Banner Health appoints new physician executive of neurosurgery
Banner Health has appointed Peter Nakaji, MD, as Physician Executive of Neurosurgery at Banner Health and Physician Executive Director of the Banner – University Medicine Neuroscience Institute, effective August 1. He will also serve as Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at Banner for the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix.
Dr. Nakaji is one of the leading neurosurgeons in the United States, best known for his expertise in vascular, tumor, endoscopic and minimally invasive neurosurgery. He has pioneered new approaches in neuroendoscopy, including a minimally invasive surgical procedure commonly referred to as the “keyhole” surgery, for conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, colloid cysts and brain tumors. Dr. Nakaji’s surgical philosophy has produced techniques that yield less traumatic surgeries and allow for faster recovery; as a result, physicians often send him the most technically challenging cases. He is an authority in the treatment of aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, cavernous malformations, skull base surgery and brain and spinal tumors. He is highly engaged in the national and international neurosurgical arena and brings a strong background in academic research and education.
“Dr. Nakaji is an exceptional addition to our Banner team and will be instrumental in expanding and further elevating our neurosurgical services,” said Scott Nordlund, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer for Banner Health. “His considerable expertise supports Banner’s commitment to be one of the leading health systems in the country for neurosurgery.”
Dr. Nakaji joins Banner from Barrow Brain and Spine where he has practiced for 15 years. He has also served for nearly a decade as the Director of the Neurosurgery Residency Program at Barrow Neurological Institute.
Washington Federal Bank hires Todd Gerber
Washington Federal Bank, which is located at 6720 N. Scottsdale Rd., announces Todd Gerber as the Arizona Commercial Manager. Gerber will be responsible for managing the commercial division department team and growing it to new levels of success and providing solutions to our clients.
Gerber brings more than 24 years of experience in the banking industry and is an expert in the areas of commercial lending, treasury management and portfolio management. Over his established career, Gerber has been responsible for a billion dollars in loans and deposits, along with four separate markets on four separate banking teams. In previous roles, he has been the recipient of multiple Sale of Service Excellence awards, earning four throughout his career.
“We are so thrilled to welcome Todd to the team,” says Mike Brown, Arizona Regional President. “His overall industry knowledge in banking and experience in multiple commercial and industrial markets in Arizona will make him an invaluable member of our Arizona team. Todd is a proven commercial manager in Arizona and I am confident his skill sets will allow us to service our current client base and grow it organically.”
Sunbelt Investment Holdings adds Smith, Griffith
Sunbelt Investment Holdings, Inc. (SIHI), a full-service real estate development company with headquarters in San Diego, Calif., recently hired Tyler Smith as Vice President of Construction and Brooks Griffith as Real Estate Manager at its Phoenix office. The addition of these two roles will continue to strengthen SIHI’s reputation in the Valley and enhance their portfolio in the Southwest.
As vice president of construction, Smith will be responsible for direct oversight of design and construction for SIHI’s new development portfolio. Smith has a strong passion for building and possesses a record of success in a variety of market sectors, including office, higher education, retail and healthcare. Smith is an experienced leader in all phases of design and construction, creating positive collaboration with architects, consultants and contractors while maintaining the project budget and schedule.
With more than 15 years of commercial real estate experience and most recently as senior project manager for Ryan Companies, Smith is very familiar with construction and design and leading all types of projects. Smith is a graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Construction Management, and an Arizona native who is deeply rooted in the Phoenix market.
“The addition of Tyler and Brooks to our team brings a broad range of experience, which will have a positive impact on our future growth in the local market,” said Todd Holzer, President of Sunbelt Investment Holdings. “Their knowledge of all aspects of the development process will continue to strengthen our strategic growth throughout Arizona and particularly in the Valley.”
In Griffith’s new role as real estate manager, he will oversee all land acquisition and disposition activities across Arizona. He has a comprehensive understanding of the Phoenix real estate market and an extensive background in residential and commercial land sales. He has a focused and deliberate approach to the business which will complement his years of experience working on entitlements and feasibility studies for future development and investment opportunities for SIHI.
Griffith joins SIHI from Cushman & Wakefield with 13 years of experience as a residential and commercial land specialist. He is originally from Wichita, KS where he grew up in the business, learning the commercial real estate business from his grandfather. He graduated from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with degrees in Economics and Psychology before ultimately deciding to make the move to Phoenix to pursue his passion in real estate.
Sabino Recovery announces new clinical director
Shara Turner, LPC, MSC, NCC, Eagala, has been named Clinical Director filling the position after the retirement of Peggy Holt. Shara has spent the last nine years in public health working with individuals dually diagnosed with a variety of substance use and mental health disorders, complex trauma, and extreme environmental and social inadequacies. Most recently Shara served as lead therapist and clinical supervisor of an 18-bed residential facility where she also developed and led an intensive outpatient equine program.
Turner is a Masters level licensed professional counselor, is certified by Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (Eagala) and versed in a variety of therapeutic modalities including DBT, CPT, and CBT. Shara‘s passion lies in stepping away from the stigma of diagnosis and treating the individual, utilizing an integrative and holistic approach.
