Phoenix health executive spearheads local women’s heart health movement
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death for women in Phoenix and across the United States. To change that, the American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere, is encouraging women to prioritize their heart health.
Leading that effort locally is Tanya Osborne-McKenzie, EVP, Chief Nurse Executive Officer of Dignity Health, St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Westgate Medical Center, who is serving as the 2025- 2026 chair for Phoenix’s Go Red for Women® movement, empowering women to take charge of their heart health, while addressing critical gaps in research, education and care. Go Red for Women is dedicated to helping women lead healthier lives.
“Often, women are misdiagnosed, misunderstood or simply ignored when they have concerns about heart disease,” said Osborne-McKenzie. “As the chair for the Phoenix Go Red for Women campaign, the initiative’s focus on improving women’s health resonates with me on a deeply personal and professional level. To me, it means empowerment through education and action and demanding that women’s heart health be taken seriously.”
Despite the threat of CVD, less than half of women are aware of its risk. Go Red for Women is committed to closing gaps in access to care and championing a community of support.
Celebrate Go Red for Women’s local achievements on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the Phoenix Go Red for Women Luncheon. The event will take place at the Arizona Biltmore, from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and will feature survivor stories, inspiration, education and community among women.
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by CVS Health, and the Phoenix Go Red for Women Luncheon is locally sponsored by Arizona Complete Health—the Live Fierce. Be Relentless Platform sponsor—and Dignity Health—the local presenting sponsor. For more information, email phoenixGRFW@heart.org or visit www.heart.org/phxgored.
Duet hires Dr. Melissa Boydston as executive director
Duet: Partners In Health & Aging announced Dr. Melissa L. Boydston has been hired as executive director.
“We are thrilled to welcome Melissa as Duet’s new executive director,” said Cheryl Plewa, board president. “Her personal connection to caregiving and her proven record of leading with both heart and strategy embody the essence of Duet’s mission. Melissa brings the vision, energy, and collaborative spirit that will guide us into an inspiring new chapter of growth and community impact.”
Boydston brings extensive experience in education, philanthropy, and community development. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President of Community Impact and Engagement at Valley of the Sun United Way, where she led regional initiatives designed to strengthen outcomes across Maricopa County. In this role, she worked closely with nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and private-sector partners to align efforts, share resources, and drive measurable results in health, housing, education, and workforce development. Her work included efforts to improve quality of life and access to resources for seniors, supporting their independence, dignity, and overall well-being.
“What first drew me to Duet was how genuine this organization is in the way it lives its mission,” said Boydston. “There’s something really powerful about the idea of partnering; partnering with older adults, caregivers, and communities, walking alongside them in a way that’s grounded in dignity and connection. I’m excited to work with such a compassionate team and community, and to contribute to the meaningful impact Duet makes every day.”
Earlier in her career, Melissa worked in higher education, focusing on access, student success, and leadership development. Her professional journey reflects a lifelong dedication to expanding opportunity and fostering collaboration across sectors.
Boydston earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Master of Education in Community College and Higher Education from Northern Arizona University, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication from Arizona State University. She also holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Executive Leadership from ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation.
Plewa added, “Throughout her career, Melissa has remained committed to helping communities imagine and build stronger, more connected systems of support and where every person, including older adults, has the opportunity to live with health, independence, and dignity.”
Hazen and Sawyer welcomes Sriram Ananthanarayan as senior associate
Hazen and Sawyer has welcomed Sriram Ananthanarayan as a Senior Associate.
Sriram is a Project Manager with 21 years of experience in delivering consulting and engineering services for water/wastewater projects using a variety of contracting models across the municipal, mining, oil and gas, petrochemicals and power sectors.
Sriram is based in Tucson, where Hazen has just established an office located at One South Church Ave., Suite 1200, Tucson, AZ 85701.
Hazen’s expanded presence in Southern Arizona will allow us to continue delivering exceptional service that our clients such as Tucson Water and Pima County RWRD have come to rely on.
Sriram will be supporting upcoming client needs in the Southern Arizona market and working closely with Hazen’s other Arizona and national offices/practice groups to serve clients across the municipal and industrial sectors.”
