Casino Arizona/Talking Stick names new CEO
Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort, enterprises of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC), announced the appointment of John Dinius as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The news comes following an extensive national search by the Salt River Enterprises Gaming Board of Directors and the retirement of Dennis Leong, a much esteemed leader who held the position for 13 years.
“The depth and breadth of John’s experience make him the ideal CEO to take Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort to the next level,” said Bernice-Cota Gann, Chair of the Salt River Enterprises Gaming Board of Directors. “His appointment comes at an exciting time for our properties as we ready ourselves to mark many milestones in the weeks, months and years to come. Among them, a major renovation at Talking Stick Resort as well as the 25th anniversary of Casino Arizona.”
Dinius brings more than two decades of experience in gaming at casinos across California. Most recently, he served as CEO of Table Mountain Casino in Fresno, Calif. Under his leadership, the property opened a new multi-million dollar casino-resort.
Prior to his time at the Table Mountain properties, Dinius, spent over 20 years with Sycuan Casino Resort. There, he started as a bingo pull tabs clerk working his way up, holding positions at nearly every level within the casino. Among those jobs included slot attendant, operations manager, slot director and more. Eventually, Dinius was appointed general manager helping the property set an array of records and achievements. As general manager, he increased visitation at Sycuan Casino Resort and made significant innovative changes to the property such as growing the casino’s loyalty player program by increasing the amount of cash back to its highest levels. He also established the largest non-smoking gaming area, long before the pandemic led many to end smoking in casinos. Playing a key part in these large-scale initiatives and his wide-range of experience has given Dinius unique insights into the inner workings of the gaming and hospitality industries.
“I am honored to join Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort. The properties have stellar reputations within the industry and are market leaders within the State,” said Dinius. “My goal is to help each property grow and evolve, while maintaining their position as the standard bearer for gaming and hospitality. All of this with the purpose of supporting the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.”
Dinius replaces Dennis Leong following his retirement at the end of 2022. Leong served as President and CEO for Casino Arizona and Talking Stick Resort for 13 years.
Integrity Capital promotes Dan Zlaket
Scottsdale commercial loan brokerage Integrity Capital LLC recently promoted employee Dan Zlaket to Vice President of Sales putting him responsible for the company’s growing sales teams as it expands its services in Arizona and the rest of the United States.
The role is key in helping Integrity Capital grow its team as Zlaket is responsible for hiring and training new salespeople to increase the national presence of an Arizona company that has helped commercial real estate investors obtain over $1 billion in financing.
Integrity Capital Principal Dave Kotter said Zlaket is the perfect person for this senior position and his work will be essential to the future growth of the firm.
“Dan is one of the most dynamic leaders that I have ever worked with. He is hardworking, honest, and excels at catering to our client’s needs,” Kotter said. “Dan’s contributions at his new position are instrumental because he is now tasked with expanding our organization’s sales team throughout the country.”
Zlaket said he is thrilled to continue to help Integrity Capital grow.
“It is an honor and a privilege to be a part of this growing team and my success here would not be possible without the mentorship of Dave Kotter,” Zlaket said. “I am proud to continue to help our clients and our company.”
Sam Swift named CEO of TCI Wealth Advisors
Sam Swift, CFA, CFP®, AIF® has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of TCI Wealth Advisors. Sam succeeds John Stephens, MD, MBA, CFA, CFP® to become the fourth CEO in TCI’s 33-year history.
Sam joined TCI in 2006 and has served in nearly every role and department at TCI. In addition to being an Advisor, Sam is a Shareholder of TCI and leads TCI’s Investment Committee. Throughout his career he has showcased an innate ability to simplify complex ideas for clients to educate and encourage them along their financial journey.
“TCI is impacting more lives than ever before, and I am energized to help lead TCI into the future with our values at the forefront,” Sam said. “At TCI we are on a mission to ‘empower purpose-filled lives,’ I am excited to help fulfill this commitment for our clients and employees.”
“TCI was founded to be a different firm. Since our beginnings, succession planning has been a focus in our desire to be a 100-year firm,” expressed TCI co-founder Douglas L. Nelson, CPA, PFS. “Sam represents the next generation of TCI that’s here, prepared and ready to lead, and I could not be more excited for what’s ahead.”
Former CEO, John Stephens, MD, MBA, CFA, CFP®, joined TCI in 1999 and has served as TCI’s CEO for the last seven years. John remains committed to TCI as he continues advising clients, being a Shareholder and mentoring TCI’s Advisors and staff.
Spencer Fane adds 3 attorneys with family law focus
Spencer Fane announced attorneys Norma Izzo (partner), Alexandra “Ali” LeClair (of counsel), and Karen Wohlgemuth (associate) have joined the firm’s Litigation and Dispute Resolution Practice Group in Phoenix.
“We have identified our market’s need to help clients protect and perpetuate assets in contentious matters,” said Andy Federhar, Office Managing Partner for Spencer Fane in Phoenix. “Norma, Ali, and Karen have built respected practices and will significantly bolster our ability to provide the full range of legal services to businesses and individuals involved in disputes that have led or could lead to litigation, in Arizona and throughout the United States.”
With nearly two decades of experience in family law litigation, Izzo uses her mediation training and experience to seek beneficial resolutions while always prepared to use her significant courtroom experience to advocate for her clients in trial, if necessary. She concentrates her practice in the area of family law and domestic relations matters, including asset division, business dissolution, collaborative divorce, mediation, arbitration, parent coordination, child custody and child support, and spousal maintenance.
Izzo is among the preeminent family lawyers in Arizona, with a talent for handling complex family cases, including high-net worth and high-conflict divorces. Although based out of the Arizona office, Izzo has litigated many multi-state cases and a number of international family law cases, including in Italy, Spain, Mexico, and France. Izzo is a frequently sought-after speaker, lecturer and media guest on high-profile and emerging issues in family law, parenting rights, and related topics. She completed her undergraduate studies at Northern Arizona University and earned her Juris Doctor from Arizona State’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. She is also a certified Family Law Specialist by the State Bar of Arizona.
LeClair has developed a strong track record for utilizing strong, compassionate counsel to help clients emerge from disputes in a positive position. She regularly handles all stages of litigation related to prenuptial agreements, divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and post-divorce modifications. She is also a formally-trained mediator.
After earning her undergraduate degree from Trinity College, LeClair earned her Juris Doctor from Arizona State’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
Wohlgemuth’s family law practice includes matters related to divorce, premarital agreements, child support, spousal maintenance, and post-decree modifications handled through trial, mediations, arbitrations, and other manners of alternative dispute resolution. She also brings experience in civil and commercial litigation. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned her Juris Doctor from Arizona State’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, in addition to completing formal mediation training in 2021.
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