Thursday, January 27, 2011

Raena Janes


Local School Superintendent Stresses Citizenship
by Jeremy A. Belitsos

As the mom of young twins and the superintendent of three Arizona charter schools with seven campuses in four cities, Raena Janes understands firsthand the demands of a hectic work schedule and busy family life. Perhaps this is why she’s been so successful in her educational endeavors. She understands the necessity for all parents – and students – to find balance and support.
An active advocate for Arizona education for many years, Janes’ passion for education was nurtured early on by her parents, who for years operated their own private school in Tucson. These days, Janes champions education as the founder of three of Arizona’s largest and fastest-growing charter school systems: Liberty Traditional Charter School in Phoenix, Heritage Elementary School in Glendale and Williams, and La Paloma Academy in Tucson.
Janes’ goal is to provide quality core academics with a strong character-based education for Arizona’s kids. In addition to learning about math, science, reading, writing, social studies and the arts, the students at Janes’ schools learn about the importance of character traits such as trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.
In addition to focusing on academics and character building, each of Janes’ charter schools incorporates community service into the curriculum. An active member in several non-profit community organizations such as Junior League of Tucson, the National Association for the Education of Young Children, Habitat for Humanity, Red Cross and the Advisory Council for the Arizona Charter Schools Association, Janes is a strong believer in bringing community service projects to Arizona’s youth.
Students at her schools learn about and contribute to the community through projects like cleaning up the local environment, contributing to seasonal charity drives and celebrating local military heroes. The projects are all part of Janes’ mission to create not only well-educated students but also well-rounded citizens and members of the community.
“We teach our students that they have a responsibility to the community and that it’s important to give back,” Janes says. She balances community responsibility with personal and academic responsibility at all of her charter schools.
Additionally, Janes works hard to ensure that parents and faculty communicate and work cooperatively with students to support them and provide for a more fulfilling educational experience. “Kids really want boundaries,” Janes says. “They like to know what’s expected of them and know that people love them enough to make sure they follow through.”
Janes always follows through, doing what she can to improve Arizona’s choices in education. Her passion for providing a solid educational foundation for every child has been recognized by the state of Arizona, earning her the state’s Excellence in Education Award. In addition, Janes has been the recipient of Tucson’s 40 Under 40 Award and the 2008 Tucson 40 Under 40 Mentor of the Year Award.

Jeremy A. Belitsos is a publicist for Tucson-based McFadden/Gavender Advertising.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

March of Dimes-2010 Nurse of the Year Awards




The March of Dimes Arizona Chapter announces its 2010 Nurse of the Year Awards winners. Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona and University of Phoenix, the prestigious Nurse of the Year Awards Gala honored 14 nurses and named a “Legend in Nursing,” Saturday night, Aug. 28, 2010, an honor given for the first time since 2007.

The annual March of Dimes event pulled in close to $170,000, which will support future funding for nursing scholarships in Arizona as well as benefit the March of Dimes Arizona Chapter in its pursuit to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

Winners in their respective categories are as follows:

Chamberlain College of Nursing Academic Education
Susan Stillwell, DNP, RN, CNE
ASU College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Advocacy for Patients
Kathy Manske, RN, MSN, CCRN, CHPN
Scottsdale Healthcare

Clinical Education
Suzan Miller-Hoover, DNP, RN, CCNS, CCRN
Cardon Children’s Medical Center

Community Service
Susan Stelton, MSN, RN, ACNS-BC, CWOCN
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

Innovation/Creativity
Helen Dempsey-Tennent, RN, MN, ARNP, FCN
Gila Mountain United Methodist Church

Arizona Nurses Association Leadership
Raymond Kronenbitter, RN, MSN, PCCN
Yuma Regional Medical Center

Mentoring
Sandra Kurtin, RN, MS, AOCN, ANP-C
Arizona Cancer Center

TriWest Healthcare Alliance Military
Meliza Harris, RN, BSN, MA
United States Air Force

Patient Care
Eric Humphrey, RN, CCRN
Mayo Clinic Hospital

Prenatal/Pediatric
Becky Bell, RN, BSN, CCBE, CLC, CLE, NIDCAP Reliable
Maricopa Integrated Health System

Research/Advancing the Profession
Barbara Wilson, PhD, RNC-OB
ASU College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Rising Star
Ashley Kinder, RN, BSN
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

Brookline College Student Nurse
Kimberly Harshberger, RN
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center

Distinguished Nurse of the Year
Deborah Boyle, RN, MSN, AOCN, FAAN
Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center

Nurse Legend
Pauline Komnenich
ASU College of Nursing and Health Innovation

Pauline Komnenich received the coveted “Legend in Nursing” honor, which is chosen based on outstanding contributions, a minimum of 20 years of service, dedication to nursing and community service. The Nurse Legend honor hasn’t been given since 2007, when it was awarded to Peggy MacMacken from Tucson Medical Center.

For the third year, University of Phoenix, in partnership with the March of Dimes Arizona Chapter, offered two full-tuition scholarships to nurses pursuing advanced degrees. Helen Burson was awarded the scholarship to pursue an LPN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (LPN to BSN). The second scholarship recipient was Karen Butterbaugh, who will pursue a Masters of Science in Nursing/Health Care Education (MSN/ED).

Sponsors for the event included Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, University of Phoenix, TriWest Healthcare Alliance, Channel 5, Jobing.com, Lovin’ Life After 50 and Watermark Video Production.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

New Business Manager Joins After the Fact - Final Affairs, LLC

After the Fact - Final Affairs, LLC is pleased to announce that Cathy M. Davis has joined their company as Business Development Manager.

She comes with real-life experience through being a caregiver for both her father-in-law and mother-in-law prior to their death. At that time, she was heavily involved in the settling of their estate.

Cathy moved to Phoenix from Chicago in 1985. She spent 20 years in the auto industry as a finance director and general manager. In 2001, she changed careers and entered into the mortgage business where she remained for eight years.

Most recently, Cathy has been involved with Advanced Funeral Planning which fills a passion of helping people have peace of mind that their things are taken care of.

She loves spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, reading, cooking and, when she can find the time, traveling

After the Fact's goal is to give peace of mind during a difficult time by providing efficient, effective and confidential services so you can concentrate on what's important.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Woman of the Year


WEST VALLEY WOMEN ANNOUNCES WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Candace Hunter Wiest, President and CEO of West Valley National Bank and West Valley Bancorp, Inc. has been named Woman of the Year by the West Valley Women organization. She will be honored for her commitment and dedication to the West Valley community on Oct. 5 at Skye restaurant with an elegant luncheon and award presentation.

Wiest is the founding President of West Valley National Bank. Her community activities include GPEC, West Valley Advisory Board of Phoenix Children’s Hospital, the Catholic Community Foundation and incoming Chair of Westmarc.

"Besides her commitment to growing West Valley National Bank, Candace has shared her considerable energy and talents in promoting West Valley business and social organizations," says Robert Guyette, chairman of the board of West Valley National Bank. "We are proud of the positive impact Candace has made in the West Valley and throughout the greater Phoenix area."


ABOUT WEST VALLEY WOMEN
Founded in 2005 by Linda M. Herold, West Valley Women offers guests and members monthly opportunities to network in a unique and special way. Women, who live, work or conduct business in the West Valley and share a pride in the uniqueness of the community will benefit from membership. Business and professional women, community leaders, women in government, women in education and those who have retired - all are welcome as members.

West Valley Women has been named one of the top 25 networking organizations by the Phoenix Business Journal Book of Lists.

For more information about meetings, membership and sponsorship options, visit www.WestValleywomen.org

Photo: Candace Hunter Wiest

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Phoenix Woman magazine

Check out this short video clip of the fun we've had the past two years at Phoenix Woman magazine.
Maybe you'll see yourself or someone you know!!!
Make sure to dial up the sound...the music is rockin'.

Phoenix Woman magazine Video

Thursday, July 22, 2010

PATTI GENTRY OF ARIZONA COMMERCIAL ADVISORS TO LEAD BARROW NEUROLOGICAL FOUNDATION (BNF) BOARD

July 1 Appointment Marks Election of First Woman Chairman Since Board’s Founding in 1961

The Board of Trustees of Barrow Neurological Foundation (BNF) has elected Patti Gentry, principal and designated broker of Arizona Commercial Advisors, to chair the Barrow Neurological Foundation Board for two years beginning July 1, 2010. Her appointment marks the first time a woman has been elected chairman since the Board’s founding in 1961.

Gentry, who joined the board in 2001, will serve as chairman for fiscal years 2010-2012. According to Gentry, it is the passion for the hospital that keeps her and her fellow board members engaged.

“I have two sisters who had benign brain tumors,” said Gentry. “Thanks to Dr. Robert Spetzler at Barrow Neurological Institute, they are both alive and doing well today. So each of us has a reason to be involved, and I look forward to working with the board to heighten awareness of each of their passions in the coming years.”

New officers of the BNF Board of Trustees also include:

· Vice Chairman: Lisa Handley, senior vice president and Arizona managing director of MidFirst Private Bank.

· Treasurer: Greg Anderson, CEO of Legacy Senior Housing and Development Company.

· Secretary: Herman Orcutt, retired managing partner of Orcutt/Winslow Architects in Phoenix.

· CEO/Assistant Secretary: Mary Jane Crist, vice president of philanthropy for St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center and CHW Arizona market leader of philanthropy.

The following new members have been elected to initial one-year terms on the BNF Board of Trustees:

· Barbara Barone, president and CEO of Biltmore Advisors.

· Shelley Ann Duane, president of Revelations Interiors.

· Catharine Bienvenu Fitch, vice president, investments for Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

· Barbara Greiner Glass, president of Barbara Greiner Glass and Associates.

· Karl James, partner and managing director of Capital Commercial Investments, Inc.

· Patrick J. McGroder III, a trial lawyer who specializes in catastrophic injury and wrongful death litigation.

Other members of the BNF Board of Trustees are Jane D. Alfano, Jack Clifford, Wayne S. Doran, Gee Gee Entz, Booker T. Evans, Lee Hanley, Linda Hunt, Mike Ingram, Guy Inzalaco, Stephen Lenn, Stanley W. Levine, Mac Magruder, Dr. Roy A. Patchell, Tom Reahard, Anne Robbs, Dennis Sage, Dr. Robert F. Spetzler, and E. Jeffrey Walsh.

Barrow Neurological Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for research, medical education, and patient care at Barrow Neurological Institute of St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. The foundation is governed by a board of trustees made up of community leaders who serve on a voluntary basis.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Rose Law Firm Adds New Business Partner to its Team

Arizona’s largest female-owned law firm, Rose Law Group, is adding an experienced business lawyer to its team with the addition of Ann-Marie Anderson. This addition will further support Rose Law Group’s leading Renewable Energy Practice.

Anderson will focus on Corporate Transactions, Commercial Litigation and Real Estate Development, Dispositions and Acquisitions in the Scottsdale-based firm that provides legal counsel in more than 20 practice areas and is widely considered one of the state’s top real estate and renewable energy firms.

“Ann-Marie is a wonderful addition to our team ,” said Jordan Rose, Rose Law Group founder and president. “Her experience, innovation and attention to client service match our long-heralded corporate culture.”

Anderson Ann-Marie’s 14-years of practice experience have included practicing with Gallagher & Kennedy, P.A. and the international firm of Squire, Sanders & Dempsey, LLP. She also served as Vice-President and General Counsel of a Silicon Valley, California technology company which pioneered the software and technology necessary to link PDA users to access the Internet and the Web. A significant portion of Ms. Anderson’s law enforcement, litigation and regulatory experience were gained from her service as an Assistant Attorney General (Arizona).

She also has substantial experience in administrative and regulatory law. In the areas of corporate and real estate transactions, Ann-Marie has worked on, closed and/or served as lead counsel in the merger/acquisition of publicly traded and privately held companies and commercial real estate developments. She has also prepared ’33 and ’34 Act securities filings, including, 8-Ks, 10ks, S-1’s and others.

Anderson earned her law degree from the University of Michigan Law School, where she served as a founding editor of the Journal of Gender and Law. She graduated Albion College, Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude.

She has provided legal counsel to many of Arizona’s large and small publicly traded and privately held companies, in industries, such as: Professional sports and stadium development, mining, resorts, technology and silicon chip companies, automobile manufacturing and financing, banks and financial institutions, the Arizona Medical Board, physicians, healthcare entities, real estate developers, architects, construction companies, venture capitalists and others.

In her spare time, Ann-Marie, a former 4-year varsity collegiate tennis player, continues to play tennis, competing in and/or qualifying for United States Tennis Association regional and national championships. She also volunteers her time to a number of boards and causes, including, the Arizona State Bar Administrative Law Section Board, National University of Michigan Alumni Association Board of Directors, University of Michigan Club of Phoenix Board, and as a mentor to Arizona State University College of Law students and various campaigns.

ABOUT ROSE LAW GROUP

Rose Law Group pc is a full service real estate and business law firm specializing in renewable energy, land use, zoning, government relations and lobbying, employment law, trusts and estates, administrative law, transactional real estate, water law, Native American relations, infrastructure finance, special districts taxation, business formation/corporation issues and business litigation. Rose Law Group pc currently has the busiest land use and zoning practice in the State of Arizona, representing only the very best clients. The Firm values “outrageous client service” and prides itself on hyper-responsiveness and an extraordinary record of success in achieving clients’ goals.

Follow the firm on Twitter, @roselawgroup, or check out its Facebook pages, facebook.com/RenewableEnergyAZ or facebook.com/roselawgroup and join the hundreds of fans who tune in for the latest information on the emerging industries. Or visit www.roselawgroup.com.