Chris Irwin joins Phoenix office of Colliers
Chris Irwin, a specialist in retail sales, leasing and mixed-use development, has joined the Phoenix office of Colliers as a Senior Vice President. Irwin , who works with national and international clients, relocated from Chicago to Arizona.
“Chris is a tremendous addition!’ says Bob Mulhern, senior managing director of Colliers. “His nation-wide experience and estabished client base will add new momentum to our strong Arizona team.”
Irwin brings more than 20 years of experience and completion of more than 750 retail lease and sale transactions. He relocated from Chicago and will continue to support his Chicago network while collaborating with top developers in the Phoenix metro area.
While in Chicago, Irwin was recognized with multiple awards, including the Chicago Association of Realtors’ C.A.R. Platinum for Retail Sales Volume and Leasing. In 2017 he was named one of the Most Influential Commercial Real Estate Brokers in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business. Prior to joining Colliers, Irwin built a strong foundation in commercial real estate in the Chicago area. He was a top-performing agent at Jameson Commercial, earning the #1 Agent Award and the Huzenis Award.
Irwin holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University and is a member of the International Council for Shopping Centers (ICSC.)
Joshua I. Fisher elected shareholder at Gallagher & Kennedy
Gallagher & Kennedy announced that criminal defense attorney Joshua I. Fisher has been elected to shareholder effective January 13, 2025.
Joshua has focused his practice almost exclusively in the area of criminal law, trying more than 200 cases in state, federal, and military courts. He successfully handles charges involving DUI and vehicular crimes, complex felonies, fraud, white-collar crimes, sex crimes, and other criminal defense matters. He also represents professionals in administrative and licensing hearings before Arizona medical boards.
Joshua joined Gallagher & Kennedy in 2022 after more than 15 years working as a government prosecutor at the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office and the City of Phoenix.
At Yavapai County, Joshua led the drug interdiction unit, serving as a liaison between deputies and the County as “proactive prosecution.” He then moved into the general trial unit, where he handled complex felony offenses, including dangerous crimes against children, homicides, aggravated assaults, adult sex assaults, and white collar. While serving as a prosecutor for the City of Phoenix, Joshua earned a one-year assignment as a Special Assistant United States Attorney.
After earning his law degree from Arizona State University, Joshua served in the United States Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corp for 10 years, stationed in Korea and based out of Texas as a reservist. While a JAG, he represented service members accused of misconduct and advocated for them during upgrading discharge procedures.
Joshua’s dedication to the practice of criminal law has earned him recognition by Best Lawyers in America® in 2024 and 2025, and he has provided expert commentary to ABC15 and AZ Family 3TV on criminal matters involving animal cruelty, capital murder, and related charges.
Delta Dental of Arizona‘s Michael Jones appointed to national post
Delta Dental of Arizona is pleased to announce its president and chief executive officer Michael Jones has been appointed to a two-year term on the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Los Angeles Branch Board of Directors. As part of the U.S. central bank, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco covers the Twelfth District’s nine western states—Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawai’i, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington—plus American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Its mission is to support monetary policy, strengthen financial institutions, and enhance the payments systems. In his role, Jones and his fellow directors will oversee the management of the Reserve Banks and Branches, participate in the formulation of national monetary and credit policies and act as a link between the government and the private sector.
“At Delta Dental of Arizona, which is Arizona’s largest dental insurer, we are focused on creating a path to better health and wellness so that Arizonans can thrive,” said Jones. “This esteemed position on the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Los Angeles Branch Board of Directors is in perfect alignment with our mission as it will allow me to listen to and learn from the communities we serve so we can make better decisions and policy to help our nation thrive.”
Headquartered in San Francisco, the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco has branch offices in Los Angeles, Seattle, Salt Lake City, and Portland, as well as a cash processing center in Phoenix. It oversees a network that includes more than 400 banks and bank holding companies.
Jones, who has led Delta Dental of Arizona since 2021, takes on the position in addition to serving as president and chairman of the charitable Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, which provides much needed oral health and nutrition funding, education and supplies to those in need statewide. To date, Delta Dental of Arizona, through its Foundation, has given more than $18 million toward these efforts. He is also an elected member of Greater Phoenix Leadership (GPL), the state’s premier CEO business roundtable. Jones earned his bachelor’s degree in engineering from Iowa State University and a master’s in business administration degree from the University of Texas, where he was a Consortium Fellowship Recipient.
Littler elevates Phoenix attorney to shareholder
Melissa L. Shingles, an attorney in the Phoenix office of Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been elevated to shareholder, effective January 1, 2025. Across its U.S., Mexico and Singapore offices, the firm elevated 28 attorneys to shareholder status.
“Melissa is an exceptional attorney who has consistently demonstrated the qualities needed to be a successful shareholder through her deep knowledge and experience in labor and employment law, combined with her strong leadership and unwavering dedication to client service,” said Andrea Lovell and Kristy L. Peters, Phoenix office managing shareholders. “On behalf of Littler, we congratulate her and look forward to her continued success as shareholder.”
Shingles represents and counsels management in traditional labor law matters as well as in all aspects and stages of employment litigation, arbitration and mediation. Her work includes defending against claims involving Title VII, the National Labor Relations Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Family and Medical Leave Act, among others. Shingles is president of the executive board of the Richie Ashburn-Harry Kalas Foundation; a vice-chair of the American Bar Association’s Space Law Committee; and co-authored the Judicial Review of Enforcement Proceedings chapter in the fifth edition of Occupational Safety and Health Law.
In addition, during law school, Shingles was president of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society. She interned in the labor relations department of the Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball, as well as for the general counsel’s office of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Shingles earned her J.D. from the University of Arizona and her M.A. and B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania.
For a full bio, visit https://www.littler.com/people/melissa-l-shingles.
Eric Bell promoted to managing director of Kidder Mathews in Phoenix
Eric Bell, SIOR has been promoted to managing director of Kidder Mathews’ Phoenix office. Bell brings 24 years of experience specializing in the sale, leasing, and development of industrial properties in Greater Phoenix. Since joining Kidder Mathews in 2016, he has played a pivotal role in the company’s growth in the region.
Partnered with Mike Ciosek, SIOR for over 20 years, Bell has established a reputation as an industry expert in landlord and tenant representation, build-to-suits, land disposition, investments, and acquisitions. Consistently ranked among the top producers in the market, the team focuses on the freeway-served markets of Greater Phoenix that include Deer Valley, the West I-10, I-17, Loop 101 and Loop 303 corridors.
“I am honored to lead the talented team at Kidder Mathews in Phoenix,” said Bell. “Having been a part of this office since its inception, I look forward to building on our strong foundation, driving growth, and continuing to provide best-in-class service to clients.”
“Eric’s extensive industry expertise, proven leadership, admiration from his peers, and dedication to client success make him a natural choice to lead our Phoenix office,” said Eric Paulsen, Kidder Mathews President of Brokerage. “Under his leadership, I’m confident the office will continue to thrive and grow in this dynamic market.”
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Bell is a dedicated member of the Phoenix community. He serves on the board of the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation PCH 50 and is actively involved with organizations such as Boys Team Charity, United Way, and Team Taylor. He is also a member of the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors (SIOR).
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