Member Profiles

As a Commercial Lender for the past nearly 20 years I have had the pleasure of having worked in large National Banks, Regional Banks and even a De Novo Community Bank. But my passion has been as an “alternative finance” lender. Currently I am enjoying my position as VP of Sales and Marketing for an alternative lending company called Spectrum Commercial Finance, hich is a 30+ year old factoring and asset-based lending company out of Minneapolis. I am responsible for helping businesses acquire asset financing due to a cash flow issue creating a scenario which leaves them unbankable for a traditional line of credit. I work with the business from the point of introduction through underwriting and on boarding. I have an incredible back-office team which takes over from there. The greatest pleasure I get out of my work is helping business owners continue to grow and even bring new products to the market. An owner’s success brings me a lot of satisfaction. Other careers I have enjoyed have been a Home Economics Teacher, a Retail Banker, Title Sales, an Office Manager for a Wealth Management firm, a Residential Real Estate, and I even had a go at being a waitress. Waitressing was far from a life goal but being “discovered” by an executive from what was Bank One at the time is how I got my finance career started. I have an undergraduate degree in Marketing and a Masters of Education, both from Miami University of Ohio. I have held an AZ RE license, the AZ Life and Health license, and my Series 6 and 63. My proudest accomplishment is having raised to adulthood and financial independence, 3 daughters who live across the country and are busy raising my 6 grandchildren. I am thrilled to be a member of AzBL and I was introduced to the organization and was introduced over 10 years ago by the wonderful Mr. Bill Miller. My interest in joining is to be surrounded by a roomful of exceptional professionals and I am humbled to be part of this business community now.

I began my career at Goodmans over 25 years ago in an entry-level customer service position. Throughout the years, I have had numerous opportunities to grow and learn by exploring various roles, including Sales, General Management, Design Management, Construction Management, Project Management, and Operations Management. In 2016, I was appointed Chief Operating Officer for Goodmans. In this role, I have the privilege of supporting all employees across our Phoenix, Tucson, and Albuquerque locations as we expand our business and deliver exceptional customer experiences. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Goodmans’ non-profit initiative, Rooted in Good. This furniture repurposing program connects local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with used and refurbished office furniture that would otherwise end up in a landfill. I am deeply passionate about helping people access quality education, believing it is the key to improving one's life circumstances. I am actively involved with Valley of the Sun United Way’s Women United Steering Committee and the Arizona State University Alumni Association Board and Council, both of which align with my commitment to education. Originally from the Midwest, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Millikin University. After marrying my soulmate, David, in the mid-90s, we relocated to the Valley of the Sun. While working at Goodmans, I pursued an Evening MBA program at Arizona State University, obtaining my MBA in 2004. We have one child, Ashley, who also attended ASU and currently lives and works in Phoenix. My leadership philosophy mirrors my approach to life: lead by example, support others, and encourage self-belief. I was honored by the Phoenix Business Journal as an Outstanding Woman in Business in 2019 and was a finalist for the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Athena Award in 2023. Introduced to Arizona Business Leaders by Dr. Christine Wilkinson, I am thrilled about the opportunity to collaborate with other business leaders to improve our community. I look forward to serving on the education committee and contributing to its mission.

As the founder and CEO of HealthOp, I focus on bringing resources to the medical community that I and other healthcare professionals have noted were previously devoid from the industry . We specialize in recruiting and talent acquisition for healthcare organizations in the Arizona market. Our team is composed of medical professionals, who through their years of experience are able to better provide results and connections to both our clients and our candidates. Before starting my business, I had worked in the non-clinical operations aspect of healthcare here in Arizona, and worked my way up from an entry-level position to Clinic Manager, Specialist Administrator, and eventually a COO position. Initially leaving the corporate world, I offered consulting to practices here in the valley to improve upon SOPs, market expansion and talent acquisition. Over time it became clear that for most of my clients the biggest need was quality clinicians, which is when I decided to make the shift to focus primarily on recruiting. In my personal life I most value time with my family and friends. My wife, Taryn, and son, River, are the best parts of each and every day. We are on the incredible journey of learning to be parents, embracing every moment of joy and challenge it brings. Growing up here in Arizona, I went to Red Mountain High School and then pursued higher education at ASU and NAU, focusing on Computer Science and Business. We attend Sun Valley CC church and I derive many of my personal and professional values from my faith. Recreational outdoor activities such as camping, hunting, horseback trail riding, shooting and golfing have become my hobbies over the years. Although less active than previously I also still attend a local martial arts gym here in the valley for Jiu Jitsu and striking instruction. My introduction to AzBL came through Eric Ryan, who invited me to a golf event in November 2023. The allure of AzBL for me lies in the opportunity to be part of a community of high-level professionals. It's a space where I can connect, learn, and grow, surrounded by individuals who share a commitment to professional excellence and personal development.

Logan Alvarado is a senior at ASU pursuing a bachelor’s degree in data science with a concentration in business analytics, and he is part of Barrett, The Honors College. With a graduation date of May 2025, he exemplifies academic excellence and a focus on leveraging data to inform strategic business decisions. This summer, Alvarado completed an internship at CBIZ Optumas, a Scottsdale-based consulting firm, where he contributed to projects dealing with Medicare and Medicaid analytics. The previous summer, he served as an actuarial and analytic intern at CopperPoint Insurance Companies working on a variety of projects including business presentations, financial risk assessments, and loss audits. He’s been a marketing and communications assistant in the ASU Biodesign Knowledge Enterprise since December 2022 supporting marketing efforts through data analysis and event coordination. Logan's leadership extends beyond academics and internships. As a member of the Leadership Scholarship Program, he has coordinated service projects and mentored peers. His involvement with the Rotary District 5495 as a RYLA Counselor Coordinator underscores his commitment to developing future leaders through mentorship and program planning. Additionally, Alvarado has contributed to community wellness initiatives as an External Programming Director for the Health Awareness Club at ASU, emphasizing his dedication to community service and enhancing student welfare. With a deep desire to help first-time college students embark upon a successful collegiate experience, Alvarado was a peer mentor as part of the American Indian Student Support Services to help students from Indigenous communities and a learning assistant for a program within The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to help students with weekly lesson plans. He envisions a career path in either management consulting or the insurance industry, where he aims to utilize his expertise in data analytics to drive operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. His internship experiences have solidified his interest in leveraging data to address complex challenges within these sectors, particularly in healthcare reform initiatives aimed at improving accessibility and quality of care. As an Arizona Business Leadership (AzBL) scholar for the 2024-2025 academic year, Alvarado seeks to gain invaluable insights and mentorship that will inform his career trajectory through this network of seasoned business leaders. Participating in AzBL's programming, including workshops and seminars, will further enhance his understanding of emerging trends and best practices in data-driven decision-making. AzBL's emphasis on community leadership and corporate social responsibility resonates deeply with his values, aligning with his aspirations to make a meaningful impact beyond professional success.

Saketh Pabolu, a senior at Arizona State University (ASU), epitomizes the blend of academic excellence, entrepreneurial spirit, and community dedication. Studying computer science with a minor in data science from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Pabolu will graduate in May 2025. He’s also pursuing a certificate in Cross-Sector Leadership from the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions. Beyond his academic achievements, Pabolu’s journey is characterized by academic rigor, community service and leadership in multiple settings. As technical director for the Python Users Group Club and a resident assistant at ASU’s McClintock Hall on the Tempe campus, he demonstrates a commitment to both technical expertise and leadership. As part of his cross- sector leadership certificate, Pabolu is serving as a team member at St. Mary’s Food Bank developing an iOS application to serve the organization’s alumni network. He is also a part of the Medallion Leadership Program, a four-year leadership development program. This summer, Pabolu, completed a software engineering internship at Intel. He also has an entrepreneurial spirit and created a website, known as Courseer, that enables ASU’s students track and receive notification when a seat in a closed class becomes available. Pabolu also holds an Arizona real estate license. Pabolu serves as a teaching assistant for CSE 194: Python for Non-CS Majors, where he shares his knowledge and passion for programming to a diverse student body. This role underscores his commitment to education and mentorship, traits that align with his aspirations to give back to the community. Looking ahead, Pabolu envisions a career path focused on software development in dynamic, growth-oriented environments. His goal is to merge his technical acumen with a passion for entrepreneurship, potentially expanding Courseer into broader applications or pursuing ventures in real estate investment. After graduation, he plans to mentor future scholars, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, guiding them through their educational and personal development journeys. His decision to engage with the Arizona Business Leadership Association (AzBL) aligns with his aspirations. As an AzBL scholar for the 2024-2025 academic year, he seeks to leverage networking opportunities with industry leaders, access mentorship that enriches his leadership capabilities, and participate in educational programs that prepare him for the intersections of technology and business. Through AzBL, Pabolu aims to deepen his understanding of business dynamics, refine his leadership skills, and contribute meaningfully to transformative projects that align with his values of community impact and ethical leadership.

I am a Commercial Real Estate Broker/Tenant Advisor with Keyser located in Scottsdale. In short, my goal as a Tenant Advisor is to act as an advocate for the tenant, aiming to secure the most favorable lease terms and conditions in commercial real estate transactions. I strive to help my clients make the best strategic decisions that align their real estate & business objectives. The most fulfilling thing about my role is developing great business relationships/friendships and digging up creative solutions that can improve their business strategy or lower their occupancy costs. While I am the point person with strategy and negotiations in a lease or building purchase, it often takes a team of other professionals for a successful transaction. I often collaborate with real estate attorneys, architects, furniture vendors, project managers, etc. to ensure a seamless leasing process and address any additional considerations. I look forward to networking with the many different industries at AzBL. Quick background about me…I was born and raised in Seattle and got my Bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona. After college I migrated back to Seattle where I was in Commercial Real Estate for 8 years, where I received “Rookie of the Year” at my firm and after three (3) years became a VP. I always wanted to move back to AZ (for obvious reasons) and Covid made my decision that much easier. I enjoy following sports, golf, and most recently pickleball. I was extremely impressed and humbled by the willingness of other AzBL members to take the time to share their insights into their success and career paths and that is what drew me to applying for membership myself.

I am a Mortgage Banker and Branch Manager with Uplend, powered by VIP. I am a Phoenix native who has been in the mortgage industry for about 20 years. I enjoy coaching other Loan Officers and Real Estate agents and motivating others to their peak performance. My biggest challenge currently is a tough market, but I’m looking forward to the growth and change that comes from learning and pivoting during a downturn. I also really enjoy working with my brother, Jason, who is also on my team. I received by Bachelors from ASU. Awards: • Top Producing Branch Manager – 2018 -2022 Homeowners Financial Group • Scotsman Guide – Top Loan Originator – 2018 – 2022 • $10MM/month and $100MM Producer – Homeowners Financial Group 2020-2021 When I’m not coaching for work, I love spending time with my 10 year-old son, Asher, and 7 year-old son, Grady, coaching their hockey teams and attending their school functions. I love being a witness to my 3 year-old daughter, Bliss, develop a love for dance, gymnastics and all things girly. My wife Kelsey and I will celebrate 18 years of marriage in June, and we are enjoying the small moments: family dinners, time with friends, and attending Scottsdale Bible Church. I enjoy working out and playing adult pick-up hockey whenever I have the chance as well. Asher being on the Junior Coyotes gives us the opportunity to travel together, and we are so grateful for all of the opportunities that living in the Valley offers our kids. Jeff Scheter, President of AzBL, introduced me to the group, and I was attracted to the leadership aspect. Learning to influence through leadership greatly interests me. I believe that leading is about educating oneself and influencing others by sharing that knowledge. I hope to learn and grow from top leaders across the Valley!

I enjoy assisting companies with their Interim or Fractional CFO needs, focusing on the SaaS tech industry. I have over 35 years’ experience and recently conducted an Initial Public Offering for a company in Houston, Texas playing an integral role in the development of the S-1 Registration Statement as well as the Investor presentation deck for road show, investor relations presentations, and hiring a team to meet the public company growth needs. During this IPO, I had an apartment in Houston, and recently exited my role in order to come back to my home in Scottsdale full time. I’m excited to reconnect with my friends and colleagues and rejoin AZBL. I’ve also assisted in a Private Placement Offering, taken the lead in large-scale financing and SEC filings with numerous companies, including Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Tupperware, PetSmart, and CSK Automotive (now O’Reilly Auto Parts). I’ve successfully raised over $250 million in private equity, facilitated over $300 million in credit, and spearheaded two company exits. Key areas of expertise, both domestic and internationally, include extensive M&A exit strategy planning and execution, FP&A modeling, budgeting, cash management, and team management. I love helping companies automate and streamline operations and have led the implementation of ERP, accounting, and tax compliance platforms such as Netsuite, Intacct, Concur, Adaptive Planning, and Avalara. I’ve optimized and created efficient processes and enhanced internal controls in the accounting functions of many organizations through the consolidation of disparate reporting systems and the establishment of effective metrics and KPI reporting. I am passionate about giving back to my community and participate in many non-profit organizations such as Fresh Start and UMOM, and you can often find me down at St. Mary’s food bank packing boxes, or collecting clothing from my friends to donate to the homeless. In my spare time, I am one of the crazy cyclists on the road, and I’m also attempting to learn golf. I am glad to be back in the Valley, and look forward to becoming more involved in the AZBL community.

I am a banking executive with more than 25 years experience. I currently manage a team of commercial lenders for MidFirst Bank in Arizona and I am responsible for business development, deposit/loan growth in the portfolio, pricing, credit structure, and credit quality. I have been with MidFirst Bank since January 2021. Prior to joining MidFirst Bank, I was the EVP and Market Executive for commercial banking at Wells Fargo for 24 years. I managed overall portfolio growth, treasury management, deposit pricing, credit structure, credit risk and compliance. Including having $5 million in lending authority. I am an Arizona native, grew up in Scottsdale and went to Saguaro High School. I was a collegiate athlete on scholarship for swimming at Arizona State University where I earned my Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness degree and a Master of Science in Agribusiness degree. I met my husband at ASU and we have been married for 28 years. I love sports, being outdoors, and traveling. I mountain bike, run, hike, golf, and watch our teenage boys play a lot of baseball. Our boys are in high school – Davis is a junior and Logan is a freshman. I enjoy giving back to our community and being part of projects. I am currently the Vice President of the Desert Mountain High School Baseball Boosters and help raise money for the baseball program. I also service on the board of Save the Family and the ASU Lodestar Center for nonprofit innovation. Thank you to Kathy Wills at MidFirst Bank who introduced me to AZBL! I am excited to be a member and looking forward to connecting with other members.