Giving Back
1. The Opus Foundation announced the Phoenix chapter of The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is the recipient of the 2026 Gerry Rauenhorst Building Community Award. The chapter will receive a $73K grant.
Awards & Accolades
2. The City of Mesa Office of Economic Development has been chosen for a 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council. The Office was noted for innovative economic development for its AI-Enabled Economic Development Intelligence System in the category of innovative economic development. The award will be presented at the IEDC 2026 Annual Conference in New Orleans in October.
Company News
3. In an evolution of leadership, Tim Brislin has assumed the role of CEO and President at Harvard Investments, while Craig Krumwiede transitions to Executive Chairman. Brislin joined the company in 2007 and was promoted to President in 2023. He has more than 25 years of real estate experience, including nearly 20 years with Harvard Investments. Krumwiede, who led the company as CEO and President since 1994, has more than 40 years of experience and will remain involved in the company’s long-term vision, leadership mentoring and strategic initiatives.
4. Arizona Escrow & Financial Corporation is celebrating 50 years. Founded in 1976, the woman-owned, independently owned company provides specialized commercial and business escrow services. The company recently became an Arizona Cardinals Small Business Partner and was named a 2026 BBB Torch Awards for Ethics finalist. President Annette Anderson was named one of AZRE magazine’s Most Influential Women in Real Estate for 2026, while CEO Monica May-Dunn was named a Top 10 finalist for the 2026 NAWBO National Woman Business Owner of the Year Award.
Promotions
5. Tara Mitchell has been promoted to President at ARCHSOL. Mitchell most recently served as VP of Business Administration and Operations. As President, she will direct business operations, organizational strategy, culture and growth.
6. Taylor Simpson has been promoted to Sales Engineer at Advanced Drainage Systems. Taylor joined ADS in April 2021 as an Inside Sales Engineer and within two years was promoted to AZ Allied Products Manager. In her new role, she will provide design and technical assistance for ADS products within her territories of southern Arizona, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.
New Hires
7. Corgan recently welcomed Tierney Encinias as Director of Business Development. Encinias also serves as the Vice Chair of RISE. In her new role, she will steer the company’s strategic pursuits.
8. Mandy Smith was hired at Corporate Interior Systems Inc. as Director of Project Administration. Smith brings more than 15 years of experience in corporate operations, luxury hospitality, construction and project management to CIS. She focuses on strengthening client relationships, driving operational excellence and ensuring organized, high-quality execution across projects and daily operations.
9. Creative Designs in Lighting announced the appointment of Rachel Gibney as Director of Design & Development, Commercial Markets. In this role, Gibney will lead the company’s commercial design vision, oversee creative strategy and manage the design team to deliver innovative lighting solutions for clients across commercial, hospitality, corporate and specialized markets.
10. Ryan Young has joined Gilbane Building as Business Leader in Arizona. Young brings two decades of commercial construction experience across Arizona and the Southwest, with experience in operational leadership, risk management, project delivery and team development. He served on the Board of Directors of Future for KIDS.