Multi-family expert Matt Rogers joins MEB

MEB Management Services announced that multi-family industry expert Matt Rogers has joined the firm’s main office as Vice President of Operations.

Rogers possesses more than 15 years of multi-family real estate and client management experience within the commercial real estate industry. Rogers has a strong grasp on both the Phoenix and Tucson markets, learning from his mother, Mary Rogers, longtime industry leader.

“I am excited to get to work alongside such a talented group of individuals at MEB,” Rogers said. “The leadership team provides such a unique and inspiring perspective in how they treat their employees, clients and the residents that live at the properties we manage.”

As Vice President of Operations, Rogers will support strategic initiatives for sales and client acquisitions and work closely with principals and other industry professionals to manage a portfolio of assets throughout Arizona.

Rogers honed his multi-family real estate skills with well-known firms such as Mark-Taylor and Shelton Residential, which he left earlier this year to join MEB. Rogers was awarded Regional Property Manager of the Year in 2015 by the Arizona Multifamily Association (AMA).  Rogers has mentored countless onsite teams that have also been awarded through the AMA for their excellence in management and asset renovations.

MEDA hires James B. Smith

James B. Smith, Ph.D.

The Maricopa Economic Development Alliance (MEDA) announces the hiring of James B. Smith, Ph.D. as Vice President of Business Development. Smith will develop and execute business recruitment initiatives for MEDA on behalf of the City of Maricopa. Smith has 25 years of successful leadership, and economic and community development experience with non-profit organizations and private-public partnerships. Smith holds a bachelor’s degree in social sciences, a master’s in public administration, and a doctorate in public policy and administration. Passionate about issues facing America’s communities, he has served on several boards of directors of community organizations. Smith is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the nation’s oldest collegiate fraternity of African American males.

Artisan Colour hires Thomas Benedict

Artisan Colour announced the hiring of industry veteran Thomas C. Benedict, who joins the firm as Director of Business Development to increase Artisan’s visibility among retailers to drive catalog and enterprising multi-channel initiatives.

Benedict possesses nearly 30 years of experience in graphic arts sales and management. Working with many of the most nationally recognized direct mailers, Benedict has been instrumental in providing effective marketing channel solutions to drive client success.

“We are delighted to add Tom Benedict in the position of Director of Business Development,” said Artisan Colour President and CEO Doug Bondon. “Tom’s wealth of knowledge in the print industry combined with an expansive network of relationships built over his 30-year career adds tremendous depth to our organization. His passion to create successful partnerships provides Artisan fresh opportunities in attracting new customers seeking innovative print solutions.”

Benedict began his extensive career in the graphic arts with the Meredith Corporation, where he pursued a sales career that led to several sales leadership positions, including Western Regional Vice President of Sales for American Signature and RRD/LSC. 

Gregory Talcott joins Caliber

Real estate investment capital specialist Gregory Talcott recently accepted a senior-level position with Arizona-based real estate investment firm Caliber, the company announced today.

The industry veteran and Arizona resident comes to Caliber as its Senior Vice President, Private Client, after a two-year stint with Scottsdale-based competitor Virtua Partners, where last year he raised more than $100 million in capital investment from high net worth individuals, Registered Investment Advisors and institutional entities.

“We are pleased to have Greg join the team and build upon our solid foundation,” Caliber CEO Chris Loeffler says. “His skill set and attention to detail is well-suited to our processes and commitment to growth as Caliber recently launched its own Regulation A fund.”

Talcott delivers a high level of trust among customers past and present, having managed assets and serving as a fiduciary for select private wealth clients at Scottrade-TD Ameritrade, Basilica Wealth Management and Charles Schwab in Arizona, the Pacific Northwest and other key markets for more than 15 years since 2000. During his time at Schwab, he led a team that managed more than $2.5 billion in assets that provided portfolio management and financial planning designed for a particular client suitability. Trust, indeed.

As well as an abundance of experience, Talcott holds Series 7, 9, 10, 63 and 66 securities licenses, which includes Arizona.

Phil Pangrazio stepping down as Ability360 president and CEO

Ability360 President and CEO Phil Pangrazio, who has led the organization for 20 years, has announced that he is stepping down effective December 31, 2020.

Stepping down comes with great emotion, as this has been my life’s work for the past 20 years, but I feel it is time to let the next generation take over,” Pangrazio said. “With my disability, things are only getting harder, and I am running out of gas.  I think it makes more sense for me to leave now, than sometime down the road when I find my health more in crisis.  I love the organization and the work we do.”

Andrew Reilly, chair of the Ability360 Board of Directors, thanked Pangrazio for all that he has done and said a Board committee will be organized to undertake a national search for Pangrazio’s successor.

“Phil has done a remarkable job guiding the organization’s strategic growth, and he has Ability360 well-positioned financially and structurally for continued growth and success,” Reilly said.  “Phil leaves a tremendous legacy at Ability360, and with the many individuals living with disabilities throughout Arizona.  Having him on board through the search process will ensure a smooth transition for the organization and our consumers.”

Under Pangrazio’s leadership, Ability360 developed into one of the nation’s largest Centers for Independent Living and established itself as a premiere model for other centers throughout the country.  Pangrazio also guided Ability360’s growth to an annual budget of more than $48 million and the expansion of its programs and services to include Home Care Services, SSA Work Incentives Planning and Assistance, Ticket-to-Work Employment, Youth Transition Services, and the Living Well with a Disability program, among others.

He also directed the planning, construction and financing of the Ability360 Center, home to Ability360 and 9 other non-profit organizations that serve people with disabilities in Arizona.  Also with his guidance, the $12.3-million Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center was opened in 2011, the first of its kind in the southwest. 

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