Arizona Builders Alliance names 2026 chairman
The Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA), a leading trade association for contractors in Arizona, announces Rudy Garcia Jr. as its new Board Chairman for 2026. Garcia, currently Vice President of RG & Sons Plumbing, brings over two decades of construction industry experience and deep community roots to this leadership position.
Garcia’s appointment represents a significant milestone for the ABA, showcasing the organization’s commitment to leadership that spans all construction trades. Under his leadership, Garcia plans to prioritize quality over quantity by enhancing the ABA’s educational offerings and strengthening member engagement and experience across all programs. As a second-generation plumber and seventh-generation Tucsonan, he brings a unique perspective on Arizona’s construction landscape and the challenges facing local contractors.
“I am honored to serve as Chairman and excited to lead the ABA during this pivotal time for Arizona’s construction industry,” said Rudy Garcia Jr., ABA 2026 Board Chairman. “My goal is to strengthen our advocacy efforts, expand educational opportunities, and ensure that all trades have a voice in shaping our industry’s future.”
Garcia has worked for RG & Sons Plumbing Inc. since 2000, where he currently oversees all day-to-day operations, business development, safety, forecasting and vendor relationships. His hands-on experience managing complex projects and building client relationships provides valuable insight into the operational challenges facing ABA member companies.
“Rudy’s extensive experience and deep commitment to our industry make him an exceptional leader for the ABA,” said Kim Davids, President of the Arizona Builders Alliance. “His dedication to both his craft and his community aligns perfectly with our mission to advance Arizona’s construction industry through education, advocacy, and collaboration.”
A champion of both local community philanthropic efforts and industry organizations, Garcia has demonstrated consistent leadership throughout his career. He has been married since 2013 and is the father of two daughters, bringing a family perspective to his professional commitments and community involvement.
Garcia’s leadership comes at a time when the ABA continues to expand its influence in legislative advocacy, workforce development, and member services. His appointment reflects the organization’s commitment to representing the diverse trades that make up Arizona’s construction industry, from large general contractors to specialized subcontractors like plumbing professionals.
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Withey Morris Baugh bolsters real estate transactions team
Withey Morris Baugh, Arizona’s premier land use and zoning law firm, welcomes Taylor Roderick to its transactional practice, a move that significantly strengthens the firm’s capacity and service offering in real estate law and business transactions. Roderick joins a real estate group already distinguished by long-standing expertise and a full spectrum of transactional services.
Roderick brings hands-on experience across a variety of projects shaping Arizona’s built environment, including solar developments, data centers, and large industrial sites. He has represented clients in every stage of a transaction: acquisition, development, financing, leasing and disposition. He is known for a meticulous, solutions-focused approach that keeps deals on track, and prides himself on delivering results while mitigating risk.
“Bringing Taylor onto our transactional team aligns with our commitment to deliver practical, client-focused counsel on the complex projects reshaping Arizona,” said founding partner Jason Morris. “His transactional breadth and construction-adjacent experience complement the institutional knowledge already at Withey Morris Baugh, and together we can provide continuity and strategic support from entitlement through closing.”
Roderick’s practice spans development agreements, joint easement instruments, complex financings, purchase and sale agreements, leasing, CC&Rs, construction, and regulatory matters, including environmental compliance. His experience representing developers, purchasers, sellers, investors and lenders gives him a practical, 360-degree perspective clients rely on. Roderick describes himself as a “one-stop shop” who shepherds matters from inception to closing with an emphasis on clear communication and outcomes.
“Taylor’s deep transactional experience and technical prowess are a potent combination, and he will be of enormous value to our clients,” said Withey Morris Baugh partner Adam Baugh. “He has an exceptional ability to solve complex problems while keeping deals moving forward, exactly the kind of practitioner our clients deserve.”
Scottsdale Fashion Square appoints new general manager
Scottsdale Fashion Square, the Southwest region’s leading luxury retail destination, is under new leadership. The shopping center, part of the portfolio held by Macerich (NYSE: MAC) — one of the nation’s leading owners, operators and developers of one-of-a-kind retail and mixed-use properties in top markets — has appointed Jaymes Bell as General Manager, heading up the property’s leadership team.
As General Manager, Bell oversees all aspects of property management for the upscale shopping center, including managing a cross-functional team across operations, marketing, administration, housekeeping, maintenance and security. His focus is on driving strategic objectives and executing business planning to meet the property’s performance goals.
Among Bell’s immediate duties is managing the recently announced Palm Court enhancement project that will elevate the area known as the Palm Court. Construction began earlier this month on the project, which is scheduled for completion ahead of the 2026 holiday season. A central gathering space within the center, the Palm Court is a hub of activity including community events, fashion shows and numerous fast casual dining options.
Scottsdale Fashion Square has established itself as one of the nation’s premier shopping centers, offering an amazing blend of retailers and experiences,” Bell said. “I’m honored to join this remarkable team and to help guide the center as it continues to thrive and evolve. My focus will be on strengthening relationships, both within the center and throughout our community, while helping shape the future of luxury shopping in the Southwest.”
Bell’s new role at Scottsdale Fashion Square follows an impressive career with Brookfield Properties, where he led some of the nation’s most preeminent retail assets, including Ala Moana Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Fashion Show in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Prior to entering the commercial real estate industry, Bell served seven years on active duty as an Infantry Officer in the United States Army, completing two deployments to Afghanistan. He continues to serve in the Army Reserve as a Major, instructing for the Command and General Staff College.
Originally from Louisiana, Bell attended Auburn University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He later earned a Master of Business Administration from the University of Nevada Las Vegas Lee Business School. Bell and his wife, Hillary, reside in Scottsdale with their three young daughters. The family enjoys skiing, eating out and all things sports.
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