Giving Back
1. The Arizona Registrar of Contractors hosted its fifth annual Construction Science Technology Apprenticeship Fair and VIP Summit at Chase Field in Phoenix on April 23. The event connected students, members of the United States Armed Forces and veterans with construction companies recruiting for apprenticeship positions and job openings. The VIP Summit brought together industry leaders, policymakers and educators to discuss workforce development, industry challenges and the BuildItAZ Initiative.
Awards & Accolades
2. The Arizona Association for Economic Development presented its annual Economic Development Distinguished by Excellence Awards. In the order they were listed, 2026 EDDE award recipients include:
- Harry Paxton, City of Buckeye – William Lampkin Long-Term Excellence in Economic Development;
- The Boeing Company & City of Mesa – Best of Arizona Award;
- Jaye O’Donnell, City of Mesa – Economic Developer of the Year (Large Community);
- Marissa Garnett, Town of Queen Creek – Economic Developer of the Year (Medium Community);
- Jack Fitchett, City of Winslow– Economic Developer of the Year (Small Community);
- Claire Bruns, City of Goodyear – Emerging Economic Developer of the Year;
- City of Glendale – Economic Development Organization of the Year (Large);
- City of Goodyear – Economic Development Organization of the Year (Medium);
- Bryan Seppala, Resolution Copper – AAED Member of the Year;
- Brock Severson, City of Apache Junction – AAED New Member of the Year;
- Colliers Engineering & Design – Provider of the Year, and
- Chandler Escalante, City of Chandler – Workforce Practitioner of the Year.
Boards & Commissions
3. Robert Rowe’s appointment to the Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission has been unanimously approved. Rowe takes the seat formerly occupied by James Singleton, who recently resigned to run for City Council.
Promotions
4. Hunter Chasse has been promoted to Partner at LevRose Commercial Real Estate. He was previously a Senior Advisor and has been with the firm since 2018, where he is a member of the Kottler & Cosgrove Team and focuses on the acquisition, disposition and leasing of office and industrial properties.
5. Diversified Partners announced Delaney McGroarty and Jack Rodrigues will be performing expanded roles within the company, supporting its in-house brokerage team and growing retail development pipeline. McGroarty, who joined the firm in 2021 as an intern, most recently worked in brokerage, focusing on tenant and landlord representation, retail leasing and sales. Rodrigues, who joined the firm in 2022 as a Sales and Leasing Agent after previously interning with the company, supports leasing and project management across multiple developments.
New Hires
6. Dorsey & Whitney LLP has hired Richard Murphy as Partner in the firm’s Construction & Design group in Phoenix, with more than 30 years of experience representing owners, developers, contractors and design professionals in construction-related matters.
7. Olsson has added Michael LoTempio as Senior Engineer. He previously held roles at Bowman Consulting, EPS Group and Michael Baker International. He has more than 20 years of experience in land development and infrastructure design. Aaron Pinkerton also joined Olsson as Project Manager. He has more than 15 years of experience in transportation engineering and project management, including leading the traffic division for the Town of Gilbert and overseeing infrastructure projects with the Utah Department of Transportation.
8. Scott Lucas recently joined Core States Group as its new Senior Civil Project Manager. Lucas has more than 20 years of experience in the field. In his new role, he will drive regional growth and create a local team.
Retirements
9. Wendy Bridges, Economic Development Director for the City of Goodyear, recently announced her retirement. She will continue to serve until May 1. Bridges started her position in 2023.