TMA ambassador wins award
The Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block announced Thomas A. Philabaum as the 2018 recipient of the museum’s Ambassador Circle Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Ambassador Circle is a component of TMA’s Leadership Circle, the museum’s foremost philanthropic membership group. The Ambassador Circle Lifetime Achievement Award, first presented in 2017, celebrates the career of an artist, patron or community member, who, among other distinctions, has demonstrated a particular commitment to the advancement of the Southern Arizona arts community and the Tucson Museum of Art and Historic Block.
Philabaum is a glass artist who operates the Philabaum Studio and Glass Gallery at 711 S. Sixth Ave., just south of downtown. Visitors to the gallery are often invited to watch Philabaum and other artists do their work in the studio. Employees of the gallery are also able to use the studio to create their own works.
“Tom is one of those artists who does more than create spectacular art,” said TMA CEO Jeremy Mikolajczak. “Tom is an advocate and educator who has made significant contributions to the medium of glass in contemporary art. We are fortunate to have him in our community, and he’s extremely deserving of this honor.”
Simpleview announces new senior leadership addition
Simpleview announced a new addition to its senior leadership team. Jason M. Swick has been promoted to vice president of digital marketing.
“Jason’s guidance and hard work have led our digital marketing team to see exceptional growth and offer more services than ever with incredible value to our DMO customers—from content creation and marketing automation, to Conversion Rate Optimization, which Jason’s team just launched out of beta in 2017,” said Scott Wood, chief operating officer at Simpleview.
Jason joined the Simpleview team in 2010 as a digital media specialist. He quickly moved up to director of digital marketing. Under his direction, Simpleview’s Digital Marketing team grew from 15 to 35 in a year’s time to accommodate growing customer needs for engaging website content, efficient and effective marketing automation, plus website optimization, conversion optimization, paid media and business intelligence services.
Terry Hanley new general manager of Tanque Verde Ranch
Tanque Verde Ranch, a dude ranch owned by Cote Family Destinations, welcomed Terry Hanley as the new general manager. Hanley has been a part of Tanque Verde Ranch’s team since June, 2017 as the assistant general manager.
“Tanque Verde Ranch is such a special place. I have always been a fan, watching what the team here has done over the years to make it the iconic property that it is,” Hanley said. “Since day one, I am learning so much and see incredible potential in the property. I look forward to contributing to its growth in the future and continuing to showcase and build upon the fascinating history here.”
Ted Herman joins Larsen Baker
Larsen Baker LLC has hired Ted Herman as the company’s director of investments.
As director of investments, Herman will oversee all aspects of financing for Larsen Baker’s real estate portfolio, and will manage ground up development and construction projects for the company.
Herman has extensive background in development and land entitlement, most recently as the vice president of residential land and development with Rancho Sahuarita Companies, and prior to that position, as a land broker with Land Advisors Corporation. Herman has a master’s degree in planning from the University of Arizona and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin.
“We are very excited that Ted has joined our team. His versatility in all aspects of commercial development will help our company continue its role as a leading real estate investment and development company in Tucson” said Larsen Baker Principal, George Larsen.
Focus HR, Inc. hire top talent
Evan Steinberg has accepted a new position at Focus HR, Inc. as the company’s newest business development manager. Steinberg will be helping clients find stronger solutions for their operational challenges in 2018.
Steinberg spent more than five years driving growth at a Tucson medical HR firm, guiding countless business owners toward more healthy, profitable, proactive work environments. It is Evan’s vast knowledge and personal approach that makes him really stand out.
“We’re excited to start the new year with this great addition to our already outstanding team.” said Greg Stutz, chief operating officer of Focus HR, Inc. “We think Evan has unique perspective that will help our clients achieve their goals.”
Rudy Prieto Announced as New CEO of Desert Diamond Casinos
Desert Diamond Casinos & Entertainment is proud to announce the hiring of Rudy Prieto as its new chief executive officer. His appointment follows an extensive nationwide search by the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise for the top executive talent in the gaming business. He began his duties on Jan. 8, and reports directly to the Gaming Enterprise Management Board of Directors.
Prieto comes to Desert Diamond Casinos with more than 30 years of experience in the gaming industry, most recently as general manager for Pechanga Resort & Casino in California. His extensive career has involved both domestic and international gaming and hotel enterprises, including operations with multiple facilities. He is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Mexico, and is fluent in both English and Spanish.