community development experience, having previously served for 17 years as the affordable housing program manager for Pima County.
She also brings more than 25 years of professional experience and service within the public and private sectors, and experience working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, as well as with other state and local housing departments.
Before her local governmental service, she served as a management executive within the banking industry, including at offices in South Tucson.
Pediatric specialist Hoyer joins Banner
Dr. Andrew Hoyer, a cardiologist and heart imaging expert for children, joined Banner-University Medicine.
Hoyer received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts and has been in practice 14 years.
He specializes in fetal cardiology and pediatric echocardiography, treating children with heart murmurs, chest pain, palpitations and fainting, and provides screenings for familial heart problems. Hoyer is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease and the heart-related imaging tests echocardiography and cardiac MRI for children.
Pediatric specialist Felman joins Banner
Dr. Helene Felman comes on board the general pediatrics team at Banner-University Medicine as division chief.
Felman most recently served as clinical assistant professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
As a pediatric generalist, her practice focus is on health maintenance for children to ensure the child is meeting or exceeding health benchmarks. In addition, she also treats children with common health issues such as asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obesity, depression, simple infections, upper respiratory illness, pneumonia and ear infections.
Felman completed her medical training at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. She did her pediatric residency training at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and completed a residency fellowship in health policy at the George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services.
Felman will also serve as a clinical associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Arizona College of Medicine’s department of pediatrics.