Elements of Design, a full-service, luxury residential and commercial interior design studio in Scottsdale with one of the largest showrooms in the state, is pleased to announce that The Arizona Republic and AZCentral.com recently recognized Elements of Design’s owner and lead interior designer, Lina Quintero, as one of Arizona’s top 35 Entrepreneurs, 35 and Under. Quintero was awarded the honor after being selected by a panel of judges who determined the winners from a group of over 175 applicants. The group of applicants was initially divided into the top 35 male and top 35 female competitors. Then the combined list of the top 70 males and females was pared to the definitive list of Arizona’s 35 Entrepreneurs, 35 and Under.
According to The Arizona Republic and AZCentral.com, applicants were selected by a five-person panel: Dave Bittner, Beanstalk CFO Group; Anil Jain, managing partner of Endeaver Innovation Partners and a man recognized in the 2008 "35 entrepreneurs" competition: Robin Orchard, president, Orchard Medical Consulting; Andrew Johnson, business and innovations reporter, The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com; and Kathy Tulumello, business editor, The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com.
Lina Quintero remarks, “This is an award I will never forget. To be recognized at 27 as one of Arizona’s up-and-coming business leaders is a remarkable accomplishment. Yet, with this accomplishment comes tremendous expectations for the future. This recognition will spur my motivation to take the next giant leap in my career.”
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Lina Quintero of Elements of Design Honored by the Arizona Republic and AZCentral.com 35 Entrepreneurs, 35 and Under
Marcia Mintz Named John C. Lincoln Health Foundation CEO
Valley fundraising leader Marcia L. Mintz has been named chief executive officer of John C. Lincoln Health Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the John C. Lincoln Health Network.
Mintz joins the John C. Lincoln Health Network after four years as chief development officer of Valley of the Sun United Way in Phoenix. Her background includes more than 18 years of international and regional nonprofit and corporate work in development and philanthropy.
“We welcome Marcia’s experience and skills in the areas of development and philanthropy,” said Tom Batson, chairman of the Foundation’s board and Managing Director--Investments, Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC. “She joins a strong team with a long history of supporting health care and community service in Phoenix.”
“I am excited to join the John C. Lincoln Network. The Foundation is uniquely positioned to support both medical excellence and community service programs. Philanthropy and community partnerships will continue to play an important role in our success,” said Mintz.
The John C. Lincoln Health Network has 85 years of history in the north Phoenix community, providing medical care through its North Mountain and Deer Valley hospitals, 20 physician practices and specialty centers and its Desert Mission Food Bank, Children’s Dental Clinic, Community Health Center, Marley House Behavioral Health Clinic, Lincoln Learning Center, Neighborhood Development and Adult Day Health Care. The Foundation helps support these efforts through volunteer and donor activities and two special events a year. Last year, the Night of Gold Ball and Lincoln Guild Invitational Gold Tournament together raised almost $500,000, and the Network served more than 100,000 people.
“As the philanthropic arm of our organization, the Foundation’s mission is to support health care and community services provided through the John C. Lincoln Health Network,” said Rhonda Forsyth, president and CEO of John C. Lincoln Health Network. “We’re proud of what our organization has accomplished over the past 85 years, and we look forward to continuing to grow our services in the challenging years ahead. Marcia will help us build an even stronger organization that stays true to our mission, so we can continue to help the people of Phoenix achieve the highest level of well-being possible.”
Monday, October 19, 2009
Besler of Lewis and Roca Receives 2009 INTA Volunteer Service Award
Lewis and Roca is pleased to announce that Mary Beth Besler has received the International Trademark Association’s 2009 award for the Advancement of Committee or Subcommittee Objectives. This award will be presented, with all of INTA’s 2009 awards, on Nov. 11 at INTA’s 2009 Leadership Meeting in Miami Beach, Florida.
Besler is the Trademark Administrator to the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group. She is also chair of the Young Practitioners Subcommittee of the Membership Services Committee for INTA.
About the International Trademark Association
The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a not-for-profit membership association of more than 5,900 trademark owners and professionals, from more than 190 countries, dedicated to the support and advancement of trademarks and related intellectual property.
About Lewis and Roca LLP
Lewis and Roca has been one of the Southwest’s leading law firms for over 50 years. With offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Reno and Silicon Valley, the firm’s practice includes numerous industry and legal practice areas including business transactions and litigation. For additional information, please visit www.LRLaw.com.
Besler is the Trademark Administrator to the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group. She is also chair of the Young Practitioners Subcommittee of the Membership Services Committee for INTA.
About the International Trademark Association
The International Trademark Association (INTA) is a not-for-profit membership association of more than 5,900 trademark owners and professionals, from more than 190 countries, dedicated to the support and advancement of trademarks and related intellectual property.
About Lewis and Roca LLP
Lewis and Roca has been one of the Southwest’s leading law firms for over 50 years. With offices in Phoenix, Tucson, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Reno and Silicon Valley, the firm’s practice includes numerous industry and legal practice areas including business transactions and litigation. For additional information, please visit www.LRLaw.com.
2009 Woman of Excellence Award
Phoenix Woman magazine is proud to sponsor the 2009 Woman of Excellence Award, where a special Valley woman will be honored Nov. 13 at the Woman of Excellence Luncheon.
The winner of this award will be one who has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of women or girls in our community. This "Woman of Excellence" will also demonstrate the type of personal and professional growth that makes her an exemplary "Phoenix Woman."
These are the nominees for the 2009 Woman of Excellence Award:
Donna Bartos
Donna Bartos is the founder of the Purple Ribbon Council to Cut Out Domestic Abuse. She is the creator of Girls Night Out to Cut Out Domestic Abuse, Purple Ribbon Brunch, It’s Okay to Talk About It Community Circles, Rock the Purple, Pedal for Purple and the Pretty in Purple Party.
Elaine Birks-Mitchell
Elaine Birks-Mitchell is CEO of Bosom Buddy Bra Recycling, a green group devoted to recycling new and used bras to various organizations across Arizona and other states.
Margaret Dunn
Margaret Dunn serves Scottsdale as a Board Member of the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce, and is president of a 45-employee, 21-trolley, $2.5 million-a-year trolley business.
Kristen Sandquist
Kristen Sandquist founded her first non-profit in 1996 called Circle of Friends. In 2003, she founded Visions of Hope. She is president of both organizations, and continues to support several local charities.
Lindsay Rattay
Lindsay Rattay founded Blankets for Babies, an organization that sends quality chenille Boh Boh Blankets to babies and children in need.
Pam Gaber
Pam Gaber is the founder and CEO of Gabriel’s Angels, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of abused, neglected and at-risk children through the application of pet therapy.
Peggy Bilsten
Peggy Bilsten served on the Phoenix City Council for 14 years and was the chair for Governor Napolitano’s Commission to Prevent Domestic Violence against Women, and continues to advocate on behalf of human rights issues facing women.
Sherry Lund
Sherry Lund is the founder and president of several nonprofit organizations including the Victoria Lund Foundaton, named for her stepdaughter who passed away in 2002 from liver failure. She also contributes to several communities programs with the hope of easing the burdens many women face.
Tara Hitchcock
Tara Hitchcock is the anchor/host of the highly rated "Good Morning Arizona" news program that airs each weekday morning on 3TV. She volunteers for several charities, including Best Buddies, Childhelp and the Foundation for Blind Children.
Mary Peterson
Mary Peterson co-founded Maggie’s Place, a community that provides hospitality for pregnant women who wish to change their lives for the better and achieve a variety of goals.
The winner will be announced Nov. 13 at the “Woman of Excellence” luncheon at the Silverleaf Country Club in Scottsdale. Visit the Black Tie Arizona Website for more information and to RSVP for this event.
For more information on the nominees, check out our upcoming Nov./Dec. issue of Phoenix Woman.
The winner of this award will be one who has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of women or girls in our community. This "Woman of Excellence" will also demonstrate the type of personal and professional growth that makes her an exemplary "Phoenix Woman."
These are the nominees for the 2009 Woman of Excellence Award:
Donna Bartos
Donna Bartos is the founder of the Purple Ribbon Council to Cut Out Domestic Abuse. She is the creator of Girls Night Out to Cut Out Domestic Abuse, Purple Ribbon Brunch, It’s Okay to Talk About It Community Circles, Rock the Purple, Pedal for Purple and the Pretty in Purple Party.
Elaine Birks-Mitchell
Elaine Birks-Mitchell is CEO of Bosom Buddy Bra Recycling, a green group devoted to recycling new and used bras to various organizations across Arizona and other states.
Margaret Dunn
Margaret Dunn serves Scottsdale as a Board Member of the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Chamber of Commerce, and is president of a 45-employee, 21-trolley, $2.5 million-a-year trolley business.
Kristen Sandquist
Kristen Sandquist founded her first non-profit in 1996 called Circle of Friends. In 2003, she founded Visions of Hope. She is president of both organizations, and continues to support several local charities.
Lindsay Rattay
Lindsay Rattay founded Blankets for Babies, an organization that sends quality chenille Boh Boh Blankets to babies and children in need.
Pam Gaber
Pam Gaber is the founder and CEO of Gabriel’s Angels, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of abused, neglected and at-risk children through the application of pet therapy.
Peggy Bilsten
Peggy Bilsten served on the Phoenix City Council for 14 years and was the chair for Governor Napolitano’s Commission to Prevent Domestic Violence against Women, and continues to advocate on behalf of human rights issues facing women.
Sherry Lund
Sherry Lund is the founder and president of several nonprofit organizations including the Victoria Lund Foundaton, named for her stepdaughter who passed away in 2002 from liver failure. She also contributes to several communities programs with the hope of easing the burdens many women face.
Tara Hitchcock
Tara Hitchcock is the anchor/host of the highly rated "Good Morning Arizona" news program that airs each weekday morning on 3TV. She volunteers for several charities, including Best Buddies, Childhelp and the Foundation for Blind Children.
Mary Peterson
Mary Peterson co-founded Maggie’s Place, a community that provides hospitality for pregnant women who wish to change their lives for the better and achieve a variety of goals.
The winner will be announced Nov. 13 at the “Woman of Excellence” luncheon at the Silverleaf Country Club in Scottsdale. Visit the Black Tie Arizona Website for more information and to RSVP for this event.
For more information on the nominees, check out our upcoming Nov./Dec. issue of Phoenix Woman.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Chamber Hires New Account Executive
The Scottsdale Chamber is pleased to announce the addition of Sarah Hansen as Relationship Manager in support of Business Development. Sarah will focus on new member acquisition while also working with existing members and committees in fulfillment of their needs.
Sarah was born and raised in Arvada, CO. She moved to Arizona in 1998 to help start and establish a family business specializing in custom bathroom and kitchen remolding. Sarah also worked at Wells Fargo Bank for over six years. She began as a teller and was quickly promoted to a Customer Service Sales Rep, then a personal banker, and finally attained assistant branch manager. Sarah led a successful sales team and received many awards and accolades from Wells Fargo.
Sarah loves charity and volunteer work, traveling, extreme sports (dirt biking, scuba diving, white water rafting, trap shooting, etc.) movies, plays and spending time with friends and family. Sarah is very devoted to her Jack Russell Terrier named Tootsie Monster. Her main passion in life is helping people, and in her new role with the Scottsdale Chamber, she wants to help local business grow, develop, and prosper.
Sarah was born and raised in Arvada, CO. She moved to Arizona in 1998 to help start and establish a family business specializing in custom bathroom and kitchen remolding. Sarah also worked at Wells Fargo Bank for over six years. She began as a teller and was quickly promoted to a Customer Service Sales Rep, then a personal banker, and finally attained assistant branch manager. Sarah led a successful sales team and received many awards and accolades from Wells Fargo.
Sarah loves charity and volunteer work, traveling, extreme sports (dirt biking, scuba diving, white water rafting, trap shooting, etc.) movies, plays and spending time with friends and family. Sarah is very devoted to her Jack Russell Terrier named Tootsie Monster. Her main passion in life is helping people, and in her new role with the Scottsdale Chamber, she wants to help local business grow, develop, and prosper.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Philanthropy, Flying are Passions for 2010 Honor Ball Chair
Community involvement and philanthropy have always been important to Paradise Valley resident Sandy Trznadel. She and husband Frank are longtime supporters of the Scottsdale Healthcare Foundation, which is presenting its 34th annual Honor Ball on Feb. 6, 2010.
Sandy is chairing the committee of community leaders organizing the gala black-tie event, which has a new beneficiary this year: The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare.
Her support for the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center derives from personal experience. Frank's father and Sandy’s mother both lost their battles with cancer.
Watching their parents struggle intensified the Trznadel's commitment to fight cancer, and both are avid supporters of the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.
Prior to the center’s construction in 2001, Sandy served on the Community Cancer Advisory Council that provided input on its design, services and amenities. Their philanthropy established the Sandy and Frank Trznadel Education Center, which hosts numerous education and support programs in the cancer center.
"When you find a charity that you truly believe in, and you can see where your money is going, you’re able to see the impact it has on the lives of the people in your community," says Sandy.
Born and raised in a small Mississippi town, Sandy Trznadel attended Mississippi State University before moving to Memphis, Tennessee, where she began a modeling career with the prestigious John Robert Powers Agency. A few years later she moved to Chicago and continued to model for the Powers agency.
She met her husband while working in accounting at Comdisco, where Frank was the company's chief financial officer. When the couple married in 1978, Sandy left her job and realized her true passion - flying.
After years of flying and studying, Sandy obtained her private pilot's license, and her commercial and jet ratings. "It's taken many years - but anything worth doing is worth doing well," she says.
Several years ago, Sandy established a private corporation, T.S. Aviation, and flies and charters her plane out of Sky Harbor International Airport. She has also been involved with a program where she is on call to fly sick individuals or vital organs to hospitals and medical centers.
"Over time, you begin to focus on the things that are really important to you. For me, it's wonderful to be able to share my passion and give back at the same time," says Sandy. "And being able to take a hands-on approach is a tremendously rewarding experience."
One of the Valley’s most elegant and exciting black-tie events, The Honor Ball has raised more than $8 million to benefit Scottsdale Healthcare and will be held Saturday evening, Feb. 6, 2010 in The Phoenician Resort Grand Ballroom.
The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare offers cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, prevention and support services in its facilities at the Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center, attracting patients from across Arizona and the U.S. To learn more about the cancer center, visit www.shc.org/cancer.
For more information on 2010 Honor Ball, call 480-882-4510.

Photo by Michel F. Sarda
Sandy is chairing the committee of community leaders organizing the gala black-tie event, which has a new beneficiary this year: The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare.
Her support for the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center derives from personal experience. Frank's father and Sandy’s mother both lost their battles with cancer.
Watching their parents struggle intensified the Trznadel's commitment to fight cancer, and both are avid supporters of the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center.
Prior to the center’s construction in 2001, Sandy served on the Community Cancer Advisory Council that provided input on its design, services and amenities. Their philanthropy established the Sandy and Frank Trznadel Education Center, which hosts numerous education and support programs in the cancer center.
"When you find a charity that you truly believe in, and you can see where your money is going, you’re able to see the impact it has on the lives of the people in your community," says Sandy.
Born and raised in a small Mississippi town, Sandy Trznadel attended Mississippi State University before moving to Memphis, Tennessee, where she began a modeling career with the prestigious John Robert Powers Agency. A few years later she moved to Chicago and continued to model for the Powers agency.
She met her husband while working in accounting at Comdisco, where Frank was the company's chief financial officer. When the couple married in 1978, Sandy left her job and realized her true passion - flying.
After years of flying and studying, Sandy obtained her private pilot's license, and her commercial and jet ratings. "It's taken many years - but anything worth doing is worth doing well," she says.
Several years ago, Sandy established a private corporation, T.S. Aviation, and flies and charters her plane out of Sky Harbor International Airport. She has also been involved with a program where she is on call to fly sick individuals or vital organs to hospitals and medical centers.
"Over time, you begin to focus on the things that are really important to you. For me, it's wonderful to be able to share my passion and give back at the same time," says Sandy. "And being able to take a hands-on approach is a tremendously rewarding experience."
One of the Valley’s most elegant and exciting black-tie events, The Honor Ball has raised more than $8 million to benefit Scottsdale Healthcare and will be held Saturday evening, Feb. 6, 2010 in The Phoenician Resort Grand Ballroom.
The Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare offers cancer diagnosis, treatment, research, prevention and support services in its facilities at the Scottsdale Healthcare Shea Medical Center, attracting patients from across Arizona and the U.S. To learn more about the cancer center, visit www.shc.org/cancer.
For more information on 2010 Honor Ball, call 480-882-4510.
Photo by Michel F. Sarda
Grant Thornton Appoints Gail Baer to Director of Business Advisory Services
The Phoenix office of Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International, is pleased to announce it has appointed Gail Baer to Director of Business Advisory Services. In her new role, Baer’s responsibilities will include serving as Business Advisory Services practice leader for Grant Thornton’s Desert Cluster, which includes the Phoenix and Albuquerque markets.
Previously, Baer served Grant Thornton as a senior manager in the Phoenix office. She has more than 20 years of experience in information technology auditing and information systems consulting, as well as expertise in Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance, SAS 70 reviews and internal audit.
Baer earned a Bachelor of Science in Operations, Research & Industrial engineering from Cornell University and has worked in a wide variety of industries including information technology, government, consumer products and health care. She is an active member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
Previously, Baer served Grant Thornton as a senior manager in the Phoenix office. She has more than 20 years of experience in information technology auditing and information systems consulting, as well as expertise in Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance, SAS 70 reviews and internal audit.
Baer earned a Bachelor of Science in Operations, Research & Industrial engineering from Cornell University and has worked in a wide variety of industries including information technology, government, consumer products and health care. She is an active member of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) and the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
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