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About BestCompaniesAZ

Founded in 2001, BestCompaniesAZ pioneered the intersection of recruiting, human resources, marketing and public relations—what is now widely known as employer branding or “PR for HR.”

Today, BestCompaniesAZ is a trusted employer branding and media platform that showcases award-winning companies known for strong culture, leadership, and community impact. We elevate both employer and consumer brands by amplifying their stories, thought leadership, and community involvement—helping them attract top talent, earn customer trust, and strengthen their reputation regionally and nationally.

Denise Gredler

CEO & Founder

Denise Gredler is Arizona’s preeminent thought leader in employer branding, workplace culture, and award consultation. She is best known for pioneering Arizona’s most influential workplace award programs—including Best Places to Work in the Valley, Arizona’s Most Admired Companies, and Top Companies to Work for in Arizona—and for helping hundreds of employers elevate their brand and attract top talent.

Before founding BestCompaniesAZ, Denise served as Vice President of Human Resources for a public Arizona-based commercial finance company, where her culture-focused leadership helped the organization earn the #12 and #16 rankings on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in America—the first Arizona company to achieve this national recognition. She built the HR function, launched work/life initiatives, and strengthened employer brand through innovative recruitment, retention, and communications strategies.

Denise’s leadership and community impact have been widely recognized. In 2017, she was named one of AZ Business Magazine’s Most Influential Women in Arizona. In 2023, BestCompaniesAZ was honored as a BBB Torch Award for Ethics finalist. In 2024, Denise received the Civilian Veteran Champion recognition at the Women Who Lead Summit for her decade-long commitment to supporting Arizona’s veteran community. She also serves on the advisory board for Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona.

Learn more about Denise’s work in employer branding and brand amplification (link here).

Sydney Patrick

VP of Client Success

Sydney Patrick has rejoined the BestCompaniesAZ team as our VP of Client Success!

Sydney is no stranger to BestCompaniesAZ—she previously worked with us from 2012 to 2017, where she played a pivotal role in supporting and promoting our award-winning clients. Since then, she’s spent the last seven years as the Artist Relations Manager for the Phoenix Music Group, all while embracing the rewarding role of being a mother to her son Camden and daughter, Kennedy.

An ASU alumni, Sydney brings a wealth of experience in communications, marketing, strategic planning, content strategy, CRM management, and partnership development. She’s passionate about crafting brand-building strategies that truly resonate with audiences, and she’s excited to apply her expertise to help our clients stand- out in today’s competitive market.

Sydney is an Arizona native but currently resides in Texas. In her free time, she enjoys any chance to travel and enjoys spending time with family and friends, live music, and will never pass up an iced coffee.

Becca Crisman

digital content intern

Becca Crisman is a lover of all things media, and a hard-working Communications major at Grand Canyon University. She is proudly double minoring in Social Media and Professional Writing, and aims to bridge the gap between the two. Becca writes and edits articles for BestCompaniesAZ, and helps with social media promotion and engagement as the digital content intern. After spending tons of time on the internet, Becca puts her expertise to good use for the benefit of the company and clients. Becca has worked with BestCompaniesAZ since mid-2025 from both her place on GCU’s campus and back home in Oklahoma.

Strategic Partners

Brandon Ramsey, BRAMZ | Growth Collective

Strategic Partner of Community Outreach & Development

Brandon Ramsey is a purpose-driven leader dedicated to building stronger communities by expanding opportunities for Arizona’s workforce. As BestCompaniesAZ’s Strategic Partner of Community Outreach & Development, he helps the BCAZ team connect employers, workforce organizations, educational institutions, nonprofits, and community leaders to create meaningful partnerships that strengthen Arizona’s talent pipeline and quality of life.

A proud graduate of Kent State University, Brandon’s career includes leadership roles with MidFirst Bank, Microsoft, Insight, and the Phoenix Community Alliance, where he developed a deep passion for uniting business and social impact. Today, as Vice Chair of the City of Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board and a proud West Valley Maverick, Brandon continues to champion collaboration that empowers individuals, strengthens organizations, and drives Arizona forward.