Giving Back
1. The Sundt Foundation awarded grants to nine Southern Arizona nonprofits during its current giving round. The Foundation awards grants each quarter to local charities that support disadvantaged children and families. Nonprofits are selected through an application process and reviewed by a committee of Sundt employee-owners. Nonprofits that received a grant include:
- Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson
- Southern Arizona Network for Down Syndrome
- Marshall Home for Men
- STEP: Student Expedition Program
- Gabriel’s Angels
- Inside Out Network
- Sol Food Initiatives
- Children’s Museum Tucson
2. Yuma Multiversity Campus Corporation (YMVC) announced support from Southwest Gas (SWG) for a phase two feasibility study that will launch in the next few weeks. Phase two of YMVC will include a strategic assessment and market analysis, to assess the present and future need for skilled workforce by regional employers.
3. A record number of applicants applied for the 2021 NAIOP Arizona Developing Leaders Mentor Program, known as the Young Professionals Group (YPG). The YPG program deepens young leaders’ knowledge of the industry and helps develop invaluable relationships with some of the industry’s most successful professionals. Twenty-five protégés were selected to participate. They are: Braden Blake, Ware Malcomb; Jarett Brock, Cousins Properties; Steven Callahan, Alliance Bank of Arizona; Ryan Coleman, Hines; Gary Cornish, CBRE; Kristina Cutillo, Cushman & Wakefield; Mike Diamond; Gilbane Building Company; Ryan Hankins, CLAYCO; Tino Hernandez, Willmeng; Ryan Hingst, Lee & Associates Arizona; Hagen Hyatt, JLL; Luke Krison, CBRE; Jim MacWilliam, Willmeng; Zach Maki, Seefried Industrial Properties, Inc.; Charl Potgieter, Trammell Crow Company; Chris Reese, Colliers International; Kelly Royle, JLL; Josh Schifferer, Sun State Builders; Braxton Smith, ASU University Realty LLC; Samantha Spadaro, SmithGroup; Eric Sterner, LAST Architects; Jonathan Teeter, CBRE; Tanner Tremaine, Majestic Realty; Nik Vallens, Transwestern; and Aaron Velasco, Prologis.
4. The Arizona Construction Trade Association recently donated $10K to GAP Ministries. This grant will be used to support GAP Ministries’ job training programs. GAP Ministries operates two job training programs, auto tech and culinary for low-income, unemployed and under-employed people. Students receive 10 weeks of free industry-specific and other skills training, in addition to financial literacy classes and support.
Awards & Accolades
5. Best Lawyers in America® 2022 once again recognized every land use and zoning attorney from Withey Morris PLC, a prominent Arizona land use and real estate law firm for more than 20 years. The 2022 edition of Best Lawyers in America includes the following Withey Morris attorneys and practices:
- William Allison – Government Relations Practice and Land Use and Zoning Law
- Adam Baugh – Land Use and Zoning Law
- Jason Morris – Land Use and Zoning Law
- Benjamin Tate – Land Use and Zoning Law – “Ones to Watch” award
- Michael Withey – Land Use and Zoning Law and Real Estate Law
6. Paul Johnson Drywall announced they were named a Top 50 Contractor for 2021 by Walls & Ceilings Magazine. This marks the sixth consecutive year for PJD to be named as an industry leader to the national list. In addition, PJD remains the only drywall contractor with operations in Arizona and Nevada to make the list.
7. The Arizona Multihousing Association recently hosted the 29th Annual AMA/Cox Communications Tribute Awards. The winners are:
- Industry Partner of the Year Tucson: Judy Drickey-Prohow, Law Offices of Scott M. Clark, P.C.
- Industry Partner of the Year Statewide: Bry Carter, The Phoenix Staffing
- Volunteer of the Year Tucson: Kimberly Fitch, Nicolosi & Fitch, Inc.
- Volunteer of the Year Statewide: Rachael Kish, Shelton Residential
- Housekeeper of the Year: Cheri Stroud, P.B. Bell
- Leasing Consultant of the Year: Troy Row, IDM Apartments
- Assistant Manager of the Year: Rachelle Ralston, MG Properties
- Service Technician of the Year: Trevor Terrell, BH Management Services
- Community Manager of the Year 1-199 Units: Lauren McCauley, Baron Property Services, LLC
- Community Manager of the Year Outside the Valley: Gina DeSisto, Greystar Real Estate Partners
- Service Supervisor of the Year 1-199 Units: Michael Pantoja, MEB Management Services
- Arizona Executive of the Year: Justin Steltenpohl, P.B. Bell
- Community Manager of the Year 200-299 Units: Scott Allen, Baron Property Services, LLC
- Service Supervisor of the Year 200+ Units: Chris Owen, Greystar Real Estate Partners
- Service Supervisor of the Year Outside the Valley: Art Torres, Nicolosi & Fitch, Inc.
- Corporate Employee of the Year: Khara House, Bella Investment Group
- Community Manager of the Year 300+ Units: Teresa Garr, Baron Property Services, LLC
- Regional Service Supervisor of the Year: Casey Hale, P.B. Bell
- Property Supervisor of the Year: Ashley Tran, Mark-Taylor Residential
Promotions
8. ISEC promoted Branden Derks to Executive Vice President and Board of Directors. In his new role, Derks will leverage his 20+ years’ experience to continue advancing growth, driving key initiatives, and enhancing business partnerships.
9. SWABACK pllc has promoted Scott Graham to Design Partner. Graham is a licensed Architect with 15 years of experience in high-end residential, mixed-use and light commercial design services.
New Hires
10. Joe Pettee, PE, CEM is joining EEA Consulting Engineers as a licensed Mechanical Engineer and Certified Energy Manager. Pettee will be bringing EEA’s quality MEP design and Commissioning services to the great state of Arizona as the Senior Operations Manager.
Transitions
11. CEO Scott Smith recently informed the Valley Metro Boards of Directors of his intent to retire after serving as the agency’s chief executive for the past five and a half years. Smith shared that he would not seek to extend his current contract, which expires at the end of this fiscal year. Smith joined Valley Metro in February 2016 as the interim CEO and was asked to remain as CEO in November of that same year. During his tenure, he helped stabilize the organization, restore Valley Metro’s reputation and lead the agency to new heights. Under his leadership, Valley Metro has achieved a strong financial and audit track record and operates its bus, rail and paratransit services more efficiently and at a lower cost than its peer agencies.