Banner Health names new CEO of Tucson hospitals
Banner Health has named Alison Flynn Gaffney, FACHE, as chief executive officer of Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South, effective Dec. 2.
“We’re excited to have Alison at the helm of two hospitals that have been integral to the Tucson community for decades,” said Todd Werner, president of acute care delivery for Banner Health. “She is highly accomplished, action-oriented, and committed to developing great teams and teamwork. She is community-focused and believes in fostering an organizational culture that allows great things to happen, and we look forward to her continuing our legacy of care in southern Arizona.”
“Non-profit health care is deeply meaningful to me and I am honored and excited to join the Banner Health team,” Flynn Gaffney said. “Both hospitals play an integral role in supporting the health and wellness of Tucson and southern Arizona, and I share with the talented Banner teams a commitment to provide high-quality, compassionate care and improve the life of every person we serve.
“Educating future caregivers and advancing medicine through innovation are additional ways Banner is making a difference in people’s lives, and I look forward to collaborating with our partners at the University of Arizona in these mission areas,” she added.
Banner – University Medical Center Tucson and Banner – University Medical Center South are licensed for 649 and 245 beds, respectively. The Tucson facility is home to Diamond Children’s Medical Center, multiple specialty clinics, and the city’s only Level 1 trauma center. It was named by U.S. News & World Report as a 2024-2025 Best Regional Hospital, earning the No.1 spot in Tucson and No. 3 in Arizona. The South campus includes an emergency department, trauma center, behavioral health care facilities and several specialty clinics. Nearly 500 medical students and 750 residents and fellows train at the two facilities.
Flynn Gaffney earned her bachelor’s degree in health care administration and master’s in health services administration from Iona University in New York, and became a Fellow of the American College of Health Care Executives in 2013. She has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including being named a 2024 Patient Safety Expert to Know by Becker’s Healthcare, and one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in Medicine (2024) and Top 100 Women Leaders in Medicine (2021) by Women We Admire.
New Life Center appoints interim CEO
New Life Center, One of Arizona’s largest domestic violence shelter, has formally announced that Kate Thoene will serve as interim CEO for the next six months. Thoene was previously the chief strategy officer at New Life Center and has remained dedicated to continuous improvements within the organization and the lives of the Valley’s most vulnerable citizens.
Thoene has been in the nonprofit sector for 25 years and her work includes being the executive director at Waste Not, the chief social enterprise officer at UMOM and the director of community kitchen programs at St. Mary’s Food Bank.
“My focus during this transition is on maintaining seamless operations, assessing and prioritizing key agency initiatives, and driving fundraising efforts to ensure New Life Center continues to meet the needs of survivors and our community,” said Thoene.
Thoene plans to maintain the organization’s daily operations, ensuring consistent and compassionate service delivery to survivors and individuals in need as well as assess and prioritize short term goals aligned with New Life Center’s mission.
To keep up to date with the organization, follow it on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about New Life Center and what it is doing in the community, visit NewLifeCtr.org.
DAVIS welcomes industry veteran to team
DAVIS, a leading architecture, interiors and urban design firm specializing in exceptional commercial and residential mixed-use properties, is pleased to welcome the new Director of Business Strategy and Growth, Jennifer Swanton.
In this role, Swanton will work to improve business outcomes by creating and executing a plan to attract new clients, diversify project services and partnerships, develop, and implement a marketing strategy, and improve client service standards, all with the goal to exceed growth expectations.
“Jennifer has a strong work ethic, rooted in her Midwestern upbringing, and her inspiring journey of overcoming cancer as a teenager, is naturally reflected in her cheerful outlook and dedication to serving others,” said Co-founder and CEO of DAVIS, Mike Davis. “She is a leader and entrepreneur at heart, known for her solution and strategy-driven approach to business growth. With a diverse professional background and extensive experience, she brings a wealth of knowledge to the team.”
Deeply connected to the community, Swanton will leverage her interpersonal skills, knowledge, creativity, and network to make a significant impact with DAVIS. She is eager to use her unique abilities to grow, connect, market, and elevate the business both locally in Arizona and beyond.
“DAVIS has long been a leader in Phoenix architecture, interiors and design space and it is a privilege to help continue the company’s legacy of innovation and strategy,” Swanton said.
Swanton currently serves on leadership committees and boards for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), Urban Land Institute (ULI), Fiesta Bowl YJ Committee, 50/50 Women on Boards, Arizona Soccer Foundation, Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), and Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED).
Kutak Rock welcomes 36 associates across multiple offices
Kutak Rock announced the addition of 36 new associates to its offices nationwide in 2024. These talented attorneys bring a range of skills and expertise in key practice areas, including litigation, corporate law, public finance, tax credits, real estate, and mergers & acquisitions. The new hires reflect the firm’s continued growth and commitment to delivering exceptional service to clients across the country.
John Petr, Chair of Kutak Rock, remarked, “We are thrilled to welcome this exceptional group of associates to Kutak Rock. Their diverse backgrounds and skills will not only enhance our ability to serve our clients but will also strengthen our national presence. We look forward to their contributions as they build successful careers with the firm.”
The new Scottsdale associates are:
Maci Burke joined the firm’s real estate group as an associate. She earned a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School and a B.A. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is admitted to practice in Arizona.
Carlton “Dwanye” Fearon joined the firm’s business, corporate and securities group as an associate. He earned his J.D. from the Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and a B.S. from Valley City State University. He is admitted to practice in Arizona.
Rilee Jelinek joined the firm as an associate in the public finance group. She earned a J.D. from the Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and a B.A. from Arizona State University. She is admitted to practice in Arizona.
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