Spotlighting the AZ Big 100 for 2026 shines a light on the 50 individuals and 50 companies shaping Arizona’s economic future. Selected by the Az Business editorial board in consultation with industry experts, this list of the 50 Arizona business leaders to watch in 2026 recognizes the visionaries, innovators and market-makers driving growth, investment and opportunity across the state. The AZ Big 100 captures who matters now—and who will define Arizona’s economy in the years ahead.


MONDAY: AZ Big 100: 50 Arizona companies to watch in 2026

COMING WEDNESDAY: AZ Big 100: 50 Arizona commercial real estate companies to watch in 2026

COMING THURSDAY: AZ Big 100: 50 Arizona commercial real estate leaders to watch in 2026

SITTING: Cristal Rodriguez, Tempe Tourism; and Dee Burton, First Fidelity Bank. STANDING, FROM LEFT: Desirae Outcalt, Bell Bank; Todd Sanders, Greater Phoenix Chamber; Christine Ulibarri, BeachFleischman; and Karen A. Listo, Desert Diamond Casino’s West Valley properties. (Photo by Bruce Andersen, AZ Big Media)

Michael Crow, Arizona State University

Crow has led ASU since 2002, championing the “New American University” model and expanding research, innovation and global impact. Under his guidance, ASU became a top-tier public university with significant growth in academics, research and enrollment.

Megan Ackaert, Wells Fargo

Ackaert is Wells Fargo’s commercial banking market executive for Arizona and Nevada, providing financing solutions to manufacturers, real estate developers and service firms. She drives regional growth, supports cash-flow management for businesses and guides middle‑market clients through complex capital needs.

Daniel Barajas, Maricopa County Community College District

Barajas leads workforce and economic development strategy for the largest community college system in the U.S. He builds industry-driven training programs, cultivates employer partnerships and authors statewide workforce reports — aligning education with Arizona’s evolving labor market needs.

Jason Beck, mayor, City of Peoria

Beck serves as mayor of Peoria, leading the city through major development and growth phases. He supports infrastructure expansion, community planning and collaborative public‑private partnerships, shaping Peoria’s long‑term urban vision and civic growth.

Rachel E. Biro, CPA

Forensic and Investigative Services Practice leader // REDW Advisors & CPAs

Background: Biro is the Forensic and Investigative Services Practice leader at REDW Advisors and CPAs, guiding strategy and vision in alignment with firm-wide goals. She brings deep experience in fraud investigations and forensic tracing for civil and family law matters and has supported engagements with Tribal Nations, the U.S. Department of Justice, New Mexico state agencies, major insurance companies and leading law firms in Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Innovative acts: “I am especially proud of creating and fostering a truly collaborative approach to forensic accounting investigations, made possible by our exceptional team. By working closely with fellow REDW professionals across technology, risk advisory, audit and assurance, corporate finance, and accounting advisory practices, we intentionally build cross-functional teams that look beyond a single issue or service line. Together, we guide clients from investigating immediate concerns to developing safeguards and long-term risk mitigation strategies. This team-driven approach allows us to respond more strategically to complex matters while delivering practical, well-rounded solutions and building lasting, trust-based client relationships.”

Learn more: redw.com

Kellen Booher

President and COO, CopperPoint Insurance Companies

Background: Booher is president and COO of CopperPoint Insurance Companies, leading growth and transformation with a focus on delivering world-class customer and broker experiences and innovative product and service solutions. Prior to joining CopperPoint, Booher built a track record of leading profitable growth across both commercial and consumer insurance offerings at Chubb and Travelers. He has held broad P&L and functional leadership responsibilities in markets across the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Asia Pacific and Australia. Kellen earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Denison University, where he graduated summa cum laude, and a master’s in international affairs from Penn State University.

Act of innovation: “Nearly 20 years ago, I made the decision to turn down a larger role in the function I was in and take an assignment in a completely new function. Doing so set me on a path of lifelong learning about this complex business, and it is something I’ve done more than once in my career. Continuously building new skills and managing different dynamics has paid dividends in a world where adaptability and learning new tools and technologies has never been more important. It keeps you humble, teaches you to ask questions and think 360, and to seek out viewpoints from your customers, your partners, and your teams.”

Secret sauce: “I don’t consider it a secret, as great mentors graciously shared it with me and others. It’s pretty simple: surround yourself with smart people who challenge you to be 1% better each day, and commit to a growth mindset together. Build a sound strategy that creates value, turn it into an action plan and execute it. Measure the outcomes to learn and adjust as needed. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Have as much fun as possible while doing this.”

Learn more: copperpoint.com

Bill Boor, Cavco

Boor currently serves as president and CEO of Cavco Industries, a manufacturer of factory-built homes. Leading the company since 2019, Boor has spearheaded strategic brand acquisitions and organizational restructuring initiatives.

Barbara Borgonovi, Raytheon

Borgonovi is president of Raytheon’s Naval Power business unit, overseeing advanced missile, radar and defense sensor systems. A 20‑year Raytheon veteran, she previously served as senior vice president of corporate strategy and development.

Lisa Borowsky, mayor, City of Scottsdale

Borowsky became Scottsdale’s mayor in January 2025, drawing on her long tenure as a Phoenix‑area litigator and former city councilmember.

Tim Bruckner, Western Alliance Bank

Bruckner is the chief banking officer for Western Alliance Bank. He is responsible for oversight of the company’s regional banking operations nationwide, as well as certain specialty lending business lines. 

Alan H. Bryce, MD

Interim president and chief clinical officer, City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix

Background: Dr. Bryce leads both clinical operations and strategic initiatives to advance cancer care in Arizona through City of Hope Cancer Center Phoenix. A board-certified medical oncologist and researcher, Dr. Bryce specializes in genitourinary cancers, with a focus on prostate and testicular cancers. Dr. Bryce is also a professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), part of City of Hope, where he collaborates on leading-edge research in cancer genomics and novel therapeutics. His work emphasizes precision medicine — analyzing tumors at the molecular level to identify individualized treatment options. 

Act of innovation: With a research portfolio centered on cancer genetics, immunotherapy and innovative therapies, Dr. Bryce is committed to leveraging genomic insights to improve outcomes and move closer to cures for prostate cancer. Through his clinical leadership and research, Dr. Bryce exemplifies City of Hope’s mission to deliver compassionate, innovative cancer care and bring hope to patients and families across Arizona.

Education: Dr. Bryce earned his medical degree from Finch University of Health Sciences/Chicago Medical School and completed his residency and fellowship training at Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, where he served as chief fellow. He is board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology and has been widely published in peer-reviewed journals.

Learn more: cityofhope.org/phoenix

Juliet Burgess, The Burgess Law Group

Burgess is the founding partner of the Burgess Law Group. For two decades, she has specialized in commercial litigation and labor and employment law representing clients, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to start-up businesses.

Dee Burton

Market president, First Fidelity Bank

Background: With more than 30 years of leadership experience in Phoenix’s financial sector, Burton, market president at First Fidelity Bank, knows the meaning of exceptional service. Leading by example, he and his team live by the motto, ‘say what you will do and do what you say.’ For the past four years, Burton’s commercial banking team has ranked as Arizona’s No. 1 SBA 504 lender by delivering excellent financial solutions to small business owners resulting in significant bank expansion in the state.

Community impact: Burton’s involvement in the community is long-standing. He currently serves on the East Valley Partnership Management Board and has served on the Mesa United Way Board of Directors for more than 20 years. Burton holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Brigham Young University and a graduate degree from Pacific Coast Banking School in Seattle, Washington.

Learn more: ffb.com

Victoria Coley, Banner|Aetna

Coley was appointed CEO of Banner|Aetna in 2025, bringing over 20 years of health‑plan leadership. She leads the insurer’s strategic direction, focusing on expanding care access, improving outcomes and fostering innovation in Arizona’s healthcare market.

James Currier, Honeywell Aerospace

Currier leads Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, steering the Phoenix‑based division toward innovation and growth. A nearly 20‑year Honeywell veteran, he has held global leadership roles and now directs the aerospace unit’s strategy.

Scott Drucker, Arizona Association of REALTORS

Drucker leads the state’s largest real estate trade association, representing over 54,000 members and advocating for homeownership, housing policy and industry support across Arizona.

Ted Geisler, Arizona Public Service Company (APS)

Geisler leads Arizona’s largest electric utility and its parent company, Pinnacle West, driving reliability, customer‑focused strategy and operational excellence after rising through APS leadership roles since 2001.

Todd Gerber, WaFd

As regional president, Gerber leads WaFd Bank’s Arizona operations, pushing commercial and industrial growth with a relationship‑focused approach.

James Goodnow, Fennemore

Goodnow is the CEO of Fennemore, one of the country’s fastest-growing Am Law 200 firms. A forward-thinking leader, he has helped transform the firm by integrating innovative business strategies and cutting-edge technology. 

Greg Hague, 72Sold and Hague Partners

Hague — lawyer turned entrepreneur — founded 72SOLD and Hague Partners, transforming home sales with a fixed‑fee, rapid‑sale model. He’s consistently recognized among Arizona’s most dynamic real estate disruptors.

Derrick Hall, Arizona Diamondbacks

Hall has led the Diamondbacks since 2009, guiding baseball operations and organizational growth. Under his leadership, the franchise expanded its community initiatives and strengthened its reputation for leadership and civic engagement in Arizona.

Anthony Houston, CommonSpirit Health (Dignity Health)

Houston leads CommonSpirit Health’s Arizona market, overseeing eight acute care hospitals, medical groups and care networks while advancing strategic healthcare delivery across the state.

Dr. David Jacofsky

Founder, chairman and CEO, Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) and The CORE Institute

Background: With a distinguished career in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Jacofsky served as a Mayo Foundation Scholar in Orthopedic Surgery and division director at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Dr. Jacofsky completed his MD magna cum laude at the Medical College of Pennsylvania, followed by residency at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine and a fellowship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. While at Mayo he was awarded the Joe Janes Humanitarian Award. He is credited with over 100 peer reviewed publications, over 25 book chapters, three textbooks and is an inventor listed on over 30 patents. He has been recognized with awards including Az Business magazine’s “Most Influential Healthcare Leaders” and multiple “Healthcare Innovator” honors. He serves on numerous corporate boards and his focus remains advancing value-based musculoskeletal care and orthopedic innovation.

Goals for 2026: “The continued shift toward value-based, outcomes-driven care is reshaping the field of orthopedics, and The CORE Institute is leading this transformation. By leveraging data, advanced technology and innovative care models, we are improving quality, enhancing patient satisfaction and expanding access to advanced musculoskeletal treatment across the communities we serve. As we look to 2026, we are focused on growth, innovation and collaboration. We will continue to expand our reach, strengthen partnerships with healthcare organizations and physician networks, and deliver exceptional orthopedic outcomes that improve the lives of patients nationwide. At the same time, we are pioneering new approaches to patient care, advancing clinical research and redefining what it means to provide musculoskeletal excellence. Through these efforts, The CORE Institute remains committed to setting the standard for orthopedic care by driving better outcomes, increasing accessibility and creating a patient experience that reflects our dedication to clinical excellence and innovation in every aspect of musculoskeletal health.”

Learn more: thecoreinstituteaz.com

Jeff Junior, Trajan Wealth

Junior, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and financial services leader, founded Trajan Wealth in Scottsdale in 2012. He has grown the fiduciary firm nationwide, emphasizing client education, integrated wealth and retirement planning, and ethical financial guidance.

Jennifer Kaplan, Evolve PR & Marketing

Kaplan is redefining Arizona’s business landscape as founder, president and CEO of Evolve PR & Marketing, the state’s largest public relations firm with over 140 clients and 28 publicists.

Jason Karpel, DM Cantor

As a partner and director of attorney development, Karpel has completed over 40 jury trials to verdict and has been voted a “Super Lawyer” in the Southwest Super Lawyers publication in 2020 and 2021.

Pam Kehaly, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Kehaly, is known for making bold moves to support Arizona — and with AZ Blue’s Prosano Health Advanced Primary Care Clinics, she is just getting started. 

Dillan Knudson, Columbia Bank

Knudson is Arizona market director for Columbia Bank. Knudson brings 17 years of banking experience to the position, serving in various capacities from credit, sales and executive management.

Karen A. Listo

General manager for the West Valley properties, Desert Diamond Casinos

Background: Listo is a member of the Tohono O’odham Nation hailing from the Rincon community located in the Sells District of the Nation. Listo currently serves as the general manager overseeing the Desert Diamond Casino West Valley and Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks located in the San Lucy District of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Listo previously served as the general manager for both Southern Arizona properties (Sahuarita, Tucson, and Why) prior to coming into this new position in the Phoenix West Valley metropolitan area. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix and brings an extensive amount of leadership experience and a deep commitment to advancing the economic vision of the Tohono O’odham Nation. 

Role models: Listo has had significant tribal role models throughout her career at the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, such as the current CEO Daniele Chilton, and the late Libby Francisco who served as the COO of Desert Diamond Casino for many years. Chilton and Francisco provided guidance and leadership to Listo, which helped her advance in her career within the gaming industry. 

Career evolution: Listo has held various positions throughout her career including front-line and middle management roles which has helped her understand all aspects of the casino operation to successfully perform her role in her leadership position. She supports and encourages the development of tribal members as she has benefited from such programs throughout her career. With more than 30 years of gaming and management experience Listo is excited to utilize her knowledge and work experience to continue the legacy of Desert Diamond Casino being a leader in the gaming industry.   

Learn more: ddcaz.com/west-valley

Paul Luna, Helios Education Foundation

Luna has been instrumental in steering the foundation’s mission toward fostering opportunities for all students to succeed in postsecondary education, with a focus on low-income and historically underrepresented communities in Arizona. 

Clate Mask, Keap

Mask co‑founded Keap, a Phoenix‑based CRM and sales‑automation platform for small businesses. He’s a New York Times bestselling author (“Conquer the Chaos” ) and a frequent contributor to major business publications.

Carrie Masters, St. Joseph the Worker (The Worker)

Under Masters’ leadership, St. Joseph the Worker has expanded its Workforce Villages transitional housing program, addressing one of the greatest barriers to employment: housing insecurity.

Tammy McLeod, Flinn Foundation

McLeod leads the Flinn Foundation, directing philanthropic efforts that strengthen Arizona’s bioscience innovation, civic leadership and arts sectors. A former APS executive, she drives statewide collaboration, economic development and strategic grantmaking.

Sarah McLeod, Activate Health

As CEO of Activate Health, a specialized marketing and PR firm, McLeod has led initiatives promoting local care access on behalf of payer and provider entities like Banner|Aetna and Dignity Health.

Bill Nance, StrataTech Education Group

Named CEO in October 2025, Nance brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in secondary, postsecondary and nontraditional education. He has developed programs that enhance student learning while driving institutional growth.

Desirae Outcalt, Bell Bank

Outcalt is a seasoned Arizona commercial banker with 18-plus years of experience, rising from teller to vice president at Bell Bank. She specializes in complex treasury, lending and compliance solutions while supporting local business growth and community initiatives.

Sandra Pattea, Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation

Pattea was elected president of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in January 2024, becoming the Nation’s first new president in nearly two decades.

Kathleen Quirk, Freeport-McMoRan

As current president and CEO and as a senior member of the company’s executive team for more than 20 years, Quirk has been instrumental in Freeport’s strategic planning and execution of company goals. 

Brandon B. Rafi

Founder and CEO, Rafi Law Group

Background: Rafi is the founder and CEO of Rafi Law Group, Arizona’s premier personal injury law firm with offices in Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma. Raised in Arizona and educated at Brophy College Preparatory, the University of Arizona and Phoenix School of Law, he built his firm on the belief that everyone deserves strong and reliable legal representation. Under his leadership, the firm has grown to more than 250 professionals and is recognized for its commitment to justice and community service. Rafi also created Rafi’s Hope, a community initiative that supports children and families across Arizona.

Innovative actions: “One of the most innovative decisions I made was investing early in technology and in-house creative talent to build a fully integrated marketing and operations team. This shift allowed us to communicate directly with clients, streamline case management and maintain full control of our brand as we grew. By combining strong legal work with forward-thinking marketing and internal support systems, we created a model that keeps clients informed, improves efficiency and strengthens relationships. This approach played a major role in our growth and
helped us stay true to who we are as a firm and as a team.”

Learn more: rafilawgroup.com

Cristal Rodriguez

Director of marketing, Tempe Tourism

Background: Cristal Rodriguez is a marketing powerhouse reshaping how the world sees Tempe. As director of marketing for Tempe Tourism, she spearheaded the city’s award-winning rebrand and launch of a new website that reintroduced Tempe as a premier, innovative travel destination. Her bold vision and storytelling have elevated the city’s national profile, driving record engagement and tourism growth. Beyond her professional achievements, Rodriguez is a passionate mentor and community leader, serving with the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) Phoenix to empower the next generation of Latino professionals. Blending a mix of creativity, purpose and leadership, Rodriguez brings a values-driven approach to inclusive marketing, mentorship, and building high-performance brand ecosystems

Recent accomplishments: Recent recognitions include an Athena nomination,  multiple ADDY Awards and Rodriguez was named the 2025 AMA Arizona Marketer of the Year, recognized for her extensive experience in brand transformation, digital innovation and inclusive marketing strategies, leading award-winning campaigns and digital initiatives across public and private sectors. 

Learn more: tempetourism.com

Stephen Roe Lewis, Gila River Indian Community

Lewis is in his third term serving as governor of the Community. Gov. Lewis advocates for renewable and green technologies guided by O’odham agricultural history and cultural teachings.

Belinda Rosthenhausler, CDC Small Business Finance

When Arizona’s small business owners want to open or grow their businesses but don’t fit conventional lending parameters, they are able to turn to Rosthenhausler of CDC Small Business Finance.

Kevin Rowe, Lerner & Rowe

Rowe’s name has become synonymous with “Arizona’s top injury lawyer.” He also founded Lerner & Rowe Gives Back, which raises over $1 million each year to support important causes in Arizona.

Gabriela Salcido

Founder and CEO, Roman Empire Agency

Background: Salcido is the founder and CEO of Roman Empire Agency, a leading provider of services for individuals with developmental disabilities. She began her career at Westside Regional Center and North Los Angeles Regional Center before founding the agency with her husband in 2010. Under her leadership, the company has grown to serve thousands of clients across multiple states and employs approximately 1,000 team members. Salcido holds a juris doctor, an LL.M., a master’s in education and additional credentials in teaching and applied behavior analysis. She leads with a commitment to individualized care, inclusion, and community impact.

Act of innovation: “My most innovative decision has been leading Roman Empire Agency into community partnerships that expand inclusion beyond traditional services. I played a central role in creating sensory rooms at major sports venues, including State Farm Stadium and Chase Field, where fans with sensory sensitivities can access fully staffed, calming spaces supported by trained behavioral health professionals. These collaborations with the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks and Sun Devil Athletics set a new standard for accessibility by integrating therapeutic support directly into high-traffic public environments. This work has opened sports and entertainment experiences to families who previously could not attend.”

Secret sauce: “My success comes from my hands-on leadership style, my clear communication, and my commitment to supporting both families and staff. I stay closely connected to daily operations, offer consistent guidance, and ensure my team has the resources needed to succeed. My multidisciplinary education in law, education, and applied behavior analysis strengthens my ability to make informed decisions that benefit clients and employees. By listening to families and prioritizing individualized care, I have fostered a culture of compassion, growth, and resilience. This combination of expertise, empathy, and accountability has driven the agency’s sustained expansion and impact.”

Learn more: romanempireagency.com

Todd Sanders, Greater Phoenix Chamber

As president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber & Foundation, Sanders launched its foundation with ElevateEdAZ, an education initiative, impacting over 180,000 students across 27 schools.

Adam Sands, PNC Bank

In September 2025, Sands was named chief market officer of PNC after the organization announced a definitive agreement to acquire FirstBank Holding Company. 

Jody Sarchett, Marsh McLennan Agency Arizona

Leading one of the state’s largest brokerages, Sarchett has played a critical role in doubling the firm’s footprint while guiding Arizona businesses through skyrocketing premiums and complex risk.

Nonnie Shivers, Ogletree Deakins

As office managing shareholder of Ogletree Deakins’ Phoenix office, Shivers counsels employers in all aspects of employment law, including an emphasis on complex compliance projects.

Dr. Scott Spurgeon, West-MEC

Spurgeon leads West‑MEC, expanding career and technical education across Arizona’s West Valley. He has strengthened industry partnerships, workforce‑aligned programs and student outcomes.

Keri Tignini, JPMorganChase

Tignini leads JPMorganChase’s middle‑market commercial banking team across Arizona and Nevada, delivering strategic financing, treasury and risk‑management solutions while supporting regional business growth.

Tania Torres

CEO, Torres Multicultural

Background: Torres, CEO of Torres Multicultural, is a pioneering force in Arizona’s business and cultural landscape. As the founder of the state’s longest-standing multicultural marketing agency, she has led high-impact multicultural engagement campaigns shaping Arizona’s major infrastructure, healthcare and civic initiatives-most notably the $1.36 billion South Central Light Rail and $832 million I-10 Broadway Curve projects. She was named 2025 Small- and Medium-Sized Business Leader of the Year at Az Business magazine’s Champions of Change Awards.

Innovative acts: A visionary Latina leader, Torres is evolving her firm to meet the future — infusing new technologies into strategy, adapting to shifting political tides and defending inclusive communications amidst national DEI rollbacks. Her award-winning work, economic impact and cultural leadership position her as a business powerhouse to watch in 2026 and beyond.

Learn more: torresmulticultural.com

Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, Maricopa Community Colleges

Villanueva-Saucedo is the associate vice chancellor of the Center for Excellence in Inclusive Democracy at Maricopa Community Colleges.

Brad Vynalek

President, Quarles

Background: Vynalek is a native Arizonan with vision and deep commitment to thriving ecosystems in the private and public sectors across the state and region. Whether in business, community service or personally, Vynalek uses his extensive experience in both law and leadership to serve his clients and the philanthropic causes he champions. Vynalek joined Quarles over 25 years ago as a summer associate and has risen to leadership within the law firm as its president. He was tapped to serve in the president’s role in 2020 to take advantage of his extraordinary capacity to connect, serve, problem solve and maximize opportunities. As a lawyer, Vynalek has principally practiced as a litigator who advises on strategy, exposure and enterprise opportunity for clients who range from local startups to iconic brands to Fortune 500 companies. In the community, Vynalek applies his talents to causes he holds dear. Passionate about education, he just completed a two-year term as Teach for America’s board chair and has held numerous committee assignments since 2015; he is former board chair of Make-A-Wish Arizona and founded their Guardians Circle; he serves on the Greater Phoenix Economic Council’s executive committee and board of directors and was on the search committee for GPEC’s newly named president and CEO; and he is active in other community, economic development and business leadership roles. Within the legal profession, Vynalek has received many awards for excellence as a practitioner, actively supports emerging attorneys and serves as a mentor to young talent at Quarles. He is a devoted family man to his wife and three children, an avid and active alumnus at University of Arizona’s law school and Stanford University where he received his undergraduate degree.

Innovative act: “As an eager associate, I launched a CEO and Business Leadership Summit so that young emerging leaders could learn from our community titans like Sharon Harper, Betsey Bayless and Jerry Colangelo. It brought together extraordinary business leaders from across industries, created new linkages and provided an inspirational platform for becoming the best leader you could be for the community.”

Secret sauce: “Believe, empower and take action; and surround yourself with extraordinary people. Encourage and support your people by creating a culture in which talents are maximized and amplified. Then, focus on shared purpose to collaboratively move forward united.”

Learn more: quarles.com

Brooke Westemeier

Arizona managing partner, EY

Background: As the EY Arizona managing partner, Westemeier helps more than 430 colleagues provide superior client service. Her in-depth industry knowledge and 20-plus years of accounting experience prepared her well for this role, and in her first year as managing partner, she has already made an impact on our business community. Her personable leadership is especially valuable amid economic and geopolitical upheaval. By working with her team to provide thorough assurance, tax and consulting services, Westemeier is creating more confidence right when businesses need it most. She also elevates the next generation of leaders through initiatives like the Arizona Women’s Leadership Forum.

Acts of innovation: “Working with my teammates to identify, as early as possible, the trends that will shape our clients’ lives. Long before generative AI became an everyday force in every major sector, my teammates and I were developing the technical and risk management skills that are crucial to successful AI adoption. To me, that’s a key part of what innovation is all about: Looking around the corner to see what’s coming, then preparing the people around you for success.”

Learn more: ey.com/en_us

Kelly Whiteley, Hancock Builders

As the CEO of Hancock Builders, Whiteley leads the company’s strategic expansion across Arizona, leveraging her deep industry knowledge and operational experience to drive growth in the firm’s general contracting services.

Matt Walsh, Blue Signal

Walsh is the CEO and founder of Blue Signal Search, an award-winning recruiting firm specializing in the wireless and telecom, AI and data center industries.