Chair- John Kowalski

John is President of Pivot Productions, Inc. and is currently the radio talk show host for The John Adam Show on 1510 KFNN Financial News Radio. His past experience includes management consulting and executive coaching for Pivot Productions, Inc. as well as CEO, General Manager, and Financial Controller of Kowalski Construction, Inc. where he was responsible for overall corporate objectives, operations, financial and administrative functions. John’s skills include strengthening strategic customer relationships by empowering employees to continually innovate products, services, and business processes in order to deliver unparalleled market leadership. He has a Bachelor of Science in Speech from Northwestern University School of Communication.

Vice Chair- Lynn-Paige

Lynn-Paige brings twenty-three years of business experience to her roll as Chief Executive Officer of Perfect Power, Inc. She has put into place solid management systems, helped in re-vamping the company’s on-line presence with a virtual showroom, hired a professional sales team, facilitated an alliance with a professional training group and established compliance guidelines for working with commercial and high-end residential companies. Lynn-Paige brings a vitality and ‘energy’ to Perfect Power, Inc. by keeping herself and staff abreast of quantum leap changes in the energy providing industry, encouraging professional coaching for each team member, and forward thinking planning. A few of Lynn-Paige’s Professional Achievements include: Chief Financial Officer for a commercial mechanical contractor in the Phoenix area, Russell AC, Inc.; Co-Founder of Solutions Forum, LLC, a CEO consulting firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona; Marketing Firm consultant, Scottsdale, Arizona; Restaurant and Catering Business in Scottsdale, Arizona; Multi & Single Family Real Estate Development & Management; Co-Founder, International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture, Carefree, Arizona; a multi-million dollar international seminar and medical tour company which also manufactured and sold acupuncture supplies and equipment. Community Leadership activities include: Government Services Association (SBA) National Speaker on Women in Business; Women’s Enterprise Foundation, Board chair; National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Board chair; Elected School Board Official, Cave Creek Unified School District; President, Desert Foothills Women’s Club; Education Chairman, Desert Foothills Community Foundation; Past President, Sketch Box Committee, Kansas City Art Institute.

Treasurer- Donna Robinson

Donna is the Vice President and Director of Operations for Network Dogs, Inc. an 11 year old Arizona technology consulting and support company. Network Dogs’ goal is to provide high level computer support to small businesses. They are passionate about guiding businesses to invest in the technology which meets their goals and needs. Similar to asba, Network Dogs strives to help small businesses grow and be successful, which is why asba was a natural choice association for them to join. Since joining, Donna has been actively involved with asba volunteering for the Advocate program, utilizing membership benefits and servicing as Advocate Chair for one year. Donna also serves as the co-chair of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors committee, is on the Executive Volunteer Committee for the American Diabetes Association’s Rip’s B.A.D. Ride fund raising event.

Secretary- Holly Schor

Holly Schor brings to Jobing.com and her community a passion for connecting employers and job seekers to resources in the community and to make Phoenix a great place to live and work. Holly moved to the Valley in 2001 from the San Francisco Bay Area where she worked as a successful recruiter. Holly continued her successful career in Phoenix working as a recruiter and HR Specialist where she became very familiar with Jobing.com and the difference they were making in the community. Holly was thrilled to join the Jobing.com Community Relations team in January of 2007 and feels that she has found the job and company of her dreams. As a Community Relations Director she is committed to being the “feet on the street” in her community by supporting Jobing.com grass roots marketing efforts. Holly’s focus is on developing partnerships with industry associations, schools and community organizations. These partnerships add tremendous value for Jobing.com clients as it extends their reach to qualified candidates in the local market. Holly also enjoys working with Job Seekers directly on how to be more strategic in their job search and be the most effective in a competitive market. Holly actively participates in many professional associations throughout the Valley including: the Communications Director for the AZSHRM State Council; the Board for Az Hospitality Human Resource Association; Chair of the Co-Op Education Business Advisory Committee for Scottsdale Community College; the Knowledge Council for GET Phoenix and holds a seat on the Governor’s Youth Development Task Force for Work Readiness. Holly is extremely committed to the future of her community not just for today’s workforce but the future workforce, especially her two amazing son’s. Holly has made Tempe her home for the last four years with her son’s, Spencer (10) and Riley (8).

Patricia Sachs Chess

Patricia (Pascha) Sachs Chess is a professional anthropologist who has devoted her energies to working with businesses in transition, and displays a commitment to grow thriving communities by growing thriving businesses. She is founder and President of Social Solutions, Inc., which works with companies to understand the social impact of their services, technologies, and products on real people in real situations so they can be more successful in the market. She specializes in working with leaders of companies at a crossroads and cultivates company capability to match market strategy. Along with her husband, Gregory, Patricia also owns Green Planet Postal, a mail and parcel center with a 21st century attitude. Green Planet Postal works to “green the mailstream” through using eco-friendly packaging materials and intelligent mail, providing great service to the community and local business. Patricia has been a Board Member of the Women’s Enterprise Foundation since 2007 and is a recent graduate of APS’s AAAME program. Her work has been reported in Scientific American, Wired Magazine, Marketing News; she holds two patents on technologies that visualize and model “real work,” one of which has been in use at NASA for nearly 10 years. Patricia Chess is nominated to fill a board seat for a three year term.

Jacob Gregory

Jacob is a Sr. Manager in the assurance department for Clifton Gunderson LLP's Phoenix office.  Ranked as the 14th largest national CPA firm in the United States, Clifton Gunderson LLP employs more than 500 CPA's and 2,000 staff.  The firm prides itself for its commitment to financial literacy, the ability to effectively evaluate and manage one's finances in order to make prudent decisions towards reaching life's goals.  Clifton Gunderson wants to help make a difference, and is a strong and active supporter of financial literacy programs such as "360 Degrees of Financial Literacy".  Jacob is active in Clifton Gunderson's staff mentoring programs and is part of the advisory team for the firm's new Women's Initiative Program.  He has more than seven years of audit experience with his primary focus being audits of privately held commercial entities, with specialized knowledge in the areas of service corporations, distribution, manufacturing, software development and employee benefit plans.  Jacob is a Certified Public Accountant and is licensed in the state of Arizona.  He is currently a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants.  Over the last few years, Jacob has been a leading voice in paving the way to making CG a best place to work as named by the Phoenix Business Journal over the past several years.  In addition, he has helped the Phoenix office win the coveted Alfred P. Sloan award which is given out to companies that recognize workplace flexibility.

Jack Hamlett

Jack and his wife Kathy own a special type of business. Mad Science is an international franchised business which they own 2. Mad Science is the worlds leading Science provider for kids to spark their imagination with engaging hands-on educational programs and activities. Jack is also a participant of AAAME Class 8, an APS sponsored mentoring group. Jack was also a Hairdresser and trainer for major Hair care companies for 25 years. That provided him with a practical business education which has helped his awareness and knowledge of customer service and satisfaction.

Glenn Hammer

Glenn Hammer, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Glenn has successfully managed several organizations that encompassed large budgets, high scrutiny, and strong grassroots networks. As Director of Business Development and Government Relations for First Solar, Exectutive Director of the Solar Energy Industries Association, Chief of Staff to then Congressman Matt Salmon and Executive Director of the Arizona Republican Party he has focused on advancing organizations. Glenn spent six years working on Capitol Hill, in both the House and Senate. When Glenn was the Director of Government relations for First Solar, he earned a prestigious appointment to the Western Governors Association's 30 GW Clean and Diversified Energy Advisory Committee and chaired the Solar Task Force. Glenn also served on Governor Janet Napolitano's Solar Energy Task Force. Glenn is a graduate of Cornell University's school of Industrial and Labor Relations and Arizona State University's College of Law.

Joe Higgins

Joe Higgins is a dedicated entrepreneur and small business owner with a proven track record in the Tucson business community. He has identified, started, grown and stabilized the following businesses in southern Arizona: Hydrogrowth and Abtech Industries, Gotta Go Wireless, Sports Buzz Haircuts, Talking Trash Waste Removal, and Silverbell Pavilion Development. He is a member of a number of business commissions and panels in Pima County and Tucson, including: City of Tucson Small Business Commission – 2007 Chairman, Citizen Sign Code Committee, Environmental Services Advisory Committee, TREO – Small Business Sub-Commission Chair (through 2006) and Caballeros Del Sol – Business Ambassador Club of Tucson. Joe recently ran for Pima County Board of Supervisors and is actively involved in Tucson business and political arenas. Joe is the recipient of the 2004 Copper Cactus - Tucson Chamber/Wells Fargo Small Business Leader of the Year, 2005 Tucson Citizen 40 under 40 winner, 2008 Arizona Small Business Leader Award – Vantage West Credit Union – Category – Marketing. Joe is actively involved in a number of local charity boards in Tucson including: Past President of Catholic Community Services Foundation, Salpointe Catholic High School, and Founder of Foothills Sertoma service club.

Rena AJ Huber

Rena AJ Huber is the Director of the APS Academy for the Advancement of Small, Minority and Women Owned Enterprises (AAAME). Launched in 1997, AAAME is a two year business mentoring program which teaches small, minority and/or women owned businesses the skills and knowledge they need to reach the next level of business success. This innovative and successful program has assisted more than 115 companies in the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan area to achieve their business goals. Rena has served APS and its parent company, Pinnacle West Capital Corp., in a variety of positions in the areas of purchasing and supply-chain management. In addition to being a member of the asba Board of Directors, Rena serves on the Board of Directors for the Southwestern Business Financing Corp., is the Director of the Executive Leader’s Forum and is a member of the Greater Phoenix Chamber Athena Powerlink Governing Board. In 2005-6, Rena served as the Chair of the ASU Spirit of Enterprise Spirit Team working with the ASU Spirit of Enterprise Center at the W.P. Carey School of Business. In 2005 and 2006, Rena was honored as a top 10 finalist for the Athena Award, presented by the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. Rena was also awarded the APS Award of Excellence in 2005, an acknowledgement by APS company president Jack Davis for her significant contributions to the success of AAAME within our community. Rena has a B.A. in English from California State University at Fullerton and has obtained Lifetime status as a Certified Purchasing Manager from the Institute of Supply Management.

Kristine Kassel

Kristine is the President and Owner of Benefits by Design which has been in business over 10 years! She is currently on the Executive Board for asba and has recently been asked to participate in the Women’s President Organization (WPO). She also served as the President of the Arizona and Phoenix Association of Health Underwriters Association, received their National Distinguished Service Award and most recently was the National Education Chair. She is currently serving on a new committee with the Department of Insurance and was also selected to serve on the advisory board for Life Wise Health Plan of Arizona. She also held several board positions with NAWBO. This year The Business Journal also recognized her as one of the “40 Business Persons under 40.” Notably, Kristine and Benefits by Design were selected to participate in the AAAMES two year mentoring program with APS, which supports women and minority owned businesses and just recently graduated from that program! Kristine is a native Arizonan and received her BS degree from Arizona State University and has been in the insurance industry for 18 years.

Roy Irwin

Roy is the Principal of Irwin Insurance & Investments, LLC, a company that sees its role as acting as your advocate by helping you make conscious decisions with respect to protecting yourself, your family, and your business while pursuing financial security. The firm prides itself on educating its clients about all the options available so that we can work together to help you achieve your financial goals. The firm’s expertise is further enhanced by ongoing education so that everyone is up to date and keeps pace with the constant changes in the insurance and financial world. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors as well as the Association of Health Insurance Advisors. He has also earned the Certified in Long Term Care (CLTC) designation. Currently serves on the Board of Directors of The Western Maricopa Regional Association of Realtors and is very involved with the association’s Professional Development Committee. Currently serves on the Governing Board of the Northwest Valley Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors. Roy serves as an Ambassador for the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce and is involved with the Chamber’s Airpark Committee. Roy is also the Host Committee Chairman for the 162nd International Convention of the Fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta.

Kevin Klimas

Kevin is president and founder of Clarifacts Inc., a privately held corporation which focuses exclusively on employment background screening services. Elected to the board of directors for the Arizona Small Business Association in 2005 for a term of two years, Kevin serves on the finance committee and is the chairman of the strategic alliance committee. Kevin is also a member of the Arizona Association of Licensed Private Investigators and serves as the communications chairman for the Valley of the Sun Human Resource Association. Eager to share his knowledge regarding the importance of pre-employment screening for business success, Kevin has been featured in various publications including The Business Journal, bizAZ, Arizona Business Gazette, Workforce Management Magazine and the Arizona Republic’s "Ask the Expert" section. Kevin’s expertise in background investigations led to the publication of a book in 2005 entitled Common Sense Business. A practiced lecturer, Kevin regularly speaks on employment screening issues to prominent organizations such as Arizona State University's W.P. Carey School of Business, the Society of Human Resource Management’s Arizona Consultants Forum and Right Management Consultants.

Debi Kuehn

Debi is the owner and educator behind Kuehn Financial Education Services, LLC, offering consumer and small business money management consulting and education. She developed her business idea as a result of the unsettled economic climate after September 11, 2001. Her straight forward approach to money has attracted the attention of television, print, and radio media, which have been platforms for her to share her message of financial knowledge as power and prosperity. Debi is a founding co-facilitator for asba TIME (Training, Information, Mentoring, and Education) where she developed an accredited entrepreneurial business plan class and assisted in launching a successful mentoring program. She also participated in developing Arizona competencies for high school financial curriculum and teaches at DeVry University.

Doug Martin

Doug is the President and General Manager of Good News Radio Broadcasting (GNRB). GNRB owns KVOI 1030 AM, KCEE 690 AM, KLTU (KLOVE) 88.1 FM and KGMS 940 AM in Tucson. GNRB also owns KNXN 1470 AM in Sierra Vista, KAPR in Douglas, and KJAA in Globe. Doug became general manager of KVOI in January 1985 and subsequently founded GNRB with George Mehl and Tom Regina in 1987 and purchased KNOI. Doug has a masters Degree in Organizational Management and is actively involved in many community organizations including: past President of the Tucson Broadcasters Association, past Vice President of Calvary Chapel of Tucson, Vice President of Calvary Christian Fellowship, past Vice Chairman of KLYT in Albuquerque, NM, Sterring committee co-chair National Christian Radio Seminar, Chaplain National Christian Radio Seminar, Good Friday Breakfast Committee, Tucson Police Foundation Board, Co-Founder Business Fellowship of Tucson, Member Executive Referral Club, Junior Achievement Board, Pinnacle Forum Tucson (co-founder 2008), Recipient Lute and Bobbi Olson Community Service Salvation Army Award.

Matt Mckinney

Matthew is an associate attorney with Tiffany & Bosco and practices in the area of civil and commercial litigation with an emphasis in business law. Matthew also serves as a Director on the Maricopa County Bar Association's Corporate Counsel Division Board. Prior to joining Tiffany & Boso, Matthew served as an Assistant Polk County Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa. Matthew earned his Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and certificate in entrepreneurship from the University of Iowa in 2004. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from Creighton University School of Law in 2007, with concentrations in litigation, criminal law and procedure. Throughout law school, Matthew competed on Moot Court and Mock Trail traveling teams. While competing, Matthew presented arguments before justices seated on the Seventh, Eighth, and the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. Matthew was also sole recipient of the David A. Svoboda Trial Advocacy award, recognizing excellence in trial advocacy.

Raúl Sánchez Monreal, Jr.

Raúl is a longtime resident of Ahwatukee and the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs/Director of the South Mountain Community College Guadalupe Center at Guadalupe, Arizona, an extension campus of South Mountain Community College with the largest Maricopa County Community College District in the nation. Raúl developed the Entrepreneurship Program Certificate utilizing Robert F. Kiyosaki book “Rich Dad Poor Dad” where students now have a choice of selecting a career or the option of preparing themselves to be an entrepreneur. He was instrumental in creating a partnership with Arizona Small Business Association to provide business training and business plan classes in a college and business setting to asba members and the business community at large. He joined the Maricopa County Community Colleges in 1979 and a founder employee of Rio Salado Community College, South Mountain Community College, Paradise Valley Community College and South Mountain Community College Extended Campus at Guadalupe, Arizona. In 2004, Raúl was awarded the state’s most prestigious Hon Kachina Volunteer Award, the 2005 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Community Service Award and LULAC Convention Pioneer Latino Educators Excellence Award all for his 35 years of leadership volunteer service to community. Raúl is a current board member of the following organizations/associations: Vice President/Founder of Hispanic 50/50 Project LTD, Past Chairperson of the Phoenix Police Department Hispanic Advisory Board Directors, City of Phoenix Community Development Committee, Board Member of the Arizona México Higher Education Commission, and past Executive Board member to the Boys & Girls Club of the East Valley, the Arizona Health Centers Professionals and Friendly House Foundation Board member. Raúl is an international songwriter with a Latin Song of the Century Award and owner of R. S. Monreal Music Publishing Inc. /BMI. Raúl recently signed a contract with Morgan James Publishing LLC of New York to publish his first bilingual books of poetry “One Hundred Drops of Water” scheduled for release in 2007. He recently started his Translation LLC and his Teleconexión Latina.

Kathy Ramirez

Kathy is the Vice President and Manager of Business Lending/Services at Vantage West Credit Union. While the credit union is over 50 years old, it began servicing the small business market just four years ago. They enjoy an alignment with asba’s vision by helping small business owners grow their business. Kathy has served on multiple boards including Las Familias Services, Toastmasters, Soroptimist of Desert Tucson, PPEP, PAWS, and the Saguaro Council Girl Scouts. Kathy grew up in Phoenix, Arizona having graduated from Central High School. She spent over 25 years of her career in Business Banking at Valley National Bank of AZ which later became Bank One and now Chase. She took a position with the Bank in Tucson in the mid 70s and has specialized in lending to businesses ever since. She has a BS in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.

Susan Ratliff

An award-winning entrepreneur with over 30 years experience in sales and marketing, Susan is the founder of Exhibit Experts, a portable display company and the creator of the Women Entrepreneurs' Small Business Boot Camp. She is also an author, popular seminar presenter and co-host of a radio talk show for entrepreneurs. Susan is an active member on the asba board, Chairs the MRACC committee, and has presented seminars to the membership. Susan also serves on the boards of NAWBO and NSA and participates on the Small Business Leadership Council of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce.

Brad Specht

Originally from Los Angeles, CA, Brad moved to Tucson to attend the University of Arizona where he obtained his bachelor's Degree in Political Science with a minor in Sociology. He is currently working on obtaining his MBA from the University of Phoenix. Brad began his banking career as a Personal Banker and was promoted to Business Specialist a short time later. As such, he works with small business customers advising them on everything from deposit products to account to payroll/merchant services as well as loans and lines pf credit. Brad is looking forward to participating as a Board Member as he enjoys networking, advising, problem solving, and strategic planning.

Howard Stewart

Howard Stewart is President/CEO of AGM Container Controls, a manufacturing company in Tucson, AZ. With a little over 100 employees, AGM manufactures environmental control hardware for containers that carry missiles and other sensitive equipment. AGM also manufactures the world’s premier vertical wheelchair lifts which provides people with disabilities access to stages and platforms. In recent years, AGM has been recognized as the Lockheed Martin’s Supplier of the Year, Tucson Chamber of Commerce’s Manufacturer of the Year, Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Pioneering of Innovation Award, the Wells Fargo Copper Cactus Community Service, Best Place to Work and Business Growth Awards, SASIE Awards, and was named as an asba Company to Watch. Howard’s volunteer activities include leadership positions with the National Employee Stock Ownership Plan Association Board, National Institute of Packaging Handling and Logistics Engineers, Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Club of Tucson, Tucson Mennonite Voluntary Service Committee, and the Southern Arizona Chess Association. Howard is an avid cyclist and enjoys participating in road bike races and mountain bike activities.

Janice Washington

In September 2006, Janice C. Washington CPA took over as State Director, Arizona Small Business Development Center Network, a state-wide partnership between the Small Business Administration and Arizona’s community colleges. Janice also has more than thirty years of broad-based experience working with large corporations and small businesses. As Principal of J. C. Washington CPA for over twenty-one years, she obtained extensive experience consulting with small businesses and non-profit organizations helping them achieve success. From 1975 until the launch of her business in 1985, she held various analytical, administrative, and management positions at Honeywell Information Systems and Intel Corporation. Over the years, Mrs. Washington has participated in various leadership capacities on numerous community and City of Phoenix boards, commissions, and task forces. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Arizona Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Sam Williams

Sam is the owner of New View Group, LLC, a sales training company specializing in business-to-business sales. Prior to founding New View Group, Sam served as the National and Regional Sales Director for three publicly traded companies, the last of which was Hewlett Packard. Sam was a founder of Gymboree Corporation, a franchised child-parent play-movement program and a company-owned children’s retail clothing chain. He worked with two other franchises, AlphaGraphics and Straw Hat Pizza, and over time helped roughly 1,000 franchisees with fewer than 50 employees start and grow their businesses. Sam and his wife, Cheryl, live in Tucson and have 4 children. Sam attended Princeton and was graduated from Stanford with a BA and an MBA. He served as an officer in the US Army with the 1st Air Cavalry Division in Vietnam. An “Army Brat,” Sam lived in Greece, France and Germany but spend most of his childhood in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.