Tucson Advisory Business Council
When we joined Meridian Wealth Management last year, I had the opportunity to step back, evaluate, and consider new ways to impact our industry and the communities we serve. Our diverse collective of clients is a direct reflection of the Tucson community. What better way to help and support the different business areas in our community and learn their unique needs regarding finances, education, and planning than to ask respected leaders in those fields.
After all, who could know more about steel construction and the retirement goals of construction workers and unions than someone who has devoted their entire life to understanding the industry? Who knows more about athletes' financial needs than successful athletes who have walked that path themselves? Who has a better understanding of the commercial real estate and development landscape than a developer with decades of experience in the field?
With this goal in mind, the Tucson Advisory Business Council was formed. The Tucson community is full of remarkable individuals and business leaders who have been instrumental in our city's development and sustainability. These individuals lead by example and show us the impact meaningful business decisions have on our community. The inaugural Advisory Business Council comprises a group of individuals, diverse in their industries, backgrounds, and expertise.
The individuals I have listed below, whether they realize it or not, have impacted my career and personal development. They will provide excellent insight and guidance as Meridian Wealth Management continues to grow in our community. Through their diverse and shared experiences, they all have a common ground for their impact on our community by developing their respective businesses.
The Tucson Advisory Business Council does not work for MWM, nor are they responsible for any business decisions or client management. They are a collective group of business leaders and friends who have impacted my life that I can continue to learn from. I am humbled and proud to announce our Council and to have this fantastic group by our side as we continue to grow and develop.
Meet the Members of the Advisory Business Council
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, Washington
Wizards (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.
Amber Smith - CEO of pipeline AZ.
For over 20 years, Amber has been serving the Tucson community in a variety of roles beginning her career working for the late Senator John McCain. In her role as President and CEO of the Tucson Metro Chamber, she revolutionized the organization through the pandemic while creating programs and fighting for policies and services to help Tucson’s businesses during one of the most challenging modern times. In her role as Chief Strategy Officer for Futures Inc., she’s focused on growing access to career exploration and pathways for children and adults alike by disrupting the workforce development space creating ecosystems where job-seeker skills align with industry needs across the country. Presently, Amber Smith is the new CEO of Pipeline AZ- a statewide nonprofit organization with a powerful platform connecting the dots between career inspiration, training, education and jobs to drive high school graduation rates and post-secondary enrollments. Pipeline AZ is pioneering a transformative movement shaping a workforce ecosystem where every individual has the tools and resources to thrive, contributing to the economic prosperity and growth of the state.
Amber serves on the Executive Committee of the Pima Foundation Board, as a Board Member on the Fire Foundation and she remains a passionate member of the DM50 supporting our active-duty Airmen and is a founding member of the Southern Arizona Defense Alliance.
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.
Married to a second-generation Tucsonan, Amber’s husband Robert is a Tucson Fire Department Captain and Navy Corpsman veteran who also owns a small business. Amber and Robert have three boys, 5 goats, three dogs, Sally the hamster, some ducks and Pierre, the lone rooster. Amber’s favorite moments are on the sidelines of kid sporting events or on an adventure somewhere with her family.
Erika Barnes - Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics, University of Arizona
University of Arizona Athletics
Erika Barnes is the Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics, and has served the athletics department in numerous key leadership positions since her return to the University of Arizona in 2005.
Erika leads all fundraising operations within the Wildcat Club, the fundraising arm of Athletics, as well as the A-Club Letterwinner’s Association. She also oversees the Sport Administration program, C.A.T.S. Academics, C.A.T.S. Student-Athlete Development, and is a member of the NCAA Softball Selection Committee and the Pac-12 council. The Southern California native also served as Interim Athletics Director in the spring of 2017 during the transition to current AD Dave Heeke.
A former softball player at Arizona, and member of the 2001 National Championship team, Barnes graduated in 2001 with a B.S. in Communications and a minor in American Sign Language and was an NFCA Scholar-Athlete All-American. In 2010, she received a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) through the UA’s Eller College of Management. Barnes has also served as the color analyst for the IMG radio broadcasts of Arizona Softball games.
Barnes serves on the Board of Directors of the Ben’s Bells Project (non-profit growing kindness education program, “Be Kind”) and is married to former Wildcat All-American golfer Andy Barnes. The couple has one daughter, Tillie, and one son, Blake
Cody Ritchie - Crest Insurance
Cody Ritchie led the acquisition of his 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.