Hughes Federal Credit Union announces new president and CEO

Andrew Britton

Hughes Federal Credit Union today announced that long-time credit union executive Andrew Britton has been appointed president and CEO, replacing recently retired President and CEO Robert Swick. Britton joined Hughes in 2003 following an extensive career in the industry and most recently served as the credit union’s executive vice president of lending. Britton is known for helping Hughes’ local, statewide and national members obtain outstanding loan and savings rates and contributing to the credit union’s longstanding financial strength and stability. As a pivotal member of the leadership team, Andrew helped Hughes increase loans from $290 million in 2010 to $1.8 billion in 2023.

“Andrew is a leader who inspires confidence in others and has navigated unprecedented growth and stability at Hughes,” said Board Chairman Juan Gonzalez. “Our board and employees look forward to continued growth and stability while helping our members improve their financial lives under his leadership.”

Andrew’s management style focuses on empowering employees to be successful and recognizing their professionalism and commitment to the financial well-being of Hughes members. “I believe in taking care of our staff so they, in turn, will take excellent care of those we serve.”

“My deepest thanks to our Board Chairman Juan Gonzalez and board members for being given the opportunity to lead Hughes Federal Credit Union and continue the impressive achievements of our former President and CEO Robert Swick,” said President & CEO Britton.

Theresa Asta, RN, MSN, CPEN, CPN, will serve as clinical manager for and Christina Conrad, DO, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist, will serve as medical director for a freestanding emergency department opening this summer at Phoenix Children’s – Avondale Campus.

Phoenix Children’s names clinical leadership team

As Phoenix Children’s prepares to open a freestanding emergency department in July 2023 in Avondale, Ariz., the pediatric healthcare system today announced the site’s clinical leadership team. Christina Conrad, DO, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist, will serve as medical director and Theresa Asta, RN, MSN, CPEN, CPN, will serve as clinical manager.

“As medical providers, we know kids with serious injuries and illnesses do much better in pediatric emergency departments as opposed to adult facilities,” said Jared Muenzer, MD, MBA, physician in chief, COO of Phoenix Children’s Medical Group and pediatric emergency medicine specialist at Phoenix Children’s. “Everything we are building in this emergency department, and the leadership and care team working here, is being chosen with kids in mind.”

Both Dr. Conrad and Theresa Asta will work closely with Blake Bulloch, MD, division chief of emergency medicine at Phoenix Children’s, and Kristin Niehoff, director of nursing services, who have oversight of emergency care throughout the health system.

Dr. Conrad has provided pediatric emergency medicine services at hospitals throughout Arizona for over a decade, in addition to serving in various clinical leadership and educational roles. She attended Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and served as chief resident at Blank Children’s Hospital before completing a fellowship in pediatric emergency medicine at Phoenix Children’s.

“Kids deserve medical care close to home. That’s what I want for my patients, and it’s also what I want for own family I’m raising right here in the West Valley,” said Dr. Conrad. “I look forward to bringing much-needed pediatric emergency care to this community.”

Theresa Asta, the incoming clinical manager, has worked in Phoenix Children’s ambulatory and urgent care settings since 2018, most recently as clinical manager of the specialty and urgent care centers in the West Valley. Prior to coming to Phoenix Children’s, she worked in a pediatric emergency department in both clinical and charge nurse roles. Asta holds a master’s degree in nursing leadership from Grand Canyon University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Arizona State University.

The Phoenix Children’s – Avondale Campus is comprised of the forthcoming 35,000-square-foot freestanding emergency department, plus a 71,250-square-foot, three-story medical office building that opened in December 2022. Phoenix Children’s invested $33.5 million to retrofit its existing urgent care location to provide emergency services and build the new clinic for expanded specialty care.

The freestanding emergency department will be staffed with board-certified pediatric emergency medicine specialists with the necessary training and expertise to care for critically ill babies, kids and teens. In addition to 24/7 emergency care, Phoenix Children’s patients will have access to 40 treatment rooms including six fast-track rooms, imaging services, and via consult, physicians in more than 75 subspecialties.

Jenny Bortman named president and CEO of Universal Insurance Programs

Jenny Bortman

For over thirty years, Arizona-based Universal Insurance Programs (UIP) has optimized insurance solutions for its clients. The company has earned a reputation for being a leading provider of insurance programs for niche markets including the self-storage, tanning, salon, and day spa industries. Since joining UIP in 1995, President and CEO Randy Tipton has steered the company and its partners to new levels of success. As UIP looks to the future, the executive team is pleased to name Jenny Bortman the new President and CEO, with Tipton moving into a new role as Chairman of the Board, effective May 1, 2023.

Over her 20-year career, Bortman has demonstrated effective leadership and innovative thinking. From her work in sales to her progressive marketing strategies, she has bolstered UIP’s growth even during periods of economic uncertainty. As Chief Operating Officer, Bortman has been responsible for managing customer service, sales, and business development and overseeing operations for the company’s growing team. Prior to joining UIP, Bortman gained valuable sales experience at Nestle Purina.

“Jenny was bred for this,” says Tipton. “She knows this business inside and out. My daughter embodies everything we stand for at Universal Insurance – collaboration, accountability, enthusiasm, and relentless loyalty. She has forged incredibly strong relationships with our partners over the past 15+ years. I have every confidence in her.”

Tipton says when the leadership team took on the executive search process, it was clear Bortman brought the skills, knowledge, and passion that made her the clear choice for the company’s new President and CEO.

“The success of this company and the people we support are of the utmost importance to me,” says Bortman. “As President, I’ll do everything I can to build on the legacy my mom has created. We’re not a small business any more, and the time is right for me to bring new ideas, and a fresh approach to our company’s next phase. It’s an honor to take on this role, and I’m looking forward to executing an exciting strategy for continued growth and innovation.”


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