Western Spirit brings 4 consummate, distinguished professionals on board
Staff Reports | Local News That Matters
Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West is announcing the appointment of four distinguished, long-time Arizona residents to its board of trustees, further strengthening the organization’s commitment to excellence in the arts and cultural heritage.
The museum, owned by the municipality of Scottsdale and operated by Western Spirit — a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, interpreting, and celebrating the diverse history and culture of the American west.
“The fellow Board of Trustees and I are proud to welcome Dr. Joshua Basha, Michael Casey, Lauren Ferrigni, and Diego (Jim) Valenzuela as the newest Trustees,” said David Sherf who serves as chairman as at the Western Spirit Board of Trustees.
“Their diverse expertise and passion for the arts will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of Western Spirit.
Each new member brings a deep commitment to furthering our mission by fostering a dynamic and engaging environment that not only showcases the vibrant stories of the past but also shapes the cultural landscape for future generations.”
The four new Board of Trustee members are:
- Dr. Joshua Basha
A native of Arizona, Dr. Basha has been immersed in Western art since a very young age. As a dentist anesthesiologist at Sleepy Saguaro Anesthesia in Phoenix, Joshua possesses a unique skill set in providing anesthesia to phobic and special needs populations. With experience gained in a CEO apprenticeship role at Bashas’ Supermarkets, he has a background in management, retail operations, customer service, and community engagement, making him a valuable addition to the board.
- Mike Casey
A director at Hirtle Callaghan, Mike brings over 30 years of experience in wealth management. As chairman emeritus of the Herberger Theater Company in Phoenix and president of the Scottsdale Rotary Club, Mike has a deep commitment to community service. His extensive involvement with nonprofit organizations, including the Phoenix Symphony Orchestra and the Children’s Museum of Phoenix, showcases his dedication to the arts and education.
- Lauren Ferrigni
Currently serving as senior attorney at Pinnacle West Capital Corporation/Arizona Public Service Company, Lauren brings her legal expertise to the board. Growing up in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Lauren has cultivated an appreciation for Western history, culture, and art. Her dedication to serving Arizona is evident in her leadership roles in many organizations aimed at improving our communities, including having previously served on the Board of Directors of the Phoenix Public Library Foundation, the Executive Board of the Maricopa County Bar Association Environmental and Natural Resources Section, and as chair of the Executive Council of the State Bar of Arizona Environmental and Natural Resources Law Section.
- Jim Valenzuela
Growing up in Tucson, Jim spent his childhood immersed in Western life, roping cattle and tending to livestock. As Founder & CEO of V’s Barbershop Holdings, LLC, Jim has a rich history in business leadership. He was also the founding executive director and executive vice president of MedPro, then the largest multi-specialty physician organization in Arizona. He brings valuable experience in branding, business strategy, and financial management to the board.
