Spotlight on Board Member Scarlett Spring
03/01/22
Always Prepared and Ready to Contribute
With an impressive resume of former and current leadership and c-suite positions, RBAZ Board Member Scarlett Spring has played a crucial role in the growth, success, and transformation of Republic Bank of Arizona. Joining the Board in 2014 during challenging times for RBAZ, Scarlett along with the rest of the board members rolled up their sleeves and went to work, helping the bank overcome operational challenges to later achieve the BauerFinancial 5-star superior rating.
“I’ve never been afraid, and in many ways have been attracted to this type of turnaround challenge,” says Scarlett. “I’m all in as long as the leaders are serious, dedicated, and display the integrity needed to get results. And the leaders here at Republic Bank of Arizona definitely fit that description.”
As an experienced CEO, her insightful understanding of the financial, commercialization and regulatory aspects of running a business has made Scarlett a valued member of the board. “Because I sit in an executive role with a core background in commercialization, I’m able to provide a commercial mindset and go-to-market strategy for the bank.”
But the real strength she brings to the board is her serious approach to honoring the responsibilities of the bank’s investors and shareholders. “I’m grateful that boards are becoming more diverse,” she says. “Our Board has been a trailblazer in supporting women, and when you have that opportunity, you need to show up, be prepared and contribute. For me, that means being prepared and doing the work.”
And that hard work is showing its rewards. “To see the bank achieve and exceed its goals is one of the things I have enjoyed the most about serving on the RBAZ board,” says Scarlett.
Coming off a successful year where the bank exceeded its strategic goals and reported record loan growth, Scarlett believes the bank has differentiated itself in the local business community. “In a market where there are just not many banks that truly understand the needs of small businesses, RBAZ has been able to stand out,” she says.
“When you’re running a business, knowing you can talk directly to someone who knows you, understands your business, and really cares is a benefit you don’t find just anywhere. Plus, we have the most talented bankers in the state,” she adds. “I’m also a huge champion of supporting the local business community like RBAZ is known for.”
Rich Business Background Strengthens Role
Scarlett’s extensive business and leadership experience is a great asset to her role as an RBAZ board member. Having held leadership roles in Fortune 100 companies, managing billiondollar budgets, plus co founding a start-up company from scratch – she has experienced it all.
She currently serves as co-founder and chief executive officer of TapRoot Interventions & Solutions, a platform technology company focused on providing real-time guidance to caregivers providing care to patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“At TapRoot, we believe the more personalized care you can provide, the better the outcomes for the patient as well as the caregiver,” says Scarlett. The high rate of turnover (98.9%) in the long-term care community makes it extremely difficult to provide consistent, informative care to patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, explains Scarlett.
With the technology TapRoot is developing, individual patient’s profiles are uploaded and available to the caregiver providing them information at their fingertips regarding specific sensitivities, triggers, needs, likes and dislikes of the patients. That way, the caregivers know immediately how to prevent and deescalate episodes and support residents living in the care communities.
Before starting TapRoot, Scarlett served as president and chief commercial officer for VisionGate, Inc., and served in various sales and commercial roles at Merck and AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.
“The bank is very fortunate to have Scarlett on our board of directors,” said CEO Brian Ruisinger. “Her extensive business experience and leadership skills are a huge asset and contribute greatly to our success in building the bank’s momentum to meet and exceed our strategic goals.”
Serving Her Community
In addition to serving on the board of Republic Bank of Arizona, Scarlett also serves on the boards at publicly traded AVEO Oncology as well as the Arizona Sports & Tourism Authority. She received a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master’s in Business Administration from Pepperdine University.
A wine enthusiast, Scarlett enjoys learning about and tasting different types of wines. She also stays active by cycling, playing pickleball, hiking and more.