On Monday, July 19, President Obama will welcome the WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury to the White House to honor the team’s 2009 championship season. In conjunction with this event, members of the team will participate in a service project with local area youth during their visit to Washington, D.C. This continues a tradition begun by President Obama of sports champions serving in the community as part of their visit. The White House event will be open press. More details will be released in the next several days.
The Mercury secured its second championship (2009, 2007) in three seasons after defeating the Indiana Fever in a five-game series during the 2009 WNBA Finals in October. Diana Taurasi was named the regular season and finals MVP and led the team to a 30-15 record for the season.
To find out more check out phoenixmercury.com
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
One Big Night for Dena Cameron
Tonight is the big night for Dena Cameron, former CEO of Bill Johnson’s Big Apple restaurants. The daughter of Bill Johnson himself recently received the 2010 Hall of Fame award and will be formally presented at the 2010 S.T.A.R. Gala at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson. During her decades of service to the restaurant industry in Arizona, she helped to expand her family’s business to include now five locations across the Valley. The gala will take place in conjunction with “Tuning into Tourism”, The Arizona Governor’s Conference on Tourism held on July 12- 14. The award will be given to her July 13th and the event goes from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m.
For more information: Terence Murnin at 602.530.9900 or 480.789.7485
Monday, March 29, 2010
Angel MedFlight Worldwide Air Ambulance Appoints New CEO and COO
Angel MedFlight Worldwide Air Ambulance has appointed a new executive team. Kelly LoCascio will lead the medical transportation company as the chief executive officer (CEO) effective immediately. LoCascio served as chief legal counsel for the organization since 2008 and was instrumental in the company’s record growth in 2009. Angel MedFlight senior vice president and legal counsel, Michael Ward was promoted to chief operating officer (COO). Ward joined the air carrier in 2009, focusing on contracts and negotiations.
LoCascio and Ward both specialize in Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) law which governs employer-provided insurance policies. Their expertise allows them to assist Angel MedFlight patients in obtaining benefit coverage for medically necessary flights.
Kelly K. LoCascio
LoCascio holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska and a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from The John Marshall Law School. Since 2002, she has practiced law in the areas of ERISA, labor and employment, commercial litigation, and tenant’s rights. A Cambridge Who’s Who Notable Member, LoCascio was named one of the top 50 pro bono attorneys in Arizona in 2008. She is a member of the American Bar Association and the Association of Corporate Counsel. LoCascio has been featured in the Arizona Business Journal, Arizona Woman and Phoenix Magazine for her professional accomplishments. An avid volunteer, she donates time to the Volunteer Lawyers Program and HomeBase Youth Services. LoCascio was crowned Ms. Arizona Woman in 2007.
LoCascio and Ward both specialize in Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) law which governs employer-provided insurance policies. Their expertise allows them to assist Angel MedFlight patients in obtaining benefit coverage for medically necessary flights.
Kelly K. LoCascio
LoCascio holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Nebraska and a Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from The John Marshall Law School. Since 2002, she has practiced law in the areas of ERISA, labor and employment, commercial litigation, and tenant’s rights. A Cambridge Who’s Who Notable Member, LoCascio was named one of the top 50 pro bono attorneys in Arizona in 2008. She is a member of the American Bar Association and the Association of Corporate Counsel. LoCascio has been featured in the Arizona Business Journal, Arizona Woman and Phoenix Magazine for her professional accomplishments. An avid volunteer, she donates time to the Volunteer Lawyers Program and HomeBase Youth Services. LoCascio was crowned Ms. Arizona Woman in 2007.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sanford-Brown College Names Cheryl Pietkiewicz Director of Education
Sanford-Brown College (SBC), which provides education in allied health care programs designed to prepare its graduates for related employment opportunities, is pleased to announce Cheryl Pietkiewicz as its director of education. In her role, Pietkiewicz will be responsible for overseeing the school’s academic department including the faculty, registrar, records and library functions.
Pietkiewicz has more than 20 years’ experience in the healthcare field and education administration, most recently as the director of education and the director of clinical education at Anthem and Kaplan Colleges, respectively, in Phoenix. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy from Salisbury State University and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Arizona State University. Pietkiewicz is also a registered respiratory therapist. She resides in North Phoenix.
Pietkiewicz has more than 20 years’ experience in the healthcare field and education administration, most recently as the director of education and the director of clinical education at Anthem and Kaplan Colleges, respectively, in Phoenix. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy from Salisbury State University and a Master of Arts degree in Communication Studies from Arizona State University. Pietkiewicz is also a registered respiratory therapist. She resides in North Phoenix.
Eight Distinguished Women to Be Recognized at Dec. 5 Girl Scouts Awards Luncheon
Eight distinguished women have been selected to receive the Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Council’s 2009 World Awards and will be recognized at the annual World Awards luncheon on Dec. 5. As Girl Scout alumni, these women exemplify the Girl Scout Promise and Law in their personal lives and make meaningful contributions to the betterment of their community.
Recipients have been selected in seven annual categories: humanities, community service, arts, learning, courage, future and leadership. This year’s honorees are:
World Leadership Award
Lisa Keegan, The Keegan Company
World of Community Service
Kay McKay, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff
World of Courage
Leslie Mihata Bloom, Partnership for Drug Free America-Arizona Alliance and
Lt. Jacquelyn MacConnell, City of Phoenix
World of the Future
Lisa Love, Arizona State University
World of Humanity
Marian Frank, The Arizona Republic
World of Learning
Melinda Romero, Chandler Unified School District
World of the Arts
Deborah Gilpin, Children’s Museum of Phoenix
The council has also selected eight Young Women of Distinction who are current Girl Scouts, ages 15 to 18, in the same categories. Those honorees include: Melanie Erin Picciano of Fountain Hills, World Leadership Award; Taylor Dawn Petersen of Scottsdale and Hillary Jean Eder of Mesa, World of Community Service; Sara Ellenberger of Ahwatukee, World of the Arts; Kaitlyn Amanda Stone of Flagstaff, World of Courage; Gabriela Marie Guerra of Arcadia, World of Humanity; Catherine Bina of Ahwatukee, World of the Future; and Alyssa Rollando of Ahwatukee, World of Learning.
World Award recipients will be recognized for their achievements at a luncheon co-chaired by Christine Wilkinson and Ellen Kirschbaum, and presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield on Sat., Dec. 5, at the Arizona Biltmore Spa & Resort. Event activities begin with a silent auction at 10:30 a.m. followed by a luncheon presentation at noon. This is the council’s largest alumni event of the year; sponsorship opportunities are still available.
The World Awards is open to the public and luncheon tickets are $75. All proceeds from the event will support new and existing Girl Scout programs. For more information, contact Leslie Friedman at (602) 452-7003 or visit www.girlscoutsaz.org.
Recipients have been selected in seven annual categories: humanities, community service, arts, learning, courage, future and leadership. This year’s honorees are:
World Leadership Award
Lisa Keegan, The Keegan Company
World of Community Service
Kay McKay, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff
World of Courage
Leslie Mihata Bloom, Partnership for Drug Free America-Arizona Alliance and
Lt. Jacquelyn MacConnell, City of Phoenix
World of the Future
Lisa Love, Arizona State University
World of Humanity
Marian Frank, The Arizona Republic
World of Learning
Melinda Romero, Chandler Unified School District
World of the Arts
Deborah Gilpin, Children’s Museum of Phoenix
The council has also selected eight Young Women of Distinction who are current Girl Scouts, ages 15 to 18, in the same categories. Those honorees include: Melanie Erin Picciano of Fountain Hills, World Leadership Award; Taylor Dawn Petersen of Scottsdale and Hillary Jean Eder of Mesa, World of Community Service; Sara Ellenberger of Ahwatukee, World of the Arts; Kaitlyn Amanda Stone of Flagstaff, World of Courage; Gabriela Marie Guerra of Arcadia, World of Humanity; Catherine Bina of Ahwatukee, World of the Future; and Alyssa Rollando of Ahwatukee, World of Learning.
World Award recipients will be recognized for their achievements at a luncheon co-chaired by Christine Wilkinson and Ellen Kirschbaum, and presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield on Sat., Dec. 5, at the Arizona Biltmore Spa & Resort. Event activities begin with a silent auction at 10:30 a.m. followed by a luncheon presentation at noon. This is the council’s largest alumni event of the year; sponsorship opportunities are still available.
The World Awards is open to the public and luncheon tickets are $75. All proceeds from the event will support new and existing Girl Scout programs. For more information, contact Leslie Friedman at (602) 452-7003 or visit www.girlscoutsaz.org.
Teacher of the Week Inspires New Generation of Educators
The newest Fulton Homes’ “Teacher of the Week” was nominated for not only being an exceptional English literature teacher, but also preparing her students for life beyond middle school. Christie Roe, an eighth grade teacher from Phoenix-based Christ Lutheran School, will be featured on the KNIX Ben and Matt Show Friday, Nov. 11, between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.
Roe was nominated by one of her former students, 18-year-old Kortnee Manning. Even though it has been years since Manning had Roe as a teacher, she still stands out to her as a source of inspiration. Due to Roe’s influence, Manning aims to pursue a teaching career herself.
“[Roe] prepared us more for college and life in general than our high school teachers did,” Manning said. “She showed me that teachers could be your superheroes in life.”
Manning is now on the path to become a “super” instructor like Roe. She is currently in college studying secondary education.
“Mrs. Christie Roe has changed my life,” Manning said. “I started eighth grade wanting to get out of school and just be done. She made me want to make time slow down as much as I could learn as much as I could.”
Roe also commits herself to all aspects of Christ Lutheran School. According to Principal Cheryl Ehlers, in addition to her already heavy teacher workload, Roe works with students on the school newspaper, chaperone’s dances, leads school field trips and more.
“She goes out of her way to make sure her students exceed in the classroom and their lives,” Ehlers said. “She commits to way beyond the 8 to 3 school day.”
Every week, students are asked to nominate teachers like Roe for the chance to win a prize package that includes $300 in cash plus prizes from Fulton Homes and the Dairy Council of Arizona. The winning teacher will also be spotlighted on the KNIX Morning Show with Ben and Matt, where they will receive special recognition on their Friday show. At the end of the year, the 34 winning teachers will be honored at a special luncheon, where one outstanding teacher will be selected as “Teacher of the Year.”
“The best educators do more than just teach, they inspire,” said Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. “Mrs. Roe has been an inspiration to her students to be the best they can be in their lives.”
Roe was nominated by one of her former students, 18-year-old Kortnee Manning. Even though it has been years since Manning had Roe as a teacher, she still stands out to her as a source of inspiration. Due to Roe’s influence, Manning aims to pursue a teaching career herself.
“[Roe] prepared us more for college and life in general than our high school teachers did,” Manning said. “She showed me that teachers could be your superheroes in life.”
Manning is now on the path to become a “super” instructor like Roe. She is currently in college studying secondary education.
“Mrs. Christie Roe has changed my life,” Manning said. “I started eighth grade wanting to get out of school and just be done. She made me want to make time slow down as much as I could learn as much as I could.”
Roe also commits herself to all aspects of Christ Lutheran School. According to Principal Cheryl Ehlers, in addition to her already heavy teacher workload, Roe works with students on the school newspaper, chaperone’s dances, leads school field trips and more.
“She goes out of her way to make sure her students exceed in the classroom and their lives,” Ehlers said. “She commits to way beyond the 8 to 3 school day.”
Every week, students are asked to nominate teachers like Roe for the chance to win a prize package that includes $300 in cash plus prizes from Fulton Homes and the Dairy Council of Arizona. The winning teacher will also be spotlighted on the KNIX Morning Show with Ben and Matt, where they will receive special recognition on their Friday show. At the end of the year, the 34 winning teachers will be honored at a special luncheon, where one outstanding teacher will be selected as “Teacher of the Year.”
“The best educators do more than just teach, they inspire,” said Douglas Fulton, CEO of Fulton Homes. “Mrs. Roe has been an inspiration to her students to be the best they can be in their lives.”
Grant Thornton Promotes Wanda Denton to Senior Tax Manager
The Phoenix office of Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International, is pleased to announce it has promoted Wanda Denton to senior tax manager. In her new role, Denton’s responsibilities will include tax consulting and compliance for large public, private and middle-market companies while overseeing a staff of nine tax associates. She will continue to apply her expertise in accounting for income taxes, accounting periods and methods and corporate taxation.
Denton has nearly 10 years experience in public accounting. She previously served Grant Thornton as a tax manager in the Phoenix office, where she provided tax planning and advice for clients in the cement and concrete, mining, manufacturing and distribution, software and service industries.
Denton holds a Bachelor of Accountancy degree from Arizona State University and is a regional firm specialist in the area of IRC Section 382. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA) and American Society of Women Accountants. She also serves as elected official Republican Precinct Committeeman in and for her precinct in Maricopa County and is a member of the Auxiliary Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the East Valley.
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