Giving Back
1. Mike Greenawalt and Dena Greenawalt have launched the Greenawalt Foundation, a nonprofit focused on expanding opportunities in the skilled trades and supporting community organizations. The foundation plans to distribute $200K in scholarships and grants in 2026, including $2.5K scholarships for high school seniors pursuing careers through registered apprenticeship programs and funding for skilled trades training initiatives. The organization has already invested $169K in skilled trades education and community programs, including $85K to the Phoenix Electrical JATC, where Mike Greenawalt completed his electrical apprenticeship.
2. Fiesta Sports Foundation partnered with Salt River Project to construct a 1.4KSF playground at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Gila River Indian Community’s Komatke Branch. The playground was designed with input from Club youth members during a design session. The project marks the 17th playground built statewide by Fiesta Sports Foundation and the seventh completed in partnership with SRP. The new play area will serve more than 100 youth who attend the Club daily.
Boards & Commissions
3. Robert Klob was elected Chair of the City of Maricopa Planning & Zoning Commission following the resignation of James Singleton, who stepped down after filing to run for Maricopa City Council. Klob joined the commission last year and previously served as Vice Chair. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Pinal County Planning & Zoning Commission, a role he has held since 2023.
Company News
4. Ali Fakih, Founder and CEO of AIAEC and civil and architectural engineering firm Sustainability Engineering Group, announced the launch of ChatAEC, an artificial intelligence platform designed to help developers, architects, engineers and planners evaluate zoning and early feasibility questions. The platform retrieves and interprets jurisdiction-level regulations to provide site-specific zoning information and automated due diligence reports. ChatAEC has been piloted with several organizations and is currently only available in Arizona, although expansion is planned to several additional states.
5. Alston Construction is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. Founded in 1986, the national general contractor has expanded from a regional firm into a company with more than 20 offices across the United States, serving the industrial and commercial sectors, including distribution, manufacturing, cold storage and mission critical facilities.
Promotions
6. Andy Beckerman has been named VP of Vendor Relations at Gulfeagle Supply, succeeding Mike Lesisko. Beckerman is a 24-year veteran of the company who most recently led the firm’s Jacksonville, Fla., branch. Lesisko joined Gulfeagle following its 2024 acquisition of Elite Roofing Supply, where he had been a founding shareholder, and helped lead vendor relations and integration efforts during his tenure with the company.
7. Wynette Reed has retired as City Manager of the City of Goodyear after 39 years of public service, with her final day of service on March 6. The City Council has begun a recruitment process to select her successor. Deputy City Manager Kini Knudson will serve as Interim City Manager until a permanent appointment is made.
New Hires
8. Richard Burkhead has joined Sundt Construction Inc. as Project Executive for the company’s Building Group in the Phoenix region. Burkhead has more than 25 years of experience in business leadership, operations management and program execution supporting high-tech manufacturing facilities. Most recently, he served as Project Executive and sponsor for the Arizona State University Applied Materials Macro Technology Works project.