In partnership the State Bar of Arizona, and Arizona Corporate Counsel, Az Business magazine will host the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix to recognize the important and vital role that in-house counsel and Arizona’s legal sector plays in the success of Arizona’s economy. Today, we spotlight Excellence in Law Awards finalists for in-house attorney of the year in the healthcare sector.
FULL LIST: Here are all the finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards
LEARN MORE: The Top 100 Lawyers in Arizona for 2026
DEEPER DIVE: 50 emerging leaders in Arizona law for 2026
The 2026 Excellence in Law Awards are presented with the support of Title Sponsors Cresa and Ogletree Deakins and Platinum Sponsor Phillips Law Group. The digital sponsor of the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards is DM Cantor. To purchase tickets for the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards, click here.
Excellence in Law Awards finalists
Here are the finalists for the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards in the category of in-house attorney of the year in the healthcare sector. We will spotlight one category each day leading up to the 2026 Excellence in Law Awards on March 31.
Veda Collmer, general counsel and chief compliance officer, Raintree Systems
Background: Collmer joined Raintree Systems in January 2023. She has more than 10 years of experience in health law, privacy and compliance. Collmer received the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Public Health Law Fellowship in 2012 and completed her fellowship at the Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law.
Jean Fitterer Lance, executive vice president, chief legal officer and general counsel, Banner Health
Background: Banner Health appointed Fitterer Lance to her current role in June 2022. She joined Banner in 2019 as vice president of legal services and deputy general counsel. In her previous role, she worked with Banner’s innovation and strategy teams on equity investments and acquiring cutting-edge platforms and providing guidance on pandemic-related issues.
Shannon Fox Fraser, senior vice president, chief legal and risk officer, HonorHealth
Source of pride: “I’m most proud of leading our team through the acquisition of Steward Healthcare facilities out of bankruptcy, keeping hospitals and clinics open for their communities. The work was challenging, but it brought out the best in our team and reinforced the value of steady, focused leadership during times of change.”
Ijana Harris, executive vice president and chief legal officer, Valleywise Health
Background: Harris played a pivotal role in shaping the 2025 bond election that more than doubled behavioral health beds at Valleywise Health’s main campus. Approved by Maricopa County voters, the $898 million bond also funds expanded emergency and trauma capacity, a new outpatient specialty and surgery clinic, upgraded community health centers and increased capacity to train future physicians and mental health professionals.
William Sawkiw, general counsel, Passport Health
Background: Sawkiw is general counsel for Passport Health, where he oversees legal operations for a rapidly growing international healthcare company. A strategic, business-oriented advisor, he brings extensive in-house experience across mergers and acquisitions, labor and employment, regulatory compliance, contracts and risk mitigation. Sawkiw also supports a Phoenix-based private equity firm, advising portfolio companies across multiple industries.
