Burch & Cracchiolo partner named Feeding Matters board chair
The law firm of Burch & Cracchiolo, P.A. announced partner R.J. “Bucky” Slomski has been elected executive board chair of the non-profit Feeding Matters for a one-year term commencing Jan. 1, 2026. Founded in 2006 in Scottsdale by Shannon Goldwater, Feeding Matters is the first organization in the world devoted to accelerating identification, igniting research, promoting collaborative care, and encouraging awareness and understanding for pediatric feeding disorders. Pediatric Feeding Disorders (PFD) impacts 1 in 37 children. It is more prevalent than autism and cerebral palsy.
“I am honored to have been asked to help guide this amazing organization as it ascends into its next chapter. Under the leadership of our incredible CEO Jaclyn Pederson, Feeding Matters is embarking on tremendous growth and name branding throughout the pediatric healthcare world,” comments Slomski.
The board and leadership are driving national expansion, focusing on system change, and celebrating their 20th anniversary, with initiatives like new educational modules, caregiver support programs, and expanded community engagement, including a PFD/ARFID documentary. Pederson was recently named a 2025 Piper Fellow through the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.
Slomski joined Burch & Cracchiolo in 2020 and focuses his practice on catastrophic injury, wrongful death, motor vehicle and trucking collisions, and victims of medical malpractice. Prior to joining Burch & Cracchiolo he practiced at The Law Offices of Raymond J, Slomski, P.C., and was trained by his late father in medical malpractice.
Slomski is a Southwest Super Lawyers Rising Star, a designation awarded to only 2.5% of young attorneys in Arizona. In addition, Slomski is a Best Lawyers in America “One to Watch.” Also, Az Big Media named Slomski one of their Az Business Leaders in 2025 and 2026.
Dick Anderson Construction names district manager of Arizona operations
Dick Anderson Construction (DAC), who recently acquired Chanen Construction in Phoenix, AZ, announces the promotion of Rivers Anderson to District Manager of DAC’s Arizona operations, marking a significant leadership milestone for the regional construction leader.
Anderson recently led the $8M renovation of the Mountain Modern hotel in Sedona, AZ, the $32M expansion and renovation of the beloved Phoenix Theatre, and the $95M student housing project for Midwestern University. As District Manager, he will continue to spearhead projects in the Arizona region with a focus on building higher education projects, hospitality renovations across the state including at Hilton at the Peak, as well as healthcare and airport work.
“Rivers has demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities and deep understanding of our operations,” Marty Schuma,CEO of Dick Anderson Construction, said. “His vision for growth aligns perfectly with DAC’s commitment to delivering innovative construction solutions while maintaining the community focus that defines our work.”
A native Montanan, Anderson worked as a laborer and intern for DAC before earning his degree in Construction Engineering Technology. He went on to work in DAC’s commercial and civil divisions, including wind energy projects, K-12 and higher education facilities, and hospitality developments. Most recently, Anderson served as a project manager in Arizona, overseeing contract control, budget management, and subcontractor coordination across multiple construction sectors.
“This promotion represents an opportunity to build on our team’s established excellence while embracing new markets,” Anderson said. “We’re committed to maintaining the high standards our clients expect while expanding our capabilities to serve the growing Southwest market.”
DAC’s recently completed projects in Arizona include The Phoenix Theatre Company and Mountain Modern Sedona. The Arizona operation is also known statewide for building landmark projects including Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport terminals and Arizona’s first high-rise office building. Anderson’s appointment comes as DAC expands its presence across multiple markets, creating unified operations from Montana to Arizona to Illinois, with an extensive portfolio including schools, hospitals, apartment complexes, banks, hotels, and infrastructure projects like spillways and bridges.
Phoenix IDA appoints chief investment officer
The Phoenix Industrial Development Authority (Phoenix IDA), a nonprofit public corporation of the City of Phoenix providing innovative public financing, has named Carlos Contreras as its new chief investment officer (CIO).
The Phoenix IDA plays a critical role in advancing projects that strengthen local economies, expand opportunity, and deliver measurable public benefit across Phoenix and Maricopa County.
In his new role, Contreras will provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Community Enhancement Corporation, the Community Investment Fund, communications, government affairs and special projects. His work will focus on aligning investment strategies with the Phoenix IDA’s mission while strengthening partnerships with public, private and nonprofit stakeholders.
“Carlos brings a unique blend of financial expertise, government experience and a deep understanding of how investment decisions translate into real community impact,” said Juan Salgado, CEO of the Phoenix IDA. “He has a proven ability to lead complex initiatives, build trusted partnerships and steward resources responsibly. That combination made him the clear choice for this role.”
Contreras brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across the public and private sectors. Most recently, he served as director for the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity, where he led statewide workforce and economic mobility initiatives, managed a multimillion-dollar budget, and launched programs to expand access to capital and job pathways. His career also includes executive leadership roles at Intel, where he oversaw national and international initiatives focused on emerging technologies, workforce development and community investment.
As CIO, Contreras will work closely with Phoenix IDA leadership, board members and community partners to advance high-impact projects and ensure that the organization’s investments continue to deliver long-term benefits for Phoenix residents.
“I’m honored to join the Phoenix IDA at a time when strategic investment is more important than ever,” Contreras said. “I look forward to working with the team and our partners to advance projects that create jobs, expand opportunity and strengthen communities.”
Contreras holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in corporate finance from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Arizona.
