Don’t even think about bringing your phone into a meeting with Pam Kehaly, who is one of Az Business magazine’s 50 Most Powerful People in Arizona Business for 2025.

“I have a weekly huddle with my team that runs four to six hours,” says the president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona. “I don’t allow multitasking because I believe if we’re dedicating that much time together, we have to really listen, understand and learn from one another.”

From Kehaly’s perspective, the most important thing about leading is listening.

“People often say they’re listening, but many times they’re not,” Kehaly says. “They’re thinking about the next thing they want to say, or they’re multitasking — which is one of my pet peeves. Truly listening — hearing, processing and considering what others say — is critical to being an effective leader.”

And when Kehaly speaks, people should listen. As one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Arizona Business for 2025 — as chosen by the Az Business magazine editorial board in consultation with business leaders from a broad spectrum of industries — Kehaly embodies leadership greatness. Being one of the most powerful business leaders in Arizona requires vision, resilience and the ability to inspire others. These leaders navigate complex challenges with confidence, drive innovation that fuels growth and cultivate strong relationships across industries and communities. They champion bold ideas, adapt to changing markets and remain grounded in integrity and purpose. Their influence extends beyond boardrooms — they shape economic policy, foster inclusive workplace cultures and mentor the next generation. With a deep commitment to Arizona’s prosperity, these 50 men and women lead with passion, strategic insight and a relentless focus on results that elevate both their organizations and the region as a whole.

“Leaders today must be adaptable and comfortable operating in uncertainty,” says Brian Lee, president and CEO at Arizona Central Credit Union and one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Arizona Business for 2025. “It’s critical to be able to make informed decisions even when the outcome isn’t clear. Many people can succeed when there’s a playbook, but the true test of leadership is making confident decisions in the gray areas — especially in times of change.”

Meet some of the Most Powerful People in Arizona Business

Susan Anable, Cox Communications

William (Bill) C. Boor, Cavco Industries, Inc.

Wendy Cohen, Kitchell Corporation

Mary Fedewa, STORE Capital

Phil Gallagher, Avnet

James Goodnow, Fennemore

Katie Haydon, Haydon

Amy Hysell, Arizona Financial Credit Union

Pam Kehaly, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Brian Lee, Arizona Central Credit Union

Bob Mulhern, Transwestern

Michael Pollack, Pollack Investments

Brandon B. Rafi, Rafi Law Group and Rafi’s Hope

Despite their success in business, many of the Most Powerful People in Arizona Business says humility is a key trait for those wanting to gain power in business.

“We all have a lot to learn, no matter how far we are in our careers,” says Susan Anable, Phoenix market vice president for Cox Communications, West Region, and another of the 50 Most Powerful People in Arizona Business for 2025. “Humility allows you to keep learning. Resilience is also huge. The best leaders I know are those who’ve managed through incredible change and challenges and have continued to grow and be respected.”

Openness is also important, Anable says. “We all have different life experiences. As a leader, I’ve learned that not everyone has had the same experiences I have and I haven’t had their’s. Being able to meet and understand each other allows us to work effectively together and bring out the best in people.”

The 50 Most Powerful People in Arizona Business for 2025 also agree that they could not succeed by themselves. Powerful business leaders say they rely on effective teams to execute vision, drive innovation and ensure operational excellence across all levels of an organization. A strong team not only multiplies a leader’s impact, but also provides diverse insights, accountability and resilience in an ever-changing business landscape.

“First and foremost, every leader needs a really strong team around them,” says Wendy Cohen, CEO of Kitchell and one of the 50 Most Powerful People in Arizona Business. “We don’t know everything, so having qualified leaders to support us is critical. Curiosity is equally important — it’s about acknowledging what you don’t know and asking a lot of questions. Together, collaboration and curiosity create a dynamic that supports a team environment and helps move the company forward.”

But one thing a leader has to have in order to gain an upper-hand in business, Cohen says, is tenacity.

“Today’s successful leaders must have grit,” Cohen says. “Being a leader isn’t always easy and grit helps push through the hard times.”

50 Most Powerful People in Arizona Business for 2025

Susan Anable, Phoenix market vice president, Cox Communications

Background: Anable has been with Cox in various roles since 2001. Prior to joining Cox, Anable spent 10 years on the Arizona State Senate research staff, serving as staff director and Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment analyst.

Walt Brown, Jr., founder, CEO and designated broker, Diversified Partners: Brown is leading transformative projects like the redevelopment of Metrocenter Mall and Mesa’s Revel Surf Park. With over $4 billion in planned transactions through 2026, he continues to shape the real estate landscape.

Barry Chasse, founder and president, CHASSE Building Team: Chasse grew the firm from 10 employees in 2007 to over 225 across Phoenix and Tucson. He oversees hundreds of millions in construction annually and has led the company in contributing over $4 million to child-focused community programs.

William (Bill) C. Boor, president and CEO, Cavco Industries, Inc.

Background: Boor is president and CEO of Cavco Industries, Inc., a leading builder of manufactured homes. With diverse leadership experience across industries, he emphasizes adaptability, authenticity and team-driven success. Boor champions innovative, high-quality housing solutions, including affordable homeownership initiatives, and guides Cavco’s growth through strategic vision, operational excellence and a deep commitment to people.

Michael Crow, president of ASU: Crow has transformed ASU into a national model of innovation and inclusivity. Under his leadership, the university has expanded enrollment, launched over 30 transdisciplinary schools, grown research funding, and joined the AAU, making Crow a powerful force in Arizona’s economic growth.

Wendy Cohen, president and CEO, Kitchell Corporation

Background: As president and CEO, Cohen leads the Kitchell Corporation, the holding enterprise of four independent operating companies, Kitchell Contractors Inc., Kitchell CEM, Kitchell Development Company and American Refrigeration Supplies. Cohen is passionate about developing a strategy and culture that allows for innovation and change in the construction industry. With nearly 30 years in the building industry, Cohen has worked in many aspects of the construction business; as a general contractor, construction manager, consultant and owner.

Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera, president, Northern Arizona University: He has championed initiatives like Access2Excellence and expanded admissions access. His leadership has increased in-state enrollment, attracted $190 million in private investment and strengthened education-workforce partnerships.

Jim Currier, president and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies: Currier leads a global aerospace innovator based in Phoenix. A 17-year Honeywell veteran, Currier is known for people-first leadership and advancing workforce development through efforts like the Future48 Aerospace & Defense Accelerator.

Mary Fedewa, president, CEO, director and co-founder, STORE Capital

Background: Known throughout the industry for her business acumen and solutions-oriented charisma, Fedewa co-founded STORE Capital in 2011. She was appointed president in September 2020 and ascended to CEO in April 2021.

Charley Freericks, president of the Phoenix Region, Howard Hughes: Freericks leads the massive Teravalis master-planned community in the West Valley. With over 40 years of development experience, he drives large-scale planning, sustainability, and civic engagement across Arizona.

Ernest Garcia III, co-founder and CEO, Carvana: Garcia revolutionized used car buying with a digital, customer-first platform. Headquartered in Tempe, Carvana has become one of Arizona’s most valuable tech companies, helping elevate the state’s role in e-commerce and innovation.

Phil Gallagher, CEO, Avnet

Background: A 40-plus Avnet veteran with a passion for serving customers, Gallagher was named CEO of Avnet in November 2020. Previously, he served as global president of Electronic Components, where he was responsible for leading the company’s massive broadline components distribution business worldwide. He recently was awarded the AccountabillT Lifetime Achievement Award from the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority. He also received the Lee T. Hanley Community Leadership Award from the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Sharon Harper, chairman and CEO, Plaza Companies: Harper is a trailblazing real estate developer and civic leader. Known for impactful healthcare, bioscience and senior living projects, she has helped shape the Valley’s built environment. Her public-private leadership continues to influence economic development statewide.

Mike Mertes 2025

James Goodnow, CEO and president, Fennemore

Background: Nearly two decades after starting his career at the firm as a file clerk, Goodnow became the youngest known CEO of a major law firm in U.S. history when he started in his current role in 2018. He earned his J.D. at Harvard Law School, a master’s degree in entrepreneurship at the University of Cambridge Business School (U.K.) and a B.S. from Santa Clara University, where he graduated first in his class.

Tomas Gorny, founder and CEO, Nextiva: Gorny built one of the nation’s leading business communications platforms. A serial entrepreneur, he has driven Arizona’s tech evolution by championing cloud-based solutions, workplace culture and innovation, positioning Nextiva as a major force in the state’s fast-growing software ecosystem.

Joseph Hogan, president and CEO, Align Technology: Hogan leads one of Arizona’s most innovative healthtech companies, known for Invisalign clear aligners. Based in Tempe, Align has expanded globally under his leadership, combining digital dentistry with advanced manufacturing and elevating Arizona’s status in medtech.

Amy Hysell, president and CEO, Arizona Financial Credit Union

Background: Hysell leads Arizona Financial Credit Union, serving more than 175,000 members across Arizona. With nearly 30 years of service to Arizona Financial that helped shape the credit union’s business operations and culture, Hysell took the helm as president and CEO in January 2023. She was one of Az Business magazine’s Most Influential Women in Arizona in 2023.

David Jacofsky, MD, chairman and CEO of HOPCo and The CORE Institute: Dr. Jacofsky is a nationally recognized orthopedic surgeon and entrepreneur. He built a data-driven healthcare platform focused on outcomes and cost efficiency. His leadership bridges clinical excellence and business strategy.

Heidi Jannenga, co-founder and chief clinical officer, WebPT: Dr. Jannenga revolutionized outpatient rehab with an innovative electronic medical records platform. A physical therapist turned entrepreneur, she is a prominent voice for healthtech, women in business and Arizona startups.

Katie Haydon, CEO and partner, Haydon

Background: Haydon attended Xavier College Prep for high school, ASU for a her bachelor’s in accountancy and Thunderbird for her MBA in Global Management. Upon graduation from ASU, Katie accepted an accounting position at a large publicly held corporation before eventually taking over the business her father founded.

Ken Kendrick, managing partner, Arizona Diamondbacks: Kendrick has helped shape Arizona’s sports and philanthropic landscape. A successful businessman and passionate baseball executive, he’s driven community outreach and charitable investment while positioning the D-backs as a key player in the state’s economic and cultural identity.

George Kurtz, founder and CEO of Crowdstrike and FalconEye Ventures: Kurtz heads one of the world’s top cybersecurity firms. With a strong presence in Arizona, his leadership spans AI, national defense, and digital security, reinforcing the state’s role in cyber innovation.

Pam Kehaly, president and CEO, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Background: Kehaly is the president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, where she leads the state’s largest locally based health insurer. With decades of experience in the healthcare industry, she is known for driving innovation, improving care access and championing community health initiatives. Under her leadership, AZ Blue focuses on affordability, quality and whole-person wellness to improve the health of all Arizonans.

Oleg Khaykin, president and CEO, Viavi Solutions: Khaykin leads a global innovator in network testing and optical tech with key Arizona operations. He is advancing Viavi’s leadership in 5G, aerospace and defense, strengthening the state’s high-tech and connectivity sectors.

Todd LaPorte, CEO, HonorHealth: LaPorte leads one of Arizona’s largest healthcare systems with a focus on patient-centered innovation, workforce development and community health. Under his guidance, HonorHealth has expanded services, improved outcomes and played a vital role in shaping the state’s healthcare landscape.

Brian Lee, president and CEO, Arizona Central Credit Union

Background: Lee began his credit union career as a principal examiner with the National Credit Union Administration in July 2010, ensuring the safety and soundness of the credit union system. In June 2014, Lee joined Landings Credit Union as the CFO and in January 2020 was promoted to Landings’ president and CEO. He was named president and CEO of Arizona Central Credit Union in April.

Karla Lewis, CEO, Reliance Steel & Aluminum Company: Lewis oversees one of North America’s largest metal service centers, with a strong presence in Arizona. Her strategic leadership in manufacturing and distribution has positioned Reliance as a key contributor to Arizona’s industrial economy.

Phillipe Lord, CEO, Meritage Homes: Lord leads one of the nation’s top homebuilders headquartered in Scottsdale. Under his direction, Meritage has emphasized energy-efficient, affordable housing and smart technology integration—making him a key influencer in Arizona’s housing market.

Chris Lynne, president, University of Phoenix: Lynne guides one of the country’s largest online education providers from its Phoenix headquarters. He focuses on workforce-aligned learning and accessibility, positioning the university as a leader in adult education and a major contributor to Arizona’s talent development pipeline.

Jeff Meshey, president and CEO, Desert Financial Credit Union: Meshey has helped transformed Desert Financial Credit Union since joining in 1994 and becoming CEO in 2017. Under his leadership, Desert Financial became Arizona’s largest credit union and grew assets twelvefold.

Bob Mulhern, managing director-Arizona market leader for Transwestern

Background: Mulhern brings more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience, leadership expertise and unparalleled relationships to his role at Transwestern. Prior to joining Transwestern, he was senior managing director at Colliers, where he led a team of more than 120 brokers and staff in Phoenix and Scottsdale. A committed member of the Phoenix community, Mulhern is a trustee of his alma mater, Arizona State University, and currently serves as the president of the ASU Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is a founder and governing board chairman of Great Hearts Arizona, a leading provider of classical education to elementary, middle school and high school learners.

Joyce Mullen, president and CEO, Insight Enterprises: Mullen leads a $10.4 billion global solutions integrator. Since assuming the top role in 2022, she has accelerated digital transformation across 19 countries, reinforcing Arizona’s tech leadership and earning recognition as one of the state’s most influential women.

Sheryl Palmer, chair and CEO, Taylor Morrison: Palmer has led Taylor Morrison into the top ranks of America’s largest public homebuilders as a Fortune 500 company. Palmer has used her position as the only female chairman of a publicly traded homebuilder to expand opportunities for women in construction.

Bob Parsons, founder of GoDaddy, PXG (Parsons Xtreme Golf), YAM Worldwide: Parsons is a serial entrepreneur whose ventures span domains from web hosting to luxury golf equipment. His business success and philanthropic investments have long influenced Arizona’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Vicky Peacey, president and general manager, Resolution Copper: Peacey leads one of Arizona’s most significant mining projects. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and stakeholder engagement, she is guiding the development of a world-class copper resource while balancing economic impact, environmental stewardship, and community partnerships in the region.

Amy Perry, CEO, Banner Health: Perry has been named to Modern Healthcare’s lists of the Top 25 Women Leaders and Top 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare. She is leaning into the growth and development of Banner’s clinically integrated network and health plan coverage.

Michael Pollack, president and founder, Pollack Investments

Background: Pollack is a renowned Arizona real estate developer, entrepreneur and philanthropist with more than five decades of experience revitalizing communities. As president of Pollack Investments, he has developed or redeveloped over 12 million square feet of commercial projects. Known for integrity, innovation and community impact, Pollack is also deeply committed to charitable causes.

Jim Pratt, general manager and CEO, Salt River Project (SRP): Pratt leads one of Arizona’s largest utilities, serving millions with reliable water and power. With decades of experience, he champions sustainability, infrastructure modernization and strategic planning to support Arizona’s growth and resource management.

Kathleen L. Quirk, president and CEO, Freeport-McMoRan: Quirk leads Freeport‑McMoRan Inc., a Fortune 500 mining company headquartered in Phoenix. In her role, she oversees global operations and strategic execution at one of the world’s top copper producers.

Brandon B. Rafi, Rafi Law Group and Rafi’s Hope

Background: Rafi, raised in Arizona, exemplifies the virtues of hard work and dedication instilled in him by his immigrant parents. He has channeled these values into a decade-long career in law, focusing on personal injury and community welfare. Educated at Brophy College Preparatory, the University of Arizona and Phoenix School of Law, Rafi has consistently aimed to serve and uplift others. Under his leadership, Rafi Law Group has grown into Arizona’s premier personal injury firm, with eight offices across Phoenix, Tucson and Yuma, and a team of over 250 dedicated professionals.

Tarl Robinson, CEO and founder, Plexus Worldwide: Robinson built the Scottsdale-based health and wellness company into a global direct-selling powerhouse. His entrepreneurial leadership and commitment to innovation and customer well-being have positioned Plexus as a major force in the wellness industry.

Giel Rutten, president and CEO, Amkor: Rutten leads the Tempe‑based global semiconductor packaging leader, spearheading a $2 billion advanced packaging facility in Peoria. His leadership strengthens Arizona’s semiconductor ecosystem and promotes domestic tech innovation and job creation.

Chet Samuelson, Arizona market president, BOK Financial: Samuelson leads regional banking and client service excellence. Under his leadership, the firm has earned prestigious state accolades, advancing Arizona’s financial prosperity through tailored, community-focused solutions.

Tim Schantz, CEO, Troon: Schantz leads the world’s largest golf course management company headquartered in Scottsdale. He has expanded Arizona’s global presence in golf hospitality, tourism, and sports lifestyle sectors through innovative course operations and upscale service leadership.

Marc Schmittlein, executive board chair, CopperPoint Insurance Companies: Schmittlein leads the Phoenix‑based workers’ compensation insurer. He reinforces Arizona’s business resilience and workplace safety through tailored insurance solutions and trusted local leadership.

David Sellers, CEO, LGE Design Build and Creation Equity: Sellers drives large-scale architectural and real estate development across Arizona — and the nation. His leadership in integrated design-build services shapes the region’s evolving commercial and urban landscape.

Edward J. “Joe” Shoen, president, chairman, and CEO, U-Haul Holding Company: Shoen oversees one of the nation’s leading moving and storage brands. He influences national logistics trends while contributing significantly to Arizona’s economic identity and employment.

Jack Sinclair, CEO, Sprouts Farmers Market: Sinclair leads Sprouts Farmers Market, the Arizona-founded organic retail chain. Sinclair has guided national expansion while maintaining brand roots in healthy, community-focused grocery, enhancing Arizona’s prominence in wellness retail.

Rick Smith, founder and CEO, Axon Enterprise: Smith transformed a garage-based startup into a global leader in public safety technology, pioneering TASER devices, body-worn cameras, and digital evidence systems—redefining law enforcement tools while anchoring Arizona’s deep tech and innovation ecosystem.

Bradley L. Soultz, CEO, WillScot: Soultz leads the Scottsdale-headquartered modular space and storage company. His strategic leadership in mergers, operations, and corporate governance strengthens Arizona’s presence in national infrastructure and industrial services.

Todd Steffen, president, CORE Construction Arizona: Steffen oversees major design-build and construction projects across the state. His leadership drives infrastructure growth, urban development, and innovation in commercial building, reinforcing CORE’s critical role in shaping Arizona’s built environment.

Jon Vander Ark, president and CEO, Republic Services: Vander Ark leads the Arizona-based national leader in waste collection and recycling. His emphasis on sustainability and operational excellence supports environmental stewardship and economic growth across Arizona’s communities.

Kenneth A. Vecchione, president and CEO, Western Alliance Bancorporation: Vecchione guides innovative banking services that empower small businesses, commercial development, and community prosperity—strengthening Arizona’s financial infrastructure and economic resilience.

Greg Vogel, founder, Land Advisors Organization: Vogel leads the Arizona-based land brokerage and advisory firm specializing in land use strategy and development. His expertise shapes urban planning and growth trajectories, influencing commercial and residential development across Arizona.

Sandra Watson, president and CEO, Arizona Commerce Authority: Watson leads the state’s economic development agency and has helped the ACA successfully land 1,369 companies that have committed to creating more than 314,000 quality jobs and investing more than $196 billion in new capital in the state.