On the move at Jennings Strouss, SRS, OpenWorks, Colliers, ABI, Santy

Jennings Strouss welcomes Dina G. Aouad and Lauren R. Smith

Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C., a leading Phoenix-based law firm, announced that Dina G. Aouad and Lauren R. Smith have joined the Firm as law clerks, as they seek admission to the Arizona bar.

Aouad will focus her practice on commercial litigation and labor and employment. She graduated with Honors from Arizona State University with a B.A.Sc. in Political Science and Government with a minor in Business. She is a recent graduate of University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law where she earned her J.D. There, she was elected President of the Law Women’s Association, and she was involved with the Arizona Journal of International and Comparative Law. In 2019, Aouad worked at Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C. as a Summer Associate. Prior to that, she worked as a Legal Intern for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

“I am so pleased to have Dina rejoin us at Jennings Strouss,” stated Eric Gere, Chair of the Firm’s Commercial Litigation practice group, “We know that she will be a valuable member of the team.”

“I am thrilled to be back at Jennings Strouss once again,” said Aouad, “I can’t wait to jumpstart my legal career at such an exceptional firm.”

Smith will focus her practice on corporate governance, securities, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, finance, and real estate matters. She graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with a B.S. in Marketing and a B.A. in Business Law. She is a recent graduate of Arizona State University, Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law where she earned her J.D., magna cum laude. There, she was involved with the Arizona State Law Journal as a Note and Comment Editor. In 2019, Smith also worked at Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, P.L.C as a Summer Associate. Prior to that, she worked as a Legal Intern for JDA Software.

“I am confident that Lauren will make a great addition to our practice,” stated Richard Lieberman, Chair of the Firm’s Business Transactions practice group, “Her contributions to our Firm will provide tremendous assistance as we help companies in all stages of their development, from formation to exit, and transactions along the way.”

“I am delighted to once again be working with the people of Jennings Strouss,” said Smith. “I couldn’t think of a better place to start my legal career.”

SRS Real Estate Partners welcomes Stephanie Davis to Phoenix office

SRS Real Estate Partners welcomed Stephanie Davis as senior vice president in the Phoenix office focusing on tenant and landlord representation. With a background on both the service provider and retailer side of the business, she brings a breadth of knowledge to the Phoenix team.

Stephanie joins SRS with nearly 25 years of experience in the commercial real estate industry. Most recently with Diversified Partners, she focused on new retail developments and redevelopment projects in Arizona. Prior to that, she spent seven years with Safeway Inc., as a director of corporate real estate. There, she oversaw the strategic planning, deal making, and management of a 5-million-square-foot corporate real estate portfolio across 14 states. She completed many significant sales while with Safeway, Inc., including a $95 million retail portfolio, and a $40 million 55-acre industrial distribution center, both in the Chicago area. While at Macerich, Stephanie leased large format retail boxes, power centers, and regional malls. She also spent time with Colliers International where she was recognized as a Top 10 Producer in the U.S., and with Insignia/ESG where she was recognized as a Top Retail Producer in Arizona and selected as Rookie of the Year.

OpenWorks CEO a finalist for Entrepreneur Of The Year

Ernst & Young has named Eric Roudi, CEO and Founder of Phoenix-based OpenWorks, as a finalist for its 2020 Entrepreneur Of The Year Award for the Mountain Desert Region.

This annual award recognizes leaders of high-growth companies that excel in six areas, including: overcoming adversity; financial performance; societal impact; commitment to building a values-based company; innovation; and talent management. Roudi was selected as a finalist for the award by a panel of independent judges comprised of previous award winners and other business leaders.

Ernst & Young will reveal the winners of the Mountain Desert Region Award during a virtual event held on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, at 4 p.m. MST. This year, unstoppable entrepreneurs who have provided extraordinary support for their communities, employees and others during the COVID-19 crisis will also be recognized for their courage, resilience, and ingenuity.

Winners in the Mountain Desert Region, which include leaders from companies headquartered in Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico, will be eligible for consideration in Ernst & Young’s National Entrepreneur of The Year Awards, which are announced in November. The National Award winner then moves on to compete for Ernst & Young’s World Entrepreneur of The Year Award in June 2021.

For more than 30 years, Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards have honored business leaders in more than 145 cities and more than 60 countries whose ambitions deliver innovation, high-growth, and prosperity as they build and sustain successful businesses that transform the world.

Marsh named associate vice president at Colliers International

Michael Marsh, JD, MBA, CCIM has joined Colliers International as Associate Vice President in Office Properties.  As a member of Todd Noel’s team, Marsh will handle landlord representation work for the group’s owner clients, as well as institutional and owner/user sales.

“We are excited to welcome Michael to our Colliers family,” says Bob Mulhern, senior managing director of Colliers International in Arizona. “He is a sharp and talented broker, as well as an outstanding person.  We expect that our culture, support and talented professionals will enable Michael to accelerate his career for years to come.”

Marsh formerly served as an Associate at Lee & Associates, Arizona.  During his career in commercial real estate, Marsh has completed $30+ million in business involving more than 100 transactions for tenants and landlords.  Marsh is recognized for utilizing his extensive knowledge and education to create maximum client value.  He provides expert market analysis, detailed financial reports and comprehensive strategies.

“Michael will be a great fit with the team. His knowledge, business acumen and work ethic will be instantly recognized and appreciated by our clients. We are thrilled to have him come on board,” says Todd Noel, CCIM, senior executive vice president with Colliers International.

OpenWorks is a national facility services and commercial cleaning and disinfecting service provider that helps businesses, healthcare facilities, schools and more make their worlds work better by making their facilities cleaner, safer, and healthier. Founded in 1983, and headquartered in Phoenix, the company is one of the fastest-growing facility services companies in the United States. Entrepreneur magazine ranks OpenWorks on its top list of franchises, and Inc. magazine recognized OpenWorks as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. in 2019 and 2020. Specialized in delivering high quality commercial cleaning, disinfection, and integrated facilities services, the company has more than 20 regional offices and a network of thousands of elite service providers who service facilities across the country.