Phoenix, Arizona –  Valley Partnership, the Valley’s leading voice for responsible development, recently elected their 2018 Board of Directors and Executive Committee.  The organization has continued to cultivate leadership throughout its membership, focused on those strong voices and employers who understand the need for thoughtful development in the Valley.

“Our Valley Partnership directors are leading some of the most exciting developments and redevelopment projects around Metro Phoenix. Their expertise will directly support Valley Partnership and our mission to work collaboratively with regulators and policymakers to continue to thoughtfully grow our region and its economic base,” said Cheryl Lombard, President/CEO of Valley Partnership.

On December 1, 2017, the Valley Partnership Board of Directors unanimously approved its Board Officers for 2018 and its Board of Director Nominees for their terms as voting and ex-officio members.

Board Officers for 2018:
Todd Chester, WDP Partners – Chair
Jill Hegardt, DMB – Vice Chair
Tim Brislin, Harvard Investments – Treasurer
Jim Kenny, El Dorado Holdings – Secretary
Brett Hopper, The OPUS Group – Past Chair
Jay Kramer, Fennemore Craig, P.C. – General Counsel

Board of Directors:
Chris Anaradian, Town of Queen Creek
Lisa Atkins, Arizona State Land Department
Bob Bambauer, Sunbelt Holdings
Rob Bassett, Pederson Group
Chapin Bell, P.B. Bell Companies
Molly Ryan Carson, RYAN Companies
John Creer, ASU
Brandon Dillingham, HINES
Mari Flynn, Ashton Woods
Molly Greene, Salt River Project
Dena Jones, Fidelity National Title
Bryce Lloyd, FirstBank
Nicole Maas, Kitchell
Michael Martin, APS
Rusty Mitchell, Luke Air Force Base
Jeff Moloznik, RED Development
Carolyn Oberholtzer, Bergin, Frakes, Smalley & Oberholtzer
Garrett Newland, Macerich
Laura Ortiz, Evergreen DevCo
Michele Pino, Land Advisors
Paul Rhodes, Vestar
Alan Stephenson, City of Phoenix
Pat Williams, JLL

Valley Partnership is the Valley of the Sun’s premier advocacy group for responsible development. For more than 30 years, Valley Partnership has represented the commercial, industrial and master-planned community industries and presented a balanced, pro-development perspective. Valley Partnership provides the best education and networking opportunities for commercial real estate professionals.

Valley Partnership panel to discuss new Ritz-Carlton, redevelopment of Mountain Shadows resort

 Phoenix, AZ – Valley Partnership has announced the topic for the April 29 breakfast. The program will feature a look at two major hospitality projects under construction in Paradise Valley – a new Ritz-Carlton and redevelopment of the iconic Mountain Shadows resort.

The panel will feature Christopher Klecka, CFO of Five Star Development (Ritz-Carlton); Scott Lyon, Founder and Managing Partner of Westroc Hospitality (Mountain Shadows); and Jeff Mongan, Principal and Senior Vice President of The Athens Group. Moderating the panel will be Joe Blackbourn, President and CEO of Everest Holdings.

The breakfast will also feature guest speaker Sharon Harper, President and CEO of Plaza Companies. Harper is Chair of “Let’s Vote Yes for Arizona Schools,” which is supporting Proposition 123 in the May 17 statewide special election.

“Valley Partnership is pleased to bring these speakers together for our April breakfast,” said Cheryl Lombard, CEO and President of Valley Partnership. “The hospitality and resort industries are a major driver of Arizona’s economy, and our partners will benefit from the informative presentation the panel has planned.

“Additionally, we are honored to have Sharon Harper address members about Proposition 123. As business and community leaders continue the work of building towards a strong economic future, education is a critical keystone issue that needs to be at the forefront of our plans,” Lombard said.

Registration begins at 7 a.m.; program begins at 7:45 a.m. To register, please visit www.valleypartnership.org and click on the “Monthly Breakfast” tab. For more information, please contact Carrie Martin at 602.266.7844 or cmartin@valleypartnership.org.

Monthly panel to discuss challenges, leadership and growth opportunities in Downtown Phoenix

Phoenix, AZ – Valley Partnership has announced the topic for the March 18^th breakfast. This month’s program will feature a discussion by city leaders on the evolution of downtown Phoenix. They will share insights into how both public and private leaders are addressing the challenges that are unique to downtown.

The panel will feature a discussion between Vice Mayor Kate Gallego, City of Phoenix; David Krumwiede, Executive Vice President of Lincoln Property Company, which recently purchased the historic Luhr’s building; and Matt Silverman, Vice President and Managing Director of R&R Partners in Phoenix. Kevin Calihan, Senior Vice President with CBRE will lead the panel.

“A vibrant downtown is critical to the health of any metropolitan area; downtown Phoenix is no different,” said Cheryl Lombard, CEO and President of Valley Partnership. “The history of downtown Phoenix is definitely one of challenges, but in recent years we’ve seen innovative leadership and the creation of great opportunities for growth. Valley Partnership is pleased to bring together these leaders to discuss the evolution of the heart of our city.”

In addition to the panel, Valley Partnership is pleased to welcome Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-6th District), who serves on the Financial Services Committee and Joint Economic Committee of the House of Representatives. Congressman Schwiekert will kick off the breakfast meeting with a federal update.

“I am honored to attend the Valley Partnership Friday Morning Breakfast; it is a key organization in the Valley that I work with in support of Arizona’s vibrant economy,” said the Congressman. “I look forward to speaking at the March breakfast about burdensome regulations and how they stop the entrepreneurial spirit and cost time and money and how practical solutions based on technology can create jobs.”

Registration begins at 7 a.m.; program begins at 7:45 a.m. To register, please visit www.valleypartnership.org and click on the “Monthly Breakfast” tab. For more information, please contact Carrie Martin at 602.266.7844 or cmartin@valleypartnership.org.