Alliance Bank appoints Matthew James as managing director

Alliance Bank of Arizona, a division of Western Alliance Bank, Member FDIC, has appointed Matthew James as Managing Director for Alliance Bank of Arizona and Group Leader for the Corporate Commercial & Industrial (C&I) banking group. In his new role, James will oversee financing for medium-sized businesses owned by founders, private equity firms and private wealth/family office firms. 

Over the course of his 15-year career, James has acquired extensive experience in financing specific to business expansions, partner buyouts, private equity-backed transactions, quick service restaurant franchisees among other specialty areas. 

“Matt’s proven track record has provided him with the necessary background to take on this important leadership role, especially as the Corporate C&I Banking Group continues its strong growth momentum,” said Don Garner, Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Bank of Arizona. “In addition to the significant contributions he has made to increasing the profile and expertise of our team, Matt’s unique skillset and experience maintaining a large, complex portfolio have firmly established him as a dynamic leader within the Corporate C&I banking market.”

James previously served as Senior Vice President within the Corporate C&I banking group, where he built a strong portfolio of clients and referral sources, in large part due to Alliance Bank of Arizona’s unique approach to doing business where its local knowledge and local decision-making are key differentiators.

Valley interior design expert Monica Sullivan launches her own firm

With more than 18 years of interior design experience for residential and commercial projects, industry expert Monica Sullivan has launched her own firm – Monica Sullivan Design.

Sullivan provides interior design services for residential and boutique commercial spaces throughout the Valley. Her services include space planning and interior layout, furniture layout, lighting plans, material selections, cabinet design, procurement and serve as project liaison.

A native of the Midwest, Sullivan possesses an affinity for interior design, art, aesthetics and architecture. She holds a B.A. in Interior Design and Spanish. She is an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and currently serves on the board for the Arizona North Chapter.

“Aesthetics, color, texture and lighting blended with heart, soul and a little serendipity are the ingredients for an enjoyable and captivating space,” said Sullivan, who started her new firm after co-owning a design firm in Phoenix for the past 7 years.

To learn more, visit monicasullivandesign.com.

Isagenix names new operations executive

In recognition of his leadership, expertise, and impressive improvements to supply chain operations, Isagenix International has promoted Brian Clark to senior vice president of operations. He is now a member of the global health and wellness company’s executive leadership team.

In his new role, Clark will continue to report to Isagenix Chief Executive Officer Travis Ogden while overseeing the teams handling demand planning, supply planning, purchasing, warehouse operations and fulfillment, and transportation; all manufacturing and distribution; and several key projects.

“In the past year since Brian began reporting directly to me, I’ve been very impressed by his business acumen, work ethic, and leadership abilities,” Ogden said. “I couldn’t be happier to have him join the executive leadership team that guides this great company. He’s a tremendous asset to Isagenix.”

Clark said he looks forward to continuing to work across departments to help the company inspire and empower individuals, families, and communities to make healthy changes and live their best lives.

“We have so much in development right now, including innovative products, upgraded technology, and simplified messaging,” Clark said. “All of that, along with effective supply chain partnerships, will allow Isagenix to deliver an improved experience for our valued customers and independent distributors.”

City of Glendale hires new chief information officer

The city of Glendale announced Feroz Merchhiya has been selected as the city’s new Chief Information Officer (CIO). Merchhiya brings over 22 years of experience, working in both traditional and emerging technology industries. He has a strong background of building relationships between information technology (IT) services, and stakeholders. Most recently he worked for KAYGEN Inc., an Irvine, CA professional services firm and he provided governance and security consulting services for LA Metro, the largest transit authority in the nation.

In his new position Mr. Merchhiya will be directly responsible for the city’s strategic use of technology operations to improve processes, capture data analytics and enhance services. As the city’s chief technologist, Merchhiya will lead the implementation of complex technology projects, administer contracts for hardware and software maintenance and upgrades and make sure city departments receive effective technology service. He will also consult with departments to select the best software and hardware needed to meet department and customer needs.

“Mr. Merchhiya is an accomplished performance-driven technology leader who is fully prepared to lead our organization as CIO,” says Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps. “He clearly understands the important role IT plays in delivering seamless services to our citizens and the impact those innovations have on business development.”

About AZ Business Leaders

AZ Business Leaders is an annual business-to-business publication that combines the who’s who of Arizona business community with their valuable leadership advice and knowledge. The magazine is published by AZ Big Media. To learn more about Az Business Leaders, contact Sheri Brown, director of sales.