Sperber joins R Entertainment

R Entertainment of Scottsdale, a special event, business development and concert entertainment company with projects nationwide, has tapped former ISM Raceway President Bryan R. Sperber, to serve as president. 

Sperber is recognized as an innovative leader within the motor sports industry with a long tenure at International Speedway Corporation (ISCA), the publicly traded holding company of 12 NASCAR venues across the country, including the flagship Daytona International Speedway and ISM Raceway (formerly Phoenix International Raceway).  

Sperber joined R Entertainment Dec 1.

Scottsdale, Ariz., based R Entertainment has a robust portfolio of lifestyle and concert events, and multi-day festivals with strategic partners across the country. Events include, for example, the 12-city USA TODAY Martha Stewart Wine & Food Experience culinary event series in partnership with Gannett, including MGM in Las Vegas; a national taco tour with COMCAST Spectacor, which manages more than 100 venues; a children’s festival series in conjunction with public television stations throughout the country; The Good Life Festival concert and lifestyle series with Shea Homes; and others. 

Murrain named permanent deputy dean for diversity and inclusion

Victoria Murrain, DO, has been appointed deputy dean for diversity and inclusion at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson. The appointment went into effect Dec. 3; Dr. Murrain previously held the title of interim deputy dean since January 2018. 

“I am both humbled and excited to accept the role of permanent deputy dean for diversity and inclusion,” she said. “As we revitalize the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, our goal is to create an environment of inclusive excellence where we acknowledge our similarities and celebrate our differences,” Dr. Murrain said. “Building a diverse workforce not only prioritizes equity in health care, but also upholds the ability of the entire workforce to provide culturally and linguistically competent care for all people. We ultimately aim to impact all levels of medical education, including medical students, residents, fellows, faculty and staff.”

As deputy dean for diversity and inclusion, Dr. Murrain will serve as chief diversity officer for the college and, with key stakeholders, develop a sustainable plan to implement clear policies and strategies pertaining to diversity and inclusion.

New director of scientific programs at UA-Banner

Jason Hansen Karnes, PharmD, PhD, BCPS, FAHA, has been named director of scientific programs for the All of Us Research Program team at the University of Arizona and Banner Health.

Dr. Karnes is an assistant professor at  the UA College of Pharmacy in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science. He also is an assistant professor in the Division of Pharmacogenomics at the Center for Applied Genetics and Genomic Medicine at  the UA Health Sciences; assistant professor of applied biosciences at the UA Graduate Interdisciplinary Program; and a member of the UA Sarver Heart Center.

A pharmacogenetics expert, Dr. Karnes’ research involves studying the effect of genetics on drug response. His work uses electronic medical records to identify genetic influences on disease and severe side effects of common medications. Using “big data” and bioinformatics, Dr. Karnes aims to personalize drug treatment by identifying genetic variation that can be used to diagnose and prevent these severe side effects.

Dementia Care Education adds director

Dementia Care Education (DCE), a Phoenix-based provider of dementia care training and education, has added a Director of Family Counseling and Special Projects to help manage its growing business and client offerings. 

Joining DCE is Shannon Arriola, MC, a seasoned health care professional who has provided expertise in private practice and through consultation to several notable health and consumer organizations including the Mayo Clinic, Vanguard, Abrazo, Tenet and Banner Health systems. 

Arriola has also serviced as an Adjunct Faculty Member at Sandra Day O’Connor School of Law at Arizona State University and has taught undergraduate and graduate counseling courses at the University of Phoenix, Ottawa University and Western International University.

“We are excited and pleased to add someone like Shannon to the Dementia Care Education team,” said Brian Browne, president of DCE. “She brings a critical and impressive skill-set to our efforts and we’re proud to have her help us give dementia patients and their caregivers the best care and counsel possible.”