Smart City Leadership Exchange 2018

WELCOME TO SCOTTSDALE

Brent Stockwell, Assistant City Manager, City of Scottsdale Larry Scott, City of Scottsdale Tony Felker, President/CEO, Frisco Chamber of Commerce Mark Stanton, President/CEO, Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce Cheri Valentino, Vice President, Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce

SESSION 1 The Big Picture from a City Perspective

Mayor W.J. “Jim” Lane, City of Scottsdale

Mayor W. J. “Jim” Lane served for four years on the Scottsdale City Council beginning in June 2004 and began his first term as Mayor in January 2009. He was re-elected to the Mayor’s Office in 2012 and began his third term in January 2017. Mayor Lane served on the 2002 Scottsdale Fire & EMS Advisory Committee, which was convened to evaluate and make recommendations to the city regarding the desired level of fire and emergency medical services relative to cost. His community service also includes six years on the Scottsdale Paradise Valley YMCA Board of Management. He chaired the 1999 Kids Campaign annual fundraising effort and is currently an emeritus board member. Mayor Lane currently represents the city as a member of the Flinn Foundation Bioscience Roadmap Steering Committee. He is the current President of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, a member of the Governor’s Arizona Workforce Committee, member of the Executive Committee of the League of Arizona Cities and Towns, and a Chairman of the Maricopa Association of Governments Economic Development Committee. He is a former Chairman of the MAG Regional Council and former President of the MAG Executive Board. Mayor Lane also serves on the Scottsdale Leadership Advisory Board, Arizona Game and Fish Appointment Recommendation Board, he is a member of the Phoenix Committee on Foreign Relations and an Honorary Member of the Taliesin West Board of Stewards. Mayor Lane is also a member of the Municipal Tax Code Commission. He came to Scottsdale from New Jersey in 1973 to take a position with KPMG (Peat Marwick), an international CPA firm. He worked as an Arizona CPA for 20 years with five of those years in public accounting as a financial statement auditor. Mayor Lane has owned and operated businesses in construction, mining, computer technology, telecommunications, regional aviation and financial consulting. Mayor Lane is also a former Adjunct Professor of Business and Accounting at Scottsdale Community College. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Saint Joseph's University in Philadelphia. He and his wife Joanne have three adult children (Bill, Scott, and Nancy) along with six grandchildren (Megan, Aislinn, Madison, Carson, Caleb, and Brooklynn).

Brent Stockwell, Assistant City Manager, City of Scottsdale Brent Stockwell currently serves as assistant city manager. He coordinates citywide strategic initiatives such as strategic planning and performance management, and supervises the citizen service director, diversity liaison, emergency manager, management assistant, management intern/fellow, and tourism and events director. Brent has worked in Scottsdale since 2002 in a variety of positions including citizen liaison, assistant to mayor/council, and acting city auditor. Brent also worked for the state of Arizona, the cities of Mesa, Arizona and Federal Way, Washington and as a youth director with an Arizona non-profit. Brent earned a master's from the University of Washington, and a bachelor's from Kansas State University, both in public administration. Brent serves on the board of directors of the Arizona City/County Management Association.

Mayor Jeff Cheney, City of Frisco Native Texan Jeff Cheney is the Mayor of Frisco, Texas. He also holds the distinction of being the youngest Mayor of Frisco. Previously, Cheney served on Frisco City Council 2007 - 2016. In the last ten years, he has served as the Chair of Frisco’s Budget and Audit Committee, as Member of the Mayor’s Youth Council Liaison, Frisco Technology Committee, and Frisco Education Foundation. Cheney was chosen five times by his colleagues on Frisco City Council to be Mayor Pro Tem and Deputy Mayor Pro Tem. Mayor Cheney and his wife, Dana, are the co-founders of The Cheney Group, a Frisco-based residential realty firm. Professionally, Mayor Cheney has earned the distinction of Certified Public Accountant and a Registered Financial Advisor. Mayor Cheney attended the University of Texas - Austin where he was recognized with Highest Honors for his Bachelors and Masters in Accounting. Mayor Cheney and wife, Dana, were married in 2001 and have been blessed with three children: Zachary, Mason, and Kaytlin.

Henry Hill, Deputy City Manager, City of Frisco Henry Hill has served as Deputy City Manager for Frisco, Texas since January 1993. He is the lead Assistant responsible for supervising Public Services Departments including Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Library, Communications, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and various programs. Prior to that, Henry worked as Assistant City Manager (1988-1994) and then City Manager (1994-2003) for Melbourne, Florida.

Henry graduated cum laude with a B.A. in Government from Harvard University and earned an M.A. in Political Science/Public Administration from the University of Florida.

Henry is a member of the International City Management Association (ICMA), ICMA Credentialed Manager since 2002, ICMA Various Committees, ICMA Emerging Leaders Program – Mentor, 2018 ICMA

Assistant Excellence in Leadership Award, Member of Texas City Management Association (TCMA), TCMA Ethics Committee, Leadership Frisco Advisory Board, and a Frisco Chamber of Commerce Ex-Officio member.

Henry has been married to Debra Kane Hill since 1981 and has three daughters: Lauren, Kristen, and Lacyn.

Paul Basha, Transportation Director, City of Scottsdale Paul Basha has been a traffic engineer and transportation planner for more than 40 years. Nearly half that time was spent as a private consultant in Michigan, Washington, and Arizona and the other half as a public servant of 20 years in Scottsdale, AZ. During his time with Scottsdale he has held positions as Traffic Engineer and Transportation Director. Paul is very grateful to live in Scottsdale and serve the traveling public in Scottsdale.

Dan Worth, Public Works Director, City of Scottsdale Dan Worth has directed Scottsdale’s public works programs since November 2006. In this capacity, Dan is responsible for the City’s streets, facilities and vehicle maintenance programs, for the City’s solid waste service, and for administering the City’s capital program. During this time, he also served a year as Acting City Manager from July 2012 through June 2103. Prior to his tenure in public works, Dan served as the City Engineer for Scottsdale, where he was responsible for administering the City’s $1 billion capital improvements program. He first came to the City in May of 2004, following 22 years as an active duty Army officer in the Corps of Engineers, where he served in engineering and public works leadership positions around the world. Dan has degrees from the US Military Academy and the University of Maryland and is a registered professional engineer in the states of Arizona and Georgia.

BUS TOUR OF SCOTTSDALE

Don Hadder, Tour Guide Don has resided in Scottsdale since 1958, attending Coronado High School and graduating from ASU. Don worked as a city planner for the City of Scottsdale for 38 years and was involved in many aspects of the growth and development of the city before retiring in 2014. Don is married to Vivian, they have a son and three grandchildren. Don joined the Scottsdale Historical Society board in 1999, serving as Corresponding Secretary and past President on two separate occasions. Other interests and service to Scottsdale include American Planning Association, Urban Land Institute, Scottsdale Church of the Nazarene, Friends of Geography, East Valley Chorale, AZ Forward and South Scottsdale Community Garden.

Joan Fudala, Tour Guide Joan Fudala is a full-time Scottsdale community historian and history columnist for local publications. She is the author of eight books, including The People’s Preserve; Historic Scottsdale: A Life from the Land; Images of America – Scottsdale; Golf in Scottsdale; 50 Years of the Scottsdale Charros & Spring Training; and Desert Highlands. Prior to her 20-year career as a community historian, Joan spent 26 years as a public relations executive, including positions with the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce/Convention & Visitors Bureau, two regional airlines, and as a U.S. Air Force public affairs officer (her first assignment was at Kelly AFB in San Antonio). Joan serves on Scottsdale’s Museum of the West Board, the Scottsdale Historical Society Advisory Board and the Scottsdale Heritage Connection Committee. She has been recognized as Scottsdale’s Woman of the Year, with the Scottsdale Leadership Frank Hodges Alumni Award, Scottsdale Library’s Spirit of Literacy Award and as a Scottsdale History Hall of Fame inductee.

WELCOME RECEPTION

Jim Duncan- Project Jim Duncan is a Principal Engineering Analyst in the Water Engineering Department of Salt River Project (SRP), he has worked with SRP for 35 years. Jim oversees SRP’s Canal Multiple Use program which directs the development of all recreational use canal bank projects through partnerships with local municipalities. These projects include multi-use trails, public art installations and special events. Jim has worked in all aspects of operating and maintaining the SRP canal system as well as functions in Economic Development.

SESSION 2 Downtown Revitalization

Jim Bruner, Board Chair, Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West

For nearly 50 years, Jim Bruner has been active in civic, political and professional leadership roles in the Greater Phoenix community. Some of his past civic activities include Founder and initial board member of the Scottsdale Cultural Council (now Scottsdale Arts), Chairman of the Scottsdale Hospital System Board (now Honor Health), President of the Scottsdale Boys and Girls Club, and Founding member of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC). Currently, he is a trustee of the Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, board member of the McCormick-Stillman RR Park and the founding and current Chairman of the Board of Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Politically he was elected to two terms on the Scottsdale City Council and two terms to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors. While serving as Chairman of the Maricopa County Stadium District he was instrumental in developing the plan to stabilize the Cactus League and in obtaining a Major League Baseball franchise and stadium for Arizona. Jim is an Air Force veteran, has practiced law with Snell & Wilmer and currently is SVP of Mutual of Omaha Bank.

Bill Borders, President of ARC Construction & Development, LLC

Bill Borders is the president of ARC Construction & Development, LLC in Phoenix, AZ which he co-founded in 2007 and has more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He has worked in partnership with Macdonald Development Corporation since 2009 on various development opportunities in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe, AZ with his current focus being the Museum Square mixed-used project in Old Town Scottsdale. Mr. Borders has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and his strong dedication to community service has led him to be a member of many local philanthropic groups including, The School Board for the Catholic Diocese, The Executive Council Charities, and The Thunderbirds.

Brad Carr, Principal Planner, City of Scottsdale

Carter Frederick Unger, President, National Western Capital Corporation and Spring Creek Development

Carter Unger grew up traveling the world for both pleasure and in humanitarian capacities. This exposure to other cultures led him to attend Franklin College in Switzerland where he earned a bachelor’s degree in International Relations. Upon graduation and shortly after 9/11 Carter joined the United States Army as an Infantry Officer. He served two tours in Afghanistan and was awarded numerous commendation medals for his

leadership and selfless service. Of particular note was his mentoring and leading of the Afghan National Police for Zabul Providence on the border with Pakistan, where Carter and his team were responsible for the capture of the number one High-Value Target and after months of intense fighting restored peace to that region as documented by the United Nations. Upon leaving the ARMY as a Captain, Carter used his skills while volunteering in Haiti following the earthquake purifying water for the locals. His ability to work through difficult and stressful situations, creatively finding solutions to problems, made him invaluable to both private companies and NGOs alike. He was hired by once such Company upon his return, Kahala, a Scottsdale based company that was integral in the humanitarian effort there. Carter Unger then soon after was hired by the Chandler Fire Department where he was able to continue his dedication to others and desire to serve. On his days off Carter found himself longing for more challenges, so he got his real-estate license and began his path down his family’s tradition of real-estate development and entrepreneurialism. It was not long before another challenge presented itself and Carter jumped in head first with his adapt and overcome mentality, taking on the marketing contract for WestWorld of Scottsdale and overseeing the food and beverage contract as well. He and his team are responsible for bringing new and varied events to WestWorld, expanding its existing equestrian base to reach other markets like home shows and off-road expos. His ability to learn quickly from those around him with great experience and knowledge, while applying it in new and outside the box ways, set him up for his biggest challenge yet. Upon the passing of his father, Fred, Carter stepped up as he always has, parting from the fire department to take over as President of National Western Capital Corporation and Spring Creek Development overseeing not only the WestWorld contracts but, the real-estate development arm of the company as well. SouthBridge 2.0 is a mixed-use development on 10 acres along the canal consisting of two hotels, 300 luxury condos, 100K sqft of retail, 200K sqft of Class A Office Space, and over 1,500 parking spaces. Leadership and integrity are the hallmarks of Carter and years of experience in working with others to achieve strategic goals in the face of great adversity make him well suited to lead this well-seasoned team of developers and big thinkers!

SESSION 3 The Arts and Culture

Gerd Wuestemann, DMA, Transportation Director, City of Scottsdale

Dr. Gerd Wuestemann is the President and CEO of the nonprofit Scottsdale Arts, where he oversees four acclaimed operating branches – each with a distinct focus and mission – spanning the performing and visual arts: Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA), Scottsdale Public Art and Scottsdale Arts Education & Outreach. Dr. Wuestemann has dedicated his life to the arts, as a performer, educator, entrepreneur, and as a leader. A classical guitar soloist for much of his life, he held his first guitar at the age of five, became a prodigy at the age of eleven, produced twelve recordings, and won numerous international competitions. After career-ending injuries in 2005, Dr. Wuestemann’s focus

changed to entrepreneurism. He served as owner/executive of Composite Acoustics LLC, a composite manufacturer and Corporate Challenge LLC, an events company. Dr. Wuestemann’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found the INNOV8 Festival of creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship in 2012. He then served as owner/consultant of Square One LLC, a venue development company whose projects included Crosstown Concourse in Memphis, TN and Count Basie Theater in Redbank, NJ. An ambitious and comfortable leader, Dr. Wuestemann is familiar with building valuable political and community relationships. Before joining Scottsdale Arts, Wuestemann led the transformation of a small Louisiana based arts council into the Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA), which in 2016 and 2017 won the Governor’s Culture Award. He developed public and private funding that allowed the arts center to build two new facilities, hire more staff and create a strong board to jointly develop a vision and implement it. Under his oversight, AcA quadrupled in size, annexed another arts organization and created a growing endowment, along with building local, regional and national partnerships. Dr. Wuestemann is a graduate of at National Arts Strategies’ Global Executive Leadership Program, is a 2009 Leadership Louisiana alumnus, was a member of the board of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, has co-chaired Louisiana Citizens for Arts Advocacy since 2009, and has chaired the Lafayette Community Culture Plan Coalition and the Lafayette Comprehensive Plan Citizen Advisory Committee (CPCAC). While pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Arizona, Wuestemann developed a strong affinity for Arizona. He holds a Master of Musical Arts from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, spent a post- graduate year at The Julliard School in New York City on a full DAAD scholarship, and holds a Master of Music from Hochschule für Musik in Frankfurt, Germany where he was a leading graduate.

Kim Curry-Evans, Director of Scottsdale Public Art

As Director of Scottsdale Public Art, Kim Curry-Evans is responsible for the vision of Scottsdale’s nationally-recognized public art program, which serves as a leader in defining art in the public realm through creative place-making, signature events, exhibitions, and installations, all which contribute to the community’s creative, cultural, and economic vitality. For fiscal year 2018- 2019, Scottsdale Public Art is providing over $7 million in public art projects and programming. With nearly 30 years in the arts field, Curry-Evans received her B.A. in Art History from and has attended Harvard University’s Summer Leadership Institute. She has worked for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Phoenix Arts Commission, the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and the nationally-recognized 40 Acres Art Gallery in Sacramento, California.

Meribeth Reeves, Managing Director, Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts

Meribeth Reeves is the managing director for Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. She and her management teammates, Abbey Mesmer (programming director) and Jamie Prins (events director) are responsible for oversight of the strategic planning, budgeting, day to day operations and management of the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Meribeth began working at Scottsdale Arts in June of 2018 and brought with her more than 27 years of non-profit arts management and marketing experience both locally and in Pittsburgh.

Kathy Wills, Scottsdale Arts Chair, Board of Trustees

Kathy Wills currently serves as the Chair for the Scottsdale Arts Board of Trustees. She joined the organization in 2013 and has chaired the Development Committee as well as the Advisory Board for the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. Kathy is an Arizona native along with her husband of 22 years. She is a 1st Senior Vice President with MidFirst Private Bank since January 2008. Prior to joining MidFirst, Kathy spent 4 years at Compass’ Private Bank and over 11 years with Bank One (now JP Morgan). As Senior Vice President and Private Banker for MidFirst, she is responsible for managing an affluent client base in metro Phoenix. She delivers services to high net worth clients and their businesses such as wealth planning, investment management, customized lending, private trust and private banking services. Kathy has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona and an MBA from the University of Phoenix. Kathy is currently a member of the Scottsdale Community College Presidents Advisory Committee and is a member of National Charity League. Kathy is involved as Past President (2014) and the past Treasurer (2011) of Arizona Business Leadership in Phoenix and was their Awards Event Chair in 2015. Kathy is a past Board Member, VP of Finance, Strategic Plan Committee Chair and Fundraiser Event Chair for Cortney’s Place Foundation in Scottsdale. Kathy participated on event committees for Banner Foundation in 2014 and was a member of the DC Ranch Country Club Membership and Finance committees 2010-2013. Kathy is also Past Chair for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation Auxiliary Board (2008) and is a member of the National Advisory Committee for TGen Foundations’ pancreatic cancer research and has Chaired their annual 5k fundraiser 2012-2013.

Karen Churchard, Director of Tourism and Events, City of Scottsdale

Karen Churchard brings 35+ years’ experience at various tourism and event organizations including the Fiesta Bowl, Arizona Tourism Alliance, Arizona Centennial Commission & Foundation, Arizona Office of Tourism and the City of Scottsdale, and for several years owned a consulting business. As the Director of Tourism & Events for the City of Scottsdale, her department manages special event applications and permits, the tourism development funding and downtown Scottsdale’s Old Town. Additionally, Karen oversees the City’s multi-

million-dollar contracts with a destination marketing organization, Experience Scottsdale as well as Scottsdale Arts, which manages the Center for Performing Arts, Museum of Contemporary Art and Public Art.

SESSION 4 Education, Entrepreneurism, and Workforce Development

Chris Casalena, CDC, Chair of BUSS Board

Christopher Casalena is an Arizona native, growing up right here in Scottsdale. He is married, a father of 4, and grandfather of 2. In 1999, he founded CFO Advisor Group, which specializes in providing strategic, financial, and technology leadership to small and medium-size businesses. All his CFO engagements carry a mission to enhance the profitability and value of the business, regardless of the industry. Currently, he is engaged by a firearms training company and a professional soccer franchise. In 1989, he received his B.S. in Accounting from Arizona State University. Prior to forming CFO Advisor Group, he worked over 6 years in public accounting and enjoyed a successful 6-year sales career as an Account Executive with a production and marketing agency. Mr. Casalena volunteers his time in the community, coaching youth sports and sitting on education boards. He is the current President of Business United for Scottsdale Schools, a business-to-education workforce development initiative of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he currently serves as a board member with the Arizona Chapter of the national nonprofit Positive Coaching Alliance, aimed to create workshops for youth sports with a tagline of “Better Athletes, Better People.”

Christina M. Haines, M.Ed., President, Scottsdale Community College

Chris Haines has been working within the Maricopa County Community Colleges District since 1989, starting at Mesa Community College and has spent the majority of those years leading and serving at designated Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI). She served as Interim President of Phoenix College from 2015- 2018. She was selected as Phoenix College’s Dean of Students in 2011, and provided leadership for the new Phoenix College One Stop enrollment center, serving in that role for three years before becoming the successful candidate in a national search for the college’s Vice President of Student Affairs.

Prior to joining PC, Haines served as Interim Associate Dean of Enrollment Services at South Mountain Community College (SMCC). In 2010, she served a nine-month term as Interim Dean of Student Services at Scottsdale Community College during a national recruitment for that position. Her career background also includes service as Interim Associate Dean of Student Development at South Mountain Community College and Director of Athletics and the Fitness Center at SMCC for six years. She has served as an

adjunct instructor for Mesa, South Mountain, and Chandler-Gilbert community colleges. Her professional background also includes serving as a coach and instructor at Baker University in Baldwin City, KS, and Weber State University in Ogden, UT.

Throughout her career, Haines has served on numerous college, district and national committees, as well as a tri-chair for SMCC’s successful Higher Learning Commission accreditation in 2009. She served as tri-chair of the committee leading Phoenix College’s accreditation process, which culminated with a successful reaffirmation of accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission in 2016.

Haines attended Black Hills State University, becoming the first in her family to earn a college degree. She majored in political science/education. Haines went on to receive a master’s degree in Educational Counseling from Northern Arizona University and is currently ABD working on her doctoral dissertation in Educational Leadership/Higher Education at NAU. In her free time, she likes to hike, travel and spend time with friends and family, including her rescue Boston Terriers.

Todd Hardy, Managing Director, Innovation Zones at ASU

As its Managing Director, Todd Hardy is responsible for the promotion and development of a portfolio of six “Innovation Zones” that offer a total of over 2 million square feet of developed space and over 700 acres of land on or near ASU academic campuses for location and growth of private industry partners. From incubator space for startups to high-end occupancy for Fortune 50 companies, the Innovation Zones at ASU are uniquely designed to accommodate the diverse needs of dynamic organizations seeking to tap into the superior strategic and cultural opportunities associated with ASU.

During his ten-year career at Arizona State University, Hardy has been responsible for university initiatives in corporate engagement, economic development, and entrepreneurship/innovation.

Prior to assuming his current role with ASU, he was Vice President of Assets for University Realty L.L.C., the real estate unit of ASU Enterprise Partners where he was actively involved in the development of SkySong, the ASU-Scottsdale Innovation Center.

Throughout his career, including more than thirty years as corporate counsel to Fortune 500 and NASDAQ firms and co-founder of a number of startup and early-stage enterprises, he has been a leader in the formation and operation of innovative enterprises based in a variety of new technologies in telecommunications and education markets.

Hardy serves and has served on a variety of Boards that are focused on advanced technologies, community service and economic development in the Greater Phoenix Region, including past and present memberships on the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), the Arizona Technology Council, Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center (SARRC), Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services (STARS) and the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce.

Hardy received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University; a Juris Doctorate from the Washington College of Law at American University; and a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from Columbia University in the City of New York.

Rob Millar, Economic Development Acting Director, City of Scottsdale

Rob began his career with the City of Scottsdale in 1992 in the City’s Municipal Services Department, and since then has gained significant experience and yielded positive impact across multiple departments. In 1994 Rob was hired to help create and implement the City’s very first Citizen Service Center located at Los Arcos Mall, the City’s One Stop Shop for City services. He spent the next two years opening various community relation offices throughout Scottsdale until he received an opportunity in 1996 to become the city’s first Neighborhood Services Liaison where he implemented Scottsdale’s first neighborhood college program. Rob then went on to become a Citizen Liaison where he established a citywide call center that significantly streamlined access to city services and automated how citizen inquiries are documented, tracked and followed-up on. He then served as the Mayor’s Chief of Staff from 2006-2008. As Economic Development Acting Director, he is responsible for overseeing all departmental activities, which include attracting new companies, retaining and growing existing companies, marketing Scottsdale as a play to locate and live, and increasing revenue to the City of Scottsdale. Rob’s background in contract development, negotiations and administration, automotive dealership attraction and retention efforts, and redevelopment initiatives serve as a valuable resource in the City’s economic development strategies. Rob holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration, serves on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Association for Economic Development, is a graduate of Scottsdale Leadership Class 17, and the Arizona State University Institute for Public Executives.

Mark Paratore, Economic Development Program Manager, City of Scottsdale

Mark Paratore joined the City of Scottsdale in December of 2013. As program manager, his is primary role is on the advancement of startup and emerging tech to the city. He works closely with the entrepreneurial ecosystem and firms looking to grow and expand in Scottsdale. Mark has been instrumental in working with companies like Weebly, Turo, Cruise Automation, Opendoor, SiSense, Indeed.com, Acronis, and LimeBike on their expansion to Scottsdale over the last several years. Before this role, Mark provided research and analytic support for the department, oversaw all small business efforts and worked closely to advance the department's Talent Attraction initiative. Mark served in various capacities at the City of Glendale from 2010-2013. In 2011, Mark took over citywide and downtown redevelopment, where he administered the city’s commercial Visual Improvement Program, which aided commercial businesses located in the Redevelopment area. Mark worked on 8 VIP projects, totaling more than $500,000 of reinvestment back into the community.

Mark received his Bachelor of Science in Planning Degree from Arizona State University where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and is currently working on becoming a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD). He is a member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED), serves on the advisory board for SMoCA (Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art), Avant-Garde on Second Street (AG2) young professionals’ group through the Scottsdale Arts, and Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals group through the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce. Mark is a proud resident of the City of Scottsdale.

SESSION 5 Trends in Business/CEO Power Panel

John Berry, Founder, Berry Riddell

John Berry, founding partner of Berry & Riddell, has vast experience in all aspects of zoning and land use, the negotiation of development agreements, use permits and variances. Recognized as among the Best Lawyers in America by Woodward/White, Berry is also included in the Chambers USA Leading Lawyers in America. Berry’s client list includes the visionaries and leaders of the Arizona real estate and development community: Mayo Clinic Hospital, Scottsdale Healthcare, Scottsdale Waterfront – Starwood Capital, Glendale Westgate – The Ellman Companies, /Macerich, The Pederson Group, Toll Brothers, Deco Communities, Arizona State University Foundation/SkySong, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Alliance Residential, Crown Community Development, AV Homes, Wood Partners, JLB Partners, Diocese of Phoenix, iStar Financial, Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale, Optima, Inc., Grayhawk Development, Kimpton Hotels, Meritage Homes, Yam Management, and Mark Taylor Development

Berry is featured in the Scottsdale Hall of Fame and is an active member of the Urban Land Institute, American Planning Association, Arizona Planning Association, National Institute of Municipal Law Officers, and the National Home Builders Association – Legal Action Network for Development Strategies. He is the past Chairman of the Scottsdale Board of Adjustment and past Chairman of the Phoenix Aviation Advisory. Berry served as the past Chairman of the Scottsdale Transportation Commission, as well as leading and serving a multitude of City of Scottsdale Task Forces and Ad Hoc Issues committees. He served on the Board of Directors for the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and Maricopa Colleges Foundation, and, as Past President of the Scottsdale Cultural Council Board of Directors. Berry also served as a former Chairman and member of the Board of Trustees for the All Saints’ Episcopal Day School, as well as a former member of the Advisory Board of Directors for Notre Dame Preparatory High School.

Berry, recognized as an authoritative leader in his field, has authored articles and presented to the audiences of the Urban Land Institute, Maricopa County Bar Association, Scottsdale Bar Association, City of Scottsdale, State Bar of Arizona, Arizona State University, and Scottsdale Community College. After receiving a bachelor degree in business, cum laude, from the University of Arizona, Berry was awarded a juris doctorate from Stanford University Law School.

Renee Higgs, SW Regional Marketing Manager, Mayo Clinic

Renee Higgs is the SW Regional Marketing Manager for Mayo Clinic. She received her Master of Arts degree in Advertising from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Washington State University. In her role at Mayo Clinic, she leads all paid media and major sponsorship efforts for the southwest region. She is a Scottsdale Leadership, Class 31 graduate and is a member of the Scottsdale Leadership Board. Renee also serves as a Commissioner for the City of Scottsdale Transportation Committee, Vice Chair for the Scottsdale Chamber Economic Development Advisory Council and is a member of the board for The New Foundation. Renee has a son who is attending Middle Tennessee State University and another son who is soon to graduate from Desert Mountain High School in Scottsdale.

Ryan Smeets, Vice President, Business Development, BIG YAM

As Vice President, Business Development Ryan is responsible for targeting the best possible partnerships for BIG YAM. Ryan brings 17 years of experience in strategic marketing and consulting for various industries including professional sports, golf, real estate, healthcare, automotive, agriculture, technology, and nonprofit organizations. Ryan earned his Bachelor's degree from UCLA and his Master's degree from Georgetown University, however, his proudest achievement was winning the “Showcase Showdown” on CBS’ The Price is Right (during the Bob Barker era). Ryan and his wife Faith live in Phoenix, Arizona, with their two children Ignatius and Marigold.

Kate Birchler, Assistant Vice President of Tourism Marketing, Macerich

Kate Birchler is assistant vice president of tourism marketing for Macerich, an S&P 500 real estate investment trust company, with 48 shopping destinations throughout the United States including Santa Monica Place in Santa Monica, Calif.; Fashion Outlets of Chicago and The Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, Ill.; Tysons Corner Center in the Washington DC area; and Scottsdale Fashion Square in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Kate leads the tourism marketing department and is responsible for the strategic marketing initiative to drive international and domestic visitor business to experience the #1 US activity: shopping. She manages the global partnerships with the travel trade industry and orchestrates the shopping center portfolio’s local tourism community programming.

Kate serves her national industry including the Shop America Alliance Executive Committee, US Travel Association Board of Directors, and International Council of Shopping Centers. She serves the Scottsdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Committee and Board of Directors and is on the Executive Board

of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation supporting women in her community. Kate is the former Chair of the Scottsdale City Council-appointed Tourism Development Commission and Scottsdale City Council- appointed vice chair of the Tourism Advisory Task Force as well as former Board of Directors member for the Arizona Tourism Alliance and Valley Hotel & Resort Association. She and her husband, John, along with their daughters, Hannah and Ruby, live in Scottsdale, Arizona.