Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2025 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 21, 2025. Today, meet Kelly Gantner, partner and CFO at Diversified Partners.

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Kelly Gantner, Diversified Partners

Background: Gantner is CFO and a partner at Diversified Partners, with over 30 years in commercial real estate. She leads corporate operations, accounting, property management, and has overseen more than $500 million in development across 54 companies. Gantner’s expertise spans development, management, leasing, construction, and acquisitions, driving projects from concept to completion.

Source of pride: “Rebuilding Diversified Partners after the 2008 real estate downturn to who and where we are today is what I’m most proud of. As the last hire before the crash, I was tasked with leading the turnaround. By restructuring operations and returning to the “basics,” we stabilized, improved efficiency and profitability, and created a foundation for sustained growth—while many others were forced to close. I’m proud of Walt for trusting my vision. Our team is amazing!”

Professional advice: “Be yourself. Listen, learn, and ask questions. Challenge yourself—not others—and don’t try to be like anyone else. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to; there are no limits to what you can achieve to be successful.”

Surprising fact: “Most people are surprised to learn I’ve run a screenprinting and embroidery business since 1998—and still do! I’ve also played on a women’s travel hockey team for the past 20 years, and in a men’s league with my husband as my defensive partner.”

Celebratory dinner

The 2025 honorees will be celebrated at a special awards dinner on August 21, 2025, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. Sponsors of the Most Influential Women in Arizona reception and dinner include presenting sponsor Phillips Law Foundation, cover photo shoot sponsor Greenberg Traurig, VIP red carpet sponsor Vertex Education and Legacy Traditional Schools, dessert sponsor Silver Cain, beverage sponsor Arizona Escrow & Financial Corporation, 360 photo booth sponsor Clayco, digital sponsor Ganem Companies, fine jewelry sponsor Osborne Jewelers, and special gift sponsor Tarbell’s. Get tickets here.