New Hire

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Brenda Lubeck to our Pinnacle Peak Office.

With more than 25 years of experience in the real estate industry, Brenda brings a wealth of knowledge and a steady, client-first approach to every transaction. Her career has spanned multiple markets across the country, including Salem, Oregon, Dallas, Texas, and Kansas City, Missouri, where she has spent the last two decades refining her expertise and developing a reputation for trusted guidance and results.

Brenda’s extensive experience across diverse markets allows her to help clients navigate every stage of the real estate journey — from first-time purchases to luxury listings and strategic investments. Known for her attention to detail, market awareness, and ability to anticipate shifting trends, she is especially well-equipped to serve clients in today’s volatile and competitive real estate environment.

Now as part of Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Brenda leverages the firm’s world-class brand recognition, global network, and dominant market share to deliver exceptional outcomes for buyers and sellers alike. Her ability to pair personal expertise with the power of a premier brokerage ensures clients receive not only elevated service, but also the highest level of exposure and representation.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Bill Kuniej to our Carefree Office.

Bill Kuniej brings more than three decades of senior leadership experience to his role as a Licensed Arizona Realtor with Russ Lyons Sotheby’s International Realty. After a distinguished 35-year career in automotive retail, where he served in executive and senior management roles across both import and domestic franchises, Bill developed a reputation for strategic insight, operational excellence, and relationship-driven service.

Throughout his career, Bill worked closely with discerning clients, high-net-worth individuals, and complex transactions—experience that translates seamlessly into luxury real estate. His background in financial analysis, negotiation, and asset stewardship allows him to guide clients with clarity and confidence, whether they are buying a primary residence, a second home, or an investment property.

In addition to real estate, Bill is a licensed Arizona Property and Casualty Insurance Agent and an active stock market investor, giving him a well-rounded perspective on risk management, wealth preservation, and long-term financial strategy. This multidisciplinary expertise enables him to approach real estate not simply as a transaction, but as a critical component of a broader investment and lifestyle plan.

Outside of his professional work, Bill enjoys an active Arizona lifestyle. He is an avid hiker who has completed the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim, participates in local 8-ball and 9-ball pool leagues, and enjoys boating and snow skiing. He values discipline, preparation, and balance—principles that define both his personal interests and professional philosophy.

Bill is known for his integrity, discretion, and commitment to delivering a refined client experience. He takes pride in building lasting relationships and providing thoughtful, informed guidance at every stage of the real estate journey.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Skyla Sweeney to our Tucson Office.

Real estate is never just about numbers or contracts—it’s about people, decisions, and moments that shape the way life unfolds. With a background in psychology, Skyla brings a thoughtful and intuitive approach to real estate, understanding not only the market, but the individuals and families behind every transaction.

Skyla’s ability to read situations and communicate with clarity allows her to guide buyers and sellers with confidence and genuine care. Her strong work ethic is matched by a commitment to delivering an elevated, luxury, and fully tailored real estate experience. Approachable by nature, she makes even the most complex processes feel clear, manageable, and thoughtfully guided from start to finish.

Drawing on her psychological insight, Skyla negotiates with a rare balance of strategy and emotional intelligence. She understands the motivations on all sides of a transaction, enabling her to navigate conversations effectively, structure smart offers, and advocate for her clients’ best interests with professionalism and precision.

As both a wife and a mother, Skyla understands that a home is far more than a property—it’s where life happens. That perspective shapes everything she does, from the way she listens to her clients to the care she takes in helping them find a place that truly fits their lives.

Serving Tucson and the surrounding areas, Skyla offers a concierge-level real estate experience that is both high-end and deeply human. By combining expertise, warmth, and a commitment to excellence, she delivers not just successful outcomes, but a level of service that feels personal, intentional, and exceptional.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Sarah Ley to our Tucson Office.

Sarah Ley’s professional journey is rooted in Arizona and shaped by decades of entrepreneurial drive, real estate expertise, and a deep commitment to client service.

Raised in Scottsdale, Sarah went on to attend the University of Arizona, where she graduated in December 1990 with a degree in Business Administration and a major in Marketing. That foundation quickly translated into business ownership, as Sarah founded, owned, and operated a successful retail coffee business in Tucson called Not Just Java. With two thriving locations, the venture reflected her early passion for customer experience, branding, and operations—skills that would later become invaluable in her real estate career.

After selling her business, Sarah transitioned into real estate, becoming a licensed Realtor in 1999. She began her career quite literally close to home, selling properties on her former cul-de-sac in Oro Valley’s Mallard Head Place, where she has successfully sold eight homes to date. What started as a neighborhood connection quickly evolved into a long-standing career built on trust, relationships, and results.

Sarah’s dedication to professional growth is evident in her extensive list of designations and certifications. She earned her Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR®) designation in July 2001, followed by the Certified New Home Sales Associate (CNHSA) designation from the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association in December 2003. Her expertise in new construction led her to sell three new home subdivisions for local Tucson builders, giving her a well-rounded perspective on both resale and new-build transactions.

In October 2004, Sarah achieved one of the industry’s most respected distinctions: the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation. Awarded to only the top 5% of Realtors nationwide, the CRS designation recognizes professionals who have completed rigorous training and demonstrated exceptional transactional experience.

In addition to residential sales, Sarah has extensive experience representing a local Tucson credit union in foreclosure transactions, further strengthening her ability to navigate complex deals with precision and care.

Since beginning her real estate career in 1999, Sarah has successfully closed more than 500 transactions over nearly three decades. The majority of her business comes from word-of-mouth referrals and repeat clients—a testament to her professionalism, strong negotiation skills, and unwavering advocacy for those she represents.

Above all, Sarah prides herself on providing high-quality customer service and maintaining the highest professional standards. Her clients consistently describe her as knowledgeable, trustworthy, and deeply committed to achieving their goals.

Outside of real estate, Sarah is the proud mother of two adult children who now reside in San Diego County, California.

With a career defined by experience, integrity, and results, Sarah Ley continues to be a trusted resource for buyers and sellers throughout Southern Arizona.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is delighted to welcome Sara Passov to our Relocation Services team. With more than two decades of experience in corporate relocation and client support, Sara brings a remarkable depth of knowledge, versatility, and heart to her work—qualities that make her an exceptional addition to our organization.

Sara began her relocation career in 2001 with Prudential Relocation, where she quickly established herself as a trusted Counselor and Account Manager. Throughout her tenure, she managed both domestic and international relocations for major corporate clients, including UTC, Bridgestone Firestone, Unilever, and American Express. Her hands-on experience navigating complex moves has shaped her client-centered approach and her ability to support transferees with professionalism and empathy.

A licensed Arizona real estate professional since 2016, Sara offers a comprehensive understanding of the local market and the unique needs of individuals and families relocating to the region. For the past three and a half years, she served as a Relocation Coordinator under the leadership of Gabe Brown, further strengthening her expertise in operational excellence, communication, and relationship-driven service.

Originally from Wisconsin—Go Pack Go!—Sara is a vibrant and multi-talented individual whose sense of adventure extends far beyond her professional life. Her background includes work as a High Ropes Course instructor, teacher, and even as “Farmer Sara” in a Baby Farm animal program. She has also led Before & After School programs for both the Madison School District and Paradise Valley Schools, showcasing her passion for community, education, and meaningful connection.

Outside of work, Sara enjoys scuba diving, traveling, and camping with her husband, John, in their teardrop trailer. A creative soul, she also loves hiking, singing, playing the ukulele and guitar, reading, gardening, making artwork, and crafting jewelry. At home, she is happily accompanied by her beloved cat, Monroe, and her dog, Stella Blue.

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Sara Passov as she begins this exciting new chapter with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. Her experience, enthusiasm, and dedication to client care will be invaluable as we continue to elevate our relocation services and support our ongoing growth across Arizona and beyond.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Valantina Nissan to our Camelback Tower Office.

No matter the real estate dream, Valantina Nissan and her team have the expertise, dedication, and drive to make it a reality. As an Associate Broker and seasoned real estate investor, Valantina has built a powerhouse real estate team alongside her husband, Aiman Hesswany.

With backgrounds spanning engineering, interior design, and global banking, Valantina and Aiman bring a unique combination of technical knowledge, financial insight, and strategic planning to every transaction. Their ability to speak three languages—Assyrian, Aramaic, and Arabic—combined with international experience provides a sharp edge in negotiations and investment strategies.

Their strong community presence, multiple real estate awards, and a large social media following ensure maximum exposure and outstanding results for their clients. Beyond traditional real estate expertise, their hands-on experience in fix-and-flip projects allows them to offer practical market insights and strategic investment guidance. Paired with in-depth knowledge of design and financing, the team delivers a truly holistic approach to property decisions.

Valantina and her team are committed to exceeding expectations, creating personalized strategies, and guiding clients with professionalism and integrity every step of the way. Their goal is simple: to transform real estate aspirations into reality with dedication and exceptional results.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Whitney James to our Pinnacle Peak Office.

Whitney James is a global real estate advisor and the founder of Altara Advisory, proudly affiliated with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. With a background as a retired physician, Whitney brings a rare blend of meticulous attention to detail, discretion, and a profound care for people to every client relationship. Her practice is rooted in trust, confidentiality, and the highest standard of service.

Specializing in legacy properties and legacy planning, Whitney views every transaction as an opportunity to help clients preserve wealth, create generational impact, and craft iconic lives in iconic homes. She integrates financial strategy into each step of the real estate process, ensuring clients benefit from both market insight and long-term vision. Supported by a team of experts in finance, health, and global real estate, she provides her clients with comprehensive guidance locally and abroad. A native Arizonan who has lived across the world, Whitney has returned home to serve clients in Scottsdale, North Phoenix, Paradise Valley, and beyond. Her personal life is deeply rooted in family and faith—she is a devoted wife, the mother of two boys, and a firm believer in the preservation of humanity and the goodness of people.

Whitney is dedicated to refining the art of luxury living every day, curating an unparalleled experience marked by excellence, integrity, professionalism, and research-driven strategy. Through her affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty—“Curators of the Unique since 1744”—Whitney collaborates across 83 countries and territories, contributing to over $143 billion in global sales volume.

With an unwavering commitment to discretion, service, and strategy, Whitney James stands as a trusted advisor for those seeking more than a property—she helps clients design a lasting legacy.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Aiman Hesswany to our Camelback Tower Office.

No matter the real estate goals or dreams, Aiman Hesswany and his team have the expertise, dedication, and drive to make them a reality. As a Global Real Estate Advisor and seasoned real estate investor, Aiman has built a powerhouse team alongside his spouse, Valantina Nissan. Together, they bring a rare combination of experience, insight, and passion to every transaction.

What sets Aiman and Valantina apart is their diverse professional backgrounds. With roots in engineering, interior design, and extensive global banking experience, they offer clients a unique blend of technical expertise, financial acumen, and strategic planning. This fusion of skills ensures that every real estate decision is approached with precision, creativity, and long-term vision.

Beyond their professional credentials, Aiman and Valantina’s hands-on experience as real estate investors—including multiple fix-and-flip projects—gives them a practical edge. They understand the market from the inside out and provide clients with real-world investment insights and design-forward guidance. Their in-depth knowledge of financing and property transformation allows for a holistic approach to real estate, whether clients are buying, selling, or investing.

At the heart of their work is a commitment to excellence. Aiman and Valantina pride themselves on delivering personalized strategies, exceeding expectations, and guiding clients with professionalism and integrity. For them, real estate is more than transactions—it’s about helping people achieve their goals and turn dreams into tangible results.

Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty is dedicated to providing the highest service to today’s home buyers and sellers. This tradition continues with the recent addition of Global Real Estate Advisor Azizah Dzugas to our Southeast Valley Office.

As a dedicated real estate professional with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty, Azizah brings passion, integrity, and a personal touch to every client experience. She is committed to helping individuals and families find the perfect place to call home, whether buying their first property, upgrading to their dream residence, or preparing to sell.

Azizah prides herself on delivering exceptional service marked by attention to detail, thoughtful guidance, and genuine care for her clients’ needs. Her goal is not only to make the buying and selling process seamless but also to build lasting relationships along the way.

With Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty’s renowned brand, resources, and global reach, Azizah combines her expertise with world-class marketing and support to provide clients with an unmatched real estate experience.

Please join us in welcoming Azizah Dzugas as she continues her journey of helping clients achieve their real estate goals with professionalism and heart.