Delta Dental of Arizona announces new HR director

Delta Dental of Arizona announced that Jolean Fleck is now the director of human resources, addressing the needs of the dental insurer’s 112 employees. Prior to joining Delta Dental of Arizona, Fleck held a similar position as the chief talent officer and HR director for the Town of Gilbert, Arizona. 

“As Delta Dental continues to grow in Arizona, Jolean’s experience will help us attract and retain the region’s top talent, which will ultimately help us on our mission to improve lives by promoting optimal oral health,” said Leslie Hess, general counsel/chief compliance and risk management officer at Delta Dental of Arizona. “The entire Delta Dental of Arizona team is very excited to have such a talented and passionate individual joining the team.” 

Fleck is an experienced talent manager with a demonstrated history of delivering HR solutions that align with business strategy and provide an enriching employee experience. She believes in positioning HR as an agile, in-the-trenches business partner, focusing on providing an exceptional culture for employees to thrive in.

Polsinelli’s Melissa Ho named to ‘Under 40 Hot List’

Am Law 100 firm Polsinelli announced that three of its attorneys who have been included in Benchmark Litigation’s Under 40 Hot List for 2019.  Melissa S. Ho of the firm’s Phoenix office received the distinction for the fourth year in a row.  A trial attorney in the firm’s Government Investigations Practice, Melissa focuses on the defense of False Claims Act matters, government investigations, business litigation and criminal defense at the state and federal levels.  As a former prosecutor, she is well versed in internal investigations and high-profile matters.  Ho works as a liaison between business and litigation professionals in the United States and Asia to formulate plans in response to contract disputes and government inquiries. Melissa was named together with Lauren E. Tucker McCubbin and Robert V. Spake, Jr. of the firm’s Kansas City office.  The Under 40 Hot List is billed as an “exclusive ranking of the most talented U.S. litigators” 40 years of age or younger.  Benchmark uses a process of peer review and case examination compiled over many months to recognize this new generation of up-and-coming attorneys.

Sagewood appoints Herman director of human resources

Sagewood, a Life Plan Community featuring resort-like amenities in northeast Phoenix, has named Kim Herman director of human resources.

Herman brings more than 25 years of human resources experience to the Sagewood community. Herman most recently served as vice president of human resources at Empereon-Constar, a leading provider of end-to-end customer engagement and customer management solutions. She also served in managing human resources for US Foods, Desert Financial Credit Union and Shamrock Foods Company.

“Kim brings extensive human resources experience to our team at Sagewood,” said Stewart Ingram, executive director of Sagewood. “Her knowledge of human resources systems and services is invaluable.”

In her new role, Herman will be responsible for recruiting and training new employees, managing human resource activities and administering benefit programs. 

Jennings Strouss attorney will chair committee

Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C., a leading Phoenix-based law firm, announced that Julia S. Acken has been appointed Chair of the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. 

“It is an honor to be appointed to the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee,” states Acken, Member in the firm’s labor and employment law department. “I look forward to continuing Jennings Strouss’ commitment to diversity and inclusion through support of like-minded organizations, education, and events that promote awareness.” 

Acken concentrates her practice in both labor and employment law and adoption law. She has defended numerous companies in gender, race, and disability cases in state and federal court and provides training to supervisors, human resources professionals, and employees regarding common compliance issues. Acken also has wide-ranging experience representing families throughout the adoption process. Acken also serves on the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona.

Lazarus, Silvyn & Bangs PC announces new hires

Lazarus, Silvyn & Bangs PC (LSB), a land-use law firm with offices in Phoenix and Tucson, today announced the addition of two employees and new outreach and entitlement land planning services to support clients in commercial, residential, community, resort, recreational and light industrial development.

LSB’s services include:

• Performing due diligence research and site analyses.

• Preparing planning documents and entitlement applications.

• Drafting draft ordinances for development procedures and land use controls.

• Interfacing with jurisdictional planning staff to resolve issues.

• Leading community outreach and consensus‐building efforts. 

“We are thrilled to provide a greater range of services to our clients,” LSB Partner Larry Lazarus said. “Land development is complex and we are committed to streamlining the process to help our clients realize their goals more efficiently, and with fewer frustrations and costly setbacks.”

Senior Land Planner Robin Large, who has been with LSB for two years, will serve Tucson clients bringing more than 14 years of private and public land planning experience. She also is a former planning commissioner for the Town of Oro Valley. In the course of her career, she has managed  planning projects, lead multidisciplinary teams and handled negotiations with stakeholders. 

Large earned her undergraduate degree in history and graduate degree in planning with a concentration in land use and community planning from the University of Arizona.

Senior Land Planner Michelle Green will serve Phoenix clients offering 20 years of private and public sector planning experience. Green joins LSB from the Arizona State Land Department where she served as a project manager. 

Green is skilled in navigating complex land development and entitlement projects, and in building consensus to ensure positive outcomes for clients and the community. 

Green earned her undergraduate degree in geography from St. Mary’s University and master’s degree in urban and rural planning from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, Canada.

In addition to the land planning services and expertise, LSB announced it has retained Jeanne Chanen as special counsel in the Phoenix office. Chanen offers clients more than 38 years of experience in commercial real estate transactions and real estate-based financing. 

She has extensive experience in commercial real estate purchase, sale and development, non-judicial foreclosures (trustee’s sales), loan workouts, and document preparation and negotiation. 

Chanen graduated with honor from the University of Minnesota Law School.