Advisory Business Council
The Tucson Advisory Business Council was formed to provide Meridian Wealth Management with a better understanding of the needs of business owners, industry leaders and innovators within our communities. The knowledge and experiences the council members share gives us the opportunity to tailor what we do to provide the best possible service to all of our clients. The members of the Tucson Advisory Business Council do not work for Meridian Wealth Management, LLC and are not involved in making business decisions or client management.
Mr. An - CEO An Restaurant Group
Mr. An is the founder and CEO of An Restaurant Group. Born and raised in South Korea, Mr. An immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s. After having a poor experience at one of the only Asian eateries in Tucson, Mr. An opened Great Wall China - the first, of now many, An Restaurant group restaurants. Mr. An and his Japanese-style Teppanyaki restaurants are beloved by Tucson for their commitment to great food, personal and welcoming experiences and an unwavering dedication to their community.
Joseph Blair - Assistant Coach, Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)
After a 13-year professional basketball career that included stops in Greece, Turkey, France, Russia, and the tour route of the Harlem Globetrotters, Joseph Blair still spends his days on the court, but now from the sidelines. His coaching career has included stints with the Arizona Wildcats (NCAA), Santa Ana Blairplayers, Houston Rockets (NBA), The Rio Grande Valley Vipers (NBA G-League), the Philadelphia Sixers (NBA), and the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA). Presently, Blair is an assistant coach with the Washington Wizards (NBA) and dedicates much of his spare time to non-profit consulting and philanthropic service.
Don Bourn - CEO & President, Bourn Companies
Mr. Bourn is the President and CEO of Bourn Companies. Bourn Companies is a leading real estate development and lifestyle integration company headquartered in Tucson, Arizona. For 30 years, Bourn has led an innovative commercial real estate firm with more than 4M sq ft projects completed.
Before Bourn Companies, Don was with Trammell Crow Company and Peat, Marwick and Mitchell. Mr. Bourn is a thought leader who is recognized for his collaboration and engagement throughout the industry and community. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with honors from the University of Nebraska.
Don is a member of several industry and community organizations and boards, including the Urban Land Institute, International Council of Shopping Centers, the Arizona Cancer Center, Southern Arizona Leadership Council, Eller College of Business Advisory Committee, and Downtown Tucson Partnership.
Peter Costa - Former Governor of the NYSE
Peter Costa is a former Governor of the New York Stock Exchange and former President of Empire Executions, Inc. (a boutique trading firm on the floor of the NYSE). He is a frequent market contributor for CNBC and Fox buisness and has also been a guest on Erin Burnett’s Out Front with Erin Burnett on CNN.
Peter graduated from the University of Tennessee with a B.S. in Forestry. As a proud alum, he serves on the UT Faculty Advisory Board for the Haslam College of Business. He currently works as the head of the Costa Family Office.
Tim Couch - Retired NFL Quarterback & MWM Partner
Meridian Wealth Management, LLC
As a retired professional athlete, (NFL Quarterback, Cleveland Browns 1999-2003) and partner of Meridian Wealth Management, Tim Couch brings a unique perspective to the Advisory Business Council. His football career at the University of Kentucky was marked by awards such as SEC Player of the Year, Quarterback of the Year, and a nomination for the Heisman Trophy. Couch was the number one overall pick in the 1999 NFL Draft and led the Browns to their first playoff appearance since the team’s return to the NFL. Tim resides in Lexington with his two sons, and currently works as a sports analyst for Fox Sports South and the SEC Network.
Mike Hannley - Bank of Tucson
Mike Hannley is the founder and former CEO of Bank of Tucson. His career in the banking industry also included a stint as the director for the Arizona Bankers Association. As an avid supporter of the University of Arizona, Mike serves as Trustee Audit Committee Chair and is a member of the Executive Committee. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the City of Tucson and as the director for the Tucson Airport Authority.
Mike Levin - Port of Tucson
Mike Levin is the CEO of Business Operations with The Port of Tucson and Century Park Properties. Along with his father and brother, they own and operate the Port of Tucson, Southern Arizona’s inland port, providing both domestic and international rail operations. The Levin’s also own and operate Century Park Properties, Tucson Frozen Storage, Tucson Port Authority, and Cushing Business Center.
As CEO of Industrial Real Estate & Business Development for the Port and other Levin entities, Mike oversees the management of over 2.4 million square feet of warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, and rail served properties. Mike also works closely with local economic development groups to help highlight Tucson as a hub for global trade and logistics with Mexico and Asia. The Port of Tucson’s ability to receive and ship intermodal containers internationally provides a key link for Arizona and Mexico to the world economy.
Joe Parsons -CEO Parsons Steel
Joe Parsons is the president and CEO of Parsons Steel Builders, a 49-year old family owned business specializing in structural steel erection and fabrication, located in Tucson, AZ. He is also the president of the Arizona Steel Field Erectors Association (ASFEA).
Joe is proud University of Arizona alum, and a very active member of the Tucson community. As a former professional rodeo cowboy, and multiple time National Finals Rodeo (NFR) qualifier, Joe is an avid supporter of the livestock and agriculture industry in Marana, AZ.
Cody Ritchie - Crest Insurance
Cody Ritchie led acquisition of firm from BBVA Compass Bank and formed the Crest Insurance Group in June 2010. He Began with Crest’s predecessor firm, Mueller & Associates, in 1993. Ritchie graduated from The University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and from the University of Arizona with a Master of Athletic Administration. He is a proud father and husband, other involvements include community work and supporting Arizona Athletics.
Amber Smith - President, Tucson Metro Chamber
As the president and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber, Amber Smith leads the Tucson Metro Chamber in implementing the goals and visions of the Chamber’s Board of Directors to champion an environment where business thrives, and the Tucson community prospers.
Amber graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in public administration from Eller College. She began her career working for Senator McCain where she became adept at retaining professionalism and decorum when discussing controversial matters. A government relations professional by trade, Amber skillfully navigates challenging policy matters while finding common ground. Collaborative by nature, she continues to build relationships between the public and private sector to achieve mutually beneficial goals.
Married to a second-generation Tucsonan, Amber’s husband, Robert is a Tucson Fire Department Captain, who also owns a small business and ranch. Amber and Robert have three young sons, 5 goats, two dogs, Sally the hamster, some ducks and Pierre, the lone rooster. Amber’s favorite moments are amongst trees, near water in her She Shed travel trailer with her family.