New Glendale Chamber Board shows area's increased Valley influence
MAP Strategies Group CEO Mi-Ai Parrish visits with Glendale Economic Development Director Brian Friedman (left) and Glendale City Manager Kevin Phelps during a 2019 commercial development breakfast at the dawn of the current boom in the West Valley.
By the Glendale Star
Heavy hitters from Glendale and the West Valley included in the new Glendale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, representing a cross-section of business and professional leadership in the community, shows the heightened influence the region is having on the metro area.
“It is truly an honor to have such a dynamic board of directors from a diversified segment of our business community helping to lead the way and drive prosperity for Glendale and the West Valley,” said Glendale Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Heidt.
“The volunteer leadership serving our chamber is one of the most sound in our nearly 100-year history. The continuity and institutional knowledge each person brings to the organization is invaluable, as the chamber continues to lead the way as the largest business organization in the West Valley.”
Kate Kochenderfer of Salt River Project will officially take over as the board chairwoman at the February board meeting.
Lisa R. Baker of Realty One Group Inc. is a new member of the board of directors.
Baker joins:
• Maria Brunner, Landmark Capital Mortgage LLC.
• Jeff Overton, Camelback Ranch Glendale.
• Jean Higginbotham, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
• Bobbi Magdaleno, Arizona State University.
• Mayor Jerry Weiers, city of Glendale
• Kevin Phelps, city of Glendale.
• Mary Pritchard, Pritchard Insurance Group Inc.
• Richard Sherry, Dignity Health Arizona.
• Lynda Vescio, Law Offices of Vescio & Seifert PC.
• Judy Walter, Dignity Memorial.
• Jeri Cunningham, Humana.
• Matthew Mitchell, Corning Optical Communications.
• Yvonne Knaack, a downtown Glendale property owner.
• Jessica Perry, Arizona Public Service
The chamber’s 2021 executive committee is:
• Kate Kochenderfer, chairwoman of the board, SRP.
• Dr. Teresa Leyba Ruiz, chairwoman elect, Glendale Community College.
• Scott Spillman, treasurer, BNC National Bank.
• Ron Castro, vice treasurer, BNC National Bank.
• Dr. Lily DeBlieux, past chairwoman, Pendergast Elementary School District.