CopperPoint names Dave Kuhn regional president and EVP

Phoenix-based CopperPoint Mutual Insurance Company, a regional multi-line commercial insurance company, announced David (Dave) Kuhn has been named Regional President of PacificComp, a subsidiary of CopperPoint, and EVP of Enterprise Distribution for the CopperPoint Family of Insurance Companies. 

Dave brings over 30 years of experience in the commercial property and casualty industry and most recently served as Regional Executive with QBE Insurance, where he launched their Western Region of 12 states.

Previously, Dave served as Regional President of the Hanover Insurance Group, where he oversaw the company’s Pacific Region with more than 200 employees in seven offices and nearly $300 million in written premium. His experience also includes serving as Senior Vice President of Bank of America Insurance Group, Regional President of The St. Paul Companies, and Regional Vice President of Hartford Specialty Company. He began his career in underwriting at Aetna and The Travelers Company, Inc. Dave holds Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) and Associate Risk Management (ARM) designations.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dave to CopperPoint and capitalize on his ability to drive profitable growth through strong agency relationships,” said Marc Schmittlein, President & CEO of CopperPoint Insurance Companies. “Dave brings extensive experience in the industry, including his proven success with the limited distribution model and his knowledge of the California marketplace. This appointment reinforces our strategic plans to expand the footprint of the CopperPoint Family of Insurance Companies and will complement our integration efforts.”

Radix Law announces new partner

Radix Law announced the latest addition to the firm. Michelle Swann was recently made partner and brings with her years of experience in the areas of commercial litigation and employment law. Swann also has extensive experience representing private clients in cases involving trademark, civil rights, wage and hour, contract disputes, unfair competition, trade secrets and constitutional torts.

Swann has appeared before federal, tribal, state trial, appellate courts and administrative tribunals at the federal, state and municipal levels. She is licensed to practice in the U.S. District Court of Arizona and the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit.

“Michelle’s experience and in-depth knowledge of business and commercial litigation law will be a great asset for our clients, and we are thrilled to welcome her as a partner,” said Jonathan Frutkin, Principal Attorney at Radix Law.

“I’m excited to join such a strong team. Radix Law provides the best possible advice and advocacy to each client,” said Swann.  

Radix Law now has more than a dozen attorneys specializing in the law of Business, Real Estate, Commercial Litigation, Bankruptcy and Estate Planning.

Former federal prosecutor joins Ballard Spahr

Mark S. Kokanovich, a former federal prosecutor with experience in corporate, financial, and white collar investigations, has joined Ballard Spahr in its Phoenix and Los Angeles offices, firm Chair Mark Stewart announced today.

Prior to joining Ballard Spahr, Mr. Kokanovich served for more than seven years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Arizona, including in the Financial Crimes and Public Integrity Section and as Deputy Chief of the Appellate Section. With nearly a decade of additional experience in private practice, Mr. Kokanovich has represented clients in a variety of civil, criminal, and regulatory matters. He is a member of Ballard Spahr’s Litigation Department and White Collar Defense/Internal Investigations Group. Mr. Kokanovich is admitted to practice in Arizona and California.

Mr. Kokanovich adds to Ballard Spahr’s strong lineup of litigators based in the West, who represent clients in white collar matters and internal investigations as well as in commercial disputes involving intellectual property, labor and employment, bankruptcy, environmental law, media and entertainment law, and real estate. In addition to commercial litigation and a multidisciplinary corporate practice, the Phoenix office has robust practices in political and election law and government relations. The Los Angeles office is a focal point of the firm’s consumer financial services practice in the West, and also is home to highly rated practices in real estate, renewable energy, and employee benefits.

“Mark is a terrific addition who complements and deepens Ballard Spahr’s litigation strength in the West,” said John Kerkorian, Managing Partner of the firm’s Phoenix office. “He has the real-world experience that clients need. In an era when high-profile, high-stakes corporate investigations make headlines almost daily, his skill set is invaluable.”

Ballet Arizona introduces 5 new board members

Ballet Arizona welcomed the appointment of five new members to its Board of Directors: Simone Raess, Associate at Snell & Wilmer LLP; Danielle Hazeltine, Associate at Gallagher & Kennedy; Salvador Avila Bretts-Jamison, Vice President of J.P. Morgan Asset Management; Janet Melamed, Board Member of Center Dance Ensemble; and Flavia Campbell, Partner at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie. 

Ms. Raess is a trained dancer and has a passionate love for the arts. She previously held the position of Music Director at Arizona State University. Her prior work in law practice includes positions at the United States Attorney’s Office, United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Raess has a professional background with experience working in a wide range of areas in Intellectual Property Procurement, Criminal Indictment, Plea Agreement, Drafting Judicial Opinions and Pending Appeals.

Serving as the former Co-Chairperson of New York City Ballet’s Young Patron, Mr. Bretts-Jamison brings extensive professional experience to the board. His background includes working in areas of Financial Investment, International Government Affairs, Pension and Asset Management, Business Development and Global Client Relations. Prior to his position at J.P. Morgan Asset Management, he founded the Aladdin Group in Mexico. His previous positions include Vice President of International Client Business and Business Manager and Associate for the LAI CEO. Bretts-Jamison attended Georgetown University and received a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Services for International History. He is certified in Latin American Studies and European Studies. 

Ms. Hazeltine practices environmental and natural resources law with an emphasis in air quality regulatory matters, including permitting, reporting, compliance counsel, and enforcement resolution. Prior to joining Gallagher & Kennedy, she was the Assistant Commissioner at the Arizona Department of Real Estate (ADRE), leading both the Enforcement and Compliance and Auditing and Investigations Divisions, which includes creating visual management tools and streamlining job processes while creating a higher quality work product. Hazeltine previously worked as an attorney in Boise, where she had the opportunity to advise various municipalities throughout Idaho, perform legal research, draft memorandums, city ordinances, comment letters and liens. She is an active member of the Arizona State Bar and is registered in Idaho to practice law. 

“‘We are confident that our new board members will have the power to advance the capabilities and create new opportunities for Ballet Arizona,” said Susie Fowls, Governance Chair for Ballet Arizona. “Their diverse professional backgrounds and enthusiastic passion for ballet and performing arts will provide positive assistance and growth to the arts community.” 

With her life spent heavily involved in several arts, education, social service and historic preservation organizations, Mrs. Melamed is truly dedicated to the arts community. She serves on the Board of Center Dance Ensemble, Advisory Board of the Phoenix Opera, and is a member of 5 Arts Circle. Originally from Princeton, NJ, she studied at Emerson College in Boston and graduated with a degree in Theater Education. Melamed is also actively involved in charity work, assisting a wide array of Phoenix organizations.

Ms. Campbell is a member of Ballet Arizona’s Young Professionals Group Ballet Barre. She is currently a partner at Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie Law Firm working for the Intellectual Property and Technology Practice Group. Prior to joining Lewis Roca Rothgerber Christie, Campbell worked as a trademark attorney with Clarke, Modet & Co. in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her practice areas primarily include work in trademarks and copyrights. She has professional experience in Trademark policing efforts, client IP validity, infringement and enforcement, domain disputes, trademark prosecution and license agreements. Campbell is involved in many organizations including the Public and Media Relations Committee for the International Trademark Association, ASIPI’s Country Guide Committee, National Association of Women Business Owners Phoenix Chapter, and the International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property AIPPI.

Combined with an administrative team and the committed efforts of volunteer corps, Ballet Arizona’s Board of Directors provide support services and oversight for the company’s activities. Ballet Arizona is dedicated to serving the people of Maricopa County through extensive community outreach and education programs, touching the lives of more than 35,000 children each year.