LAVIDGE announces new leadership structure for PR
LAVIDGE, a leading full-service marketing communications agency, today announced a new leadership structure designed to drive growth and innovation across its Public Relations and Publicity divisions.
To provide each area with the focus and dedicated leadership needed to thrive, the agency has appointed Anne Robertson as Managing Director of Publicity and welcomed Stacey Johnes as Managing Director of PR.
Book Publicity has been a growing area for LAVIDGE, and this change allows the agency to build on that momentum. Robertson’s 30 years in strategic communications includes her role as managing director of PR for 18-plus years at the agency, leading teams and client strategy across several industry sectors.
In 2016, Robertson launched a dedicated author publicity team, tapping into her deep experience in that area. She has led campaigns that help both traditionally published and self-published authors build visibility and connect with readers. She has also contributed thought leadership on trends in book publicity and author branding. In her new role, Robertson will focus full-time on expanding services for authors and publishers and positioning the division for long-term success.
Johnes brings more than 25 years of experience to her new role at LAVIDGE. She has led communications strategies for global and national brands across technology, consumer, healthcare, and entertainment. Her career includes leadership roles at Headstand, Allison Worldwide, Ogilvy, Weber Shandwick, Edelman, and as co-founder of Media Tonic Communications. She has overseen major launches such as Microsoft’s Xbox debut, Hulu’s livestreaming TV service, and campaigns for clients including Disney, Xiaomi, General Motors, Dollar General and Red Robin. As Managing Director of PR at LAVIDGE, Johnes will bring a fresh perspective, innovative thinking, and proven leadership to the department
“This change isn’t just about structure — it’s about opportunity,” says Sandra Torre, Co-President of LAVIDGE. “With dedicated leadership in both PR and Publicity, we are better positioned to deliver fresh ideas, deeper expertise, and stronger results for our clients. Our goal is to ensure every client benefits from focused, forward-looking leadership in these two critical areas.”
The updated leadership structure is part of LAVIDGE’s ongoing commitment to staying strategically aligned with client needs while continuing to invest in areas of growth and innovation.
MMG Real Estate Advisors expands into Phoenix
MMG Real Estate Advisors, a Midwest-based brokerage and advisory firm specializing in multifamily and land transactions across the U.S., announced the opening of its newest office in Phoenix, Arizona, marking a strategic expansion into the Southwest. The office will be led by Jim Crews, a highly respected industry veteran with more than 25 years of multifamily experience and a proven record of success in the Phoenix market.
Crews brings extensive expertise from more than 25 years at Cushman & Wakefield, where he consistently ranked among the firm’s top multifamily producers in the Southwest. Over the course of his career, he has completed more than $2 billion in multifamily transactions across acquisitions, dispositions, and development. His experience also includes senior-level transaction roles with United Dominion Realty Trust (UDR). Crews is a licensed Arizona real estate broker and holds the prestigious CCIM designation.
“Jim’s track record and reputation speak volumes,” said Michael Sullivan, Co-Founder of MMG. “His leadership strengthens our ability to deliver best in class advisory services while advancing our national growth strategy. The Phoenix office positions us to provide institutional quality execution to clients across Arizona and the greater Southwest.”
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Beyond his professional achievements, Crews is actively involved in the community and industry leadership. He has served as chairman of the Scottsdale Housing Commission, president of the Golden Gate Community Center Board, and board member of the Arizona Children’s Association.
The Phoenix launch underscores MMG’s commitment to building a nationally connected, locally focused platform, enhancing access to top tier multifamily advisory services across key U.S. markets.
Karen A. Listo named general manager of Desert Diamond Casino’s West Valley properties
The Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise announced today that Karen A. Listo will serve as the new General Manager overseeing Desert Diamond Casino West Valley and Desert Diamond Casino White Tanks, operating in the West Valley of the Phoenix metro area. Karen had been serving as Interim General Manager for both properties so her transition to this permanent position will be seamless.
With over 30 years of gaming experience, Karen brings a wealth of industry expertise to her role in leading the West Valley properties. During her tenure Desert Diamond Casino has grown into Arizona’s premier gaming operation with five casinos, three in Southern Arizona and two in the West Valley. Most recently, Karen served as General Manager for the Southern Arizona properties before stepping into the Interim GM role at West Valley. She is an enrolled member of the Tohono O’odham Nation from the Sells District and has a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Phoenix.
Daniele Chilton, CEO for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, said, “We are thrilled Karen has accepted the General Manager position for our two West Valley properties. Our gaming operations now employs nearly 4,000 team members across our facilities and has become a major economic engine for the Tohono O’odham Nation and the Arizona economy. With her extensive leadership skills, Karen will play a key role in growing our West Valley operations.”
Karen A. Listo, GM for Desert Diamond Casino’s West Valley properties, said “I am both humbled and honored to serve as General Manager for our two West Valley casinos. In just a few short years our West Valley operations have earned a reputation as leaders in gaming entertainment across the Phoenix Valley. We have built a strong enterprise from our humble beginnings as a bingo facility, and I look forward to working to continue to build on this success and move our operations forward.”
Desert Diamond Casino, with three locations in Southern Arizona (Tucson, Sahuarita, and Why) and two in the West Valley, is owned and operated by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise, an enterprise of the Tohono O’odham Nation. Additional information can be found at www.ddcaz.com or by calling 833-DDC-2WIN. Follow Desert Diamond Casino on X.com(@DDCWestValley), Facebook (@DDCWestValley), and Instagram (@desertdiamondwestvalley).
