PEople on the Move
Jim Peyton - Interim CEO for the
Glendale Chamber of Commerce
In January, Jim Peyton was appointed as Interim President & CEO of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce.
Jim previously served as Chief Operating Officer and recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary with the Glendale Chamber. He has previously held senior leadership roles in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors but maintains a passion for small to medium non-profit organizations where his background in HR, IT, Project Management and Operations can have the greatest impact.
Kenneth Christopher Somers - New Peoria Unified School District Superintendent
In November 2023, Peoria Unified Governing Board voted unanimously and
entered into contract negotiations with Dr. Kenneth Christopher (KC) Somers.
Dr. Somers will join Peoria Unified from the Lewis-Palmer School District in Monument, Colo. where he has been serving as their superintendent for the past five years. During his tenure, Dr. Somers worked to transform the Lewis-Palmer School District with an academic-first approach which has led the district to perform in the top five percent of all Colorado schools. Prior to this appointment, he served in a variety of roles in school districts across Colorado including as the Area Superintendent of Aurora Public Schools. Dr. Somers earned his Doctorate in Education from the University of Phoenix in 2013. Additionally, he earned his master’s degree in education from the American Intercontinental University and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Notre Dame.
Maria Brunner - Credit Union West
In December, Maria Brunner was promoted to Community Impact Manager at
Credit Union West.
Maria Joined the credit union in January of 2022, and brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry to the organization. As a member of the marketing team, driving business development and community impact, she has played a critical role in building relationships with business, nonprofit, and education-based organizations across Maricopa and Yavapai counties to promote Credit Union West and the value of membership. Maria has also been active with facilitating education sessions to promote financial wellness in our communities. She is a current board member of the Glendale Chamber of Commerce and helps lead its Military and Veterans Affairs Committee.
Kelly Poldoski - Credit Union West
In December, Kelly Poldoski was promoted to Chief Financial Officer at
Credit Union West.
Kelly has been an integral part of the organization since November of 2017, contributing significantly to the success and growth of Credit Union West as Vice President, Finance and Enterprise Risk Management. Through her dedication, hard work, and exceptional skills in her areas of oversight, Kelly has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of our financial landscape, mitigation of risk, and a commitment to strategic goals. As Chief Financial Officer, she will be responsible for guiding financial initiatives, fostering innovation, and building strategies to ensure the continued financial health of the credit union.
Tom Cole - New Director of AZ Registrar of Contractors
In October 2023, AZ Registrar of Contractors announced that Tom Cole was selected by Governor Hobbs to lead the agency as its new Director.
Tom Cole served in the government since 1994. With expertise in fire department/EMS operations and logistics, his career centers on building construction, safety, and customer service knowledge. Chair of the Arizona Department of Homeland Security Central Regional Advisory Council, appointed by Governor Ducey, he currently serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Glendale, is a Certified Public Manager as designated by Arizona State University, and a state Certified Fire Inspector II.
Stacy Nupoff – New Booking Director at
Desert Diamond Arena
In September 2023, Stacy Nupoff stepped into her new role at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale as New Booking Director.
Desert Diamond Arena, managed by ASM Global, the world’s leading producer of live-event experiences, venue management, and event strategy, has appointed Stacy Nupoff as the venue’s new director of booking, and live events. Stacy brings a wealth of experience to the Glendale venue and has more than two decades of experience as both an independent producer and talent buyer for traditional and non-traditional events, most recently at the Mesa Amphitheatre.