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Luke Bathel
Chief Operating Officer, Cavan Commercial
A respected young talent within the Valley real estate community, Luke has proven success in many areas of commercial development over the course of his career. His skills are diverse, and over the past seven years Luke has had the opportunity to work on infill land acquisitions, valuation, entitlements, development, construction, dispositions, syndications, and more. Currently, he serves as the chief operating officer of Cavan Commercial, where he provides leadership, direction and discipline to support this growing organization’s overall policies and objectives.
A life-long Arizona resident and graduate of Arizona State University with strong roots in both Tucson and greater Phoenix, Luke has always made supporting the community a top priority. In addition to his work with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Luke is Chairman of the Young Leaders Group for the Urban Land Institute, a Big Brother, and an active member of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP), Valley Partnership, Mentorkids USA and Younglife.
An avid outdoorsman who spends many a weekend exploring the country’s biking trails, secluded camping spots, and ski resorts, Luke is as comfortable in his hiking boots as he is his Allen Edmonds.
Donate In Honor of Luke Bathel
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India Borba
Manager, Attorney Recruiting, Quarles & Brady LLP
Born in Phoenix, AZ, India Borba traveled around the globe to find herself back in the "Valley of the Sun" again. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Business & Communications from Arizona State University, India was accepted into the U.S. Peace Corps. and headed to South America. After serving twenty-seven months as an agricultural marketing volunteer in the countryside of Bolivia, she took advantage of the travel opportunities, and accepted a job teaching English to executives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Eventually, India made it back state-side and was offered a position as the admission advisor at the Phoenix School of Law. After acclimating back into the U.S. and expanding her professional skill set at the law school, she was ready for her next adventure. India has found her home at Quarles & Brady where she works as the manager of attorney recruiting.
In her free time, India volunteers at an inner city elementary school as a homeroom parent and tutor, and at St. Mary's Food Bank. She also enjoys spending time outside with her puppy and doing work around her house.
Donate In Honor of India Borba
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Jennifer Brillowsky
Director of Marketing, Wattel & York Attorneys At Law
Originally from Michigan, Jennifer Brillowsky has spent the majority of her life in Scottsdale, Arizona. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Arizona State University and has focused her career on her passion-- marketing.
For the past 12 years, Jennifer has built her career in the development arena, marketing for some of the largest national developers in the country including the Del Webb Corporation, KB Home, SunCor Development and Newland Communities. She has recently made the transition to the law field and is the Director of Marketing for the law firm of Wattel & York, a firm dedicated to “tort” law. She oversees the strategic marketing communications and new business development for the firm, which includes five office locations in Arizona and Washington.
In addition to Jennifer’s professional credentials, she has always been very active in the community and has been involved in various professional and philanthropic organizations. She served as Chair and Co-Chair for two consecutive years for the Programs Committee for ULI (Urban Land Institute) Young Leaders Group and has been a member of Valley Partnership. She has volunteered her time and participated in community outreach programs that have supported organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Jennifer was also an Arizona Cardinals cheerleader and traveled overseas and performed for our troops as part of the USO tour. She was thrilled the AZ Cardinals made it to the Super Bowl!
Donate In Honor of Jennifer Brillowsky
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Casaundra Brown
Director, Marketing & Communications, Downtown Tempe Community, Inc.
Hailing from Edina, Minnesota, Casaundra is a Midwest girl at heart. She headed to Arizona, searching for warmer climates and to receive her Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Arizona. After touring Europe for 3 months, Casaundra began work with 944 Magazine where she earned her initial experience with print media and advertising. She continued her marketing career with CBS Sports doing corporate sponsorship sales for college athletics. For three years, Casaundra traveled around the
country and took part in some of the greatest college games ever played. Looking for a more creative outlet, Casaundra accepted a position with Downtown Tempe Community, Inc., a nonprofit property management group aimed at making Downtown Tempe and it’s Districts the only authentically urban entertainment destination in Arizona.
Beyond her professional career, Casaundra has been active in the Scottsdale community and has been involved with many charitable organizations. As a member of the Scottsdale Cultural Council, Casaundra promotes the importance of arts and culture in education and as part of daily life. Using Tuesday night dinners with friends as planning sessions for charity events, Casaundra co-founded, Tuesday Night Sushi
Charities, which hosts events to raise money for such organizations as the Chrysalis Foundation to help victims of domestic violence and Arizona Animal Rescue, a local no-kill shelter.
Casaundra spends her free time traveling around the world with her longtime boyfriend, Patrick, and immersing herself in the cultures of other countries. She also enjoys riding her Arabian horses, Tango and Touche, while also making sure to support her U of A Wildcats by attending as many games as she can. Casaundra’s family still lives in Edina, Minnesota and she visits often during the summer months and holiday season.
Donate In Honor of Casaundra Brown
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Judy Cohen
Vice President, The Cohen Venture Capital Group
Judy Cohen, a New York native, grew up in Scottsdale, but has spent the ensuing years crisscrossing the country to attend college at Emory University in Atlanta, GA, working in Phoenix for Coopers and Lybrand and then obtaining an MBA at the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University in Durham, NC.
After graduating from Duke in 2000, Judy returned to Atlanta where she found much personal and professional success. Judy worked for PricewaterhouseCoopers in their management consulting group. After spending several years with PricewaterhouseCoopers, she started her own consulting firm working with Fortune 500 clients in the Atlanta area. In 2004, Judy joined SunTrust Bank in their Commercial Line of Business where she worked in an internal consulting role rolling out strategic initiatives for the organization.
Judy returned to the Valley in 2008 and joined The Cohen Venture Capital Group where she has been active in financing commercial real estate and green energy projects.
In addition to Judy’s professional success, she has always been very active in her community. Judy, an avid runner, raised over $10,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society while training for 7 marathons with Team in Training. She also served as a mentor to new runners who were training for their first marathon. In addition, she worked with the Make a Wish Society in Atlanta and Consulting Club Teams (CCT) where she provided consulting services to non-profits in the Atlanta community.
Since returning to Phoenix, Judy has taken an active role as the Vice President of the Fuqua School of Business at Duke’s alumni organization. She has been instrumental in increasing participation in alumni events and launching an entrepreneurship event. When not working, Judy can be found running in north Scottsdale, hiking, playing tennis or planning her next travel adventure.
Donate In Honor of Judy Cohen
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Meghan Cox
Partner, Lincoln Strategy Group
Meghan Cox, a native Arizonan, grew up in Winslow before moving down to Tempe to attend Arizona State University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. While at ASU, Meghan began her career working in politics by assisting with several campaigns ranging from statewide and Congressional races to Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign in 2000. Between political cycles, Meghan served as the ASU Student Body Government Relations Director and lobbied on behalf of students in the state legislature. Meghan assisted in the 2003 founding of Lincoln Strategy Group, a full-scale public affairs and political consulting firm. She attended the Republican National Committee’s campaign college in 2005, and started to build a diverse portfolio of clients including California Governor Schwarzenegger and several Fortune 500 companies. In 2008, Meghan became Lincoln Strategy Group’s youngest partner, and has developed a niche in complex logistics and large scale and multi-state public affairs campaign organizing for both corporate and partisan clients.
Meghan is very active in the community and has been involved in numerous philanthropic activities and charities, including the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Foundation (HOBY), for which she serves on the Board of Directors. Meghan is also a member in the Valley of the Sun Active 20/30 group, and has had the opportunity to be involved with numerous Autism-related and children-focused events such as the 2009 Florence Crittenton’s Teaming Up for Kid’s Luncheon. Finally, Meghan is a member at the Phoenix Country Club and, in true Sun Devil spirit, remains an active ASU alumna by serving on the Barrett Honors College Alumni Board.
Outside of the office, Meghan enjoys spending time with her friends and family and cheering on ASU football. Meghan especially values time spent with her younger brother, who faces significant challenges from Down Syndrome and Autism. He is her inspiration. Meghan also enjoys being outdoors, hiking, and attending cultural events, but enjoys international travel in particular. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe, and looks forward to planning her next trip. Meghan is fluent in Sign Language and conversational French.
Donate In Honor of Meghan Cox
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Marcus Davi
Principal, TSV Investments, LLC
Marcus Davi was born in San Francisco, CA and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. He attended the University of California at Davis, where he earned B.S. Degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautical Science & Engineering. Afterwards, Marcus filled numerous positions within the operating units of Roper Industries over a 12 year period, including Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Chief Operating Officer and General Manager. His roles included a 5 year assignment overseas, in Singapore and the United Kingdom. His responsibilities at Roper included sales & profit line responsibility for the Asia Pacific Region and for Europe, as well as running a multi-million dollar manufacturing operation in Dallas, TX. Key achievements during his career at Roper included the opening of a strategic operations center in Hamburg, Germany, and the complete relocation of a manufacturing facility to Juarez, Mexico.
Marcus relocated to Arizona in 2004 to co-found TSV Investments, LLC, which focuses on real estate investment and development. As a Principal, Marcus has overseen the procurement of over 4,500 acres of real estate, both residential and commercial, in a variety of Arizona sub-markets.
Marcus has also been very involved in the community. As a member of Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix, he works to help underprivileged children in the Phoenix area through fund raising and “hands on” involvement. Marcus is the club’s current Community Activity Officer and a member of its Executive Community. Marcus serves on the Board of Directors for the Children In Need Foundation and has volunteered his time to the Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS, Phoenix Crisis Nursery, UMOM New Day Center, and Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Arizona.
Donate In Honor of Marcus Davi
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Gregory Derr
Analyst, Salt River Project
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Greg Derr lived in California and Northern Virginia before settling in beautiful Scottsdale, AZ. After graduating from Desert Mountain High School, he attended Arizona State University and received a degree in Economics. Greg worked full time through college at the TPC Scottsdale and spent time in Washington, DC as an intern for Congressman JD Hayworth. Upon graduation, he worked as a researcher for a team of ASU economics professors and helped publish a state tax proposal and a chapter for the Arizona Town Hall on the importance of a competitive business climate. Following these projects, Greg spent four years working for America West Airlines and US Airways in a variety of positions. In 2006 he left the corporate world to serve as Congressman Rick Renzi’s campaign manager, helping return Congressman Renzi to Washington for a third term. After the campaign he joined Salt River Project, where he currently works in Marketing to communicate SRP’s message throughout the Valley.
Outside of his professional life, Greg is actively involved in the community. During his time with America West and US Airways, he was a member of the company’s “Do Crew,” which participates in numerous volunteer projects throughout the community. Since 2007 Greg has been involved with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training program, first as a participant in the PF Changs Rock-N-Roll Marathon, then as a mentor/participant for the San Diego Rock-N-Roll Marathon (where he proudly came in 14,567th place). In his time with Team In Training, he has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to support research, education, and patient services for those suffering from blood related cancers. Additionally, Greg is a member of the Active 20-30 Club of Phoenix, which is dedicated to raising funds to help improve the lives of underprivileged children.
Greg is now pursuing an MBA at the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, where he continues to support Sun Devil athletics and work on various projects with the L William Seidman Research Institute. In his spare time, you can find Greg on the golf course or running along the canals to prepare for the next race.
Donate In Honor of Gregory Derr
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Scott Garrison
Entrepreneur,
A native of Edmond, Oklahoma, Scott Garrison has spent the past 12 years in Phoenix, Arizona. After attending the University of Oklahoma and majoring in health studies pre-med/ with a minor in marketing, Scott moved to Scottsdale and took a job with Vistana, Inc., which at that time was being acquired by Starwood Hotels and Resorts. At 25 Scott became one of the youngest marketing managers in the company. Shortly thereafter, Scott left Starwood to pursue his dream of being an entrepreneur and starting his own business. In the late 1990’s, Scott co-founded Arizona Wireless, co-produced the Arizona Music Festival, and in 2002 went on to co-found a successful restaurant and bar concept that has since been sold for national expansion. In addition, Scott has owned a record label as well as provided consultation for a number of companies and clients in the field of marketing, advertising, & concept development.
In addition to Scott’s professional experience, he has been very active with civic and philanthropic projects such as being the co-developer of a very successful safety campaign: the MADD Teen Phone for MADD and Nissan, as well as developing a national fundraising program for VH1 Save the Music. In addition, Scott has assisted in raising money for Arizona Battered Women’s Shelter, The Caitlin Robb Foundation as well as personally delivering hot meals to those less fortunate this past Christmas Day.
Scott is currently working on growing a handful of business concepts, which include a real estate investment fund, a property management company, a brand development/ creative firm as well as co-writing a comedy screenplay. Scott enjoys hiking, biking, travel, playing guitar and drums, graphic design, reading, spending time with friends, as well as taking his dog Jax to the dog park.
Donate In Honor of Scott Garrison
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Lindsey Jastrzab
Prosthetist/Orthotist, Prosthetic Orthotic Associates
Lindsey Jastrzab is a native Arizonan having grown up in Scottsdale. Lindsey received a degree in English and a minor in Business from the University of Portland and represented the Pilots as a member of their NCAA Division 1 volleyball team. Lindsey’s education continued at California State University –Dominguez Hills where she earned a post-graduate certificate in Prosthetics and did her residency at the Veteran Administration Hospital in Long Beach, CA. Lindsey then went on to Northwestern University in Illinois to attend Orthotics School. Lindsey joined Prosthetics Orthotics Associates (POA) in Scottsdale in 2006 and works as a Prosthetist/Orthotist providing artificial limbs and braces for patients.
Lindsey’s passion for her career extends beyond her work at POA. Lindsey has been involved in the medical community as a patient advocate and also participates in the Amputee Support Group and many other community enrichment activities through POA. Lindsey has also been a member of Valley of the Sun’s Active 20/30 group since the fall of 2007, where she is currently serving as the Vice President of Social for the 2008-2009 term.
Lindsey loves to spend time with her family, who also reside in Scottsdale, and enjoys staying active by practicing yoga, hiking, rock climbing, jogging and traveling. She has been to 9 different European countries as well as the Greek Isles, and is looking forward to her next adventure.
Donate In Honor of Lindsey Jastrzab
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Veronique M. James
Owner, The James Agency
Born and raised as an only child in San Diego, California, Veronique grew up loving life near the surf and in the sun! After graduating from the University of Arizona with a Bachelors Degree in Visual Communication, Veronique toured the country looking for the best place to start her adventure as an adult. Accepting a job quickly after leaving Tucson, she found herself in Scottsdale working as a junior designer at a reputable boutique-advertising agency. Moving upward in the corporate structure, Veronique continued her career at Mullen Advertising where she held the position of Senior Art Director and managed large national corporate accounts. Veronique had always had a passion for entrepreneurialism, where she took her talents and motivation to a new level of business ownership. In October of 2003, she started her own agency representing unique business concepts focusing primarily in the high-end hospitality and real estate arenas. Her company now has over 90 clients on roster and was recently voted #8 in The Best of Arizona Business, Ranking Arizona.
Although Veronique’s time is mostly devoted to her business and client relationships, she is actively involved in several philanthropic organizations here in the Valley. Currently, Veronique stands on the Valley of the Sun Active 20/30 Club, The Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Collaboration for a New Century, Florence Crittenton Teaming Up for The Kids Committee, Phoenix Green Chamber of Commerce as well as devoting a large portion of her time and services to the Cystic Fibrosis foundation as the Director of Marketing for the Happy Givemore Celebrity Golf Tournament and Laugh-Inn Gala.
Recently moving to the Arcadia area, Veronique is finding enjoyment while walking her dog Hannah to the local hot spots near her home. Traveling, Music and other cultures all play a big part in her storybook of life!
Donate In Honor of Veronique M. James
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Keri Mahoney
Sales and Marketing Manager, The Capital Grille
A more than ten-year veteran of sales and marketing for the restaurant industry, Keri Mahoney currently works at The Capital Grille in Phoenix, as their Sales and Marketing Manager. In her role, she is responsible for working with the community to increase awareness of the restaurant and to drive guests to the Biltmore Fashion Park location. She is at the forefront in the development and execution of all local marketing efforts.
Keri is no stranger to working with restaurants within the Camelback corridor. Her previous jobs in area have included Sam’s Café Restaurants where she was the Event Coordinator for all three locations in the valley, and she has also served as the Sales and Marketing Manager at Morton’s of Chicago Restaurant in Phoenix. Currently in her sixth year at The Capital Grille, she won “Rookie of the Year” in 2003 and added on to her job responsibilities as a Field Sales and Marketing Trainer for the company in 2008.
Keri is an honors graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation and Tourism Management with an emphasis in special event planning. She is an active member of the Biltmore Area Partnership, Women of Scottsdale and Women of Central Phoenix Organizations, and looks forward to being on the National Bank of Arizona’s 2009 Women’s Financial Advisory Council. She is also committed to giving back to the community, as she has served on the Key to the Cure board in 2007/08, the Holiday Prelude committee in 2008 supporting youth arts, Oscar Night America in 2009 supporting the Arthritis Foundation, and has been a “big sister” for the Big Brother Big Sister Organization for over two years.
Keri lives in central Phoenix and enjoys hiking with her two dogs, hot yoga, food and wine, and listening to good music. Her new adventures in life are traveling with friends and family and learning how to play golf. She is hoping one day to find her swing.
Donate In Honor of Keri Mahoney
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Brendan McGrath
Project Engineer, CS Companies, Structural Division
Originally from a small suburb North of Chicago, Illinois, Brendan McGrath has spent the last seven years of his life in Arizona. In January 2002, Brendan set his eyes on Arizona and moved west to fulfill his undergraduate degree in Business Management. While attending ASU Brendan co-founded what is today the second largest Sigma Pi Greek chapter in the nation while simultaneously founding the Devil Riders ASU motorcycle club. Brendan always loved to stay busy by focusing on school as well as choice entrepreneurial activities. Shortly after attaining an undergraduate business degree Brendan soon found his calling in the professional world at CS Companies. CS Companies didn’t hesitate to extend a job to a guy like Brendan considering the work ethic that comes with this particular Irishmen. Since joining the team at CS Companies, Brendan has steadily taken on more responsibility. Currently he is serving as a Project Engineer on multiple Arizona Department of Transportation projects as well as private structure work. His perseverance plus his ability to learn and complete new tasks, let to his boss giving him the nickname – “The Prodigy.”
In addition to Brendan’s Professional successes, he has also been busy with both the community and ASU. He has been known to volunteer for both Habitat for Humanity housing projects as well as rebuilding bicycles around the holidays for kids that are less fortunate. Most recently Brendan has been helping his fraternity as an advisor and throwing on a yearly Sigma Pi philanthropy for the Red Cross of America.
Brendan now spends most of his time working hard during the day while finishing a master’s degree in Construction Management by night. He continues to work with the young men of Sigma Pi fraternity to better the future of America. When there is some spare time he can be found with his long time girlfriend Amber Gurley out in the great Arizona outdoors doing just about anything from hiking and biking to riding motocross or playing a round of golf.
Donate In Honor of Brendan McGrath
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Sophie OKeefe-Zelman
Public Affairs Associate, First Strategic Communications and Public Affairs
Sophie O'Keefe-Zelman is originally from Brooklyn, New York but has lived in Phoenix since 1996. Sophie is a proud Sun Devil, graduating in 2005 from the Barrett Honors College, summa cum laude. At Arizona State she was involved in many campus activities, including serving on the board of the Arizona Students’ Association and as student body president. After graduating, Sophie spent a year living in England where she completed her Masters in International Development at the University of Manchester. For her fieldwork, she traveled throughout Sri Lanka focusing on issues such as civil society development, micro-credit and unionization of textile and tea plantation workers.
Currently, Sophie works in Phoenix at First Strategic Communications and Public Affairs, which is a bipartisan firm focusing on corporate communications strategy, public relations, and government relations. She also serves on the board of the Arizona Refugee Community Center, working to help refugees successfully integrate into their new communities and lives.
In her free time Sophie enjoys hanging out with friends, family and her dog, Winston, running (she recently completed her first marathon!) and traveling. Sophie is excited and honored to be one of the 2009 AZ's Finest honorees, she is looking forward to getting to know her fellow honorees and to fundraise and raise awareness of Cystic Fibrosis.
Donate In Honor of Sophie OKeefe-Zelman
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Chris Parker
Radio Personality, Clear Channel
Originally from northern Minnesota, Chris Parker has been in the valley for over eight years now. Chris has been involved in the media (radio/television whenever they'll let him have camera time) for almost a decade and a half with over half of that time in Arizona. Putting time in both Minnesota and Florida, Arizona is by far his favorite. Chris is also musician here in the valley heading up the band The Chris Parker Project/The Wedding Crashers, they manage to play between 70 and 80 public and private shows a year. Aside from the entertainment industry Chris is also a partner with Parker & Schmidt Clothiers, a men's Italian import clothing company.
In addition to doing morning radio here in the valley Chris also spends a good portion of his free time supporting multiple local charities . . . hosting The Hemophilia Association's annual Margarita Mix-off, hosting the annual request-a-thon benefiting Stand Up for Kids AZ and assisting anybody else that will let him help out. Chris was also the recipient of the AZ's Finest S.T.A.N.D. award for 2007.
If there's any time left over Chris enjoys riding his motorcycle, writing music, working out and hanging out with his weimaraner Jack. He also enjoys thinking of new business concepts and speculating on just about everything.
Donate In Honor of Chris Parker
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Chris Richardson
Founder & Chief Executive Officer, ASPACT Schools LLC
Originally hailing from the Pacific Northwest, Chris Richardson was raised in the Seattle, WA area in a town called Bremerton. He stayed local and attended the University of Washington where he double majored in Zoology and Fisheries. His childhood dream to be Jacques Cousteau led him to such exotic climes to live and conduct research as the San Juan Islands, the Florida Keys, the Turks & Caicos Islands and Jamaica. After getting an article published in The Journal of Heredity, he realized that laboratory work was not appealing to his social nature and Chris enrolled at the University of Puget Sound to get his Masters of Arts in Teaching.
This phase of Chris' career was extremely eye-opening and had a huge role in the founding of ASPACT Schools. It was during this training that he realized that teacher salary raises were even less than the average rate of inflation and that many public school administrations actually repress change as opposed to promoting creativity and the augmentation of public education. Chris left teaching to build business skills: Manager of Business Strategy at License Online, Vertical Market Product Manager at Talisma, and owner of his own boutique consulting firm to VCs and startups in the Seattle and Silicon Valley areas. When the dot.com bubble burst, Chris realized he needed formal training to supplement his self-taught business skills and went back to the University of Arizona for his MBA (MIS, Finance, and Entrepreneurship).
Upon graduation, Chris joined Honeywell, his current employer, and has had five job roles of increasing scope during his five year tenure: Business Analyst, Co-sourcing Manager, Senior IT Audit Manager (data privacy), and Senior Program Manager for two programs (Data Center Rationalization and now Telecom Refresh). His roles have led him to Los Angeles, the South of France and for the last three years, Phoenix. Coming full-circle and fulfilling a vision since 1998, Chris started ASPACT Schools in November of 2007 when he met his business partner who built the knowledge management system for the US Navy. Together, their goal is through free software to augment school budgets to improve teacher salaries and invest in curriculum by (A)ligning the disenfranchised stakeholders of the public school system: (S)tudents, (P)arents, (A)dministration, (C)ommunity, and (T)eachers.
During what little free time Chris has, he enjoys reading, team sports and SCUBA diving. He is also particularly excited to give back via a great charitable foundation such as CFF and work with the fun group of individuals in his fellow Arizona's Finest Honorees of 2009!
Donate In Honor of Chris Richardson
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Geff Sellers
Owner and Stylist, G Studio
Geff Sellers is originally from Durango Colorado where he studied fine art and design. After working for Ralph Lauren in New York City he moved to Miami Florida where he spent his time as a design assistant in the Miami Design District. He now lives in Phoenix Arizona where he owns a salon as a stylist and makeup artist called G Studio. “ Being a stylist gives me the freedom to express myself as an artist. I love the fashion industry because it’s always changing and it allows me the opportunity to work with creative people all the time. I also love the challenge of finding the essence of someone or something and working with that to create individual style.”
Aside from work Geff is also community minded and active in several charitable organizations. He is on the Oscar Night America committee and co-chaired The Oscar Night America event in 2008, which benefits the Arthritis Foundation. He hosts fund raising events for various charities in his studio and volunteers his time with local organizations for women in need including Fresh Start.
Geff spends his spare time with friends enjoying the great things living in Phoenix has to offer from year round outdoor activities to great restaurants and theater.
Donate In Honor of Geff Sellers
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Kristy Todd
Manager, Human Resources, ZTejas, INC
A Texas native, Kristy Todd has spent fifteen years exploring life, opportunities and careers in Dallas, Austin and Atlanta, Georgia. She relocated to Arizona with Z’Tejas restaurant group almost 6 years ago and is the Human Resources Manager.
Kristy was an active member of the MRG Charity Club providing assistance to multiple non-profit organizations in the Dallas area, volunteered at The Arc of the Capitol Area assisting the developmentally disabled, has pounded hammers for Habitat for Humanity, and has cycled countless miles in the MS150 to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis.
Her life in Scottsdale has proved to be a perfect fit and has now found a place to call home. She currently volunteers at the Arizona State Hospital in Phoenix where she assists mentally ill patients with crafts, karaoke, dancing and playing volleyball. Kristy spends a majority of her free time hiking remote areas of Arizona, playing softball with Z’Tejas - Tempe, and looking for her next big adventure.
Donate In Honor of Kristy Todd
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Tara Trzinski
Senior Coordinator, Community Affairs, Arizona Diamondbacks
Tara Trzinski started her career in baseball as the assistant marketing manager for the Milwaukee Brewers Spring Training Camp before joining the Arizona Diamondbacks front office in 2005 as an intern in the community affairs department. Now the senior coordinator for community affairs, Tara handles all player-related community activities and develops mutually beneficial relationships with local non-profit organizations. She also manages the ‘Diamonds Back’ Field Building program for the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. Since 2000, this program has built or refurbished 28 youth baseball and softball fields across Arizona.
Tara extends her commitment to the community beyond her career by participating in various philanthropic endeavors. She currently serves on the board of directors for Best Buddies Arizona as well as the Camp Colley Foundation. She is the secretary on the board of directors for the W.P. Carey School of Business Chapter of the Arizona State University Alumni Association and is a member of both the Homecoming Planning Committee and the Scholarship Selection Committee. In 2008, Tara managed fundraising campaigns for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk to Cure Diabetes as well as Walk Now for Autism benefiting SARRC and Autism Speaks.
Born and raised just outside of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Tara enjoys watching baseball, playing recreational softball, golfing and traveling. She especially loves visiting baseball stadiums to watch the D-backs play outside of Arizona. Tara graduated with a marketing degree and international business certificate from Arizona State University in 2005.
Donate In Honor of Tara Trzinski
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Ashley Ulinger
Commercial Real Estate Leasing Agent, Nobeus Property Management, Inc.
Ashley was born and raised right here in beautiful Phoenix, Arizona. After graduating high school, Ashley began working at Lawyers Title where she spent almost three years closing escrow transactions and where she also received the escrow elite award. Ashley then moved on to venture into the commercial real estate world as a portfolio account manager at Mohr Partners, Inc. Ashley was engaged heavily in very large corporate lease negotiations throughout her two years there, and was honored with the business contribution award in 2007 and also earned the certified commercial leasing specialist (CCLS) certification that same year. In September, 2008 Ashley joined the Accredited Management Organization, Nobeus Property Management where she enjoys being the leasing agent and oversees the marketing and leasing of vacant spaces in over 20 buildings valley wide.
In addition to her business success, Ashley is also extremely involved in her community. She is currently the club President of Valley of the Sun Active 20/30 after serving as the Vice President of Social Events in 2007-2008 term. She also serves on the community outreach committee in the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Young Leaders Group. Besides being honored as an AZ’s Finest, Ashley also sits on the executive committee for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Stairclimb and Firefighter Challenge. She is also involved and coordinates several book and clothing drives for the Children’s First Academy, a local school for homeless children.
When Ashley is not reviewing leases or helping out in the community, she loves to travel and scuba dive, and really enjoys a nice bubble bath and a good book any chance she gets. She also loves the outdoors so she is always fitting activities such as wakeboarding, hiking, or quad riding with her friends in her busy schedule.
Donate In Honor of Ashley Ulinger
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