Each year, Az Business magazine, a publication of AZ Big Media, presents the Champions of Change Awards to recognize those dynamic innovators and trailblazers who are changing Arizona’s business landscape through leadership, visionary thinking and philanthropy. The Champions of Change Awards honor both individuals and organizations. The Champions of Change Awards will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025. Each day leading up to the event, we will preview one category of finalists. Today, meet the Champions of Change finalists for healthcare leader of the year.
Sponsors of the Champions of Change Awards include BOK Financial and Diversified Partners (spotlight sponsors), Optum (dessert sponsor) and Wilde Wealth Management Group (step-and-repeat sponsor).
To learn more about the Champions of Change Awards of to purchase tickets, click here.
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Healthcare leader of the year finalists
Here are the Champions of Change Awards finalists for healthcare leader of the year:
Justin Bayless, founder, Bayless Ventures
Through Bayless Ventures, Bayless is investing in the future of healthcare by funding underrepresented entrepreneurs who are tackling systemic challenges in the industry. His commitment to breaking down barriers in capital access stems from his own journey, inspiring him to provide both financial backing and mentorship to diverse founders.
Marjorie Bessel, MD, chief clinical officer, Banner Health
Dr. Bessel has significantly advanced Arizona’s healthcare by leading collaborations during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing patient care, and addressing clinician burnout, earning recognition among Modern Healthcare’s 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives.
Michael Jones, president and CEO, Delta Dental of Arizona
Jones is focused on transforming Delta Dental from a single-line insurance provider to a multi-line health and wellness company focused on whole-body health and medical-dental integration. He created a ground-breaking partnership with Banner to provide Hospital Oral Care and Periodontal Disease Education (HOPE).
Kim Despres, CEO, Circle the City
Circle the City is a champion of the community by providing compassionate healthcare to thousands of individuals facing homelessness in Maricopa County. Nurses and doctors meet patients where they are. Circle the City doesn’t just provide healthcare but hope to those going through a hard time.
Sonya Engle, chief operating officer, Sonora Quest Laboratories
Whether that be implementing AI appropriately or digital pathology, Engle ensures she has cutting-edge knowledge to share with her team. She is also continually gathering data and information to assist her in making decisions that benefit providers, patients, stakeholders and Sonora Quest employees.
Kentay Garvin, CEO, United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona
Under Garvin’s leadership in 2024, UCP renovated and renamed the ArizonAbility Adult Day Program for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities. The program serves adults with severe developmental disabilities and helps them achieve their full potential in a safe and enriching environment.
Stephen A. Macias, president and CEO, Optum – Arizona
Macias was determined to bring accessible, affordable and compassionate care to the underserved people of Phoenix. Through his vision, leadership and implementation by his team, he realized an extraordinary achievement for the Valley with the October 2024 opening of the 32,000-square-foot flagship Optum Metro Center Clinic on North Metro Parkway.
Erik Osland, founder and CEO, evolvedMD
Osland helms a passionate team that is championing change at the forefront of healthcare innovation, working to integrate behavioral health services with primary care. Under his leadership, evolvedMD saw a record year of success in 2024, serving more than 35,000 patients in 214 clinics throughout five states.
Perla Puebla, associate medical director, Circle the City
Puebla, FNP-BC, isn’t just redefining healthcare, she’s rewriting the rules on who gets to survive extreme heat. As part of Circle the City’s Central Phoenix Street Medicine Team, she works a radically accessible healthcare model—one that meets unsheltered individuals where they are.
Bob Roth, managing partner, Cypress HomeCare Solutions
Roth spearheaded the adoption of remote monitoring and AI-assisted care coordination, improving safety and efficiency for both caregivers and clients. Recognizing the critical caregiver shortage, he launched specialized training programs and strategic partnerships, to expand caregiver access and enhance service quality.
