Tucsonans who have been moved, appointed or promoted in 2022
Check out people in our community who have moved up in their fields.
Keegan Linscott promotes Seida
Keegan Linscott & Associates announced the promotion of Melissa Seida as director of audit services.
Seida is a Certified Public Accountant with over 13 years of public accounting experience. Seida specializes in providing audit and other assurance-related services such as reviews, compilations, and agreed-upon procedure engagements to non-profit, government, manufacturing, and housing entities. She also specializes in performing compliance audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act and the Uniform Guidance.
Keegan Linscott promotes Tanner
Keegan Linscott & Associates announced the promotion of Sean Tanner as director of consulting services.
Tanner is a Certified Public Accountant, a Certified Fraud Examiner, and a Certified Insolvency & Restructuring Advisor with more than 17 years of public accounting and industry experience. Tanner’s areas of expertise include mergers and acquisitions (buy and sell), financial analysis and investigative financial review, consolidations, and complex financial reporting (business plans, budgeting, and forecasting), transfer pricing, ERP implementation, debt and equity financing arrangements (fundraising, warrants, options, convertible notes, etc.), and issues associated with costing of production efforts and inventory.
Keegan Linscott promotes Karlan
Keegan Linscott & Associates announced the promotion of Rachel Karlan as director of government contract services.
Karlan is a Certified Public Accountant with over 15 years of professional experience, including 11 years of public accounting experience. Karlan specializes in providing audit services in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation and Government Auditing Standards to a wide variety of clients including governmental agencies, architectural and engineering firms and non-profit organizations.
Trico names Freeman CFO
James Freeman has been selected to serve as the new chief financial officer at Trico Electric Cooperative.
Freeman will be responsible for leading all financial functions and overseeing budgets, capital expenditures, investments and strategic financial planning. He will serve as the primary financial liaison with regulatory agencies, as well as external tax and audit entities.
Before joining Trico, Freeman was a controller at Sulphur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative in Sierra Vista and worked for Omaha Public Power District. He brings more than 35 years of finance, information systems and consulting experience. Freeman is a certified project management professional.
Rivas joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Mario Rivas has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
Rivas associated with the Tucson-Foothills office.
Golden joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Jo Ann Golden has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
Golden associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office.
She comes to the office with nine years of real estate experience. Before working in real estate, Golden worked in customer service for an airline for 35 years.
Antunez joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Melina Antunez has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
Antunez associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office. Most recently, she worked for Rodney D. Yung Insurance.
Martinez named executive director
The All of Us Research Program University of Arizona-Banner Health has named LeeAnn Martinez as its executive director to oversee operational management and serve as the program’s National Institutes of Health liaison in Arizona and Colorado.
Martinez joins the program with more than 20 years of combined experience in clinical administration and program management from various roles at Banner Health and the University of New Mexico.
Since 2017, Martinez has served as senior practice manager for West Valley Orthopedics, Podiatry and Sports Medicine Primary Care at Banner Medical Group. Prior to that, she worked in various research and program administration roles at the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center’s Office of Research, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.
Additionally, Martinez’s skills include experience in grant writing, and compliance and policy development. She also is known for her ability to guide successful and productive interdepartmental collaborations.
UA alum selected for leadership posts
Dr. Daniel C. Butler is now Assistant Dean at the University of Arizona Department of Student Affairs. He earned his bachelor’s and medical degrees at the University of Arizona. Following Butler’s internship in internal medicine at the University of Arizona, he completed his residency in dermatology at Harvard Medical School and its affiliated hospitals.
He previously served as an assistant professor of dermatology and director of the Geriatric Dermatology and Aging Skin Clinic at the University of California at San Francisco.
UA alum selected for leadership posts
Dr. Richard Amini is the new associate dean for student affairs at the University of Arizona Department of Student Affairs. He is a professor of emergency medicine and became the interim associate dean for student affairs earlier this year.
Amini became an assistant dean of student affairs in 2015 and served in that capacity until he was named interim associate dean. He earned his medical degree at Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine in Chicago before completing his residency in emergency medicine and fellowship in emergency ultrasound at the College of Medicine-Tucson.
UA alum selected for leadership posts
Dr. Elaine H. Situ-LaCasse has been named an assistant dean at the University of Arizona Department of Student Affairs. She earned her medical degree at the UA and completed residency training in emergency medicine and a fellowship in emergency ultrasound at UA’s College of Medicine.
Agans joins Coldwell Banker
Jeffrey Agans has associated with the Tucson-Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
Currently, he sells RVs for LazyDays RV and was most recently an agent with Tierra Antigua Realty since 2019.
TAA hires chief comms officer
The Tucson Airport Authority has hired Austin Wright as chief communications officer.
Bringing with him over a decade of airline experience, Wright will oversee the TAA’s marketing and strategic communications department as well as the air service development team.
Wright previously worked for Southwest Airlines, starting as a customer service agent based at Pittsburgh International Airport, before taking on various leadership roles at Dallas Love Field, Pittsburgh International Airport, Chicago Midway International Airport, and most recently at Tucson International Airport as station manager.
Catholic Community Services names CEO
Catholic Community Services of Southern Arizona will have a new CEO come February in Elena Dwyre.
Dwyre is CEO of Campagna Academy in Schererville, Indiana. In her new role, she will oversee the impact of CCS’s five agencies and two ministries, which serve nearly 100,000 people annually, more than 400 employees, and thousands of volunteers and donors.
Dwyre served at Campagna Academy for 11 years. During her career, she has implemented and overseen mental health operations, therapeutic foster care, and residential and home-based services across multiple states.
New leaders come on board at TAA
Ken Nichols has been selected to serve as vice president of planning and engineering at Tucson Airport authority.
Nichols will be responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, coordination and management of airport development projects, programs and initiatives for the TAA at Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield.
Nichols previously served as a senior project manager at DOWL, LLC, a professional services firm skilled in planning, surveying, engineering, environmental, and other support services. During his career, Nichols has worked on staff for three airports and with more than 50 airports through consulting assignments.
He has completed several dozen planning, environmental and infrastructure projects at airports of all sizes across the western United States and Alaska. He brings experience with all phases of complex, multi-year capital improvement programs with construction costs exceeding $100 million.
New leaders come on board at TAA
Taking on the role of director of sustainability and environment services at Tucson Airport authority is new hire Sarah Simmons.
Simmons will direct and coordinate environmental management, planning, sustainability and compliance activities for Tucson International Airport and Ryan Airfield. She will also ensure the TAA remains in compliance with the consent decree obligations associated with the Tucson International Airport Superfund Site.
Prior to joining the organization, she worked for GHD consulting as an engineer and project manager on the TAA’s Soils Remediation Project.
Simmons’ environmental career spans more than a decade and includes successful execution of projects from the engineering to the construction phases. That experience includes project management, project cost estimating and tracking, coordination, oversight, environmental compliance, field sampling, Phase I/II Environmental Site Assessments, and emerging contaminant investigations.
New leaders come on board at TAA
Emin Aydin has been promoted to director of properties and concessions at Tucson Airport authority.
Aydin has nearly two decades of business management experience, including half of that in aviation industry. As director of properties and concessions, he 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.
Prior to joining the TAA in 2021 as the manager of properties and concessions, Aydin oversaw leasing and property management activities for Charleston County Aviation Authority and its three airports.
Aydin is well versed in aeronautical and nonaeronautical agreements, properties contracts, airport concessions, Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) Program compliance.
New leaders come on board at TAA
Kim DeLaTorre was promoted to director of people operations at Tucson Airport authority.
DeLaTorre served as Tucson Airport Authority manager of employee services since August 2021. In her new role, DeLaTorre is responsible for planning, developing, managing and implementing activities for her department, which provides comprehensive human resource products and services to TAA and its employees. Focus areas include talent acquisition, employee relations, benefits and wellness, leave administration, compensation, performance management and all other HR Services. She will also support Talent Lifecycle actions of talent development, management, retention and workforce planning.
Prior to joining TAA, her résumé includes talent development and talent acquisition at Raytheon Technologies, as well as work in succession planning, leadership assessment/career development, program management and data analysis/integration.
Community Food Bank welcomes CEO
Malea Chavez returns to Tucson, where she grew up, to lead the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Chavez has a background working in the nonprofit arena and extensive experience as a practicing attorney.
She most recently served as the executive director of the Women’s Building, a women-led community space in San Francisco that advocates self-determination, gender equality and social justice.
Job Corps Center names director
Sam Kolapo has been selected to serve as center director at the Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center.
For the past 19 years, he has worked as center director at the Pinellas County Job Corps Center, the Little Rock Job Corps Center, the Gainesville Job Corps Center, the Bamberg Job Corps Center, the Gulfport Job Corps Center, and was most recently the center director at the Albuquerque Job Corps Center.
Balderas joins Coldwell Banker
Alexa Balderas has associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
Most recently, she worked in the beauty industry.
C-Path appoints vice president
Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has appointed Collin Hovinga as vice president for its Rare and Orphan Disease Programs, and lead for both its Rare Disease Cures Accelerator-Data and Analytics Platform (RDCA-DAP) initiative and Critical Path for Rare Neurodegenerative Diseases (CP-RND) public-private partnership.
RDCA-DAP focuses on rare disease data sharing and accelerating therapy development. CP-RND focuses on the accelerating the development of therapies for patients living with rare neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS.
Hovinga comes to the role, from the Institute for Advance Clinical Trials for Children (I-ACT) where he was senior vice president of clinical and scientific affairs, responsible for leading competitive and non-competitive projects that helped to advance drug development in pediatric patients.
Hovinga completed his Bachelor of Science degree in biology and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, and completed a residency and fellowship in pediatric pharmacotherapy with emphasis in pediatric neuroscience at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center.
He has had a fellowship at the FDA Office of Clinical Pharmacology and a Masters of Epidemiology from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. His additional fellowship training was in pediatrics and drug development from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center/LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center and in outcomes research/process engineering at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Stokes named CEO of Palo Verde Health
Palo Verde Behavioral Health has named Jennifer Stokes CEO.
Stokes is responsible for overseeing efficient facility operations while providing access to inpatient and outpatient mental health services for adolescents and adults.
Stokes joins Palo Verde Behavioral Health from Kindred Behavioral Health where she served as CEO for start-up behavioral health hospitals in Las Vegas and Phoenix, as well as enhancing behavioral health services for a hospital in Washington State. Prior to this, she was the CEO for a start-up hospital with New Vista Behavioral Health.
Stokes has served in various leadership roles for both inpatient and outpatient and was also previously with UHS as director of operations for a behavioral health hospital in the Phoenix market.
Cologuard hires tournament director
Geoff Hill has been named executive director of the Tucson Conquistadores and tournament director of the Cologuard Classic.
The Tucson Conquistadores is the tournament management team that oversees the PGA TOUR Champions’ Cologuard Classic.
Hill has 10-plus years of experience in sports entertainment and managing large scale events. Hill most recently served as vice president of operations at Circuit of the Americas, an entertainment facility, and host of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. Prior to that, he was the tournament operations manager for the PGA TOUR’s World Golf Championships-Dell Technologies Match Play in Austin and the TOUR Championship in Atlanta. From 2014-17, Hill worked as a tournament operations specialist for PGA TOUR Champions where he oversaw the Senior Players Championship.
Limon joins Coldwell Banker
Maria Limon has associated with the Green Valley-Continental office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
She comes to the office with 32 years of real estate experience.
Most recently, Limon was an agent with Copper View Realty and was an agent with Home Smart previously. While working in real estate part-time, she was a diagnostic radiological technician for nearly 12 years with the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System.
New leadership team at MOCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Tucson will have a new leadership team starting in December.
Laura Copelin will assume the role of deputy director and co-chief curator.
Copelin has served as MOCA’s as interim director and curator-at-large for the past three years. In her time at MOCA, Copelin has advanced institutional, academic, and community partnerships; secured operational and programmatic funding; and developed an arc of exhibitions that facilitated new commissions from 26 artists and counting. Copelin previously served as executive director and curator at Ballroom Marfa, where she worked for over seven years, and prior to that was assistant curator at the Santa Monica Museum of Art.
New leadership at MOCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Tucson will have a new leadership team starting in December.
Julio César Morales will come on board as executive director and co-chief curator.
Morales most recently served as senior curator at the Arizona State University Art Museum and brings more than two decades of experience as an arts professional and practicing artist. Previous museum and gallery experience includes work as adjunct curator for visual arts at Yerba Buena Center for The Arts in San Francisco, and as founder and director of Queens Nails Annex, an artist-run project space in San Francisco. In 2013, he was a contributing curator for the Japanese pavilion at the Venice Biennale and has curated more than 100 exhibitions to date.
Gordley Group promotes Brevaire
Arizona marketing agency Gordley Group has promoted Richie Brevaire to Creative Director. His graphic design and leadership abilities are valuable assets as Gordley Group fulfills the marketing and visual communications needs of its clients.
Brevaire has led a wide range of visual communications projects during his more than seven-year tenure with Gordley Group, moving from Senior Graphic Designer to Art Director prior to his most recent advancement to Creative Director. In his new position, he will direct all creative efforts for the Tucson-based communications firm.
With over 20 years of graphic design experience, Brevaire has extensive expertise in corporate branding, advertising, identity design, digital advertising, video production and website design. He has guided creative efforts for clients in higher education, government agencies, retail, industrial and non-profits. His work has garnered multiple American Advertising Federation Awards, including three “Best in Show” awards for design.
Taylor joins Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona
Danah Taylor has associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent. Most recently, she was an agent for Long Realty, a Berkshire Hathaway-affiliated company in Tucson.
Paielli joins Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona
Megan Paielli has associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent. She comes to the office with eight years of real estate experience.
Before working in real estate, she was a high school special education teacher focused on teaching academic and functional life skills.
Holland joins Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona
Emma Holland has associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent. Born in England, she has worked in multi-family property management since 1995. Most recently, she was the community property manager for Northland Investment Corporation.
McDaniel joins Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona
Kaitlyn McDaniel has associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent. Most recently, she was a manager at Target.
A1 Garage Door Service hires Inch
Brian Inch has joined the Tucson branch of A1 Garage Door.
Leyva and Inch graduated from the company’s extensive training program this summer. Beginning with a four-week apprenticeship in their local market, trainees spend three to six weeks learning the intricacies of the service, sales and maintenance components of the profession.
Upon successful completion of the initial training period, trainees are flown out to the A1 Garage Door Service headquarters in Phoenix to continue building upon the skills acquired during their apprenticeship. After this final leg of training, which takes place over the course of a month, trainees are graduated to the role of Junior Technician where they are given the opportunity to further develop their skills in the market of their choice.
A1 Garage Door Service hires Leyva
Anthony Leyva has joined the Tucson branch of A1 Garage Door.
Leyva graduated from the company’s extensive training program this summer. Beginning with a four-week apprenticeship in their local market, trainees spend three to six weeks learning the intricacies of the service, sales and maintenance components of the profession.
Upon successful completion of the initial training period, trainees are flown out to the A1 Garage Door Service headquarters in Phoenix to continue building upon the skills acquired during their apprenticeship. After this final leg of training, which takes place over the course of a month, trainees are graduated to the role of Junior Technician where they are given the opportunity to further develop their skills in the market of their choice.
Mosaic Quarter welcomes Welch
Lindsay Welch has been named managing director of business development and corporation relations for Mosaic Quarter Development LLC, the developer of Mosaic Quarter.
Welch is the founder and former CEO of Autus Strategies, an independent business development consulting firm. She has held executive leadership positions at Tech Parks Arizona, Crest Insurance, Tucson Tamale Company, the American Heart and Stroke Association of Southern Arizona and Junior Achievement of Southern Arizona.
Welch will lead the company’s business development, strategic partnership, social media and marketing efforts. She will also manage existing and new relationships with municipal governments, Native American tribes, public school districts, institutes of higher education, regional chambers of commerce, professional organizations, businesses, and nonprofit and philanthropic organizations.
Gutierrez joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Gabriel Gutierrez has associated with the Tucson-Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
Gutierrez has an associate degree in business administration and is working on a bachelor’s degree in sustainable built environments with an emphasis in real estate development.
Maldonado joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Manuel Maldonado has associated with the Tucson-Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
Maldonado brings 18 years of experience in the real estate market. Most recently, he was a sales agent for HomeSmart Advantage Group. From 1984 to 2018, he was employed by the United States Postal Service.
Leadership changes at Long Realty Co.
Big changes are afoot at Long Realty Company as a number of top leadership positions are redefined or reassigned.
Kevin Kaplan, most recently vice president of marketing and business development, will now serve as chief operating officer. Kaplan will focus on business growth for both agents and the company through marketing, lead generation, technology, relocation and corporate business-development opportunities.
Leadership changes at Long Realty Co.
Big changes are afoot at Long Realty Company as a number of top leadership positions are redefined or reassigned.
Rachel Bradley, sales manager and an associate broker at Oro Valley, moves up to branch manager for the office. Bradley began her real estate career in 2012 at Long Realty, with a background in sales, marketing and branch management, upgrading to a broker’s license in 2020.
Leadership changes at Long Realty Co.
Big changes are afoot at Long Realty Company as a number of top leadership positions are redefined or reassigned.
Taking over as president of Long Realty is KC Woods, formerly the regional sales leader and branch manager at the company’s Dove Mountain and Oro Valley offices.
First licensed in 1987, Woods began as a salesperson with another brokerage before joining Long Realty in 2000. From 2004 onward, he has served in a variety of management roles at the two offices, including sales manager, branch manager and regional manager.
Leadership changes at Long Realty Co.
Big changes are afoot at Long Realty Company as a number of top leadership positions are redefined or reassigned.
Ann Sullivan, vice president of franchise sales and support, rises to senior vice president of franchise and business growth, an expanded role focusing on the company’s growth and opportunities with both franchises and acquisitions.
Sullivan started in the real estate industry in 1998 and has been in her current position since 2016.
McGuire joins Canyon Bank
Cody McGuire has joined Canyon Community Bank as vice president/commercial loan officer, with an emphasis on commercial real estate.
McGuire has been in banking for 22 years, with experience ranging from retail banking, private client services and commercial real estate banking.
Holguin joins Canyon Bank
Ruby Holguin has been named treasury banking officer at Canyon Community Bank.
Holguin has been in banking for 19 years with her experience focused on business banking, branch management and treasury banking services.
KVOA-TV welcomes weekday anchor Garcia
Monica Garcia has joined KVOA-TV as a weekday co-anchor to the news desk.
Garcia returns after six years away to co-anchor News 4 Tucson at 4, 6, and 10 p.m. with Sean Mooney.
KVOA-TV welcomes weekday anchor Lizarde
Angelique Lizarde has joined KVOA-TV as a weekday co-anchor to the news desk.
Lizarde, with almost 10 years of experience at KVOA-TV as both an anchor and multimedia journalist, will be anchoring the noon newscast as well as co-anchoring News 4 Tucson at 5 p.m. with Mooney.
Eric Bell named Mr. Pack Rat GM
Eric Bell has been promoted to general manager of Mr. Pack Rat, an independent division of Truly Nolen.
Bell joined Mr. Pack Rat in May 2018, working with the trailer crew-removing pack rat nests.
He was subsequently trained on performing inspections and exclusions.
Prior to joining Mr. Pack Rat, Bell lived in Seattle for 34 years and spent his last 20 of those working in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry.
UA FORGE hires Barbier Bularzik
The University of Arizona’s FORGE (Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs) has hired a new communications manager and two program managers.
Julie Barbier Bularzik will manage venture development education programming, supporting venture education and development among students at FORGE.
Barbier Bularzik previously worked with the Student/Farmworker Alliance and at the Center for Civic Engagement at the College of Charleston.
In addition to her work in impact organizations, Barbier Bularzik was a regional manager for Lush cosmetics sustainability program, supporting 40 plus stores in developing plans to make shops more environmentally friendly.
Barbier Bularzik began working at the UA’s Think Tank as the manager of the front desk program.
UA FORGE hires Mitnik
The University of Arizona’s FORGE (Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs) has hired a new communications manager and two program managers.
Erika Mitnik was named marketing and communications manager. She brings more than 20 years of marketing experience, from analyzing advertising spend and brand impact for Fortune 500 companies at VMS/VoiceTrak and Communicus Research to serving as the Southern Arizona director for Local First Arizona, a nonprofit for Arizona’s community and economic development.
Mitnik has been a consultant for many local businesses and nonprofits, including the Desert Angels and Historic Fourth Avenue Coalition.
UA FORGE hires King
The University of Arizona’s FORGE (Finding Opportunities and Resources to Grow Entrepreneurs) has hired a new communications manager and two program managers.
Kelly King will manage entrepreneurial mindset development programming for FORGE Student Venture Pathways to help students develop entrepreneurial mindset and activate their curiosity for problem-solving.
King brings 25 years of experience working in higher education, corporate environments and entrepreneurial ventures. She has worked in health and wellness at Canyon Ranch and on climate education and activism building the Mrs. Green’s World platform.
Dr. Shoua joins Arizona Oncology
Arizona Oncology has added Dr. Basel Shoua to its medical oncology and hematology team.
Shoua earned his medical degree at the University of Aleppo, Faculty of Medicine. He completed his residency in internal medicine at the University of California Los Angeles, Kern Medical Center, where he also served as chief resident. He completed his fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Arizona and served as chief hematology and oncology fellow.
He will see patients at Arizona Oncology’s Tucson-Rudasill location.
Shoua specializes in bone marrow biopsy and intrathecal chemotherapy. He has a special interest in lung, GI, and breast malignancy, as well as benign and malignant hematology.
Avery Therapeutics hires McCracken
Meredith McCracken has joined Avery Therapeutics.
McCracken is serving as executive assistant. She previously worked as an executive assistant at Sprint Mobile and the University of Arizona’s department of neurology.
Avery Therapeutics hires Tulino
Allison Tulino has joined Avery Therapeutics.
Tulino is a lab technician for research and development activities. Prior to joining Avery, she worked in a drug discovery and medicinal chemistry research lab studying the small molecule inhibition of oncogenic proteins.
CFSA appoints Gee-McDaniel
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona appointed Melinda Gee-McDaniel to the role of communications manager in the operations department.
Gee-McDaniel has worked in the nonprofit sector for over six years in the areas of communications, grants and contracts, and fund development. Prior to joining the nonprofit field, Gee-McDaniel lived abroad, teaching high school English and Psychology in Nanjing, China.
Cady affiliates with Coldwell
Shelby Cady has associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
CFSA hires Kleefeld
Jonathan Kleefeld has joined the finance department of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona as finance and gifts associate.
Kleefeld joined the CFSA team in August.
Coldwell Banker adds agent
Alexander Sasaki has joined Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Sasaki associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office. Most recently, he was a financial analyst for several organizations, including a large publicly-traded company, a housing finance organization and a small startup-like company.
Coldwell Banker adds agent
Amy Cash has joined Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Cash associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office. Most recently, she was an agent with Long Realty.
New leadership at Catalina Foothills
Catalina Foothills School District has a new assistant superintendent, Chad Knippen.
Knippen was the superintendent of the Vernon Elementary School District in Arizona. His other administrative experience includes seven years as associate principal of Ras Tanura K-9 Middle School in Saudi Arabia, and 10 years as principal of Borman Elementary School in Tucson Unified.
New leadership at Catalina Foothills
Catalina Foothills School District has hired Robert Chism as the new Director of Facilities and Transportation. Chism was director of facilities in the Marana Unified School District for nine years. He has additional facility experience as a senior building inspector at Arizona State University, a building official for Dawson County, Georgia, and a building inspector for the City of Alpharetta, Georgia. Chism began his career in May 2000 as a building inspector and plans examiner for the Town of Oro Valley, where he worked for seven years.
New leadership at Catalina Foothills
Catalina Foothills School District has hired Judith Dauman as the new principal at Ventana Vista Elementary School. She has a 20-plus-year track record as an elementary principal both in Arizona and Colorado. Dauman served as the principal of Doolen Middle School in Tucson Unified for the past two years. Previously, she was the principal of three elementary schools in the greater Denver area. Before moving into school administration, she was an elementary classroom and special education teacher.
Stewart promoted to Tech Parks VP
Tech Parks Arizona leader Carol Stewart has been promoted to vice president at the University of Arizona.
Stewart has over two decades of experience with research parks, technology commercialization and business incubation. She has driven national policy, standardized programs, created national and international networks, contributed to the advancement of technology clusters, engaged stakeholders and assisted countries with the development of their national science and technology policies.
Previously, Stewart served as the founding director of the David Johnston Research+Technology Park at the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, was a founding board member of the Association of University Research Parks (AURP) Canadian chapter, and chief executive officer of AURP, which represents the majority of the North American university research parks network.
Serrano joins Coldwell Banker
Christine Serrano has associated with the Tucson-Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
Most recently, she was a self-employed mixed-media artist.
Old Tucson names general manager
Kristine “Kiki” Keefner has been named general manager of Old Tucson by its management company American Heritage Railways.
Her years of experience in the hospitality and services industry working for major brands include Mastro’s Restaurants and Eegee’s.
Keefner gravitated toward business operations and innovative leadership, specializing in human capital strategies. In 2008, she operated a consulting firm with a focus on brand change, business development and employee engagement.
Parks Association selects new CEO
Western National Parks Association has selected Marie Buck to serve as chief executive officer.
Buck was most recently chief operating officer for the Grand Canyon Conservancy. She also previously worked as the senior director of business operations at Phoenix Raceway (NASCAR).
R&A CPAs promotes Foard shareholder
Adam Foard of R&A CPAs has been promoted to shareholder.
Foard has more than 10 years of experience in tax planning and preparation for businesses and high-net-worth individuals.
His focus is in both domestic and international tax. In particular, Foard assists international businesses regarding entity structure and transaction analysis. He has coordinated multiple offshore compliance submissions and works with international families, in conjunction with legal counsel, regarding family planning and related compliance for offshore assets.
Trico Electric adds Litwicki
Trico Electric Cooperative has hired Megan Litwicki.
Litwicki is Trico’s new digital marketing director. In this role, she will oversee digital marketing for Trico and its subsidiary renewable projects and develop messaging and branding.
Trico Electric adds Jansen
Trico Electric Cooperative has hired Michael Jansen.
Jansen joined Trico as the new economic development and strategic account representative.
In this role, Jansen will work with Trico members and the local community to promote economic development and business growth and assist strategic accounts with their energy needs.
Tohono Chul adds new director role
Tohono Chul has its first-ever director of strategic growth, Ethan Cox.
In his new role, Cox is focused on strategic planning, economic sustainability, and establishing community-oriented activities.
Cox brings more than two decades of experience, having fundraised over $50 million.
Prust joins Desert Sky Spine & Pain
Dr. Steven Prust has joined Desert Sky Spine & Pain.
Prust specializes in minimally-invasive interventional techniques to treat chronic pain. He has a special passion for treating pain resulting from cancer or cancer treatment.
Prust is now accepting patients at 6585 N. Oracle Road.
Medrano to oversee Tumacácori Park
The National Park Service has named Mike Medrano the new superintendent for Tumacácori National Historical Park.
Medrano has worked for the National Park Service for more than 30 years, most recently as the chief of resource stewardship and science at Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas. He will begin his new assignment on Aug. 2.
Museum names executive director
The 390th Memorial Museum Foundation, Inc., has appointed William Buckingham executive director of the museum.
Buckingham comes to the museum with executive experience, including leading both private, nonprofit museums and several federal visitor’s centers. He was most recently the visitor center manager of the Kitt Peak National Observatory.
Farhang & Medcoff adds Tracy-Ramirez
Farhang & Medcoff welcome attorney Alexandra Tracy-Ramirez, who will practice within the firm’s litigation group.
Tracy-Ramirez began her career helping Tucson consumers during the economic and foreclosure crisis that so strongly affected the community. For the past several years, Tracy-Ramirez managed her own firm to help individuals and small-businesses protect and defend their reputations and livelihoods.
Tracy-Ramirez is also a trained mediator.
Sassola joins Coldwell Banker
Parker Sassola has associated with the Tucson-Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
Most recently, he worked for Macy’s.
Farmers Insurance gains new adviser
The Southern Arizona district office of Farmers Insurance Group has appointed Nathan Pederson as the newest adviser to Tucson.
Pederson holds his property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses.
He focuses on auto, home, life and business insurance products.
Glenn Paris joins Coldwell Banker
Glenn Paris has associated with the Tucson-Foothills office of Coldwell Banker Realty Arizona as an affiliate agent.
Most recently, Paris was an agent with the Long Realty Company. With an extensive career in the arts, he has been the vice president of development for the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, producing artistic director and chief development officer for the Ion Theatre Company and individual giving officer for the La Jolla Playhouse in San Diego.
Vantage West adds a commercial rep
Vantage West has added Don Chamberlin as a commercial banking team member.
Chamberlin, vice president and commercial sales manager, brings more than 25 years of banking and leadership from large financial institutions and credit unions. He has experience in commercial lending, appraising, underwriting and loss mitigation.
Vantage West adds a commercial rep
Vantage West has added Ryan Ferguson as a commercial banking team member.
Ferguson, commercial relationship manager, has more than 20 years of banking and finance industry experience from credit unions, community banks and large commercial banks. He has served in various capacities including commercial loan officer and portfolio manager.
Vantage West adds a commercial rep
Vantage West has added Blair Tarver as a commercial banking team member.
Tarver, commercial relationship manager, has a background in banking that spans more than 20 years in commercial banking, having worked as a relationship manager and team lead. He has a successful track record in structuring, negotiating and managing complex credit relationships.
Dustin Howell named assistant sales manager
Industry veteran Dustin K. Howell has been named retail assistant sales manager for Tucson Appliance.
Howell has worked in the appliance/furniture business for 25 years starting at Sparks Furniture at 17 as a delivery driver and working his way up to the Sierra Vista store manager by the age of 30.
Tucson Appliance has employed Howell for eight years and in that time has created processes that enhance the customer experience. Howell has a deep understanding of all appliance manufacturers. His responsibilities include ordering and pricing appliances, as well as in-store presentation of the appliances.
Simpleview expands management team with Stanislav
Simpleview has expanded its management team with Scott Stanislav as vice president of customer experience.
Stanislav was promoted from his role as director of customer experience, having worked at Simpleview for more than 12 years.
He will be responsible for the continuous improvement of the customer experience processes and team.
Simpleview expands management team with Eichen
Simpleview has expanded its management team with Patrick Eichen as chief operations officer.
Eichen is an industry veteran and accomplished software executive.
Most recently, he served as head of customer experience at Splunk, a leader in the data and security space, where he led strategic initiatives focused on improving customer sentiment and accelerating customer time to value.
Sierra Tucson hires new COO Carrie Foote
Sierra Tucson, a residential and outpatient addiction and mental health treatment center, has named Carrie Foote its new chief operating officer.
Foote previously worked as the director of enterprise privacy governance at the University of Arizona.
She began her career as a case manager in community mental health services, before becoming chief operating officer and chief compliance officer at a regional mental health organization.
Foote also has significant experience in business development and expansion, contract procurement, HIPAA privacy compliance and professional development. She has managed teams including IT, finance, billing, compliance, facilities, medical, transportation, utilization management and medical records.
Bowman welcomes landscape architect
Tim Johnson joined Bowman Consulting Group Ltd. as a landscape architect in Tucson.
Before joining Bowman, Johnson owned JStudio LA, LLC for more than four years. He has experience in various areas such as landscape architecture, site planning, urban design, master planned communities, streetscapes, parks and recreation design, renderings/simulations, irrigation design, native plant and riparian mitigation, rainwater harvesting design and construction administration.
Johnson previously worked as a principal within another multidisciplinary office in Tucson for 15 years. Prior to his role as a principal, he worked as a landscape architect in other Tucson and Colorado Springs, Colorado, offices.
Truly Nolen names junior accountant
Truly Nolen’s Salina Nelson has been promoted to junior accountant.
Nelson first joined Truly Nolen in September as part of the accounts payables team. Prior to joining Truly Nolen, she worked for seven years at her local church in a variety of roles from accounts payables and purchasing to executive assistant. In addition, she spent 18 years building and running a construction company, where she did everything from bookkeeping to hiring.
Gary Robinson joins Tucson Appliance
Gary Robinson joins Tucson Appliance as retail sales manager.
Robinson’s journey to the appliance business started in the Las Vegas at various casinos. In 2005, his career took him to the Dominican Republic as a casino manager/regional director. In 2013, he returned to San Diego and worked at a casino.
NüPoint expands
NüPoint Marketing is expanding its services with new roles at its Southern Arizona office.
Meredith Ford has been promoted to senior account manager.
Ford has been with NüPoint since July 2021. She brings more than 15 years of public relations experience with national and local businesses. In her new role, Ford develops strategic and creative solutions that inspire audiences to take action.
NüPoint expands
NüPoint Marketing is expanding its services with new roles at its Southern Arizona office.
Marielle Babb joins the agency as associate account manager.
Babb recently graduated from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management. During her undergraduate career, she worked as an assistant clothing buyer and marketing associate at the University of Arizona BookStores. She has a background in digital/social media marketing, content creation and account management.
A1 Garage Door Service hires Lewis
Andrew Lewis has joined A1 Garage Door Service's Tucson branch, having graduated from the company’s training program in May.
Upon successful completion of the initial training period, trainees visit A1 Garage Door Service Headquarters in Phoenix to build upon the skills acquired during their apprenticeship. After this final leg of training, which takes place over the course of a month, trainees are graduated to the role of junior technician where they are given the opportunity to further develop their skills in the market of their choice.
A1 Garage Door Service hires Perales
George Perales has joined A1 Garage Door Service's Tucson branch, having graduated from the company’s training program in May.
Upon successful completion of the initial training period, trainees visit A1 Garage Door Service Headquarters in Phoenix to build upon the skills acquired during their apprenticeship. After this final leg of training, which takes place over the course of a month, trainees are graduated to the role of junior technician where they are given the opportunity to further develop their skills in the market of their choice.
A1 Garage Door Service hires Burch
Donnell Burch has joined A1 Garage Door Service's Tucson branch, having graduated from the company’s training program in May.
Upon successful completion of the initial training period, trainees visit A1 Garage Door Service Headquarters in Phoenix to build upon the skills acquired during their apprenticeship. After this final leg of training, which takes place over the course of a month, trainees are graduated to the role of junior technician where they are given the opportunity to further develop their skills in the market of their choice.
Farhang & Medcoff welcome attorney
Attorney Natasha Artemieva has joined Farhang & Medcoff as an associate.
Artemieva will serve within the firm’s corporate division, where she’ll focus her practice on a wide variety of business law issues including mergers and acquisitions, nonprofit corporation matters, real estate matters and trademarks.
She also has experience handling consumer protection, trademarks and immigration concerns. Artemieva gained considerable experience as a corporate attorney while working as senior legal counsel for one of the largest companies in Russia. Artemieva also worked as a bankruptcy attorney for several years in Tennessee, and she operated her own law practice in which she assisted her clients in business structuring and incorporation matters for several years.
Ballet Tucson announces new Resident Choreographer
Tucson’s professional ballet company announced the appointment of Chieko Imada as Associate Artistic Director and Resident Choreographer of Ballet Tucson effective June 21.
Chieko Imada is a native of Japan where she danced professionally as a Soloist with Inoue Ballet of Tokyo and also served as Ballet Mistress for the company. She has worked closely with many of the past and current noted figures of classical ballet, having performed in Europe, Korea, the Philippines Australia, and the South Pacific.
Over the years, she has been responsible for staging many classical ballets and has also created numerous original contemporary works on Ballet Tucson, enriching the company’s repertoire.
Arizona Oncology welcomes Medical Oncologist and Hematologist
Arizona Oncology welcomed Shamudheen M. Rafiyath, MD to its medical oncology and hematology team, expanding available patient services and treatment options for Tucson and Green Valley area residents.
Dr. Rafiyath earned his medical degree from Trivandrum Medical College in India before completing his internship in internal medicine at Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital in New York City. Dr. Rafiyath went on to complete his fellowship in hematology and oncology at New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, New York, and his internal medicine residency at the Overlook Medical Center in Summit, New Jersey. He is board certified in medical oncology and hematology.
Dr. Rafiyath will see patients at Arizona Oncology’s Tucson-Drexel and Green Valley locations to provide compassionate, patient-centered care.
Ballet Tucson announces new Artistic Director
Tucson’s professional ballet company announced the appointment of Margaret Mullin to the position of Artistic Director of Ballet Tucson effective June 21.
Margaret Mullin is an award-winning dancer, director, choreographer, teacher, and choreographic stager. She is a native Tucsonan who spent her professional dance career as a Soloist with the renowned Pacific Northwest Ballet in Seattle. She holds a Nonprofit Leadership and Management certificate from the University of Arizona Eller Executive Education and is an active member of Tucson Young Professionals.
Sion Power announces Treece as CFO
Sion Power Corporation (Sion Power) announced it has appointed Mack Treece as its Chief Financial Officer. Treece brings more than 30 years of experience in senior leadership positions with a specific focus on successfully scaling young companies into dominant market positions.
Before joining Sion Power, Treece was with EOS Energy Storage, where he held the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) before becoming the Chief Strategic Alliances Officer for the company.
Treece has earned a B.S. in Finance and Marketing from the University of Virginia and an MBA in International Finance from Widener University.
Ballet Tucson adds 2 school directors
The husband and wife team of Danielle and Liang Fu have been named directors of Ballet Tucson’s newly named School of Ballet Tucson.
The duo will come on board in August. They will also be leading dancers with Ballet Tucson’s professional company.
The couple has a combined 36 years of experience dancing with both international and U.S. professional ballet companies, in addition to teaching in the schools of those companies.
Danielle Fu joined Cincinnati Ballet in 2006 and danced with the company for eight seasons. She taught at the Otto M. Budig Academy, the official school of the Cincinnati Ballet, for five years during her time as a dancer with the company.
She then went on to join Kansas City Ballet in 2014, where she remained for eight years. In addition to dancing, she served as an instructor for the Kansas City Ballet School’s Summer Intensive and coached several young aspiring dancers. She taught several other summer intensives and masterclasses.
Liang Fu danced with Singapore Dance Theatre, Universal Ballet Company in Seoul, South Korea, and was a senior soloist with Cincinnati Ballet before joining Kansas City Ballet in 2014.
Throughout his career, Liang Fu has taught at numerous ballet schools and summer intensives, in addition to masterclasses.
Cyrus appointed UA dance director
Duane Cyrus has been appointed the director for the University of Arizona School of Dance, beginning July 1.
Cyrus has served as a professor of dance at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro since 2005 and artistic director of Theatre of Movement, an arts collaborative since 2017. He has toured internationally with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Martha Graham Dance Company and Disney’s “The Lion King” (original London cast) among others.
Walneck becomes firm shareholder
Loose Law Group, P.C. announced that Edward J. Walneck has become a shareholder in the firm.
Walneck practices in the areas of family and juvenile law.
Eegee’s selects new CEO Vaughn
Jason Vaughn has been appointed chief executive officer of Eegee’s.
Vaughn brings over three decades of experience, having served as senior vice president of operations at Yum! Brands; division vice president at Wendy’s; president and chief operating officer at Lenny’s Subs and, most recently, president and CEO of Frisch’s Restaurants.
UACI hires Keenan for mentor post
Jennifer Keenan has been named a mentor-in-residence for the University of Arizona Center for Innovation.
In this role, she will work with UACI staff, subject matter experts and current mentor-in-residence to support startups with an added focus of life sciences and emerging technologies.
Keenan has over 20 years of experience in the health-care, data-based systems, digital and commercial products industries. She has served as president, founder and CEO of Zorya, Inc. for the past three years.
The mentor-in-residence provides mentoring, guidance, business support and networking to clients at the UACI, to build their startup companies. This includes assistance with opportunity assessment and team formation, introduction to external people resources, assistance with business plan development and help to create and to execute a successful go-to-market strategy.
Cluck appointed county public fiduciary
The Pima County Board of Supervisors appointed Justin Cluck as public fiduciary.
Cluck has worked for the Pima County Public Defender’s Office since 2017 as an assistant public defender. His caseload has included a wide range of cases, including serious felony offenses.
The public fiduciary serves as a court-appointed guardian or conservator for vulnerable adults or people who are incapacitated to protect their legal rights and financial interests in probate court. The public fiduciary also acts as the estate administrator of deceased persons when no one else is willing or capable of serving in that capacity.
The public fiduciary also serves people who are estranged from their families or are subject to abuse or undue influence, have serious mental or physical health issues or have no place else to turn.
Cluck earned his bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1999 and received his law degree from the University of Mississippi in 2002, when he was honored as the Outstanding Public Interest Law Student.
CFSA adds Alegria
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona announced that Jeanne Alegria has been appointed as accountant in our Finance Department. In this role, Alegria is responsible for various accounting functions relating to CFSA Funds and Supporting Organizations.
Alegria has been in the accounting field for over 18 years, and recently joined CFSA in May 2022.
CFSA adds Gabrielsen
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona announced that CFSA staff member Natalia Gabrielsen has accepted the role of program manager in our Community Investments Department. In her new role, Gabrielsen is responsible for CFSA’s scholarship program, Catchafire program, African American Legacy Fund and general competitive grants.
Prior to CFSA, Gabrielsen was the Grants and Services Manager with the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona, where she oversaw grants funding local artists and arts organizations. Gabrielsen has a background in museum databases and collections, and holds a master’s degree in art history from the University of Arizona.
CFSA adds Maher
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona announced that Laura Maher has been appointed to the role of major gifts officer in our Philanthropy Department. In her role, Maher is responsible for cultivating major gifts to support CFSA’s philanthropic work throughout Southern Arizona.
As a nonprofit professional with deep roots in Tucson, Laura has more than a decade of experience in fundraising, communications and program leadership.
Maher holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona, a master’s in English from the University of Texas at Austin and an MFA in Poetry from Warren Wilson College.
Prior to joining CFSA, Maher served as the Associate Director of Development for the College of Veterinary Medicine at the UA and as major gifts and grants officer with Arizona Public Media.
Best joins TCI Wealth Advisors
Shawn Best, certified financial planner, has joined TCI Wealth Advisors’ Tucson office as advisor.
Best brings more than 13 years of experience in the finance and wealth management industry. Most recently, he served as vice president and senior wealth manager within the Consumer and Wealth Management Division for Goldman Sachs in Tucson. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and his master of science in finance and financial planning from Kansas State University.
Bennett joins TCI Wealth Advisors
Scott Bennett, certified financial planner, has joined TCI Wealth Advisors’ Tucson office as advisor.
Bennett brings over six years of wealth management experience as he’s welcomed back to TCI, where he previously served as a financial paraplanner at TCI from 2016-2018.
Bennett transitioned from his role at TCI to be the executive director of 3rd Decade, a nonprofit spinoff of the TCI Foundation devoted to teaching financial skills to adults unserved or under-served or by traditional financial advisors. Bennett received his bachelor’s degree in economics from Northern Arizona University.
UA College of Ed announces dean
The University of Arizona College of Education announced that Robert Q. Berry III, has accepted the position of dean, effective July 1.
Berry will join the College of Education from the University of Virginia, where he is the Samuel Braley Gray Professor of Mathematics Education and the inaugural associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion in the School of Education and Human Development.
As Dean, Berry will continue to build upon the College of Education’s mission to promote learning, research and transformative action to create a more inclusive and equitable community and world.
Jim Storey joins Long Realty
Long Realty’s Foothills office has added Jim Storey, a 13-year realty veteran.
Storey’s sold listings span greater Tucson, from Red Rock to Rio Rico, and include both single- and multi-family homes, modest to ultra-luxury, vintage and recent construction. He has sold several historic midtown barrio dwellings as well.
New CEO at St. Mary’s Hospital
Carondelet Health Network announced David Ziolkowski as the chief executive officer for St. Mary’s Hospital.
As a leader at St. Mary’s Hospital, Ziolkowski will help develop and shape progressive hospital strategy and drive focus to key operational initiatives.
He comes with more than 25 years of experience in health care administration. Previously, he served as chief executive officer of Person Memorial Hospital in Roxboro, North Carolina. He also has worked for Duke University Health System.
Farhang & Medcoff welcomes Michael Harnden
Farhang & Medcoff welcomes attorney Michael Harnden as an associate.
Harnden will serve within the firm’s litigation group. He handles a wide variety of civil litigation issues for both business and individual clients, with a focus on defamation, privacy and online speech matters.
Kaiserman joins Russ Lyon team
Robin Sue Kaiserman has joined Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s Tucson team.
Recognized as Tucson’s top real estate agent for nearly a decade, Kaiserman has sold thousands of homes over the past 30 years.
Her expertise is in the Catalina Foothills, Oro Valley and the central University of Arizona area.
Emily Walsh named COO of CFSA
Following an extensive national search, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona appointed Emily Walsh chief operating officer, effective June 6.
Most recently, Walsh served the nonprofit sector as a director with BrightVine, a full-service technology firm providing software development, consulting and advisory services to the nonprofit industry.
She brings extensive experience as a people and project leader from her work as vice president of strategic information services at the University of Arizona Foundation, and as the senior director responsible for overseeing prospect research, prospect management and analytics at the University of Chicago.
In her new role with the Community Foundation, Walsh will translate the organization’s vision and strategy into integrated operational tactics, strengthening the internal infrastructure needed to support the Foundation’s diverse goals and stakeholders.
Farmers gains insurance advisor
The Southern Arizona District Office of Farmers Insurance Group has appointed Zach Elkins as the newest advisor to Tucson.
Elkins holds property/casualty and life/health insurance licenses. He focuses on auto, home, life and business insurance products.
SARSEF names director
Yvonne Pysher has joined SARSEF in a newly created role of director of marketing and communications.
Pysher has dedicated herself to the nonprofit sector, previously holding positions at Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson and United Way.
Johnson joins Coldwell Banker
Brittany Johnson has associated with the Williams Centre office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
She previously worked as a surveillance investigator of fraud claims for a private investigation company for eight years.
SARSEF names manager
Amber Folkman has been promoted to manager of STEM curriculum and instruction for SARSEF.
Folkman brings a global and multicultural experience to her work, having taught over the course of a decade in Washington; Utah; Manila, Philippines; and Texas.
JW Marriott appoints Padilla
Daniel Padilla has been named director of sales and marketing for JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
Padilla launched his career in 2007 at JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa where he was hired as an event manager until 2011. From there, he held management positions in housekeeping, guest services and catering.
In 2017, he accepted a position as director of catering and events management at the W Austin, in Austin, Texas, and in 2019 was promoted to director of sales and marketing prior to returning to JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort & Spa.
Becker named program director
The Arizona Land and Water Trust has promoted Cameron Becker to the position of Land Program Director.
Becker builds on his extensive experience leading the Trust’s Land Stewardship activities and actively managing relations with Federal Agency partners. Becker joined the Trust in 2015.
Becker has held a variety of seasonal jobs throughout the West, working on projects including a fire restoration study in Oregon, vegetation and endangered species inventories in Utah and nature preserve stewardship around Arizona.
A1 Garage welcomes Burgos
Ramon Burgos Quinones has joined A1 Garage Door Service’s Tucson branch, having graduated from the company’s training program in March.
Upon successful completion of the initial training period, trainees are flown out to the A1 Garage Door Service Headquarters in Phoenix to continue building upon the skills acquired during their apprenticeship. After the final leg of training, which takes place over the course of a month, trainees are graduated to the role of junior technician where they are given the opportunity to further develop their skills in the market of their choice.
A1 Garage welcomes Waller
Isaac Waller have joined A1 Garage Door Service’s Tucson branch, having graduated from the company’s training program in March.
Upon successful completion of the initial training period, trainees are flown out to the A1 Garage Door Service Headquarters in Phoenix to continue building upon the skills acquired during their apprenticeship. After the final leg of training, which takes place over the course of a month, trainees are graduated to the role of junior technician where they are given the opportunity to further develop their skills in the market of their choice.
Wade joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Lesley Wade has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agents.
Wade associated with the Foothills office. She brings 30 years of experience in real estate and property management.
Most recently, Wade worked for Foothills Properties.
Elaine Martinez joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Elaine Martinez has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agents.
Martinez associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office. She has more than 25 years of real estate experience.
Throughout her career, she has worked in home loan origination as well as in wholesale real estate investing. She started her real estate career while working as a manager for a medical practice because the physician in charge started purchasing rental properties and wanted her to manage those as well.
Melina Martinez joins Coldwell Banker Realty
Melina Martinez has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as affiliate agents.
She associated with the Tucson-Williams Centre office.
Reck moves to Parks and Rec
Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation has named Nikki Reck its next spokesperson and assistant to the director.
Reck most recently served as the public information officer for Pima Animal Care Center for nearly four years.
Prior to PACC, she worked in the news industry for 11 years, earning an Emmy for best newscast.
New CFO for St. Joseph’s Hospital
Cristian Cormier will join Carondelet Health Network as the chief financial officer for St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Cormier joins the health network with more than 20 years of finance and accounting health-care leadership experience.
Most recently, she served as the chief financial officer for The Hospitals of Providence Sierra Campus in El Paso. Prior to that, she was the assistant chief financial officer at HCA Houston Healthcare–Northwest and served as interim assistant chief financial officer for HCA Houston Health–West.
She also brings a wealth of experience in patient access and case management.
Lovitt & Touché promotes Brooks
Lovitt & Touché, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, has promoted Jill Brooks in the Tucson office.
Brooks joined Lovitt & Touché this past fall, bringing more than 30 years of experience in business development, sales, recruiting, agency management, organizational design and insurance. In her new role, she will continue guiding the business insurance team in Tucson, build relationships with clients, manage commercial line operations and help achieve goals.
Lovitt & Touché promotes Sylvester
Lovitt & Touché, a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC Company, has promoted Anthony Sylvester in the Tucson office.
Sylvester, an employee health and benefits manager, was named vice president of employee health and benefits. Commercial Lines Manager Brooks was promoted to vice president of business insurance.
Sylvester joined Lovitt & Touché two years ago, working with clients on developing competitive employee benefits packages. He became manager of the EH&B team a year ago and has helped direct strategy and retention efforts. In his new role, Sylvester will continue to oversee the employee benefits division in Tucson, further build client relationships and ensure all business goals are met.
GTL selects CEO Lukasewicz
Justin Lukasewicz has been named CEO of Greater Tucson Leadership.
Lukasewicz joined GTL as the organization’s first dedicated program manager in January 2021. He has served as the interim CEO since February.
Prior to GTL, Lukasewicz worked in large public universities for over 10 years, in various roles within residence life.
Carruthers named VP at HTG Molecular
Christina M. Carruthers is joining HTG Molecular Diagnostics, Inc., as vice president of target strategy and early development for the therapeutics division.
Carruthers was most recently with Moderna Therapeutics, serving as scientific director and research area leader for rare diseases, and coordinated the nonclinical plans, data review and scientific communications across several programs.
Before that, she was a scientific director with Janssen Research & Development, where she led discovery and early-development stage programs across multiple therapeutic areas and modalities from small molecules to RNA. She also served as director of preclinical development and operations at Scynexis, and held various scientific roles at Allergan, Inc. and Covance Laboratories.
Kannan appointed Eller College dean
Karthik Kannan has been named the new dean of the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management.
He will officially take over the role on Aug. 1.
Kannan joins Eller from Purdue University, where he serves as associate dean for research and partnerships at the Krannert School of Management, director of the Krenicki Center for Business Analytics & Machine Learning and the Thomas Howatt chair in management and professor of management.
Foundation selects executive director
Alisa’s Angels Foundation has selected Kimberly Moyer to serve as executive director.
Moyer is a nationally recognized nonprofit fundraising executive with more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, including serving as chief development officer at Our Family Services; senior director of development at Chestnut Hill College; and director of development for Beyond Celiac.
Walker & Armstrong name 4 partners
Walker & Armstrong LLP has promoted four tax and audit professionals to partner.
The firm’s four new partners are Kimberly Bolligar (Tax), Curtis Bright (Audit), Teresa Cairo (Tax) and Lisa Parke (Audit).
Walker & Armstrong name 4 partners
Walker & Armstrong LLP has promoted four tax and audit professionals to partner.
The firm’s four new partners are Kimberly Bolligar (Tax), Curtis Bright (Audit), Teresa Cairo (Tax) and Lisa Parke (Audit).
Walker & Armstrong name 4 partners
Walker & Armstrong LLP has promoted four tax and audit professionals to partner.
The firm’s four new partners are Kimberly Bolligar (Tax), Curtis Bright (Audit), Teresa Cairo (Tax) and Lisa Parke (Audit).
Walker & Armstrong name 4 partners
Walker & Armstrong LLP has promoted four tax and audit professionals to partner.
The firm’s four new partners are Kimberly Bolligar (Tax), Curtis Bright (Audit), Teresa Cairo (Tax) and Lisa Parke (Audit).
United Way hires Hernandez
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Cradle to Career Partnership has hired Melissa Hernandez as associate vice president.
The Cradle to Career Partnership’s mission is to prepare every child for success in school and life, and the Arizona End of Life Care Partnership’s mission is to enhance the way Arizonans live by fundamentally changing the way we talk about death.
Hernandez previously worked at Northern Arizona University, leading literacy programming to address inequity in classrooms across Arizona and also taught part-time for Pima Community College.
United Way hires Vitkus
United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona Arizona End of Life Care Partnership has hired Laura Vitkus as director of partner engagement.
Vitkus comes from the University of Arizona Center on Aging where she served as program coordinator for major grant programs.
GLHN promotes Moeller
GLHN Architects & Engineers, Inc., promoted Ted Moeller.
Moeller will transition to chief electrical engineer. He has been with GLHN for 26 years and will assist Zhang in the development of her career and the success of the electrical engineering department. He will also continue as a company vice president. Moeller also serves as an adjunct instructor at the University of Arizona.
Wolfe-Beadle joins Literacy Connects
Julie Wolfe-Beadle has joined Literacy Connects as director of development.
Wolfe-Beadle comes to Literacy Connects with an extensive background in development, having served as the executive director for the TMC Foundation and as the vice president for resource development at the United Way of Southern Arizona.
Coldwell appoints region president
Chris Jensen has been named president of the Southwest Region of Coldwell Banker Realty, overseeing the operations of the Arizona, Colorado and Utah companies, which serve approximately 3,600 sales professionals in 42 real estate offices across all three areas.
Jensen began his career in real estate in 1990, quickly becoming a top-producing agent before earning his broker’s license. He opened his own brokerage in Northern Utah in 1995, expanding the branch to 54 agents in two locations. Jensen was brought in as a managing broker for Coldwell Banker in South Ogden and expanded the small office to nearly 100 agents. He also managed the company’s Park City office. In 2011, Jensen was named president of the company-owned Coldwell Banker in Utah. He extended his leadership over Coldwell Banker Realty in Colorado in 2021.
GLHN promotes Zhang
GLHN Architects & Engineers, Inc., promoted Ye Zhang.
Zhang was named director of electrical engineering. She has been with GLHN for three years and will be responsible for setting goals for the team, hiring, mentoring, engineering and project management for key clients and projects, and business development.
BeachFleischman promotes Todd to principal
BeachFleischman PLLC has promoted CariAnn J. Todd to principal.
The principal addition, along with another supports strategic growth by deepening the firm’s specialized tax, audit, hospitality/restaurant, real estate, science/manufacturing and employee benefit plan practices.
Todd is a principal and the firm’s employee benefit plan practice leader. Todd provides accounting, assurance and consulting services for various privately held companies. She also leads the firm’s efforts in helping clients navigate COVID-19 relief programs and is a regular contributor for the Arizona Commerce Authority’s Small Business Bootcamp.
BeachFleischman promotes Rowe to principal
BeachFleischman PLLC has promoted Sumi M. Rowe to principal.
The principal addition, along with another, supports strategic growth by deepening the firm’s specialized tax, audit, hospitality/restaurant, real estate, science/manufacturing and employee benefit plan practices.
Rowe is a principal and science and manufacturing practice leader for the firm. Rowe has extensive experience providing tax consulting, planning and compliance services to large, privately held and publicly traded companies. Her areas of specialization include ASC 740 income tax provisions, multistate taxation and corporation taxation.
Mason named director at Walker & Armstrong
Financial services professional Kenneth R. Mason has been named director of the advisory services department at Walker & Armstrong LLP.
Mason, who for several years served as manager of the firm’s advisory services practice, brings more than 40 years of financial experience in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors and in serving local governments, tribal governments and tribal entities.
A1 Garage Door Service welcomes Balderrama
A1 Garage Door Service announced that Roberto Balderrama has joined the Tucson branch, having graduated from the company’s training program earlier this year.
Upon successful completion of the initial training period, trainees are flown out to the A1 Garage Door Service headquarters in Phoenix to continue building upon the skills acquired during their apprenticeship. After this final leg of training, which takes place over the course of a month, trainees are graduated to the role of junior technician where they are given the opportunity to further develop their skills in the market of their choice.
A1 Garage Door Service welcomes McCauley
A1 Garage Door Service announced that Randen McCauley has joined the Tucson branch, having graduated from the company’s training program earlier this year.
Upon successful completion of the initial training period, trainees are flown out to the A1 Garage Door Service headquarters in Phoenix to continue building upon the skills acquired during their apprenticeship. After this final leg of training, which takes place over the course of a month, trainees are graduated to the role of junior technician where they are given the opportunity to further develop their skills in the market of their choice.
A1 Garage Door Service welcomes Jones
A1 Garage Door Service announced that Trenton Jones has joined the Tucson branch, having graduated from the company’s training program earlier this year.
Upon successful completion of the initial training period, trainees are flown out to the A1 Garage Door Service headquarters in Phoenix to continue building upon the skills acquired during their apprenticeship. After this final leg of training, which takes place over the course of a month, trainees are graduated to the role of junior technician where they are given the opportunity to further develop their skills in the market of their choice.
DaCosta joins Coldwell Banker
Christopher DaCosta has associated with the Green Valley-Continental office of Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, he was an operations supervisor with Freeport McMoRan. DaCosta has a military background in logistics with the Air Force.
Airport promotes Adam Kretschmer
The Tucson Airport Authority promoted Adam Kretschmer to director of maintenance and custodial services.
Following several years of service as the deputy director of maintenance, Kretschmer will now fully oversee the largest department in the TAA’s Operations division, which includes airfield maintenance, custodial, facilities, fleet maintenance and landscaping.
Kretschmer has a background in maintenance management including fleet, facilities, airfield maintenance, landscaping and HVAC. He joined the TAA in June 2017 and was promoted to the deputy director of maintenance in August 2018.
Prior to joining the TAA, he worked in various maintenance capacities at Pima Community College, Arizona Department of Corrections and Marana Unified School District.
Sundt hires CFO Keenan Driscoll
Keenan Driscoll has been selected to serve as the next chief financial officer for Sundt Construction.
In his new role, he will support executive leadership in driving business performance with short-term and long-term business decisions regarding asset and liability management, risk management and effective internal controls.
Driscoll comes to Sundt after more than 11 years with AECOM, a leading infrastructure services provider. During his tenure, he served as the company’s global treasurer as well as the chief finance and operations officer for the Americas, with responsibility for financial planning, controllership, project accounting, support services, procurement and real estate.
Prior to joining AECOM, Driscoll spent 10 years working in investment banking. He began his career in the construction industry as a project engineer.
Firm names Bailey as newest partner
Matthew A. Bailey joined Rusing Lopez & Lizardi PLLC in 2020 and made partner earlier this year.
Bailey’s legal and professional career spans 16 years and includes experience as both in-house and outside counsel, as well as years served as a business executive and manager.
He represents clients across a diverse spectrum of business matters and transactions, including real estate, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance and regulatory compliance.
Pacheco takes on chief detective role
Fabian Pacheco has taken over as chief detective at the Pima County Attorney’s Office.
Pacheco joined PCAO four years ago, working alongside the Drug Enforcement Administration. He previously was with the Tucson Police Department, where he served as a homicide detective, operations division captain and public information officer.
Wade joins Affirm Wealth
Emily Wade has joined the Tucson office of Affirm Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.
Wade was named operations manager.
Chapman joins Affirm Wealth
Felicia Chapman has joined the Tucson office of Affirm Wealth Advisors, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC.
Chapman serves as a client service specialist.
Lopez named Mobile Meals executive chef
Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona, a nonprofit specializing in delivering nutritious meals to those in need, has hired Michael P. Lopez to serve as food service director and executive chef.
Lopez brings over 30 years of exceptional culinary experience to his new position. Having worked in such positions as director of the culinary experience, food and beverage director and executive chef.
Lopez holds a culinary arts degree from Scottsdale Culinary Institute, specializing in area restaurant management and culinary arts. In his 30 years of experience, Lopez has managed all aspects of food management, including working with the Aramark Corporation, a contractor for Texas Instruments, Diamond’s Children’s Medical Center and UMC Hospital.
Knauer appointed superior court commissioner
Nicholas Knauer has been appointed commissioner for the Pima County Superior Court.
Knauer is currently an Assistant Attorney General assigned to the Tucson office, where he is a team leader/supervisor in the Protective Services Section representing Arizona’s Department of Child Safety. His practice is grounded in juvenile law-based matters, encompassing dependency, adoption, mental health, family law, probate and guardianship cases.
He is also his office’s primary liaison with Pima County Juvenile Court’s Dependency Alternative Program, a family-centered practice that prevents dependency actions when another legal arrangement can provide safety and stability for the child and their family.
The Haven selects executive director
Aimee Graves has been named executive director for The Haven.
Previously Graves served as division director of child and family services at Easterseals Blake Foundation, and before that, vice president of resource development at CODAC Health, Recovery & Wellness.
She brings more than 20 years of professional experience in community-based health and human services settings throughout Southern Arizona.
Tucson Symphony hires senior management
The Tucson Symphony Orchestra has added Eric Lind to the senior management team.
Lind will join the TSO as vice president of philanthropy on March 16. Lind has more than 20 years of experience as a senior development professional and managing director in the arts.
He currently serves as director of advancement at the Florentine Opera Company in Milwaukee. He previously held senior level positions at Present Music and Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
Tucson Symphony hires senior management
The Tucson Symphony Orchestra has added Gina Compitello to the senior management team.
Compitello became the organization’s chief marketing officer in January. She brings more than 10 years of marketing, communications and public relations experience.
She has led programs at organizations throughout Tucson including the Center for Creative Photography, the University of Arizona Museum of Art and, most recently, Literacy Connects.
Pons joins Arizona Land and Water
Camille Pons has joined Arizona Land and 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.
Previously, Pons worked at the Tucson Medical Center Foundation, as well as the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum as the development officer and member and donor services manager. She held both positions with the Desert Museum for 20 years.
Franklin appointed systems engineer
Truly Nolen promoted Leonard ‘Lenny’ Franklin to systems engineer in the company’s IT department.
Franklin joined Truly Nolen in 2014 as a helpdesk specialist before becoming a software analyst. Some of Franklin’s new responsibilities include helping to develop the company’s network infrastructure as well as developing the next generation of SharePoint experts.
Prior to joining Truly Nolen, Franklin was an IT consultant for a small real-estate company and worked in restaurant management.
He will remain based at the Tucson corporate headquarters.
Community Foundation for Southern Arizona promotes Natalia Gabrielsen
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona’s Natalia Gabrielsen is celebrating a promotion.
Gabrielsen has been promoted to finance associate. She is responsible for overseeing gift and grant processing to support fundraising activity and grantmaking initiatives.
Prior to joining CFSA, Gabrielsen was the grants and services manager with the Arts Foundation for Tucson and Southern Arizona. She came on board at CFSA in 2020 as the grants and gifts finance associate.
Herrington named chief administration officer
Portable Practical Educational Preparation, Inc. (PPEP, Inc.) has promoted Jacob Herrington to chief administration officer.
Herrington has been employed with PPEP, Inc. for more than 12 years. He is responsible for the property management, including financing and refinancing, of over 1.4 million square feet of property in PPEP, Inc.’s real property portfolio.
Community Foundation for Southern Arizona promotes Jeaiza Quiñones Ivory
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona’s Jeaiza Quiñones Ivory is celebrating a promotion.
Quiñones Ivory was promoted to director of community investments, with a focus on competitive grantmaking, strategy development, and implementation for a portfolio of strategic grants, special projects and initiatives.
She joined CFSA in 2019 as the social media and events coordinator, before transitioning to the role of program manager in the Community Investments department.
Community Foundation for Southern Arizona promotes Michael Wiley
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona’s, Michael Wiley is celebrating a promotion.
Wiley was promoted to data and systems manager. In his new role, Wiley is responsible for the management and ongoing maintenance of CFSA’s IT-related infrastructure, data extraction and analysis, and systems improvement projects. He joined CFSA in 2017 as a finance associate.
Gust Rosenfeld adds Buchinger
Victoria L. Buchinger has joined Gust Rosenfeld’s Tucson office. She will be part of the firm’s litigation, insurance and real estate groups.
Buchinger has over 35 years of legal experience, including seven years in-house as claims manager and general counsel of Attorneys Liability Protection Society.
She is also a former Judge Pro Tempore for Pima and Maricopa County superior courts.
PCAO hires communications director C.T. Revere
C.T. Revere has been named director of communications for the Pima County Attorney’s Office.
Revere brings experience in both the public and private sectors, including 30 years of professional experience in Tucson.
Most recently, Revere served for five years as public involvement director for Gordley Group, which followed seven years as a senior community relations officer for the Arizona Department of Transportation in Tucson.
Additionally, Revere served as chief of staff in Tucson’s Ward 6 City Council Office after a 22-year career in journalism, including 15 years reporting for Tucson-based newspapers.
Rambaud promoted to branch manager
Shelby Rambaud has moved into the branch manager slot at Long Realty’s Houghton/Southeast/Vail office.
Licensed as a broker in 2021, she began her 16-year career with Long Realty in 2006 as a receptionist. She started at the Houghton office as office administrator, and then sales manager, in 2015. Since then she’s been involved in some 7,000 transactions.
As branch manager, Rambaud’s duties include supervising the sales force, helping as needed with client relations and contract issues, approving employment renewals, reviewing sales contracts and more.
Tucson Tax Team adds new CPA
Tucson Tax Team announced the addition of a new CPA, Amy Perlich.
Perlich has worked in tax firms in Tucson and California. She has a special interest in cryptocurrency taxes, vacation rentals and stock options.
Tucson Tax Team adds new CPA
Tucson Tax Team announced the addition of a new CPA, Rachael De La Rosa.
De La Rosa has worked in Colorado, Arizona and California. Her special interests are in real estate, small business consulting and tax planning.
Cummings joins St. Mary’s Hospital
Steve Cummings has come on board as the associate administrator at St. Mary’s Hospital.
He has more than 21 years of experience in a variety of health care settings; ranging from working with school systems, early intervention and acute care.
He joins Carondelet Health Network from the Tenet Healthcare San Antonio Market where he served as the regional director of rehabilitation services. Cummings has held leadership roles for more than 14 years.
Social Venture Partners names VP
Jennie Grabel has been named vice president of programs for Social Venture Partners Tucson.
Previously Grabel served as director of marketing and communications at Community Investment Corporation, and, before that, Family Housing Resources Inc. She also served as program director at KXCI Community Radio.
She is responsible for providing strategic leadership for SVP’s programmatic and community impact activities.
UACI names Carrillo assistant director
Casey Carrillo has been promoted to assistant director for the University of Arizona Center for Innovation.
Carrillo manages UACI’s regional cohort-based programming and Sponsored Launch program which provides scholarships for startups in coordination with community financial support.
She also facilitates the American Made Challenge programing in coordination with the Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Lab. She is instrumental in brand enhancement through her work in social media and other marketing initiatives.
Carrillo will also be managing UACI’s student internship program.
Sundt promotes Cade Rowley
Longtime Sundt employee-owner and construction industry veteran Cade Rowley has been promoted to president of Sundt Construction’s Industrial Group – West.
In his new role, Rowley will be responsible for all business development, preconstruction and operations for the general contractor’s industrial construction work throughout the western U.S. and water/wastewater projects across the country.
Rowley joined Sundt in 1998 as a field engineer and has served in multiple positions across the organization in the years since.
New superintendent at W.E. O’Neil
Brandon Acosta has joined W.E. O’Neil Construction. He has over 30 years of experience in the construction industry with extensive experience in the health care, senior living, retail and municipal markets.
New superintendent at W.E. O’Neil
David Seese rejoined W.E. O’Neil Construction, bringing more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry with extensive experience in the senior living, education, retail, municipal and industrial markets. His past experience also included project management and estimating.
New superintendent at W.E. O’Neil
Doug Barham rejoined W.E. O’Neil Construction, coming with more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He has extensive experience in the education, hospitality, health care, retail and recreation markets.
R&A’s Eggman is a shareholder
Nathaniel K. Eggman of R&A CPAs has been promoted to shareholder.
Eggman has more than 13 years of experience in tax planning and preparation for small businesses and high-net-worth individuals. He has expertise in real estate and development, captive insurance, tiered partnership structures and carried interest ownerships.
Larsen Baker hires Hansen
Larsen Baker LLC, a commercial real estate company, has hired Brianne Hansen as director of its new third party property management division.
Hansen joins the team with over 10 years of experience in property management maintaining and growing portfolios of office, industrial and retail properties.
Coldwell Banker adds agent
Sarah English has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
English associated with the Tucson/Foothills office. She previously was an agent with United Real Estate.
Coldwell Banker adds agent
Elaine Grace has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Grace associated with the Green Valley-Continental office. Most recently, she was an agent with the Dove Mountain office of Long Real Estate. Before that, she had a 32-year career with the federal government, including 12 years with the National Park Service, 12 years with the U.S. Forest Service and eight years with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Salpointe hires softball coach
Salpointe Catholic High School has named Tricia Garigan Sztan the new varsity women’s softball head coach.
Sztan is a 1994 Salpointe graduate and has served as assistant coach for the Lancer softball program.
O’odham Nation picks treasurer
Twyla R. Bowman has been appointed treasurer for the Tohono O’odham Nation.
She is responsible for maintaining the nation’s investments, internal audits and numerous other financial activities.
Bowman is a certified public accountant, licensed in Arizona and California, and she brings extensive experience. Since 2003, she has worked on successful financial strategies across a variety of industries, including tribal government and gaming, IT, health care, real estate, supply chain and financial services.
Kidd joins Tucson Airport Authority
The Tucson Airport Authority has named Brian Kidd director of air service development.
With 30 years of professional experience in the private and public sectors, Kidd previously handled air service responsibilities at three international airports.
Kidd will be focused on retaining and expanding air service, in concert with community and business organizations.
A1 Garage adds Phillips, Whitney
Dwayne Phillips and Asa Whitney have joined the A1 Garage Door Service Tucson branch.
Phillips and Whitney graduated from the company’s training program in December. The initial program includes a four-week apprenticeship; and three to six weeks learning service, sales and maintenance. Following a final leg of training at A1 Garage’s Phoenix headquarters, trainees are graduated to the role of junior technician.
A1 Garage adds Phillips, Whitney
Dwayne Phillips and Asa Whitney have joined the A1 Garage Door Service Tucson branch.
Phillips and Whitney graduated from the company’s training program in December. The initial program includes a four-week apprenticeship; and three to six weeks learning service, sales and maintenance. Following a final leg of training at A1 Garage’s Phoenix headquarters, trainees are graduated to the role of junior technician.
Smith joins Coldwell
Richard Smith has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Smith associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office. He has worked for publicly listed, multinational software and IT services companies such as Microsoft, Integrated Research and GP Strategies in sales, marketing, program management and relationship management roles for more than 24 years.
Tekbali joins Coldwell
Sara Tekbali has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Tekbali associated with the Tucson/Foothills office. Prior to affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, she worked in customer service. Before that, she was a teacher for nine years.
Tohono Chul names executive director
Jamie Maslyn Larson will take the lead as Tohono Chul’s new executive director on Feb. 1.
Maslyn Larson brings more than 25 years of experience as a landscape architect and firm leader. She has held leadership positions with public gardens and cultural institutions.
She is a licensed landscape architect in Arizona, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida.
Sundt promotes Keegan Abele
Sundt Construction Inc. promoted Keegan Abele to assistant project manager for the building group in Tucson.
He will serve as the assistant project manager for the new Tucson International Airport hangar replacement.
In 2014, Abele started at Sundt as an intern, working on a financial services client’s Chandler campus expansion. Since then, he worked as a project engineer.
Habitat names CEO Charlie Buchanan
Charlie Buchanan has been selected to become Habitat for Humanity Tucson’s next chief executive officer.
Buchanan has been with Habitat Tucson in the role of chief operations officer for nearly three years. He brings over 25 years of nonprofit leadership experience in Southern Arizona.
Before Habitat, Charlie served the community through multiple executive leadership positions with the YMCA of Southern Arizona.
Snell & Wilmer adds Atwood
Snell & Wilmer welcomes Travis N. Atwood.
Atwood, as a member of the firm’s corporate and securities group, will assist clients with mergers and acquisitions, securities offerings, entity formation and governance, as well as a variety of general corporate matters.
Prior to practicing law, Atwood gained business and leadership experience working as a project manager in the oil and gas industry in Texas and serving for five years as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army.
Snell & Wilmer adds Henson
Snell & Wilmer welcomes Courtney Henson.
Henson has been elected to join the firm’s partnership, effective March 1.
Her practice is concentrated in complex commercial litigation, class actions and business disputes. Her diverse practice also includes business separation disputes, contract disputes, pre-litigation business dispute resolution and whistleblower investigations, among others.
Darrough joins Coldwell Realty
Travis Darrough has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Darrough has associated with the Oro Valley/Marana office. He previously was a United States Marine, serving one enlistment of four years as a metal worker, machinist, combat engineer and as a non-commissioned officer.
Castro joins Coldwell Realty
Andres Castro has associated with Coldwell Banker Realty as an affiliate agent.
Castro associated with the Tucson/Foothills office. He comes with six years of real estate experience.
Before affiliating with Coldwell Banker Realty, he was an agent with United Real Estate Specialist.
Dark Horse Media hires exec chief
Debra Stephens Cook has been hired as executive director of Dark Horse Media.
Stephens Cook has over 28 years of broadcast television sales and management experience, spending the majority of her broadcast media career with the Spokane and Tri Cities ABC affiliates. In 2013, she left the Spokane market as local sales manager to take on the role of general sales manager for a Raycom Media station (now Gray Television) in Jonesboro, Arkansas. In 2014, she accepted the position of general sales manager with KOLD in Tucson.
In February 2016, Stevens Cook left the television industry and joined Showard Law Firm to assume the newly created role of director of marketing and operations.
Sam Sufi joins Diamond Ventures
Diamond Ventures has appointed Sam Sufi real estate development manager.
Sufi will use his expertise in finance, architecture, construction, and real estate to further enhance the company’s ability to acquire and develop properties in the Greater Tucson area and other markets where Diamond Ventures has interests.
He has previously worked at CBRE, Sundt Construction, and with two local developers revitalizing downtown Tucson.
RBC Wealth’s Corte promoted
RBC Wealth Management’s Tucson office promoted Gustavo Corte to the role of associate vice president/financial adviser.
Corte joined RBC Wealth Management in 2018 as a financial adviser.
AEF selects Hill as deputy chief
Teresa Hill, former principal of Walden Grove High School in the Sahuarita Unified School District, joins the Arizona Educational Foundation as deputy director.
Hill will oversee all AEF programs, including serving as dean of the Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona, and coordinator of the A+ School of Excellence program and Arizona Spelling Bee, among other duties.
Hill began her 30-year career in public education as a teacher before moving into administration.
Lazarus & Silvyn names partner
Lazarus & Silvyn PC announced Rory Juneman has been named a partner in the firm.
Juneman joined Lazarus & Silvyn in 2014. He represents clients in the Tucson office who are seeking zoning and land-use-planning legal expertise relating to compliance with local, state and federal land-use regulations.
He has extensive experience in land-use entitlement processes, administrative hearings and negotiations with local jurisdictions, agencies, and neighborhoods. He has represented clients before various boards of adjustment, planning commissions, design review committees and governing bodies, and he has negotiated development agreements, neighborhood agreements, economic incentives and impact fee credit agreements. He also has worked with local jurisdictions to revise land use and zoning regulations.
Harris appointed hearing officer
Pima County Presiding Judge Jeffrey T. Bergin appointed M. June Harris to fill a new hearing officer position at the Superior Court.
As the selected head of the newly designated Division XR, Harris will take the bench in early January.
Harris served as special counsel for the Tohono O’odham Judicial Branch for 15 years before her appointment, acting as sole general counsel, administrative attorney, and ethics advisor to six judicial administrative divisions and more than 100 employees. Since 2020, Harris has also presided, as a judge pro tempore, over Superior Court probate mental health hearings.
Earlier in her career, Harris was an attorney with the Tohono O’odham Advocate Program managing the juvenile section.
Planetary Science names CFO
Maurizio “Maui” Balistreri has been promoted to chief financial officer at the Tucson-based Planetary Science Institute.
Balistreri joined PSI in 2012 as controller and then transitioned into the chief operating officer as the company continued to grow and evolve.
He started his professional career as an auditor with a local public accounting firm, specializing in single audits of nonprofits. He later became the corporate controller for one of the largest home health-care providers in Arizona until joining PSI.
Truelsen joins Recorder’s office
Michael Truelsen has joined the Pima County Recorder’s Office communications team as media liaison.
Truelsen brings to the post more than 30 years of journalism and communications experience, most recently as web editor for Tucson Local Media. He has worked for several other Tucson media operations as well.
Truelsen will work to share the news, vision and mission of the Pima County Recorder. He will also be responsible for keeping Pima County voters informed of changes in election law and voting procedures to ensure they have accurate, reliable and consistent information.