Our Team
Our Team By Department
Publisher
Amy Lindsey
Publisher
Dedicated Wife, Mother and Grandmother. My favorite hobby is spending time with my family beachfront or in the woods camping (I prefer glamping when possible).
I’ve worked in the media industry for over 30 years for large business as well as being a small business owner. I love to share my experiences gained along the way to help others succeed.
My Superpower is laughter. Life is an adventure – learning to laugh at ourselves and help others along the way is the best part of the journey.
Editorial
Michael Gossie
Editor in chief
I am an Ironman triathlete and have earned more than 50 journalism awards for writing, editing and design. I’m most proud of being the founding president of the Arc of Steuben Foundation in New York, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities, including my sister.
Kyle Backer
Associate editor
My family has been in Phoenix since the early 1940s, so I’m a born and bred Arizonan living in the North Valley with my wife, our two dogs. Reading and listening to podcasts — mostly on history and current events — takes up most of my free time. I also enjoy riding my motorcycle, cooking and going to shows.
Superpower: My cheery disposition!
Lux Butler
Staff writer
Fresh off covering the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris for Cronkite News, Lux Butler has joined AZ Big Media as a staff writer. Lux is a 2024 graduate of Arizona State University, where she completed several successful writing internships that focused on business and news writing. She is a native of Oro Valley, Ariz.
Marketing/Events
Jacque Duhame
Events and marketing manager
I not only have been in the meeting, festival, and events and PR/marketing, industry since my first, “real job” at Scottsdale Parks and Recreation before I was old enough to drink, I have owned an events and sponsorship consulting business for years. I have also been adjunct faculty at Scottsdale Community, teaching Event Management.
I am a graduate of Arizona State University and an alumnus of Scottsdale Leadership’s Class XVIII. I am deeply rooted, and love where I live. This makes my skill of connections and partnerships, very easy.
I am also on the board for the Arizona Blues Hall of Fame, and formerly on the Wallace and Ladmo Foundation board. (If you know, you know!) My side hustle and passions are singing and performing. You can find my duo performing around town and statewide, or one of my full bands, Any Given Moment, playing corporate events and parties, and my blues band, Jacque D and the Rattlesnake Blues Band at The Rhythm Room, blues venues, and up in Prescott!
Operations
Michelle Zesati
Operations Coordinator
Plants, road trips, candles, dark chocolate, great music and visiting the beautiful outdoor wonders of our world fill up my joy tank! Sedona and Monterey Bay are two of my favorite places. My three kids keep me busy and laughing all the time. Over 20 years of making memories with my amazing husband who is a master of shopping cart organization. My superpower is adaptability. I can adjust & prosper in any environment or situation.
Ranking AZ
Sheri King
Director of Sales
Since 2005 I have enjoyed several positions with AZ BIG Media but love my Ranking Arizona assignment best! My free time is spent making memories with family & friends, volunteering, antique treasure-hunting, home improvement projects & exploring this beautiful state of Arizona! Super Power: INSTINCT and knowing better than to ever ignore its’ advice.
Az Business
April Rice
Sales manager
Beach lover and world traveler. Kansas State University football fan. Oldest of five so I’m a little bossy. Wife of a retired Veteran and mother of two boys.
Maria Hansen
Account Executive
Sandy beaches and sunsets are my favorite! I love diamonds and anything that sparkles, but you’ll find my weekends are mostly spent with my husband and two kids, getting dusty in our CanAm while enjoying the beautiful Sonoran Desert. In my spare time, I enjoy trying out new recipes and catching up with family and friends. To me, being happy is having something to look forward to, and someone to share it all with.
AZRE & PTK
Ann McSherry
Director of Sales
I love traveling to tropical destinations………my philosophy is “where there’s a beach, there’s a way”. I am also a foodie, a sports fan and volunteer for several non-profit organizations.
Experience AZ & Play Ball
David Harken
Sales Director
I enjoy spending time with my family and rescue dog. I’m a sports enthusiast and can often be found rooting for the home team at Chase Field. I enjoy good long hikes, traveling and spending time with friends.
Az Business Leaders
Colleen Brady
Director of sales
Colleen Brady is a seasoned advertising and marketing executive recognized for her ability to drive revenue growth and cultivate strong client relationships. She has a proven track record of developing innovative advertising strategies that align with client objectives and deliver measurable results.
Throughout her career, Colleen has successfully managed a diverse portfolio of accounts, ranging from small businesses to multimillion-dollar organizations, as well as government divisions and advertising agencies. She is dedicated to fostering and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, which enables her to identify emerging trends and capitalize on new opportunities in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
As an effective communicator, Colleen excels at presenting ideas clearly and persuasively, establishing herself as a trusted advisor to her clients.
“I am very excited to join the AZ Big Media Team as the sales director for AZ Business Leaders Magazine,” Colleen stated. “I look forward to leveraging my expertise in print and digital media to provide solutions that help our clients succeed.”
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Colleen is committed to staying at the forefront of industry developments through continuous learning and networking. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, and in her free time, she focuses on creative pursuits such as oil painting and design work.
Connect with Colleen to discover how she can help elevate your brand’s presence and drive impactful advertising solutions.
Creative services
Bruce Andersen
Production Manager
Bruce Andersen is the production manager at AZ Big Media and oversees all visual aspects of AZ Big Media’s publications and events. He is a native of Minneapolis, Minn., and moved to Arizona 21 years ago to escape the snowy Minnesota winters. He is married to Julie and is the proud father of Drew and Nicole.
Mike Mertes
Chief photographer
“A portrait is not made in the camera but on either side of it.” -Edward Steichen
Leslie Durazo
Junior graphic designer
I’m a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, and my favorite hobby is spending time with my family and my two cats. I’ve been in the graphic design industry for over 25 years, and I love music and traveling with my adventurous husband. I’ve lived in Arizona for 30 years but originally come from New Mexico, where you can find the best Mexican food!
Office
Sara Fregapane
Special Projects Manager
I hail from the great state of Wisconsin and will always be a Packer/Brewer/Bucks fan. I love anything furry (especially cats), hiking, my Kindle and spending time with my family and friends.
My super hero power would be to disappear.
Amanda Bruno
Database Specialist
I just recently returned to Arizona after spending 11 years in Madison, WI. When not working, you can usually find me guzzling coffee while playing MMORPGs.