The Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona has announced the appointment of Katia Jones as its new CEO. Jones brings over two decades of experience in development and donor relations to her new role, having demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment since joining WFSA in June 2021.  Jones began her journey with WFSA as a pivotal member of the development team and swiftly ascended, showcasing her unwavering dedication to WFSA’s mission. Her recent promotion to CEO is a testament to her outstanding contributions and community-centered leadership.  As VP of community mobili ..read more

The iconic, 1915 façade of the Teatro Carmen building, along with the 1941 Elks Club façade, which are both located on South Meyer Street have been completely restored and are now visible for the first time in decades. This phase of the overall project, being undertaken by Stratford Art Works and Pima County was made possible thanks to support from several grants and individual donors including: a State of Arizona Heritage Fund ($300,000) and donations from the Bert W. Martin Foundation, the Santa Cruz Valley Heritage Area, Stratford Art Works and Pima County. Thanks to the discovery of a circ ..read more

The Gootter-Jensen Grand Slam tennis event returns on Sunday, Apr. 21 at the Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa. Over the past 19 years the event has helped raise millions of dollars to support the efforts of the Steven M. Gootter Foundation (in partnership with the Jensen Foundation since 2023) whose common goal is to defeat sudden cardiac death (the disease that took Steven Gootter from his family at age 42) through research endowments and the placement of over 450 life-saving automated external defibrillators throughout the region. This year, in addition to tennis exhibition matches ..read more

At the foot of the majestic Catalina Mountains in a 600-acre desert reserve, two 18-hole championship courses designed by legendary architect Tom Fazio are the first indications that this isn’t just any golf destination. Rooted in these storied 36 holes, with prestigious awards and accolades from top golf and travel publications,  Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge has created a bespoke Tucson experience over the last 40 years and looks to keep its momentum strong, with an inviting resort pool and bar, refurbished lodge suites, a rejuvenated day spa and a friendly staff known for its customer ..read more

San Miguel High School has announced that after an extensive application process, Ernesto Badilla has been selected as the new principal starting July 2024. A career educator who has spent the last 25 years serving students, mainly in South Tucson, in various roles, Badilla is uniquely qualified to lead San Miguel in the years to come. He is dedicated to ensuring clear and consistent communication with students and families and creating an environment where students feel welcomed and supported and can realize their gifts and potential.  ..read more

CrossFirst Bank, a subsidiary of CrossFirst Bankshares, Inc., has expanded its leadership team and commitment to serving the community of Tucson with the recent hiring of veteran banker Xavier Manrique as its local market president.  “Xavier’s roots and dedication to the community, combined with his significant depth of banking expertise, position him to perfectly support the growing needs of our clients and lead our dynamic team in Tucson,” said Kevin Halloran, regional president for Arizona.   Manrique has 25 years of banking experience with extensive knowledge in business and ..read more

Entrepreneur and alumnus R. Ken Coit has committed $5 million through his family foundation to bolster the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy as a trailblazer in pharmaceutical education, research and innovation. With the gift, the Coit College of Pharmacy will hire five junior faculty members and expand the work of the Coit Center for Longevity and Neurotherapeutics. Established in 2023, the center’s mission is to foster new discoveries and therapeutics that promote longevity and health span. “The average life span has doubled over the last century, accompani ..read more

Mattamy Homes, North America’s largest privately owned homebuilder, has announced the grand opening of Saguaro Reserve II, a tranquil new community nestled in the highly coveted foothills of the Tortolita Mountains in Tucson.  The Apr. 6 grand opening event celebrates Mattamy’s unveiling of three fully decorated model homes and 14 floorplans, available at Saguaro Reserve II in the highly desirable Dove Mountain master-planned community. The new single-family homes range from 1,735 to 3,548 square feet with two to five bedrooms and two to three and a half baths. RV and ..read more

SPONSORED CONTENT By Tara Kirkpatrick This is a special place. Kimberly Wood knew it right away when she arrived in July 2021 for an interview for the CEO and general manager of Ventana Canyon Club and Lodge. Yes, even in July, the allure of the Tucson club built thoughtfully amidst the desert splendor was unmistakable.  “There was just a feeling that you got when you were at this property,” she recalled. Now celebrating its 40th anniversary and 20th under member ownership, the award-winning club’s rich history shines brightly as one of the premier destinations in the Southwest. “It’s an ..read more

Outdoor Magazine just released its list of the 23 Best Places to Travel in 2024 and included Greater Tucson on its list. The magazine sent its travel writers across the globe to find the “next-best destinations to explore” and why to go there now. This is what the magazine’s writer, Jen Murphy, included about Tucson: Why Now: Saguaro National Park was recently certified as one of nine Urban Night Sky Places around the world, and Kitt Peak National Observatory recently reopened with a revamped overnight observation program. The region’s already awesome trail system has expanded, letting hi ..read more