Today and Tomorrow in Scottsdale

One of the duties any city owes its residents is keeping then informed with all that is going on. And in today's digital age, it requires a multifaceted approach. Holly Water, Scottsdale's public affairs supervisor, plays a key role in this. She coordinates information across various departments and channels from traditional to social media platforms. Her skills in managing it all ensures that Sco...

To say Joe Iturri has been busy over the past two years would be an understatement! He has been spearheading the work it has taken to open the newest gem in the city's hotel lineup: Caesars Republic Scottsdale. The 11-story hotel, which opened last month, has 265 rooms, three high end restaurants and a variety of amenities that bring the glitz of Las Vegas to downtown Scottsdale – minus the gaming...

Tim Roemer's journey has taken him from Scottsdale to the White House and back home again as chief security officer at GMI. After he graduated from Horizon High, he joined the CIA where he served 10 years providing security updates to the President. He returned to Arizona as director of Homeland Security for Gov. Ducey. Now his work in the private sector is helping GMI, a Scottsdale company, safeg...

Todd Bankofier has lived in Scottsdale for over three decades and has been a prominent figure in business and politics, and in many ways his new role as CEO of Western Spirit's Scottsdale Museum of the West is like a homecoming. Todd grew up on a ranch in Nevada and the western spirit is in his blood. Todd has big dreams for the museum, adding to some significant advancements already underway. Fin...

Ben Lane has overseen three elections in Scottsdale since becoming City Clerk, marking this year as another significant milestone with a busy election season ahead. Find out how Ben deals with navigating the intricate responsibilities of upholding fair and transparent elections, particularly amidst today's highly polarized political environment. That's just one of the many duties Ben juggles in hi...

Melinda Morrison Gulick, a longtime advocate for many good causes in Scottsdale, has focused her passion and energy into ensuring the healthy development and learning of young children from birth to 5 years old. As CEO of First Things First, Melinda's advocacy now touches children and families all across Arizona. Learn more about what her agency does and also her thoughts about leadership in the y...

Greg Dunaway is a marketing veteran who has carved a niche in the expanding cannabis industry, both in Scottsdale and across the state. In fact, he has clients across the globe that are now working in the field, as legal cannabis use is becoming more prevalent. From producing the product in controlled agricultural spaces to delivering it at dispensaries, Greg gives us a behind-the-scenes look at t...

No one understands the health of Scottsdale's finances better than city treasurer Sonia Andrews. She brings a wealth of technical skills to the job and clearly understands what it takes to keep the city financially strong. You'll also discover the personal side to Sonia, who says it's the passion of Scottsdale's residents that drives her work and commitment to the job. In the spirit of the city's...

After serving as Green Beret and Special Forces medic in Afghanistan, Jesse Greer has returned to Scottsdale, his hometown, with a passion to help residents here live healthier lives. He founded Preamble, a preventive health clinic, which has opened in downtown Scottsdale. After serving to help soldiers recover from battlefield wounds, Jesse's passion now is to treat patients before they get sick....

There were a lot of positive developments last year in the Scottsdale Unified School District – from voter approval for its override to outstanding grades from the state education department. Listen in as superintendent Scott Menzel talks about those and other achievements and looks forward to 2024, a pivotal election year with three of five seats on the governing board coming open.

When you spend a little time with Velma Trayham it doesn't take long to be inspired by her passion and commitment to make our community a better place for everyone. And you certainly will understand why she was honored as one of this year's Diversity Champions. Velma is an author, speaker and CEO of ThinkZilla, a Scottsdale consulting firm. She works with groups in the public and private sectors a...

To start out the new year, join Kevin and Don as they look back at the highlights of 2023 – including some of the year's scariest moments to some of its most rewarding – and what they look forward to in 2024. One thing they've discovered as they enter the third year of this podcast: there is a never-ending supply of people doing good things in our community. Plenty more of those stories will be co...

At first glance, it's Denise Wilson's musical story that strikes you first. The freelance oboist and music teacher is the founder of the new Scottsdale Symphonic Orchestra. But when you get to know her, you'll see there is much more behind the curtain. You'll meet an aviation entrepreneur who is an experienced pilot and flight instructor and founder of several aviation businesses, including one sh...

School resource officer Devon Lines is a popular presence on the campuses of the Scottsdale Unified School District. But it's his companion, Rocket, who draws most of the attention. Devin is a Scottsdale police officer, and Rocket is his Crisis K-9 partner, an adorable Golden Retriever. They are one of three Crisis K-9 units in the district and they are making a huge difference in the lives of stu...

By occupation, Bryn and Andy DeFusco are founding partners of their law firm. By passion, they are big proponents of public education, and especially teachers. They support teachers in the Scottsdale Unified School District with $300 stipends to buy supplies for their classrooms. Over the past four years, they have awarded over $40,000 to 130 teachers. Find out what motivates them to give back and...

When Jim Ford retired as Scottsdale deputy fire chief, it ended a remarkable 47-year career of fighting fires and saving lives in the city. Most important, he was the man behind the city adopting an automatic sprinkler ordinance that has been a model for cities across the world. Jim may have retired from the Scottsdale department but he's not done serving his community. Find what he's doing to hel...

Through 100-plus podcasts, we have featured people and organizations that contribute to making Scottsdale's quality of life the best in Arizona. This week, we flip the mic to focus on our own podcast partner, Kevin Maxwell. In a few days Kevin will be honored with the Hodges Award from Scottsdale Leadership, and joins a list of some of the city's most influential leaders, past and present. Tune in...

Go backstage with Arizona Musicfest CEO Allan Naplan and you will be amazed at the growth, the variety and scope of programing and the impact the organization has on Scottsdale. Allan, a former opera singer, has led the organization through a remarkable period of growth since his arrival in 2013. In addition to top-flight diverse concerts, from the Festival Orchestra to entertainers of all sorts,...

Sarah Kearney is leading the Blue Zones Project in Scottsdale, which has a goal to make the city a healthier and happier place for current and future generations. Early next year, she and her team will be unveiling plans to invite everyone in the city to play a part. Listen in for a preview for what that's all about and to check on the progress the group already has made along the way.

signature events, growing every year in attendance and programming. It takes a full-time, year-round effort to pull it all off. Meet Brian Passey, communications manager for Scottsdale Arts, which organizes the event. Learn how his group has achieved its success, highlights of this year's event and aspirations for how this could grow even bigger in the years to come.

Caring for loved ones who need assistance can be a challenge. Bina Colman of Scottsdale discovered that when caring for her dad while working full time while being a mother and a wife. That sparked an idea and she created a business, Compassionate Callers. Her company provides services – from daily phone check-ins to virtual programs – that let families know their loved ones have a friendly voice...

Shannon Easton did something no other woman had ever done before: become an official in the National Football League. Listen in to follow along her amazing journey, breaking through barriers in a male-dominated sport and setting a path for other women to follow. Shannon, now a director of officials for the Canyon Athletic Association, wrote a book sharing the struggles and victories she had along...

In November, Scottsdale voters will be asked to approve a Maintenance and Operations override measure for the Scottsdale Unified School District. Listen in as Libby Hart-Wells, governing board member, and Patty Beckman, co-chair of the Yes to Children's Campaign, explain why it's needed and how it will work. The measure supports the people and programs that have continued to make the district one...

Today & Tomorrow in Scottsdale has reached its 100 th   episode milestone. Over the past 2.5 years, we've interviewed 100 people and organizations that contribute to the unique fabric of our city. We invited a special group of them to join us in our centennial episode – a community stars' reunion – as dozens more of our past guests watched in an event to celebrate all of their accomplishments. Our...

Few people have had a greater impact on our community than Sam Campana. From her role in helping to create Scottsdale Leadership to her stint on the city council and term as mayor to her support of the arts and our environment. Pick an important topic that's been a boost for our community and it's likely that Sam's fingerprints are all over it! Listen in and learn a few new things about Sam, inclu...