Phoenix Rescue Mission hires new CEO
Phoenix Rescue Mission, a faith-based nonprofit that offers life-transforming solutions to persons facing hunger, homelessness, addiction, and trauma, has hired Ken Brissa as its new chief executive officer, following a national search to replace former CEO Jay Cory.
Brissa joins Phoenix Rescue Mission as an accomplished nonprofit and for-profit senior executive with more than 25 years of executive leadership, fundraising, board development, budget and program management, organizational strategy, and continuous improvement experience. He has a proven record of success as a leader, inspiring and developing high performing teams, cultivating relationships, managing staff and volunteers, building impactful community and constituent relations, and driving effective local and national collaboration.
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to be both an operational and a spiritual leader,” Brissa said. “My personal vision for Phoenix Rescue Mission’s future is in lockstep with that of the organization – to transform lives while transforming our city. We’ll continue to work with partner organizations to fulfill this vision while building new partnerships and relationships to grow our impact.”
Most recently Brissa served as the Vice President of Market Leadership and Development with March of Dimes, where he directed operational strategy, mission and values integration, goal setting, and performance management for more than 160 staff in 25 markets across the U.S. – raising $35 million with a focus on revenue growth, goal accomplishment, collaboration, and staff and volunteer development. Prior to March of Dimes, Brissa served as vice president of community engagement of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, senior director of philanthropic partnerships with the MIND Research Institute, executive director for JDRF International, and president and CEO of the ALS Association Arizona Chapter.
“As we embark on one of the largest expansion projects in our nearly 70-year history, Ken will provide the leadership and strategic direction necessary to further grow our mission and impact in the Valley,” Interim President Barb Baderman said, referring to Phoenix Rescue Mission’s $21 million expansion project to build new facilities and add 200 long-term recovery beds at the Mission’s Transforming Lives Center. The first phase of the project is expected to break ground later this year.
Spencer Fane adds real estate partner
Spencer Fane LLP announced the addition of partner Brian Zavislak and of counsel Sarah Sicotte to the firm’s Real Estate practice group. Zavislak will be located in the Phoenix and Dallas offices, while Sicotte will be based in Denver.
“We continue to put a focus on not only growing our office but providing additional resources to the Real Estate bench at Spencer Fane,” said Andy Federhar, Office Managing Partner in Phoenix. “Brian will be an asset not only to our office but also for the firm as a whole. Similarly, Sarah brings her own unique strengths that will benefit our clients in addressing their most important real estate matters and transactions.”
Zavislak assists clients with the intricacies and complexities involved in commercial real estate development. His experience includes acquisition, development and disposition of commercial properties of all sizes, in addition to helping navigate commercial finance transactions secured by real property and office, industrial, multifamily and retail leasing. He serves or has served on numerous professional boards, and is an active member of the Scottsdale Charros.
Zavislak earned both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame.
Sundt Construction hires Crystal Rubin
Sundt Construction, Inc. recently hired Crystal Rubin as a business development representative in its Transportation Group.
Rubin brings nearly 17 years of experience in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry with high-profile, large-scale projects to her new role. These complex projects included stakeholder engagement across diverse communities, close coordination with city and state elected officials and hands-on, in-field experience. Most recently, Rubin served as the public relations manager on the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway project, the largest transportation project and first highway built as the public-private partnership in Arizona’s history. She is well-versed in business development, public relations and high-level relationship management.
“We’re excited to have Crystal on board,” said Cade Rowley, vice president and southwest regional manager for Sundt’s Transportation Group. “She brings a diverse background with extensive experience working in conjunction with many of our clients and partners in the transportation market.”
Rubin earned her bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in sociology from Arizona State University. She holds a professional certification from the International Association for Public Participation (IAP2).
HSMAI announces 2019 Award of Excellence winners
The Arizona Chapter of the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) announced the winners of the 2019 HSMAI Arizona Chapter Awards of Excellence. The winners were recently revealed at the Annual Awards held at The Great Wolf Lodge in Scottsdale, Arizona.
HSMAI Arizona Chapter 2019 Awards of Excellence recipients include:
2019 Shining Stars: Barry Nakano, PacRim Marketing Group and Janet Woolf-Hof, CMP, CTA, Hyatt Place Scottsdale-Old Town
2019 Collegiate Professional of the Year: Claire McWilliams, Ph.D., Arizona State University
2019 Hospitality Sales & Marketing Professional of the Year: Keri Mahoney, Fox Restaurant Concepts
2019 Sponsor of the Year: Kat and Casey Wulfert, Themers
2019 Host Venue of the Year: Sheraton Phoenix Downtown
2019 Committee of the Year: 37th Annual Chinese Auction Committee
2019 Lifetime Achievement Award: Cheryl Street, CHSP, CHME, BlueGreen Vacations/Cibola Vista Resort
2019 Rising Star: Lauren Herod, Aramark
2019 President’s Achievement Award: Lori Morris, CRME, Enchantment Group
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