Whether it's seasoned professionals, sartorial mavens or a bounding online presence, Tucson's got it. May we present the movers and shakers of Tucson's Best in People.
Best Couple
Kimberly Clements and Scott MacKenzie
Best High School Principal
Rex Scott, Catalina High School
Since the start of his tenure at Catalina High School in 2009, dedicated Principal Rex Scott has believed in a “shared vision” approach, where students, parents, staff and community members could openly give input for Catalina’s success. One of these “shared visions,” and Rex’s central focus as principal, is increasing the student graduation rate through “academic interventions,” where students who seem at risk early in their schooling are provided with guidance tools to ensure a successful and completed high school career.
Marketing Guru
Caroline Palmer
With a ton of industry experience under her belt, Caroline Palmer is the current media director of LP&G, Inc. marketing and advertising agency. It’s not all business without some fun, though; Caroline can be found volunteering at the local no-kill animal shelter, dancing to house music, playing Scrabble, doing yoga or photographing.
Most Fashionable Man
Chris Clements
Most Fashionable Woman and Most Influential Woman
Kimberly Clements
Most Influential in Food
Sam Fox, Fox Restaurant Concepts
As full of surprises as he is innovative, Sam Fox of Fox Restaurant Concepts has transformed the restaurant industry throughout the Southwest by taking a refreshing spin on traditional cuisine, hospitality and restaurant design. Sharing the rewards of sweet success, Sam believes in giving back to the communities he serves as a member of the Young President’s Organization and the philanthropic Thunderbirds in addition to serving on the Board of the Arizona Cancer Center, among other organizations. Some on-trend Tucson Fox Restaurant Concepts include Sauce, NoRTH and Zinburger. www.foxrc.com.
Most Influential Nonprofit and Mr. Popularity
Dan Marries
Also voted Best Afternoon Male Newscaster and Newscaster of the Year for KOLD News, Dan Marries snags this year’s Most Influential Nonprofit and Mr. Popularity. Dan is a member and charter president of Casas Adobes Optimist Club, a group that raises money for local youth for educational scholarships and helps families in need during the holidays. He also participates in the Tucson Local Emergency Planning Committee, which helps coordinate with media outlets to educate the public about LEPC, is a volunteer for National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans, is a member of Interfaith Community Services. Even on his downtime, Marries participates in and serves his community as vice president of the Tucson Ski Club.
Most Influential Man
Emery Nicoletti
Artistic Director and owner of Metropolis Salon, Emery Nicoletti is a nationally recognized stylist, whose credits range from celebrity clients to editorial work featured in numerous local and national magazines, television shows, made for TV movies, the American Music Awards, the Emmy Awards and the internationally prestigious Academy Awards. With such an impressive résumé, it’s no wonder that Emery is Tucson’s Most Influential Man!
Ms. Popularity
LeeAnne Savage
Calling herself “Southern Arizona's Sassiest Songstress” LeeAnne Savage is the rocked out musical medley of rock, country and pop. LeeAnne's rockin' country pop vocal styling, strong storytelling, unique melodies and energetic stage presence has helped her develop a huge underground and dedicated fan following. www.leeannesavage.blogspot.com.
Top Twitterer
@paulypeligroso
With more than 40,000 Twitter followers on his account and a little more than 4,000 personal Tweets (for now), @paulypeligroso is Tucson’s top Twitter bird. Pauly is also a contributing writer for four different Twitter accounts besides his own (@GaryJBusey, @BestWorstAdvice, @El_Danny_Trejo, @NotJayCutler).
