Knowing the business leaders to watch in 2025 is essential for understanding emerging trends, innovation, and market direction. These leaders drive industry transformation, inspire collaboration, and shape the future economy. Staying informed about their vision and strategies offers insights, opportunities, and inspiration for businesses and professionals aiming to stay competitive. Each year, the Az Business magazine editorial board selects the AZ Big 100, the 100 individuals and businesses that will impact Arizona’s economy in the upcoming year.
AZ Big 100 online coverage
JANUARY 14: 50 Arizona business leaders to watch in 2025
JANUARY 15: 50 Arizona commercial real estate leaders to watch in 2025
JANUARY 16: 50 Arizona businesses to watch in 2025
JANUARY 17: 50 Arizona commercial real estate companies to watch in 2025
50 business leaders to watch in 2025
Included as part of Az Business magazine’s AZ Big 100 for 2025, here are 50 Arizona business leaders to watch in 2025:
Bill Boor
President, CEO and director
Cavco Industries
Background: After serving on the board of directors since 2008 and as chairman from 2018-2019, Boor became president, CEO and director of Cavco in 2019. Since that transition, Cavco has acquired two large regional manufactured home companies, expanding to 6,500 employees, 31 production lines, 79 retail locations, and finance and insurance subsidiaries. His leadership has changed the company and the industry. “I stepped into the CEO role of an already very successful company,” Boor says. “However, we made the conscious decision early on to redefine our operating philosophy by integrating our previously separated operating businesses and making a strategic commitment to the development and success of our people. Today our business leaders work closely together across organizational boundaries, and we’ve improved as an employer. As a result, we’re tighter and more aligned, with a larger, shared vision of making an impact in affordable housing.”
The company: Cavco is committed to providing affordable, high-quality and energy-efficient homes for customers and creating a safe, rewarding workplace for team members. This is evident in sweeping safety and facility improvements, innovative career development opportunities, financial education and home purchase programs for workforce employees, and industry-changing product innovations, such as the first nationally available factory-built duplex-series.
Learn more: cavcohomes.com
Tim Bricker
Central region president // CommonSpirit Health
Bricker is the CommonSpirit Central Region president, which covers Dignity Health points of care in Arizona and Nevada and CHI Health points of care in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska and North Dakota. Prior to being named Central Region president, Bricker was the CommonSpirit Southwest Division president and CEO.
Rose Castanares
President // TSMC Arizona
Castanares recently stepped into the role of president of TSMC Arizona. Castanares joined TSMC in 1998, where she was responsible for customer relations and sales for a range of systems and fabless clients. TSMC’s second fab is scheduled to begin equipment installation in the second half of 2026.
Anna María Chávez
President and CEO // Arizona Community Foundation
Chávez brings over 25 years of experience in education, government, technology and nonprofit organizational leadership and management to her role. Born and raised in Eloy to Mexican-American parents, she learned at an early age the importance of being a leader in her local community.
Carlos Contreras
Director // Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity
Contreras’ work connects workforce development strategy and data evaluation to ensure Arizonans have access to economic opportunities. In Gov. Katie Hobbs’ Workforce Cabinet, he leads the implementation of OEO’s efforts to sustain Arizona’s rapidly growing economy by supporting a skilled workforce.
Brian Crisp
Regional president, Arizona // Enterprise Bank and Trust
Background: Crisp develops and implements initiatives to help the bank continue steady growth and expansion across the state. With more than 20 years of banking experience and close ties to the Arizona business community, Crisp oversees all aspects of the bank’s operations in the state and facilitates the bank’s growth in the region to meet existing and prospective clients’ expanding needs. He currently serves as a board member for Child Crisis Arizona and the American Subcontractors Association of Arizona. Crisp is an active member of the Scottsdale Charros.
Innovative act: “One of the unique ways that we help businesses thrive is through Enterprise University, a one-of-a-kind business training series offered at no cost to attendees. Courses are taught by practicing professionals who are subject matter experts in their industry. Our leadership holds Enterprise University to a standard of high integrity, managed with an organized team who develop classes through in-depth planning alongside the educators. This approach ensures we are providing impactful content that speaks to our business communities — even those who might not utilize Enterprise’s banking services — and gives them an opportunity to learn and improve their own operations.”
Learn more: enterprisebank.com
Michael Crow
President // Arizona State University
Crow has been recognized by Time Magazine for his efforts as a leader in sustainability. Crow is one of more than a dozen Leaders on the Time100 Climate 2024 list. ASU launched the school of sustainability under Crow’s leadership in 2006 and has continued to focus on climate solutions.
Stephen R. Curley
Chief banking officer, national business lines // Western Alliance Bank
Curley is an impressive business leader who contributes significantly to the continuing growth and success of Western Alliance Bank. Since Curley joined the organization in 2009, Western Alliance has become the No. 1 national leader in HOA and mortgage banking.
Kari Curry
Senior director of health and wellness // FSL
Curry focuses on the strategic operations of the organization’s community-based programs, providing support for older adults and individuals with disabilities. She provides strategic guidance to FSL’s ReCreación Adult Day Health Centers, nutrition services, senior center programming, and transportation services, serving over 28,000 Arizonans each year.
John Damiris
Arizona region president // UMB Bank
Damiris oversees the financial institution’s commercial banking team and will focus on continued business development and growth. He provides support to grow all areas of the Bank, including helping find new clients and top talent to expand the Bank’s presence in the market.
Roshanak Didehban
Chief administrative officer // Mayo Clinic
Didehban works with Richard Gray, MD, CEO, to provide leadership and strategy, define and implement Mayo Clinic’s operational plan, and expand Mayo’s leadership in Arizona and the Southwest. Prior to becoming CAO of Mayo Clinic in Arizona in 2022, Didehban worked as Mayo Clinic’s chair of Practice Administration.
Tom Grote
CEO // Banner|Aetna
Grote has been forging change in healthcare for more than 30 years. As founding CEO of Banner|Aetna, he unites two companies under a joint venture model that ensures shared accountability for healthcare quality and costs. Under Grote’s leadership, the company has improved quality, driven down costs and implemented innovative solutions.
Jessica Estrada
Market managing principal // Grant Thornton
In August, Grant Thornton, named Estrada as the firm’s new market managing principal for Phoenix. In this role, Estrada will drive growth and lead strategy execution in the Phoenix market, while helping her team deliver personalized client experiences.
Chuck Fruth
CEO // Fruth Group
Fruth has cultivated an employee-first environment at Fruth Group by promoting wellness initiatives, such as implementing free in-office yoga classes, flex work hours, health-conscious snacks in the break room and a bi-yearly steps challenge. Fruth Group has prioritized cybersecurity by training its employees and offering enhanced cybersecurity services to its customers.
Suresh Garimella
President // University of Arizona
In August, the Arizona Board of Regents appointed Garimella as the 23rd president of the University of Arizona. Garimella was previously the 27th president of the University of Vermont. Previously, he served as executive vice president for research and partnerships at Purdue University.
James Goodnow
CEO // Fennemore
Goodnow is the CEO of Fennemore, the fastest-growing law firm in the U.S. with 20 physical offices, 700 legal professionals, and a revolutionary fully remote attorney program called Fennemore Forward. By creatively deploying technology and focusing on business discipline, the Harvard Law and Cambridge Business School grad’s forward-thinking strategies have helped catapult the firm to the No. 1 firm in the country for year-over-year revenue growth.
Jeffrey B. Guldner
CEO // Pinnacle West Capital Corporation
Guldner leads Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its primary subsidiary, Arizona Public Service Company (APS). The company is among the nation’s top utilities for delivering clean and reliable energy to its customers and is working to fulfill its ambitious commitment to deliver 100% clean, carbon-free electricity to customers by 2050.
Wendy J. Greenland
CEO // Openforce
Greenland brings nearly 30 years of experience and leadership to Openforce, focused on developing and delivering technology-driven business services and solutions, providing outstanding client service and driving profitable revenue growth. Within Openforce, she drives the mission of the organization and creates a standard of quality in order to provide best-in-class products and services.
Chris Hahn
Principal // Deloitte Consulting
Hahn is a principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP and leader of the Oracle Retail Finance Transformation practice, with over 24 years of experience at the intersection of finance and technology. He works with leaders in organizations to drive business-led technology-enabled transformation to improve processes and value within the enterprise.
Alexis Hermosillo
Mayor // City of El Mirage
Hermosillo is in her second term as the mayor of the City of El Mirage. As a proud fifth generation El Mirage resident, Hermosillo has led national efforts to improve climate conditions through carbon pricing and provided operational and managerial support to numerous non-profits on a state and national level.
Susie Ingold
President // Burch & Cracchiolo
In 2024, Burch & Cracchiolo announced that partner Ingold had been elected president of the firm. Ingold has been in practice with Burch & Cracchiolo for 26 years and is the first woman to lead the firm. She is a seasoned employment law and litigation specialist, providing expert counsel on workplace issues.
Travis Jones
Innovation principal // BeachFleischman
Jones leads initiatives to strengthen and enhance the client experience, oversees digital transformation and applies data-driven insights to drive firm growth and efficiency. Jones brings 17 years of dedicated experience as an accounting and assurance professional with specialization in financial due diligence, fraud, internal controls, and process improvement.
Cindy Jordan
CEO and co-founder // Pyx Health
Jordan’s search for answers to her daughter’s downward spiral led her to create Pyx Health, a young company with an audacious goal: to bring loneliness to light, and lead the health care industry to regard loneliness as a treatable condition.
Jennifer Kaplan
Founder and CEO // Evolve PR and Marketing
Since 2010, Kaplan has grown the firm to be the largest in Arizona with 23 staff and over 100 clients, locally and nationally. Kaplan excels at building strong relationships with local communities and businesses, successfully navigating industry shifts.
Chris Kearney
CEO // TruWest Credit Union
Kearney joined TruWest in 2012 as senior vice president and chief information officer, where he spearheaded numerous strategic initiatives that have modernized operations and enhanced the member experience. His promotion to CEO in 2024 was the culmination of years of leadership across critical business areas, including technology, data, and strategy.
Mary Kelly
President and CEO // StrataTech Education Group
Background: Kelly is a dynamic leader with over 20 years of experience in higher education across both for-profit and nonprofit institutions. She joined StrataTech Education Group in 2010 as chief operating officer, quickly rising to president and CEO by 2011. Previously, she served as group vice president at Lincoln Educational Services, overseeing nine schools in four states. Kelly holds multiple degrees from the University at Albany and serves on several boards, including the Board of Career Education Colleges and Universities and the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. She is also a director for the ACE Mentor Program.
Innovative act: Over the last year, Kelly expanded StrataTech Education Group’s footprint by opening its fifth campus in Dallas, as part of the company’s goal to provide life-changing opportunities to over 100,000 graduates nationwide. As the country shifts towards electrification, Kelly led the launch of a 15-week electrical lineworker program in Dallas, Texas and Jacksonville, Fla. Additionally, she spearheaded a partnership with The Home Depot’s Path to Pro program, providing welding and HVAC/refrigeration content for their website. Looking ahead to 2025, Kelly is excited to continue to expand StrataTech’s footprint and find new ways to reach Gen Z students that are interesting in building a career in the skilled trades.
Initiatives for 2025: StrataTech, under Kelly’s leadership, is committed to a “People First Culture,” focusing on impactful changes for colleagues, students, employers, and Arizona communities by promoting access to skilled trades careers for all economic backgrounds. The company has established partnerships to support underprivileged and underrepresented groups and will continue to work to close the skilled-trade gap we are experiencing as a country. Additionally, StrataTech, in partnership with ARIZONA@WORK and other local organizations, are addressing local skilled-trades demands. These efforts have enabled students from underserved communities to advance in promising careers.
Learn more: stratatech.com
Michael Kintner
Senior vice president and general manager // Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Background: Kintner is the senior vice president and general manager of Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, a position he has held since September 2020, previously serving as director of marketing and operations. Kintner has been with Harrah’s, located on the Ak-Chin Indian Community, adjacent to the City of Maricopa, for 16 years, coming from a position at the famed Santa Anita Park, a thoroughbred racetrack in California. A die-hard Wildcat fan, Kintner has both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the University of Arizona.
Giving back: As the son of a retired Air Force lieutenant colonel, Kintner grew up learning the value of service, hard work and sacrifice. He is a veterans advocate and serves on the company’s SALUTE Business Impact Group to create awareness and offer support for all community veterans and active military, as well as the Harrah’s more than 50 veteran employees. Kintner also serves as a member of the Pinal County Regional Partnership Council of First Things First, an organization that makes strategic investments to support the healthy development and learning of young children.
Learn more: caesars.com/harrahs-ak-chin
Debbie Kovesdy
CEO // GenTech
Kovesdy was a high school CTE tech teacher for more than 20 years. While teaching she realized that her bright, innovative students had remarkable tech skills to share with a nontechnical world. In 2016, her GenYes tech students initiated the model for the GenTech business.
Jaime Leija
Co-founder and president // BioLab Sciences
Background: Leija is the co-founder and president of BioLab Sciences. He is responsible for bringing the company’s revolutionary regenerative medicine products to market. With more than 20 years’ experience and an extensive background in sales leadership, marketing and operations, Leija works to commercialize innovative products and technologies that will benefit orthopedic, wound care, and pain management industries. Prior to BioLab Sciences, Leija was the region vice president of sales for IKON Office Solutions, AOT-Xerox and Advance Laboratory Consultants. He has a bachelor of science in business and an executive masters in business administration from Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business.
Innovative act: “Our most innovative act in business is the development of a robust Wound Care Platform that supports patients suffering from chronic, non-healing wounds by creating a specialized healing environment focused on comprehensive care and optimal outcomes. At the heart of the platform is a detailed protocol timeline, developed by Dr. Marshall Medley, our chief medical officer and retired vascular surgeon. This step-by-step, week-by-week guide ensures essential standards of care are met before applying skin substitutes, improving patient outcomes and simplifying insurance reimbursement with proper documentation. The platform offers key features such as, insurance and benefit verification that streamlines patient coverage confirmation, billing and reimbursement training which equips clinic staff to manage claims and navigate insurance procedures, product in-service that provides essential training for the proper application of skin substitutes, and ongoing claim management support to assist with insurance denials and ensuring a seamless reimbursement process. To expand access, we offer a Proof-of-Concept Program to help clinics integrate new care protocols and a Charity Care Program providing no-cost products for uninsured patients. By delivering end-to-end support for patients, providers, and insurance, our platform drives effective healing, equitable access, and operational excellence in wound care management.”
Learn more: biolabsciences.net
Stacy Leeds
Dean // ASU College of Law
Leeds is the Willard H. Pedrick Dean and Regents Professor of Law at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, Arizona State University. She was the first Indigenous woman to serve as a law school dean, serving as dean of University of Arkansas School of Law from 2011-2018.
Stephen Macias
President and CEO // Optum – Arizona
Macias has a track record of leading large-market health organizations in Arizona, California, Missouri, Texas and Washington. In his current role, Macias is laser-focused on scaling population health initiatives, so patients stay healthier while Optum works to ensure medical cost affordability, and exceeds operational efficiency standards.
Michael Malone
CEO and founder // Lumifi
Malone is the CEO and Founder of Lumifi, a company that specializes in providing high-level security solutions. Prior to Lumifi, Malone founded Lemonade Capital Holdings in 2019. Malone also founded Datashield in 2009, a leading provider of Managed Security Services. Malone served as the CEO and Founder of Datashield until 2019.
Kenneth Manuel
CEO // Gila River Resorts & Casinos
Manuel has led Gila River Resorts & Casinos to explosive growth in the East and West Valley. He became the first member of the Gila River Indian Community to become CEO of the enterprise in 2017 after spending more than half of his life working in the gaming and hospitality industry.
Carrie Masters
CEO // St. Joseph the Worker
Background: Masters is the CEO of St. Joseph the Worker, a nonprofit in the Greater Phoenix area that empowers unhoused and low-income individuals with pathways to stability through quality employment and housing. Since becoming CEO in March 2023, Masters has led the organization to its most successful fiscal year, expanding client services and strengthening programs like Employment Without Barriers and the 90-day Workforce Villages housing initiative. Her career began at LGE Design Build, where she rose from receptionist to chief operating officer and founded The David R. Sellers Foundation, supporting local nonprofits. Outside of work, Masters is a mentor with New Pathways for Youth and a Homeless ID Project Board Member.
Innovative act: “Simply put, involving the right people. Early in my career, I realized you can accomplish anything with the right team. That reality not only allowed for personal career growth but also shone a light on the importance of culture and the role it plays in organizational success. I am thrilled to have a strong leadership team by my side. Their ability to contribute meaningfully has allowed St. Joseph the Worker to provide much-needed support to those in our community who need it most.”
Learn more: sjwjobs.org
Adam Miller
CEO // Knight-Swift Transportation
Miller joined Knight Transportation in September 2002. He was appointed as CFO in May 2012 and also served as the secretary and treasurer since February 2011. Prior to becoming CFO of Knight Transportation, Miller served as the senior vice president of accounting and finance.
Rob Morocco
President and CEO // Motive Health
Morocco leads Motive Health with a focus on innovative healthcare solutions. Under his leadership, Motive Health emphasizes cost-effective, personalized insurance plans and wellness programs. Morocco’s strategic vision drives the company’s mission to improve healthcare accessibility and affordability, making a significant impact in the industry.
Barbara Morris
President // Prescott College
Morris is a distinguished leader in higher education. With a focus on sustainability, social justice, and experiential learning, she champions the college’s mission to empower students for global citizenship. Morris fosters innovation and inclusivity, guiding Prescott College’s vision for impactful education and community engagement.
Joyce Mullen
CEO // Insight Enterprises
Mullen leads the global technology solutions provider with a focus on innovation, digital transformation, and client success. Her strategic leadership drives Insight’s mission to empower organizations through cutting-edge IT solutions. Mullen emphasizes diversity, sustainability, and growth, positioning Insight as a leader in the tech industry.
Vicky Peacey
President and general manager // Resolution Copper
Peacey leads efforts to develop one of the world’s largest untapped copper resources in Arizona. With a focus on sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community engagement, she drives the project’s commitment to responsible mining practices and local economic development.
Amy Preest
Executive director // USAA
Background: Preest is a dynamic leader at USAA, serving as executive director in the auto claims department. With a profound passion for serving military families, she exemplifies USAA’s mission to ensure the financial security of its members. In her role, Preest leads the entry point for the claims career path, shaping the future of the department by developing new talent and driving excellence. She has led the largest transformation in the claims department, revolutionizing efficiency, service, and quality. This year, Preest’s leadership was crucial in managing the response to Hurricane Helene, the single largest catastrophe event, where she ensured members received timely and effective support during their time of greatest need. Celebrated for her innovative and fun approach, Preest is dedicated to making the claims experience fast, accurate, and easy. She is deeply committed to empowering her team, fostering a culture of learning and support as they navigate the complexities of claims. By creating an environment where employees can grow and thrive, Preest ensures that her team is well-equipped to deliver exceptional service. Her dedication to positive change and support for those who serve our nation continues to inspire and drive success within USAA. Preest’s leadership not only transforms processes but also touches lives, making a lasting impact on the community she serves.
Learn more: usaa.com
Jim Pratt
General manager and CEO // Salt River Project
Pratt leads SRP, a major utility provider in Arizona, overseeing both water and power operations. He leads the organization’s commitment to renewable energy, grid management, and water conservation.
Kathleen L. Quirk
President and CEO // Freeport-McMoRan
Background: Quirk is president and chief executive officer and a member of the board of directors of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (Freeport). Quirk joined Freeport in 1989 and had responsibility for a broad range of corporate functions, including tax, investor relations, corporate development and treasury before being named chief financial officer in 2003. During that period, she was named Best CFO in Metals and Mining by Institutional Investor magazine on numerous occasions. She was named president of Freeport in 2021 and became a member of the board of directors in 2023. As a senior member of the company’s executive team for more than 20 years, she has been instrumental in Freeport’s strategic planning and execution of company goals. She currently serves on the board of directors of Vulcan Materials Company. Quirk is a graduate of Louisiana State University.
Learn more: fcx.com
Steve Ratcliff, DDS
Chief dental officer // Spear Education
Dr. Ratcliff is the chief dental officer at Spear Education, a leading provider of dental education. Dr. Ratcliff focuses on interdisciplinary care, restorative dentistry and enhancing the patient experience.
Karen Roch
President and CEO // Credit Union West
Roch is an accomplished and visionary leader with a deep commitment to financial inclusion and community empowerment. Roch brings a wealth of experience and a passion for serving members’ financial needs.
Tim Schantz
President and CEO // Troon
Schantz leads Troon, a global leader in golf course management, development, and marketing. With over 22 years of experience in golf and hospitality, Schantz has held various leadership roles.
Curtiss C. Smith
President of the Phoenix region // Northern Trust
Background: As the president of the Phoenix region at Northern Trust, Smith oversees the growth of the Phoenix and Scottsdale markets alongside a tenured team of wealth management leaders who are responsible for the delivery of best in class investment management, trust, banking and advisory based solutions. He is a licensed CPA in Arizona and is a Certified Private Wealth Advisor designee through The Investments & Wealth Institute. Smith is a current board member at Arizona Community Foundation, a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership and is the current chairman of the board at Ballet Arizona.
Innovative act: “I am fortunate that innovation is part of our culture. Every day, we are privileged to use our highly-regarded Goals Driven Wealth Management technology with clients,” Smith says. “This patented, award-winning technology lets us collaborate with clients and design a plan around their unique priorities. It allows us to fully address goals across lifestyle, family, business, and philanthropy as well as understand how the plan will change as goals are fulfilled or added, or as market conditions change. Being able to make decisions with confidence is something I know our clients value.”
Learn more: northerntrust.com/phoenix
Luke Timpe
Founder and CEO // CyberMass
Timpe is the founder and CEO of both Dyzana Consulting and CyberMass, serving businesses with cybersecurity, digital transformation, digital health, and business transformation consulting.
Gene Tipps
CEO // Plexus Worldwide
In his role as CEO, Tipps serves on Plexus’ Executive Leadership Team; Plexus’ key executive decision-making body focused on global strategy development and delivering meaningful Brand Ambassador and customer experiences.
CarolAnn Tutera
Co-founder and CEO // SottoPelle Therapy and Tutera Medical
Background: Tutera Medical is highly skilled and experienced in managing menopause and andropause. The team at Tutera Medical has a compassionate understanding of how unbalanced hormones impact every system in the body. During this time, symptoms can range from mild to unbearable. Tutera Medical’s team is thoroughly trained to recognize, diagnose, and treat the many health concerns that arise with aging. Tutera Medical has led the field with medical innovation that has helped patients live longer and healthier to enhance their quality of life.
Goals for 2025: “Having more office locations is crucial for meeting patient demand for several reasons. Firstly, as our patient base grows, it’s essential to ensure that we can provide timely access to care. When patients have convenient locations to visit, it reduces wait times and makes it easier for them to schedule appointments.
“Additionally, expanding our offices allows us to reach underserved areas, ensuring that more individuals have access to necessary healthcare services. This not only helps us serve our existing patients better but also attracts new patients who might otherwise face barriers to accessing care.
“Finally, expanding our office locations aligns with our commitment to providing high-quality healthcare. By bringing services closer to the communities we serve, we demonstrate our dedication to patient well-being and accessibility, ultimately fostering trust and loyalty among our patients.”
Innovative traits: “Our company is dedicated to staying at the forefront of hormone replacement therapy, particularly through the innovation of pellet therapy. We actively engage with the latest scientific literature, regularly reading articles and studies that delve into the efficacy, safety, and advancements in this field.
“By understanding the underlying science, we can continually refine our approach and improve our products. Recent research has provided insights into how hormone pellets can be tailored to individual needs, enhancing patient outcomes and minimizing side effects.
“Additionally, we collaborate with leading experts and researchers to explore new developments, ensuring that our therapies are not only effective but also grounded in the most current scientific evidence. Our commitment to ongoing education and research allows us to offer cutting-edge solutions in hormone replacement therapy that prioritize the wellbeing of our patients.”
Learn more: tuteramedical.com or sottopelletherapy.com
Julia Wheatley
Mayor // Town of Queen Creek
Wheatley was elected Queen Creek mayor in August 2022. She represents the town on the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council, as well as the GPEC Mayors and Supervisors Council.
