Brittany McMaster has joined the Molera Alvarez Group, returning to Phoenix after spending the last 7 years working in the Executive and Legislative branches of government in Washington, D.C.  Most recently Brittany served the previous administration as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Congressional and Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Small Business Administration.  Brittany worked on issues relating to access to capital, government contracting and entrepreneurial development.  Prior to that, Brittany worked on Capitol Hill, as the Senior Legislative Assistant for former Congressman Ric Keller (R-FL), and was the key liaison with the Education and Workforce Committee.  Brittany also worked in the U.S. Senate Majority Whip Office for Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

Brittany is Project Manager for Solutions Through Higher Education which is a public education effort aimed at raising awareness of the critical role higher education plays in ensuring economic prosperity for our country and our citizens. Welcome Brittany!

Ruben Alvarez was recently appointed to the Board of Directors of MPAC, which is a regional nonprofit organization that promotes a vibrant creative community as a critical partner in the economic vitality of Greater Phoenix.

Four core strategies serve as its guiding blueprint:

• Integrate arts and culture into current economic development planning and priorities.

• Enhance participation in arts and culture activities for everyone in the region.

• Build regional distinction by promoting signature events and unique arts and culture experiences.

• Integrate arts and culture experiences in the education and lives of young people.

To learn more information about MPAC and its mission and programs, please visit www.mpacarts.org.

President Obama speaks in Mesa: On February 18th, President Obama revealed the basic structure of his plan to resolve the mortgage foreclosure problem.  MAG Senior Vice President, Dr. Sheila Harris, was in attendance at this eagerly anticipated announcement.  Pictured above is Dr. Harris with Arizona Governor Jan Brewer who was also in attendance.

After attending President Obama’s speech in Mesa on his plan, Dr. Harris was interviewed by Adam Shapiro of FOX Business News for her reaction. She was pleased to learn of the emphasis of addressing the mortgages held by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the entities that hold a majority of trouble loans, and the establishment of an income standard for mortgages on a going forward basis. Dr. Harris is working with MAG clients such as PTE Group, Domain, and others to provide solutions that can better utilize stimulus and Neighborhood Stabilization Funds to address the foreclosure issues facing our communities.