Washington Federal announces Scott Stemm as division manager

Washington Federal Bank, which is located at 6720 N. Scottsdale Rd., announced Scott Stemm as its Division Manager of the Arizona Commercial Real Estate Department. Stemm will be responsible for builder financing and commercial real estate, including land acquisition and development, specs, presales and income property and permanent financing on income properties such as multi-family, manufactured home parks, mini-storage facilities, mixed-use, office, retail and other income properties.

Prior to joining Washington Federal Bank, Stemm worked with Western National Bank. He brings 35 years of experience in the banking industry and has been with Washington Federal Bank for 13 years, primarily in commercial real estate. Stemm has become an industry expert in the areas of commercial real estate and multifamily lending.

“We are so thrilled to promote Scott into this role,” says Mike Brown, Arizona Regional President. “His expertise in commercial real estate and vast industry knowledge make him an invaluable asset to our team. He has proven himself as a quality banker over the last 13 years and is highly regarded by his clients. We are grateful to continue to grow his career at Washington Federal Bank.”

Fortune 50 exec joins Envoy America leadership team

Envoy America, a comprehensive program that offers transportation plus assistance and companionship services for seniors, the infirm and disabled, announced it hired Stephan Kindt as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Founded in 2015 in Phoenix, Arizona, to provide seniors and their families freedom, independence, and quality of life, Envoy America offers door-through-door service with drivers who are companions for their clients and remain with them until they are safely back home. In his executive role, Kindt will consult with senior leadership on strategy for the company’s future growth, as well as optimize Envoy America’s operations, revenue and finances.

“Stephan’s experience in restructuring Fortune 50 companies as well as growing small startups will provide valuable insight as Envoy America charts it’s next phase of growth,” said K. C. Kanaan, Founder and CEO of Envoy America. “Our Executive team is fortunate to add someone of Stephan’s national stature and expertise to our team as we continue to expand our partnerships with companies and organizations across the United States.”

“I’m pleased to be joining Envoy America and I look forward to applying my past experience and expertise to help this innovative company continue to thrive,” said Kindt. “I am very impressed with Envoy America and the success it has already achieved towards its mission of improving and maintaining independence for seniors and their families. The company is in an excellent position to grow into new markets across the U.S. and expand its partnerships to help keep seniors independent and healthy.  Envoy America is poised to become the first nationwide provider of its concierge services.”

Tyrel Williams joins MEB Commercial Group

MEB Commercial Group, a provider of comprehensive commercial management services throughout Metro Phoenix, announced the addition of another industry professional at its Phoenix office.

Tyrel Williams has joined the commercial team as Vice President of Commercial Real Estate.  Williams is a seasoned professional with a rich background in real estate management, risk management, and business operations and holds his Certified Property Manager (CPM ®) designation from the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM ®).

“We are very excited to announce Tyrel Williams as our Vice President of Commercial Real Estate. Having Tyrel join our leadership team expands the depth of our expertise and therefore allows us to bring greater value to each of our clients. This comprehensive and accomplished team enables us to continue with our strategic growth plan,” said MEB Principal Libby Ekre, CPM ®.

Sundt adds Brian Lawrenson

Sundt Construction, Inc. (www.sundt.com) has added Brian Lawrenson to the company’s Tempe office. Lawrenson will serve as a senior superintendent for Sundt’s hospitality and mixed-use projects.

“I am thrilled that Brian has chosen to join our growing team in Tempe,” said Chandra Reilly, Sundt Project Executive. “He is bringing a wealth of experience, extraordinary leadership capabilities, a passion for developing the people around him and a genuine love for the art of building. I feel very fortunate to have him as the senior superintendent on my projects.”

Lawrenson has extensive project experience all over the western United States. He has served as a project engineer, project manager, superintendent, and senior superintendent on various multi-million-dollar projects. He holds a construction management degree from Colorado State University and is OSHA 10- and 30-hour certified.

Michelle Griffith named VP of HR at SB&H

Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (SB&H), an innovative leader in behavioral health, today announced that Michelle Griffith, a human resources leader with extensive HR experience, has been named the new vice president of human resources. Griffith is a change and transformational HR leader focused on integrating the people strategy with the business strategy to effectively drive organizational performance and goals. She began her appointment on July 15th.

“Michelle has dedicated her career to improving the lives of the people in her care,” said president and CEO of Southwest Behavioral & Health Services Steven Sheets. “Her experience in implementing state-of-the-art HR systems that not only meet strategic goals but also enhance employees’ lives will be an asset to our organization. We look forward to the leadership that she will bring to this critical role.”

Griffith was most recently senior director of human resources for UMOM New Day Centers. Additional experience includes leadership positions at Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health and Trench Safety Equipment Corporation.

Graduates include (left to right) Back row: Stephen Mayer, Erin Carey, Juan Parras, Porscha Hall, Candy Blomgren, Giovanna Mejia, Cindy Martinez, Cristiana Mendez. Bottom row: Delia Calbert, Christina Porter, Brianna Velasquez, Rebecca Deleon, Jessica Corrales, Elva Torres.

Southwest Behavioral & Health Services celebrates Recovery College Graduates

Southwest Behavioral & Health Services (SB&H) celebrated recent graduates of the Recovery College in a ceremony on July 9. The graduates have spent the past six months learning Positive Psychology strategies for their own personal and professional growth at SB&H and to support their work with the organization’s members. 

“We have had great success with the Recovery College thanks to the dedication and commitment of the students and instructors,” said Southwest Behavioral & Health Services CEO Steven Sheets. “The 100-level course content is rigorous, and we send our warmest congratulations to the newest round of graduates.” 

The goal of the Recovery College is to provide increased educational opportunities to enhance learning, as well as meet the demands for continuing education. Currently, the Recovery College provides ongoing continuing education and training services in the behavioral health field for clients and staff. 

The recent graduates of the Recovery College are all SB&H staff members. In order to complete the program, the graduates participated in classroom and online engagement – in addition to their regular duties as employees of SB&H.