Hansen named new CEO of ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Avondale
Amy Hansen has been named the new Chief Executive Officer of ClearSky Rehabilitation Hospital of Avondale. The 30-bed medical rehabilitation hospital provides specialized rehabilitative care to patients with disabling injuries or illnesses caused by strokes, brain injuries, hip fractures, spinal injuries, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or other medically-complex conditions like COVID-19.
A physical therapist, Hansen brings nearly 14 years of clinical and operational experience to her role. Prior to joining ClearSky Avondale, Hansen served as the chief operating officer for a medical rehabilitation hospital and a long-term acute care hospital in Colorado. She also has held various direct patient care and clinical leadership roles throughout her career, with proven expertise in strategic leadership, operational excellence, and healthcare administration.
“I’m looking forward to leading the team at ClearSky Avondale as we continue to advance patient care, foster innovation, and ensure the hospital’s long-term organizational success,” Hansen says. “As a physical therapist, I’ve always had a passion for rehabilitation, so it’s rewarding to be able to work with a highly trained group of healthcare professionals to provide specialized rehabilitative care to the community.”
EPS Group welcomes Mike Koester as new CEO
EPS Group, Inc., a leading Arizona-based civil engineering design firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Koester as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective January 15, 2024.
Mr. Koester brings a wealth of experience to EPS Group, having held various leadership and operational roles in the oil and gas, chemicals, and manufacturing industries. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Western Operations at Tetra Tech, Inc., where he oversaw strategic development and daily operations across diverse markets including energy, industrial, commercial, municipal, and federal government projects.
“Mike’s impressive track record and leadership qualities make him the ideal candidate to lead EPS Group into its next phase of growth,” said Bryan Kitchen, Chair of the Board of Directors at EPS Group. “We are confident that his strategic vision and people-centric approach will further strengthen our position as a market leader in the Southwest and Mountain States regions.”
Mr. Koester is attracted to EPS Group’s collaborative and employee-centric culture. He shares the company’s commitment to providing a best-in-class experience for both associates and clients, fostering an environment of proactive collaboration, trust, and adaptability.
“I am incredibly grateful and humbled by the opportunity to lead EPS Group,” said Mr. Koester. “I am committed to working together with our talented team to build upon the company’s success and achieve our vision of becoming the #1 Design Firm in the Southwest and Mountain States. Together, we are building something special for the future, and I am excited to be a part of it.”
NAIOP Arizona brings home two national honors
The Arizona Chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association, brought home two honors from the 2024 Chapter Merit Awards (CMAs) held recently in Washington, D.C.
NAIOP Arizona President and CEO Suzanne Kinney was named Top Chapter Executive of the Year for large chapters. NAIOP Arizona tied for first in the Education Award category for its creative educational series entitled “Becoming a Tier 1 City: Addressing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities.”
NAIOP Corporate honored 11 chapters and nine individuals as part of the annual CMAs. The awards recognize success in DEI, education, legislative affairs, membership, and special events, as well as individual leader recognitions and Chapter of the Year. Recipients are selected by a committee of their peers comprised of volunteer judges.
“NAIOP continues to be the premier real estate industry group in Arizona,” said NAIOP Arizona Board Chair John Orsak, Senior Vice President, Lincoln Property Company. “Our Board and members working closely with the NAIOP staff led by Suzanne are best in class locally and nationally.”
The Outstanding Contribution by a Chapter Executive Award is presented to chapter leaders for their valued contributions, innovation and knowledge. Kinney was NAIOP’s large chapter winner. Debra Wimpee with NAIOP Oklahoma was the small chapter winner.
“This year’s winners have developed exciting initiatives, engaged members in fresh ways, and grown their chapters’ membership,” according to a statement from NAIOP.
Under Kinney’s direction for the past 6 years, NAIOP Arizona has become the premier association representing commercial real estate in Metro Phoenix and throughout the state of Arizona. Among her accomplishments, her effectiveness in public policy advocacy stands out. Kinney has greatly enhanced the chapter’s educational and mentorship programs and elevated NAIOP Arizona’s premier events including Night at the Fights, Best of NAIOP awards, Thursday Night Live, and the annual golf tournament.
“It is an honor to be recognized among my peers in the NAIOP network,” Kinney said. “I want to thank the hard-working staff at NAIOP Arizona and our active Board of Directors for all the support they’ve provided me in growing our chapter and enhancing the benefits we provide our members.”
Plaza Companies bolsters property and facilities management team
Plaza Companies has added to its organizational strength by adding and promoting members of its Property & Facilities Management Team.
The company has promoted Scott Rubin to Executive Managing Director of Asset Management, where he will oversee the Property & Facilities Management team. Rubin has been with the Plaza Companies for more than 15 years, and currently serves as a member of the company’s Executive Council.
Rubin’s current portfolio of assets he oversees consists primarily of Class A Office and Medical Office properties and includes over 1.5 million square feet of space. He is also responsible for the underwriting and asset management decisions for Plaza Companies-owned properties.
“Scott has been an important part of the Plaza team for many years and we are excited for him to take on this position,” said Sharon Harper, Chairman and CEO of Plaza Companies. “He has shown an exceptional ability to meet the needs of our clients and partners, and we are thrilled to have him take on an expanded role in the company.”
Additionally, Plaza has added more bench strength to its property management team, highlighted by the hiring of Ernie Jackson as Director of Property & Facilities Services, a role in which he oversees the company’s efforts with regard to third-party real estate and building services operations while serving as a hands-on senior property manager for new portfolios.
Jackson previously served in property management with several firms in the Phoenix and Denver markets. He is a member of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) and was named Denver Principle Member of the Year in 2011. Ernie also has earned the Real Property Administrator (RPA)and Facility Manager Administrator (FMA) from the Building Owner and Managers Institute (BOMI).
Additionally, the Property & Facilities Management Team experienced three other changes:
• Jeanette Socaciu was promoted to Associate Director of Property and Facility Services, a role that oversees a large portion of the Plaza property management portfolio. She has been a leader at Plaza for more than 20 years in total and her abilities are lauded by many long-time Plaza clients and partners.
• Ra-Anne Ilang joined Plaza as a Property Manager, after previously serving in property management roles with some of the most highly recognized building owners and REITs in Arizona.
• Astrid Payan was promoted to Property Manager, after serving as an Assistant Property Manager for the company.
“We’re very excited about the growth of our Property & Facilities Management team,” Rubin said. “As our property management portfolio continues to grow, these additions and promotions will help us provide an enhanced level of service at each facility we manage.”
Plaza Companies’ portfolio features numerous high-profile projects including SkySong, The ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center, Park Central, VI Living Communities and the TGen Building, among others. To inquire about Plaza Companies’ services, call 623.972.1184.
Plaza Companies, based in Peoria, Arizona, is an esteemed leader in the developing and managing of medical office and commercial office properties, technology and bioscience facilities, mixed-use properties and senior housing communities. Since its founding in 1982, this full-service, specialized real estate firm has established a proud portfolio stretching across the greater Phoenix area of more than 14 million square feet in properties developed, leased or managed and valued at more than $1 billion. For more information about Plaza Companies, visit ThePlazaCo.com.
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