Volume 29 • Number 48 November 23, 2022
The Voice of Marana, Oro Valley and Northwest Tucson
www.explorernews.com
INSIDE OV chamber leader epitome of a hard worker Behind the scenes
of McKale Center: What they know
BY KAREN SCHAFFNER
News
Tucson native initiated into corps of cadets | Page 5
News
Tucson welcomes 105 new citizens | Page 8
Sports
Counting his sports blessings | Page 16
MLS #22224969
Tucson Local Media
T
he Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce has a new president, filling the position left open when Dave Perry retired after more than 11 years. Kristen Sharp took his place as president and CEO on Halloween. As such, she is determined to welcome all businesses to the organization, no matter the size. “We want what is best for the community as a whole, and I would say 70% of our members are small businesses,” she said. “(However), we are here to support all local businesses.” Sharp has a vision for the chamber as the organization moves into the future. “I think currently the chamber’s got a lot going for it,” she said. “We’ve got a good reputation, and we’re very well known within the business community. What I would like to see — and one of my goals moving forward — is to be more of a known entity within the community as a whole.” Sharp already has a plan for achieving that. “One way that I would really like to do it (is) through social media and newspapers,” she said. “We need to put out more information and education regarding different things that are happening, for example, the Oro Valley Marketplace.” Sharp has been with the chamber for three years, serving as the events director. She has a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Missouri and taught high school for two years. When she decided to get her master’s degree, she came to The University of Arizona, where she met her husband. After graduation she went into retail management, working at Abercrombie and Fitch and another store at
BY AIDAN WOHL Tucson Local Media
T
he most endearing plays are only as profound as the stage they are set on. This case can be illustrated not only for theatrics, but for collegiate athlet-
La Encantada. After that, it was preschool education. Then the job at the chamber came open, and because of her experience teaching, Sharp knew she had the goods. “Going back to when I was teaching agriculture, I didn’t get to just teach,” Sharp said. “It was also running the agriculture department, which required me to do budgeting. It required me to work with vendors and plan banquets and contests.” Perry recognized Sharp’s talent and ability, so
ics. The University of Arizona’s McKale Memorial Center is notorious for its rich 49year history of transcendence and merit. However, none of this would be made possible without the foundation for which each fan-favorite contest is prepared and produced: event management. This behind-the-scenes team holds a mission of ensuring the safety and satisfaction of every guest in the 14,644-capacity arena. Though being behind the curtain, their work does not go unnoticed. It’s hard to absorb the extensive significance of the historic McKale Center unless one has been there to see the progression through the years. Matt Brown — a 21-year event operation staffer and assistant director of athletics for event operations — grew up in Tucson and attended UA. In 2001, he was hired, checking the box for a dream job. “It means so much more to me, just being a native of Tucson and growing up around athletics as a young kid,” Brown said. “Now finding myself behind the scenes
See LEADER Page 11
See MCKALE Page 6
Kristen Sharp takes over the leadership of Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce. (Kristen Sharp/ Submitted)
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