Advertising Hall of Famer joins Zion & Zion
Zion & Zion, one of the Southwest’s top ranked full-service advertising agencies, added award-winning industry veteran and creator of the GEICO Gecko Ken Spera to its executive team as Creative Director.
Spera comes to Zion & Zion with more than 25 years of experience. He cut his advertising teeth at The Martin Agency in Richmond, Virginia, then became an SVP, Creative Director at Doner in Detroit. In his storied career, Spera has worked on such iconic brands as GEICO, Serta, Progressive Auto Insurance, Mazda, Chrysler, Cox Communications and more.
Spera was part of the two-man creative team that won and directed the GEICO account. His six years building that brand helped propel GEICO to global recognition. His work won numerous awards and his creation of the GEICO Gecko found him a place in the Advertising Icon Hall of Fame as well as a place on the Madison Avenue Advertising Walk of Fame.
In his role as creative director, Spera will continue to push the agency’s work to be smart, strategic and creatively brilliant. He is involved with all creative endeavors at Zion & Zion and makes sure they meet the high standards the agency is known for. His vast experience and creative pedigree fit seamlessly into the dynamic environment and service that Zion & Zion is known for.
“Ken has a proven track record of wildly successful advertising campaigns,” said Zion & Zion CEO, Aric Zion. “His background and creativity is an asset to the agency, pushing us to produce the best possible creative work for our clients.”
Sun Health names Joe La Rue as president and CEO
Sun Health has named Joe La Rue as the fourth president and chief executive officer of the 52-year-old nonprofit organization, effective July 1. La Rue currently serves as executive vice president and has been with Sun Health since 2005.
“We were looking for someone with a unique combination of relationships with local community leaders, and a background in senior living, real estate and development,” said Herman Orcutt, chairman of the Sun Health Services Board of Directors. “Just as critical was a keen understanding and sense of importance for philanthropy,” said Dan Minnix, chairman of the Sun Health Foundation Board of Trustees. The board chose to limit the search to internal candidates, as we believe it sends a positive message to the organization that we want to see succession from within. Additionally, we are grateful for Sharon Grambow’s leadership as interim President and CEO during this transition and look forward to her continued contributions to Sun Health as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Sun Health Senior Living.”
Prior to joining Sun Health in 2005, La Rue practiced law in the Sun Cities area for 16 years with an emphasis in real estate finance, development and health care, working closely with Sun Health. Since 1988, La Rue has served in many elected and appointed positions including the Peoria City Council, other Peoria and City of Surprise committees, WESTMARC, Arizona State Transportation Board, Maricopa Association of Governments, Greater Phoenix Economic Council and the Maricopa County Transportation Board.
“I am honored to have been selected to lead Sun Health and am grateful for the board’s faith and confidence,” La Rue said. “It really shows their belief in the entire organization. We have some of the best leaders and employees in the industry at all levels of Sun Health.”
W.E. O’Neil names senior project superintendent
W.E. O’Neil announced the addition of Jason Jordan to its team of construction professionals. Jason will serve in the role of Senior Project Superintendent inW.E. O’Neil’s Phoenix office.
Jason brings 19 years of experience in the construction industry. During his professional career, he has served in the role of Project Superintendent for other successful construction companies in California and Arizona.
He has a strong background running the day-to-day operations of complicated construction sites, ensuring on-time and on-budget projects.
