Plexus Worldwide appoints Gene Tipps as new CEO
Plexus Worldwide has appointed Gene Tipps to be the health and wellness company’s new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 3, 2022. Founders Tarl Robinson and Alec Clark will shift into new roles with the launch of a new strategic council. Robinson transitioned from his role as CEO at the end of September while Clark will remain on until early 2023, ensuring a smooth changeover.
Tipps joined Plexus in 2018 as Chief Operating Officer. He was the driving force behind the delivery of over 30 new products and expanded Plexus Worldwide’s reach into new and emerging markets. Last year, Tipps was promoted to President of Global Operations, overseeing all areas of the company’s operations and information technology at both domestic and international levels. He has played a central role in the development and evolution of Plexus during the last four years and helped the company navigate a global pandemic during one of the most challenging times for supply chain and operations in recent history.
“I’m excited for this next stage in Plexus’ growth,” said Robinson. “Gene has been instrumental in Plexus’ continued trajectory to becoming a leader in our industry. I’ve seen his steadfast commitment to Plexus and have been inspired by his strategic vision for the company. I know he will be an inspiration for the entire organization as we continue our legacy journey.”
Before joining Plexus, Tipps served as Chief Operating Officer at Yevo, and Senior Vice President, Operations at LifeVantage. A seasoned direct selling executive with extensive knowledge of all stages of the business life cycle, Tipps is passionate about infusing bold concepts into organizations at their growth and maturity points.
HonorHealth COO will lead Go Red for Women Movement
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization devoted to world of healthier lives for all, announced Riana Kielly, Chief Operating Officer, John C. Lincoln Medical Center, HonorHealth as the community volunteer chair of the 2022-2023 Greater Phoenix area Go Red for Women movement.
Go Red for Women is a worldwide initiative of the American Heart Association designed to increase women’s heart health awareness and serve as a catalyst for change to improve the lives of women locally, nationally, and globally.
Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. Cardiovascular disease continues to be a woman’s greatest health threat, taking the life of one in every three women.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of women – both trusted professional women leaders and those women in our diverse Phoenix communities,” Kielly said. “I consider it an honor and a privilege to be able to use my role and the networks I have been able to establish because of the position I am in as an avenue to implement change. With privilege comes responsibility. I want to do good with this privilege.”
Returning for another year is the Women of Impact/Teen of Impact initiative. Women and teens are nominated by their peers to participate. The nominees will recruit champions from their networks to form a fundraising team and have a direct impact on women’s health and the Go Red for Women vision of creating a passionate community dedicated to addressing health issues unique to women. The nominee whose team makes the largest impact in each market will be named the local Woman of Impact Award Winner or Teen of Impact Award Winner.
This year’s Go Red for Women movement and its local achievements will be celebrated on May 4, 2023 at the 2023 Phoenix Go Red for Women Luncheon, sponsored locally by HonorHealth and UnitedHealthcare. For more information visit, PhoenixGoRedLuncheon.heart.org.
Top producing SMITH Real Estate Team joins RETSY
With more than $59 million in sales volume for 2021, Alex Smith and The SMITH Team are bringing their passion and aptitude for luxury real estate development, buying and selling to RETSY, as the latest top-producing team to join the elite, tech-focused brokerage.
Alex Smith is known in the Arizona real estate community for his distinctive level of excellence, professionalism and commitment. With a substantial background as a leader in the construction industry, it was a natural fit for Alex to found his own real estate team and development group.
He established SMITH Real Estate, a luxury residential real estate business with RETSY, and Sasquatch Development Group, a premier real estate development group that specializes in single-family attached housing. SMITH Real Estate has become synonymous with recognizing opportunity and producing results.
“SMITH Real Estate, led by Alex Smith, is a well-established team that has built an impressive online presence by utilizing social media to engage with their sphere,” said Chris Morrison, founding partner of RETSY. “We are thrilled to welcome Smith Real Estate to RETSY.”
RETSY is comprised of agents boasting more than 300 years of combined experience and $3.5 billion in sales. Since launching in 2020, the firm has achieved incredible success by combining an innovative platform with top luxury agents who are recognized leaders and widely regarded for delivering the highest level of personalized service to home buyers and sellers. In 2021, the brokerage was selected by Forbes Global Properties to join its exclusive network, exposing millions of viewers worldwide to the top Arizona luxury properties that RETSY agents represent.
RETSY is currently the fastest-growing brokerage in Arizona because it incorporates a tech-leading approach to the traditional real estate model. RETSY provides each of its top producing agents with the innovative tools needed to continue breaking sales records in one of the most competitive markets in the country.
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino announces promotions on operations team
Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, part of Caesars Entertainment and the state’s only tribal casino to have an international management partner, today announced several key operations team promotions.
Samantha Gulick has been promoted to director of marketing and hotel operations. In her new role, Gulick will continue to oversee all marketing efforts including advertising, public relations and outreach strategies that drive traffic and build brand awareness for the casino but will also oversee all hotel, spa and pool operations.
Gulick has been with Caesars Entertainment for more than eight years, most recently as the director of marketing.
Nathan Kinstlinger has been promoted to director of food and beverage operations. In the new role, he will be responsible for implementing short- and long-term strategies for all food and beverage operations as well as maintaining cost and inventory controls to positively impact the property’s bottom line.
In addition, Kinstlinger will also oversee all retail operations. Kinstlinger has been with Caesars Entertainment for more than 10 years, most recently as food and beverage manager.
Cody Hansen has been promoted to food and beverage operations manager. Hansen will oversee all guest-facing food and beverage service for the casino, pool bar and banquet area. Hansen joined Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino in 2017, serving most recently as the assistant food and beverage manager.
“Harrah’s Ak-Chin regularly looks for opportunities for growth and advancement from within our team,” said Michael Kintner, senior vice president and general manager. “These promotions reflect that commitment and are a demonstration of these individuals have been instrumental in spearheading our performance and success. Their expertise, skills and leadership continue to support the ongoing evolution and growth of Harrah’s Ak-Chin.”
(Photo courtesy of The Brokery)
The Brokery names new branch managers
The Brokery, which has established itself as the “relentlessly local” Valley real estate brokerage, has named three new branch managers at their Arcadia, North Central Phoenix, and Scottsdale offices. Debbie Pontikas will serve as the new branch manager of the company’s flagship Arcadia office, Jenn Newman will head up the North Central Phoenix office, and Ronald “Ronn” Wadsworth will manage the company’s new Scottsdale office. The three will oversee general operations of each branch, including recruiting and developing top agents, setting and maintaining sales goals, and helping agents grow their business year over year through coaching and partnership.Pontikas, a graduate of Rice University in Houston, Texas, has been with The Brokery for nearly five years. Prior to joining the company, she spent over a decade honing her real estate marketing skills while serving as Vice President of Marketing for several National and Global real estate investment companies.A Phoenix native and graduate of Arizona State University, Newman is a Multi-Million Dollar Producer, certified Real Estate Negotiation Expert (RENE), Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES®), and a member of the Scottsdale Area Association of REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®. Prior to her career in real estate, she spent sixteen years in recruiting, marketing, and advertising. An accomplished soprano soloist, Newman has managed her own work with various symphony orchestras across the country for two decades, honing pertinent skills in prospecting, contract negotiation, and public relations.Wadsworth has spent over two decades mastering his expertise in management, leadership, and business development. Prior to his career in real estate, he was Vice President of Operations for a Fortune 500 company and owned and operated businesses in the Washington DC area. These experiences have allowed him to adopt his business acumen to the real estate industry to help his clients win the deal despite the intense competitive landscape. Wadsworth is a graduate of Capella University, a Multi-Million Dollar Producer, and a member of the Scottsdale Area Association of Realtors.
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