Guiding Growth

Trinity Donovan has served as the CEO of AZCEND for the past 14 years. AZCEND is a nonprofit that provides help and hope, so people don’t have to face their crisis alone. Working in nonprofit leadership positions for over 20 years, her areas of focus have included hunger and homelessness, early childhood, senior programs, and youth development. Trinity also served two terms as a Council Member for the City of Chandler. While on Council, she represented the city on a regional and national level in areas of human services, transportation, water, and sustainability. Trinity holds a bachelor's degree in Comparative Studies in Race and Ethnicity, and a master's degree in Sociology – both from Stanford University.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Terrin Elam is a native of Phoenix, Arizona. He attended McClintock high school, where I was a three-year varsity basketball player. He also played college basketball at Phoenix College for two years. After his basketball career, he and his wife welcomed their first child Terrin Jr., and that is when he decided to join the Navy. Terrin joined the Navy to build a solid foundation for his family. Through his four years of service, he was deployed three times and visited seventeen countries. Upon his separation from the Navy, he started a new career with air products as an industrial gas specialist and then as a plant operator. After being away from home for work more than he preferred, Terrin decided to start The Grand Steam in 2021.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Meet Bus Obayomi, an accomplished Business Leader, Community leader, and transformational coach with a proven track record of delivering flawless large-scale enterprise solutions in Government, Financial Services, and Healthcare. Bus specializes in streamlining operations, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs by implementing industry best practices. He has worked with top industry leaders such as Vanguard, Nationwide, and Lincoln Financial Group and has notable expertise in project/program management, government, and leadership.

Aside from his professional accomplishments, Bus is also an active community member. He was part of Gilbert Leadership Class XXV, part of Gilbert Community Task Force, and actively volunteered with various organizations, including his church community. With a Master of Art in International Affairs, Master of Business Administration, Certified Project Management Professional, and Scaled Agile Practice Consultant qualifications under his belt, Bus has built high-performance teams and established key executive stakeholder relationships. Bus's life revolves around his family, faith, and community/marketplace. He believes that every aspect of his life is integral to the person he is today.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Chief Michael Soelberg was appointed as the Gilbert Police Department Chief of Police in June 2017. Chief Soelberg began his law enforcement career with the Mesa Police Department in 1995. With the Town of Gilbert, Chief Soelberg has placed emphasis on keeping up the Department’s growth with the growth of the community, which is now over 282,000 residents.

Chief Soelberg graduated from Weber State University (Ogden, UT), earning a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Education degree from Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ). In 2009, Chief Soelberg completed a six-month research Fellowship with the Police Foundation in Washington, DC. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, Session #258, in Quantico, VA, and Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA) Police Executive Leadership Institute (PELI), Class #4. He currently serves on the AZCEND Board of Directors and previously was on the United Food Bank Board of Directors for six years. He is currently on the Executive Board of the Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

This guest grew up outside of New York City and was a child model, appearing in ads and commercials. After college, she traveled 3,000 miles to Arizona to join the sales team at the Phoenix Suns, then as Senior Director at the American Heart Association, and she is now the vice president and executive director of the Desert Financial Foundation. She is married and the proud parent to her boxer, Lola! Please welcome Carlissa Wright!

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Lisa Abelar is an accomplished storyteller and copywriter based in Gilbert who seeks adventure for her blended family and runs a non-profit called For Your Record to support domestic abuse survivors with court fees. Her experience as a survivor herself, navigating the legal system and dealing with the financial burden that is associated with it, fueled the idea behind how For Your Record would serve survivors.

When she isn't reporting a story for a local magazine, writing website copy, drafting a blog for a client, or working on her own book, she is most likely cuddling a dog, feeding a chicken, paddling the river, or hiking in the mountains. An avid adventurer, she chronicles her family's adventures on Instagram at @raisingoutdoorkids.

Interested in the Grand Canyon video mentioned in our conversation with Lisa? You can learn more and watch “How the Grand Canyon Changed A Life” video using the link provided.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Mark Bergerson is a high-energy individual with a passion for service. He started his career as a retail manager and moved into the world of insurance in 2006. He is currently a Commercial Insurance Consultant/Producer with The Arizona Group Insurance Brokers. Mark has embraced the Town of Gilbert since moving here from Minnesota in 2018. He has sat on the Gilbert Chamber Small Business Council, Chaired the GEMTalks committee, participated in Gilbert Leadership (Class 30), and currently sits on the Gilbert Leadership Steering Committee, Business, and Education Committee. He will be joining the Gilbert Chamber Board of Directors next fiscal year. He is passionate about connecting businesses with each other, helping others find their potential, and serving his community.

Mark and his wife, Heidi, moved to Arizona leaving the cold winters of MN behind forever, to start a new chapter in their lives. They have three children, Jordan, Jack, and Jason. All are young men in their 20s and starting their own adventures. Mark enjoys hiking, reading, sitting by the pool, and taking in all the opportunities that Gilbert and the East Valley offers.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Rich Ganley’s passionate entrepreneurial spirit and drive for excellence has made way for an impressive 30+ year track record of business success. Rich had a vivid executive history working in healthcare, Human Resources, anti-aging, and amongst others, digital media. Known as the ‘Positive Impact Executive (or, PIE ). Rich loves to help serve customers, employees, and the community. He loves to make a difference and do more things that will live on?

Rich is the former CEO and current Board Member for Global Mobility Solutions. He is also the C0-Founder of Colair Beauty Lounge and Med Spa and the Founder of the Positive Impact Alliance in Gilbert, AZ.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

During Patrick’s tenure, Gilbert has become the 79th largest city in the U.S., with a growing population of 277,436. Patrick has been a key leader in the process of transforming Gilbert into one of the most sought-after places for residential living and corporate expansions and relocations. He is a forward-thinking, change-orientated leader and has been instrumental in helping Gilbert become one of the most prestigious and award-winning communities in the nation. Since 2011, Gilbert’s financial performance has excelled and was recognized as the top performing city in the nation post-recession, tripling its general fund reserves and receiving thirty-six credit rating upgrades culminating in AAA ratings from all three agencies; Moody’s Investor Service, Fitch, and S&P placing Gilbert in the top .002% of cities in the nation.

Patrick has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Missouri State University and a Master of Arts Degree in Management from Webster University. He is an active member of the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Sr. Staff Committee, Past Chairman of the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Management Board, current President-elect of the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA), and a former Honorary Base Commander at Luke Air Force Base. He also received the 2019 John J. ‘Jack’ Debolski Award for Excellence in City Management by the Arizona City/County Management Association, the highest award ACMA bestows on a public official.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy

Mr. Tilque is currently semi-retired and the President of GK Tilque Enterprises, a consulting firm specializing in the fields of economic development (domestic & international), project management, and business development. He most recently served as Senior Economic Development Manager for the Greater Phoenix Chamber where he was responsible for the business retention and expansion program.

Prior to the Phoenix Chamber, Mr. Tilque spent two years with a start-up management-consulting firm, Execute to Win (ETW). The majority of his career (25 years) was spent with the Town of Gilbert, most recently as the Development Services Director, where he was responsible for the Planning Services, Engineering Services, Permits & Licensing, Inspection & Compliance, and Economic Development divisions. Before serving in the Development Services Director role, Mr. Tilque was Gilbert’s Director of Economic Development for 19 years, where he was responsible for the attraction of new business and industry to the community, strategic planning, downtown redevelopment, and the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Prior to his employment with the Town of Gilbert he was the Executive Director of the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce.

Greg is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), a past recipient of the “Economic Developer of the Year” award and the William Lampkin Award for Long Term Excellence in Economic Development from the Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) for his contributions to the economic development profession.

He received both his Bachelor’s Degree and MBA from Ottawa University and, in 1995 founded Gilbert Sister Cities, where he currently serves as President. In October 2017 Greg was bestowed the honor of being the first Honorary Citizen of the Borough of Antrim & Newtownabbey, Northern Ireland for “serving with distinction” for his involvement with Antrim & Newtownabbey through his work with the Gilbert Sister Cities program.

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Guiding Growth: Conversations with Community Leaders

Join our hosts, Sarah Watts and Ben Kalkman, as we explore the human journey of leaders - their stories of humility, triumph, roadblocks, and lessons learned - as they reflect on how they became who they are today and share stories of inspiration and hope with listeners. We'll take away the title, just for a moment, and enjoy a connection with the soul.

Be sure to subscribe to our show for more interviews with community leaders.

This podcast is brought to you by the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce and Modern Moments. Learn more about our show at https://guidinggrowth.co. View our Privacy Policy at https://modernmoments.com/privacy