Awards, honors, and recognitions

The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) has honored Alejandro Angel of Psomas with its ITE Western District Young Professional Achievement Award for members under 35 years old. Angel was selected for the award because of his “exceptional dedication to the transportation profession” through his contributions and service. Angel is the leader of Psomas’ traffic engineering team in Arizona.

The Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named Robert D. Ramirez, president and CEO of Vantage West Credit Union, its 2009 Businessman of the Year. Ramirez has worked in the credit union industry since 1985, and has served in his current position since 2000. The Businessman of the Year honor is based on hard work, business achievements and dedication to the community.

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Don Drysdale, principal of Drysdale Valuation PLLC, received the Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) for business valuation, issued by the American Society of Appraisers. The accreditation means Drysdale is recognized as one of the most qualified and experienced business valuation professionals.

John C. Lacy, a shareholder in DeConcini McDonald Yetwin & Lacy, P.C., is the recipient of the Arizona Historical Society’s 2009 Al Merito Award. Lacy is a nationally recognized authority on mining law history and has devoted a lifetime to furthering the cause of Arizona history.  

Preston Godfrey, of ABA Architects, passed the exam by the U.S. Green Building Council and is now a LEED Accredited Professional.

Promotions

Two staff members in the University of Arizona department of Pediatrics received promotions. Melissa Halpern has been promoted to research associate professor. She previously was an associate professor, clinical pediatrics. Richard Wahl was promoted to professor, clinical pediatrics. He was previously an associate professor.

New Hires

Ralph Chavez is the new principal of Luz Guerrero Early College High School. Francisco Javier Fuentes is the new principal of Adalberto M. Guerrero Middle School. Both are charter schools and are part of the Luz Social Services community services organization. Chavez previously was the assistant principal for Luz Guerrero Early College High School. Fuentes was previously the principal of Rio Rico High School.

Brian Hagedon joined GLHN Architects & Engineers Inc. as the firm’s lead architectural designer. Hagedon was employed by GLHN from 1980 until1992 and has designed schools, community centers, churches and medical facilities throughout Southern Arizona. 

Steve Pageau joined URS Corporation as a senior project manager. Pageau is currently responsible for the design activities for the Tucson Modern Streetcar. Prior to joining URS Pageau worked for the City of Tucson as deputy director of transportation.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association hired two new people. Lila Petersen has been hired as a public relations manager. She previously worked as media relations manager for the Kaiser Permanente Healthcare System in northern California. Michelle Rathburn has been hired as Coordinator of Outreach Services. Rathburn previously worked as a Child and Family Therapist for the Easter Seals Blake Foundation.

Appointments

Steve Goldschmid, MD, is now the dean of the University of Arizona College of Medicine’s Tucson campus. Goldschmid has served as interim dean at the college since July 2008. Prior to appointment as interim dean, Goldschmid served as chairman of the UA College of Medicine Department of Medicine since October 2006.

Joel Henderson is the new CEO of No Guts, No Glory, a life and business coaching and offering public speaking services. He has more than 35 years of experience in the business community.