Want to know who’s who in the Valley? Read on to learn your picks for Most Influential People.
Most Influential Woman in the Valley
Kari Yatkowski
As founder and president of Haven Charitable Foundation, a personally funded private family foundation, Yatkowski assists Valley families with children affected by homelessness, domestic violence and health-related matters. 480.753.0084.
Most Influential Man in the Valley
Bob Parsons
The founder and CEO of GoDaddy.com - a multimillion-dollar Internet domain registrar company - has hit the super highway again, only this time opening a Scottsdale Ducati dealership. 480.505.8899, www.godaddy.com.
Most Influential in Valley Politics
Governor Jan Brewer
Janice K. Brewer has spent the last 27 years serving the people by working feverishly to save taxpayer dollars, lower the state budget and stimulate economic growth. 602.542.4331, www.governor.state.az.us.
Most Influential in Valley Politics (Runner-up)
Mayor W. J. “Jim” Lane
This Scottsdale mayor is a proud father and grandfather and oversees one of the Valley’s most dynamic cities. He trailed Governor Brewer by only two percent in our polls. 480.312.3111, www.scottsdaleaz.gov.
Most Influential in Valley Education
Sister Joan Fitzgerald
Principal since 1974 of the all-girls Catholic preparatory high school, Xavier College Preparatory, Sister Fitzgerald has raised the bar on education by being the first to offer college-level credits to high school students and achieve a 100 percent graduation rate. 602.277.3772, www.xcp.org.
Most Influential in Valley Non-Profit
Debbie Gaby
Since making Sleep America into the largest mattress retailer in Arizona, this co-founder and president has made it her priority to ensure everyone gets a good night’s sleep. She also implemented a program that donates old mattresses to St. Vincent de Paul’s, saving our landfills and one more person from a restless night’s sleep. 888.947.5337, www.sleepamerica.com.
Favorite Couple in the Valley
Dan and Paige Wheeler
Dan and Paige Wheeler, who will celebrate their 12th wedding anniversary on July 4, are the parents of daughter, Ashten, 9, and son, Scott, 7. When not enjoying family time, Dan is the CEO of HR Betty and Paige, president of www.purpleletter.org, www.ipraytoday.com and nonprofit, www.excessities.org.
Most Fashionable in the Valley
Lisa Garber
Second-generation jeweler and owner of Galicia Jewelers, Garber showcases her new signature collection, titled “Lisa Garber,” of versatile earrings, charms and necklaces, in addition to other hand-picked pieces from around the globe. 480.421.9688, www.galiciajewelers.com.
Most Influential in Valley Food
Eddie Matney
As the chef at Eddie’s House in Scottsdale, Eddie Matney’s classic American dishes have landed him several accolades, including presenting dinner at the prestigious James Beard House. He has been a culinary hero in the Valley for 24 years. 480.946.1622, www.eddieshouseaz.com.
Most Influential in Valley Food (Runner-Up)
Christopher Gross
Christopher Gross, owner and chef of Christopher’s Restaurant and Crush Lounge, an American contemporary meets French-inspired restaurant, dishes out a unique twist on everyday favorites. 602.522.2344, www.christophersaz.com.
