Littler appoints new leaders of firm’s Phoenix office
Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has appointed Kristy Peters and Andrea Lovell as office managing shareholders of its Phoenix location. They are succeeding Shawn Oller, who stepped down to continue focusing on his practice and other firm initiatives.
“As trusted leaders with well-earned reputations as top employment lawyers in Arizona, Kristy and Andrea’s respective strengths and impressive credentials are a perfect fit to lead our talented team in Phoenix,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. “On behalf of the firm and the Phoenix office, I’d like to thank Shawn for his incredible leadership over the past eight years and the strong foundation he has helped set for Kristy and Andrea to further expand the office’s platform and capabilities.”
READ ALSO: Most Influential Women: Kristy Peters, Littler
READ ALSO: Most Influential Women: Andrea Lovell, Littler
Peters is an experienced litigator who represents employers in a wide range of matters, including claims involving discrimination and harassment, unfair competition and trade secrets, and wrongful termination. She also counsels on various matters that arise out of the employer-employee relationships and conducts employee training. Peters is regularly recognized as a leading lawyer, including being named Lawyer of the Year for Employment Law – Management in Phoenix by Best Lawyers, as well as among the Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona by AZ Big Media, the 50 Most Influential Women in Arizona Business by AZ Business Magazine, the 40 Under 40 by the Phoenix Business Journal and one of the top Arizona Business Leaders in Employment and Labor Relations by AZ Business Magazine.
Peters earned her J.D., cum laude, from the University of Minnesota Law School and her B.B.A., With Distinction, from the University of Wisconsin.
Lovell focuses her practice on counseling and defending employers faced with claims of harassment and discrimination, wrongful discharge and various employment-related torts. She also regularly represents employers against unfair labor practice charges and in labor arbitrations under collective bargaining agreements. Lovell has been recognized as a Leading Lawyer for Business by Chambers USA and was named one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business by Arizona Business Magazine.
Lovell earned her J.D., with honors, from the University of Washington School of Law and her B.A., magna cum laude, from the University of Puget Sound.
“We are honored to have the opportunity to lead the Phoenix office and look forward to building on Shawn’s efforts to further grow Littler’s profile,” said Peters and Lovell in a joint statement. “With a highly skilled team dedicated to exemplary client service, we are well situated to further expand our capabilities while recruiting top talent in the market.”
Colleen Schwab promoted to GPEC chief performance officer
The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) has named Colleen Schwab its Chief Performance Officer. Previously the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Schwab is responsible for maintaining the GPEC brand identity and reputation in the region and will support the development of priorities for new initiatives and projects within the organization.
“The story we tell draws businesses and families to the region and drives conversation around the GPEC brand; it’s a critical aspect to the work we do,” said Chris Camacho, president and CEO of GPEC. “Colleen has spearheaded omni-channel campaigns that have been instrumental to the growth of GPEC, and her expertise will help to carry us forward as we advance efforts imperative to a comprehensive economic development paradigm.”
As an economic development executive, Schwab has worked domestically and internationally with corporate leaders, site selectors, capital partners and developers to support the market entry of leading businesses expanding or relocating to Greater Phoenix. At GPEC, she has launched award-winning campaigns, including #CAStruggles, #AZFreeToBe and The Connected Place, which built a regional identity around loT and sensor technology. Schwab also launched the organization’s “Greater Together” branding refresh.
Dude Ranchers’ Hall of Fame induction
Tanque Verde Ranch, a dude ranch owned by Cote Family Destinations, announced the induction of former general manager Rita Cote into the Dude Ranchers’ Association Hall of Fame on January 19, 2022, which represents over 100 of the best dude ranches in the west.
Nearly a century old, the esteemed association is the governing body of the West’s dude ranch industry, providing organized structure to uphold the highest quality of services. Through relationships with federal and state land agencies, the Dude Ranchers’ Association works to promote the western ranch vacation while preserving and protecting parks, forests, and wildlife.
One of America’s longest operating cattle and guest ranches – having celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2018 – Tanque Verde Ranch provides visitors authentic experiences steeped in rich history through programming and offers that encourage guests of all ages to return for years to come. Amenities include more than 150 horses for lessons and rides from sun-up to sunset, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, several swimming pools, numerous dining options and endless scenic views of the surrounding desert and mountains.
An honorable and memorable occasion for Tanque Verde Ranch and the Cote family, Rita Cote’s induction on January 19 also marks the 10-year anniversary to the day of her late husband Bob Cote’s induction to the Dude Ranchers’ Association Hall of Fame. Bob’s father, Brownie Cote, purchased the ranch in 1957 and together they built it up from a small-time guest ranch to the thriving, acclaimed destination it is today.
To learn more or book a stay at Tanque Verde Ranch, visit www.tanqueverderanch.com.
Sundt promotes Cade Rowley
Longtime Sundt employee-owner and construction industry veteran Cade Rowley has been promoted to President of Sundt Construction’s Industrial Group – West. In his new role, Rowley will be responsible for all business development, preconstruction and operations for the general contractor’s industrial construction work throughout the Western U.S. and water/wastewater projects across the country.
“Cade brings a depth of leadership talent and business acumen to this important role,” said Sundt’s CEO and Chairman of the Board, Mike Hoover. “His skill as a builder, combined with his large project experience and industry knowledge, will make him an exceptional leader for the group.”
Rowley joined Sundt in 1998 as a field engineer and has served in multiple positions across the organization in the years since. As a recognized expert in alternate project delivery methods, he has managed and led a number of design-build and construction manager at-risk projects to successful completion.
Most recently, Rowley served as Senior Vice President overseeing Sundt’s transportation and heavy civil work throughout the Southwest and Intermountain regions. His teams have successfully built several billion dollars’ worth of water/wastewater distribution projects, critical flood control projects, bridge construction and highway expansions, and light rail projects across a number of states using various project delivery methods.
Two of these projects, the Valley Metro Rail Gilbert Road extension near Phoenix and the GO 10 collector-distributor lanes in El Paso, won Build America Awards, the construction industry’s most prestigious honor. In addition, those projects and numerous others under Rowley’s guidance have won Engineering News-Record (ENR) regional Best Project Awards. The awards are given annually by ENR, the industry’s leading publication, to highlight the year’s best construction projects across the U.S.
Sundt hires Courtney Meyers
Sundt Construction added Courtney Meyers as a business development representative for its Industrial Group. In her new role, Meyers will assist with market research, lead generation, and preparing proposals.
“Courtney brings experience in new target markets and geographies as well as new perspective and skills to apply to improving our client deliverables,” said Shad Bowman, vice president and business development manager for Sundt’s Industrial Group. “She has been a great addition to our team, and she is proving to be a key part of our pursuit process already.”
Most recently, Meyers served as a marketing specialist for another architecture, engineering and construction company in Florida. In that role, she led business unit pursuits and was responsible for writing or developing key sections of proposal and interview materials. Meyers has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Valdosta State University in Georgia.
“Sundt has an outstanding reputation that cannot be beat, which is one of the many reasons that I chose Sundt. I’m excited to grow my career here as I continue to expand on and learn new skills,” said Meyers.
As an industrial construction expert for over 100 years, Sundt has raised the bar on scheduling, safety, efficiency, and innovations to reduce natural resource consumption, minimize environmental impact, and improve our overall quality of life. A recognized leader in critical infrastructure, the firm is ranked nationally by Engineering News-Record, the industry’s leading publication.
GLHN Architects & Engineers promotes two industry experts
Continuing to grow and build for the future, GLHN Architects & Engineers, Inc., is pleased to announce the promotion of a pair of industry experts to Director of Architecture and Director of Design.
An employee-owned firm with more than 50 years of expertise in healthcare and higher education projects, GLHN promoted Dan Maher to Director of Architecture in the Tucson office and Russell Combs to Director of Design in its Phoenix office. The promotions are the result of a new dedication to design and the firm’s commitment to improving its communities by elevating the built environment.
The promotions are also a continuation of leadership growth. Last year, GLHN promoted Robert Lamb, PE, to CEO and Tiffany Gorrell to Director of Business Development and Marketing.
Maher, a native of Tucson, formerly served as Project Manager, Architecture. His new responsibilities include managing the architectural staff, business development, management of office graphic standards, and staff professional development.
Combs, a native of New Jersey, formerly served as Healthcare/Wellness Studio Lead. His new responsibilities will include inspiring the staff to deliver service and environments that contribute to client success by advancing GLHN’s collaborative design process.
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