Laura Robertson named CEO of new Banner Health hospital in Chandler

Banner Health announced that Laura Robertson has accepted the additional role as CEO of Banner Ocotillo Medical Center in Chandler, Ariz., while continuing to serve as CEO of Banner Desert Medical Center and Banner Children’s at Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa.

Robertson began her career as a cardiac critical care nurse at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, now Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. She transferred to Banner Heart Hospital, where she served in various leadership roles, including associate administrator, chief nursing officer and CEO. Laura also served as CEO of Banner Baywood Medical Center and, eventually, assumed the CEO role of both Banner Heart Hospital and Banner Baywood.

Todd Werner, president, Banner Health Arizona Region, said, “At Banner, we take pride in developing and identifying top talent to fill positions from within the organization. Laura is a great example of our ability to do just that. Laura has been a leader and change agent in Banner for 25 years.”

Werner said Robertson has demonstrated the ability to lead large complex organizations and inspire those around her. “She leads with passion, commitment, integrity and with patients and customers at the center of all decisions,” he said. “The addition of Banner Ocotillo under her scope of responsibilities fits nicely with the services provided by Banner Desert and Cardon Children’s, and further builds upon the already established relationships we have with our employed and community physicians and advanced practice providers in this area.

Banner Ocotillo is slated to open in 2020. The hospital will have 120 patient beds and offer imaging, surgery, labor and delivery, intensive care and an emergency department.

Jaburg Wilk expands insurance law practice

The law firm of Jaburg Wilk announced that K. Michelle Ronan joined the firm as an attorney in their bad faith litigation, insurance coverage, and construction defect litigation groups.  Before joining Jaburg Wilk, Michelle represented clients in insurance defense and bad faith litigation. 

“I’m very excited that Michelle has joined the firm and our insurance law group,” said Insurance Law Practice Group Leader Nate Meyer.  “Her bad faith and insurance defense litigation experience and expertise provides our insurance clients with another excellent attorney.”

Michelle received her J.D. from The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University.  She is admitted in Arizona.

Isola appoints Sean Mirshafiei as chief sales and marketing officer

Isola Group, a market leader in copper-clad laminates and dielectric prepreg materials used to fabricate advanced multilayer printed circuit boards (PCBs), announced it has promoted Sean Mirshafiei, formerly Vice President, Global Marketing, to Chief Sales and Marketing Officer.

“Sean has over 20 years’ experience in the electronic and plating chemicals industries with roles in strategic marketing and product management,” said Travis Kelly, Vice Chairman and CEO of Isola (Global Chief Operating Officer of Cerberus Operations and Advisory Company). “Sean’s knowledge and experience coupled with the respect he has garnered within the industry will certainly serve to strengthen our management team and our focus on continuing to drive profitable growth at Isola.”

Mortgage Executive Magazine recognizes top originator

Primary Residential Mortgage, Inc. (PRMI) announced Branch Manager, Marshall Massey (NMLS # 655411), as an honored recipient of Mortgage Executive Magazine’s Top 1% Loan Originators in America.

As an Arizona native, Massey has obtained a lengthy portfolio of experience in the banking and mortgage industry over the past 43 years. As a result, he has been awarded with many achievements throughout his career including membership in the exclusive PRMI Chairman’s Club.

“I’m honored to receive this recognition,” says Massey, “I have been in the industry for decades and still have a passion for helping my customers achieve the American dream of home ownership.”

Branch Manager, Geoff Rooker (NMLS # 148692 & MLO 0910943), was also an honored recipient of Mortgage Executive Magazine’s Top 1% Loan Originators in America.

Rooker has been in the mortgage industry for over 27 years. His time in the industry led him to be trained as a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialist, a certification that less than 2 percent of mortgage lenders and brokers in the U.S. have earned. His extensive training allows him to create a smooth and positive mortgage experience for his customers.

“I’m thrilled to be recognized for this award,” said Rooker. “I love what I do and have had a passion for this industry since day one. I’m excited to see where our business takes us in the years to come.

UA’s Dr. Jeffrey Frelinger named distinguished fellow

University of Arizona Professor of Immunobiology Jeffrey Frelinger, PhD, has been named a distinguished fellow of the American Association of Immunologists (AAI).

The inaugural AAI fellowship program recognizes members for distinguished careers and outstanding scientific contributions as well as their service to AAI and the immunology community.

Dr. Frelinger is a past president of the AAI—the world’s largest professional association for immunologists with more than 7,300 members. He joined the UA College of Medicine – Tucson in 2010 after 27 years at the University of North Carolina –Chapel Hill, where he was the Sarah Graham Kenan Professor of Microbiology and Immunology. For 16 of those years he served as chair of the department.