Phoenix-based ViaWest Group has hired Todd Weiss to serve as the commercial real estate investment firm's first chief operating officer. “We are very excited to welcome Todd to the team,” said Steven Schwarz, founding partner of ViaWest Group, in a statement. “The industry experience and unique set of abilities he brings will allow us to strengthen the structure of our organization.” Weiss previously served as general counsel for real estate for Phoenix-based Vereit Inc., a publicly traded…