Western Alliance Bank hires Diane Gallion

Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, Equal Housing Lender, today announced the hiring of Diane Gallion to lead its newly formed SBA Enterprise Lending Group. In her new role, Gallion will be responsible for leading and growing the bank’s SBA 7(a) loan program across its regional banking divisions, including building a cross-regional team of loan originators. In addition, she will be responsible for developing and implementing an SBA technology business platform to streamline processes, create efficiencies and achieve SBA and regulatory compliance for 7(a) lending.

Gallion has been responsible for developing and growing successful SBA 7(a) loan programs at several regional and national banks and joins Western Alliance Bank from Radius Bank. 

The SBA Enterprise Lending Group offers financing solutions through the United States Small Business Administration “SBA” 7(a) and 504 loan programs1 to help small business owners restructure their balance sheets, purchase new equipment to expand operations, acquire businesses to increase market presence and to purchase owner-occupied commercial real estate.

“I look forward to leading and growing our SBA 7(a) loan program, to help our small business clients grow and create jobs with the goal of becoming one of the top SBA lenders in oumarkets,” said Diane Gallion, who will lead the SBA Enterprise Lending Group from its Phoenix Headquarters. “We are fortunate enough to be in the position to grow our current team and I look forward to adding the necessary talent that will help us serve even more clients.”

New president leads MFRG-ICON Construction

MFRG-ICON Construction, a leader in construction solutions for the occupied renovation of affordable multifamily and senior housing communities, recently promoted Chief Operating Officer Bradley Wright to president after he led the general contracting firm to expand its presence into four additional markets across the nation. 

With offices in Scottsdale, Orange County and San Diego, California, and Athens, Georgia, MFRG-ICON has expanded its footprint to include projects throughout California, Arizona, Washington State, Montana, Colorado, and Georgia. 

“During Brad’s time as COO, he was essential in building a solid leadership team and operations structure that has helped create a consistent experience for our clients,” said Justin Krueger, CEO of MFRG-ICON Construction. “Now under his leadership as president, Brad will continue to lead efforts in our national expansion with a strong emphasis on providing exceptional service for all of our clients and their residents.” 

The construction solutions firm has more than two and a half decades of experience in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) industry. Its team has completed renovations of more than 30,000 affordable housing units and $2 billion in construction while temporarily relocating more than 50,000 families and seniors. With guidance from Wright, MFRG-ICON’s vision is to be recognized as the national leader in multi-family and senior housing renovations.  

John Graham joins FirstBank board

FirstBank, one of the nation’s largest privately held banks with a focus on “banking for good,” announced that Sunbelt Holdings Chairman and CEO John Graham has been appointed to its Board of Directors. Graham, who has an extensive background in asset management, development, and real estate investment, has held positions in executive leadership at Sunbelt Holdings since 1990.

“The experience that John brings to FirstBank will be invaluable as we continue to grow our presence in the Phoenix metro area,” said FirstBank CEO Jim Reuter. “Throughout his career, Graham has established himself as one of the most respected leaders in Arizona’s business community. We welcome his leadership and expertise, and are confident he will be an excellent addition and valued advisor to an already strong board.”

Graham has also been involved with dozens of community and charitable organizations during his time at Sunbelt Holdings, including the Partnership for Economic Innovation, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Banner Health Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, Urban Land Institute, ASU Foundation, among many others. Additionally, he was named 2018 Man of The Year by Valley Leadership for his vision, impact and service to the community.

“As someone who values community stewardship, I have appreciated how much FirstBank has done to give back to worthy causes over the years,” said Graham. “I look forward to advising FirstBank in its business endeavors as a member of its Board of Directors.”

Ballet Arizona adds new directors of finance and marketing

Ballet Arizona announced the hiring of two new directors – Leslie Marquez as director of marketing and Karina Felix as director of finance.

Marquez brings more than 16 years of broad-based marketing, public relations and advertising experience to the role of marketing director, including six years with Alabama Ballet as marketing and public relations director. Most recently, she was a residential marketing specialist at KS StateBank, where she managed all marketing activities for a multi-state team of 40 loan originators. She has also acted as a marketing and communications specialist at law firm Maynard Cooper & Gale and marking director at Cummings Creative Group.

Felix is a highly trained and experienced accounting and finance professional, bringing more than 14 years of experience to her role as director of finance at Ballet Arizona. Throughout her career, Felix has served as the operations and financial director at Mi Familia Vota, in charge of compliance in six states and accounting manager at Area Agency on Aging Region One, Inc. supporting the fiscal management of $30M budget. She holds a Master of Business Administration from University of Phoenix and Master of Science in Accounting from Keller School of Management at Devry University. 

“We are thrilled to bring Leslie and Karina on board to head up Ballet Arizona’s marketing and finance departments,” said Samantha Turner, executive director at Ballet Arizona. “Their experience will help us maximize our efforts in bringing professional ballet and classical dance to the Valley.” 

Ballet Arizona is a nonprofit arts organization that includes the only professional ballet company in the Valley, the School of Ballet Arizona and community outreach programs that take place throughout the year. To learn more, visit www.balletaz.org.