Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
Centuries ago, salons were a powerful force in shaping culture, politics, and civic life.
Salons were curated gatherings (usually in a private home) where a host, often a woman, brought together writers, scientists, artists, and public officials to debate ideas, hear new work, and build networks. First emerging in Renaissance Italy, salons became cultural symbols of the Enlightenment period and helped spread new scientific and political ideas, shaped cultural norms, and created a rare public role for women in intellectual life. They also bridged social groups – including nobility, clergy, diplomats – forming the origin story of the “public sphere” where opinion could be forged outside of government or church.
Inspired by that tradition, the Flinn-Brown Fellowship is launching Fellows Salons, a modern forum designed to reconnect Fellows, deepen dialogue and foster lasting civic impact.
Led by Flinn-Brown Fellows Christina Spicer (Phoenix, 2013) and Sarah Rose Webber (Prescott Valley, 2017), this pilot project will bring Fellows together four times over the year – November (central Arizona), January (southern Arizona), April (northern Arizona), and a special family event in July at an Arizona State Park. Each salon will include lunch and rich conversation, but the real goal is to create a full day of experience, connection, reflection, and community. At the first session, Fellows will choose a shared theme to explore together, with the year’s work culminating in a presentation at the Flinn-Brown Convention in August 2026.
Tentatively, our dates for the salons are Nov. 14, Jan. 30, Apr. 24, plus a late-July family gathering at an Arizona state park. Locations are to be determined.
Applications are open for a small group of 15-20 Fellows ready to dive in. To be part of the inaugural Fellows salons, you simply need to be from a 2011-2019 cohort and living in Arizona. If you are eager to reconnect with Fellows, share ideas, and help share Arizona’s future, this is your chance! The application can be found here.
Historic salons sparked movements that shaped society. With Fellows Salons, we ask: what ideas might spark Arizona’s next chapter. Pull up a chair and be part of the conversation!
Innovation has a new map!
The new Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap will be unveiled at a statewide webinar from 3-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11. Registration is open now. The strategic plan was commissioned by the Flinn Foundation and developed with leaders across the state to guide discovery, innovation, and economic growth. The program will include an overview of the Roadmap’s goals, insights from bioscience leaders, and opportunities for Q&A. Whether you’re engaged in research, health care, entrepreneurship, education, or policy, this session offers a unique look at the future of bioscience in Arizona. (In-person events are also happening in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Phoenix.)
Best,
Dawn
Fellows Spotlight
Kyle Sawyer
2017 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Assistant Director of Public Policy and Strategic Planning
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
2017 Flinn-Brown Fellow Kyle Sawyer serves as the assistant director of public policy and strategic planning at the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). In this leadership role, he oversees federal relations, legislative affairs, strategic planning, and project management — bringing together the agency’s most forward-looking work to ensure vital services reach Arizonans efficiently and effectively. His career reflects a deep commitment to public service and a drive to innovate in how government meets community needs.
A native Arizonan and graduate of Chandler High School, Sawyer discovered his passion for public service early. He traces the spark to volunteering through his church and later working with a local politician during college.
“I found my passion for public service through seeing lives changed by simple actions,” Sawyer said. “Things like helping constituents get glasses at health fairs or guiding them through complex bureaucracies to access the services they deserved.”
At AHCCCS, Sawyer leads efforts to design the agency’s waiver and state plan — formal agreements with the federal government that determine how the agency operates. This work has enabled the launch of nationally recognized programs.
“Through these documents, we’ve created innovative programs such as the AHCCCS H2O housing initiative and the AHCCCS Reentry program,” he explained. “We’ve even been able to implement smaller but meaningful services, like becoming the only state in the nation to reimburse for equine non-emergency transportation, which helps tribal members living at the bottom of the Grand Canyon.”
His division also advises lawmakers on the potential impact of policy decisions and collaborates with the Governor’s Office to shape the agency’s long-term vision. Yet, for Kyle, the most rewarding moments are the direct, personal outcomes.
“Representatives from state, federal, and tribal governments often come to my division with constituents in urgent need of assistance,” he said. “When we can use our knowledge and experience to solve those problems and connect someone to resources that change their life, it’s incredibly rewarding.”
Kyle grounds his approach in a favorite quote from U.S. Army Gen. George Patton: “A good plan, violently executed now, is better than a perfect plan next week.”
“The longer you delay being perfect, the longer someone is suffering with the problem—and the more you risk the whole endeavor facing unanticipated obstacles,” Sawyer reflected.
As a Flinn-Brown Fellow, Sawyer values the Flinn-Brown Network as a professional asset and a source of connection.
“Many of my direct colleagues are Fellows, and being part of Flinn-Brown gives us an instant bond,” he noted. “It has also expanded my knowledge beyond my policy area, given me access to new perspectives, and introduced me to parts of Arizona I hadn’t known.”
Looking ahead, he believes strengthening Arizona’s civic health requires rebuilding the social connections that bridge divides.
“Our system of politics is, by nature, adversarial,” Sawyer said. “When that adversarial environment defines most of your social connections, it creates insular, self-reinforcing bubbles. To me, the best way to restore Arizona’s civic health is by creating more spaces for people of all ages to engage socially.”
Outside of work, Kyle enjoys golfing, swimming, pickleball, hiking, and traveling the world. Through his leadership at AHCCCS, his engagement as a Fellow, and his personal pursuits, he continues to embody the values of service, collaboration, and a vision for a healthier Arizona.
Fellows Field Trips
Southern Arizona Fellows are invited to attend a Southern Arizona Flinn-Brown Fellows Happy Hour organized by Julie Katsel (Tucson, 2014).
Thursday, Sept. 11
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Culinary Dropout
2543 E. Grant Road, Tucson
Wednesday, Oct. 22
Save the date! Flinn-Brown Fellows, the Honorable Michelle Hess (Buckeye, 2013) and the Honorable Joanne Osborne (Goodyear, 2012), will be hosting a West Valley Fellows Happy Hour on Oct. 22. Stay tuned for details.
Fellows are encouraged to suggest or offer opportunities for Fellows to visit and learn more about what is happening in Greater Arizona. Please let Dawn know if you have an idea or are interested in providing a field trip opportunity.
2025 Flinn-Brown Convention
Please join us for a dynamic day of connection, inspiration, and action as we collectively explore hoOn behalf of the Civic Leadership team, thank you for making the 2025 Flinn-Brown Convention such a meaningful and memorable gathering. Your engagement and energy truly brought our theme — Transformational Leadership: Catalyzing Change Together — to life.
You can find links to convention photos, presentations, and reports on our website.
And congratulations to our 2025 Flinn-Brown Awards winners:
From left, the Honorable Christine Thompson (Jack Jewett Award); Katelyn Harris Lange (Network Builder Award); the Honorable
Janet Regner (Arizona Champion-Northern Arizona); Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D. (Arizona Champion-Central Arizona); and Charlinda Haudley, Ph.D. (Arizona Champion-Southern Arizona).
Fellows Directory Updates
Help us keep our Fellows Directory accurate and updated! Please make sure your information is accurate and current by scanning the QR code or following this link to complete the survey. You can also upload a new headshot to this Google Drive folder.
Please let us knowif you have problems accessing the survey or uploading a photo.
CivEx
CivEx Workshop
Monday, Sept. 22
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Fellow Teniqua Broughton (Phoenix, 2013) will lead Strong Foundations: Principles of Preparedness for Civic Leadership, an in-person, interactive workshop designed to build self-awareness, foster personal growth, and strengthen your commitment to civic leadership.
Through a balance of structured lessons, guided discussions, and hands-on activities, participants will explore core principles of leadership and begin charting their own leadership journey. This workshop is intended for emerging leaders. Please share with your networks. If you can’t make the September session, this workshop will be offered again in November.
CivEx Webinar
Wednesday, Sept. 24
2-3 p.m.
The Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017) will moderate a virtual panel on the work of Arizona Commission on Access to Justice, including efforts by the Arizona Supreme Court to ensure accessibility to civil legal services in the state.
If you have an idea for a CivEx webinar that you would like to host, or a topic you would like to learn more about, contact Dawn.
Fellows Meet Fellows
Marge Zylla (Tempe, 2017), Vincent Gallegos (Prescott, 2023), the Honorable Cameron Moses (Lake Havasu City, 2024), the Honorable Kell Palguta (Prescott Valley, 2019), the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014), Amanda Stone (Tucson, 2015), the Honorable Matt Herman (Casa Grande, 2019), Rodney Short, J.D. (Yuma, 2024), Eric Gudiño (Phoenix, 2012), the Honorable Lea Márquez Peterson (Tucson, 2011), Charlinda Haudley, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2022), Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023), Rosalva Zimmerman (Goodyear, 2018), the Honorable Brian Garcia, J.D.(Tempe, 2018), the Honorable Cecilia McCollough (Wellton, 2018), the Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019), the Honorable Brannon Hampton (Goodyear, 2022), Frank McCune (Phoenix, 2011), and Ben Blink (Phoenix, 2018) attend the League of Cities and Towns Conference in Scottsdale.
The Honorable Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014), the Honorable Lori Matthews (Flagstaff, 2024), Rosalva Zimmerman (Goodyear, 2018), the Honorable Cecilia McCollough (Wellton, 2018), Julie Katsel (Tucson, 2014), Tim Gomez (Phoenix, 2023), and Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023) were also in attendance.
Check out this link for more pictures of Fellows connecting and enjoying the Flinn-Brown Fellows Happy Hour at the League of Cities and Towns annual conference.
Fellows meet Fellows in the wild all the time, and sometimes they also meet Flinn Foundation staff! Fellows Gail Jackson (Flagstaff, 2023) and the Honorable Lori Matthews (Flagstaff, 2024) connected with Flinn Foundation staff Nicole Hill, Program Manager, Bioscience Roadmap & Research; Joanna Yang Yowler, Ph.D., Program Manager, Translational Biosciences and Entrepreneurship; and Matt Ellsworth, Chief Administrative Officer, at the Flagstaff Bioscience Strategic Plan meeting.
The Civic Leadership Team had a blast at the Rural Policy Forum in Safford! It was fantastic to see so many Fellows in attendance and presenting. Russ Yelton (Phoenix, 2012), Jason Zibart (Benson, 2024), Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011), the Honorable Bill Regner (Clarkdale, 2018), Luis Heredia (Chandler, 2013), Vance Bryce (Safford, 2024), the Honorable Laura Dorrell (Clifton, 2017), Jaime Dempsey (Phoenix, 2013), Barbara Lang (Sierra Vista, 2015), the Honorable Nikki Check (Jerome, 2012), the Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017), Gabriel Jaramillo (Phoenix, 2022), David Martinez III (Phoenix, 2011), Katie Hurst (Phoenix, 2025), the Honorable Laura Terech (Phoenix, 2025), Edgar Soto (Tucson, 2022), and the Honorable Fernando Shipley (Globe, 2011).
Fellows Lists
Each month we feature a Fellows list in a specific employment sector, public policy area, affinity group or region. This month our focus is Fellows in Banking and Finance.
You can find additional lists here.
While we try extremely hard to keep up to date on Fellows’ activities, we recognize that we may have missed someone. Please let us know and we will happily update the list.
Fellows Celebrating Birthdays
We want to wish a happy birthday to all the Fellows celebrating in September!
- Teresa Aseret-Manygoats (Chandler, 2023)
- The Honorable Austin Aslan (Flagstaff, 2024)
- Vanessa Barchfield (Tucson, 2023)
- The Honorable Sarah Benatar (Flagstaff, 2015)
- Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023)
- The Honorable Roberta “Birdie” Cano (Winslow, 2025)
- Sophie Dessart (Florence, 2025)
- David Engelthaler, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2022)
- Joseph Erceg (Tucson, 2016)
- Manuel Felix (Tucson, 2024)
- Vincent Gallegos (Prescott, 2023)
- Jesse Galvez Jr. (Gilbert, 2023)
- Angelica Garcia (Chandler, 2015)
- Nora Hannah (Phoenix, 2011 Spring)
- Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2016)
- The Honorable Gail Knight, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2016)
- The Honorable Alexa Lucchese (Tucson, 2024)
- Rebecca McKay (Phoenix, 2024)
- Mitchell Moore (Phoenix, 2014)
- Marie Raymond (Phoenix, 2017)
- Brenda Sperduti (Munds Park, 2012 Fall)
- The Honorable Julie Spilsbury (Mesa, 2023)
- Hiral Tipirneni, M.D. (Phoenix, 2022)
- Sara Torres (Tucson, 2025)
- Nicholas Vasquez, M.D. (Chandler, 2016)
- Oye Waddell (Phoenix, 2025)
This is not a complete list, but we can only wish you a happy birthday if we know when it is!
You can help us make sure we celebrate you by sharing your birthday with us in the Fellows Survey.
Fellows Book Recommendations
Each month, we feature suggestions from Fellows to create a virtual library about public-policy issues, the practice of leadership, professional development, and other areas worth sharing. This month’s recommendation comes from Kyle Sawyer (Phoenix, 2017).
“We live in a representative democracy. If you want to influence policy, you need to be able to influence people. These books are foundational reading in the art of influence. These books will equip you with the resources you need to be able to effectively convey the policy knowledge you have into the hands of those who have been elected to make policy decisions or even to convince voters that you are the one who they should trust to make those decisions on their behalf. They also aren’t super long, so you can get the information and apply it quickly!”
We are also happy to feature books written by Fellows.
Patrick Camuñez, J.D. (Queen Creek, 2012) wrote “American Anne Frank,” a contemporary fiction set in Phoenix. Inspired by true events and told through seven interwoven points of view, “American Anne Frank” traces the collision of two families — one privileged, one in peril — and the acts of courage, silence, and defiance that bind them. “American Anne Frank” is available on Amazon.
Fellows In The News
Elvy Barton (Chandler, 2013) was selected as a finalist for Greater Phoenix Chamber’s 38th annual ATHENA Awards.
Isabel Booth (Glendale, 2025) presented at Women Who Lead, where she spoke about how grief shapes fierce, compassionate leaders.
Teniqua Broughton (Phoenix, 2013) wrote an op-ed in AZ Big Media about how modernizing the U.S. payment system can strengthen small businesses and boost Arizona’s economy.
Tori Bourguignon (Yuma, 2025) talked about her work with Amberly’s Place on a recent episode of What’s Up Yuma?
Patrick Camuñez, J.D. (Queen Creek, 2012) was inducted into Class 8 of the ASU Leadership Institute.
The Honorable Nikki Check (Jerome, 2012) was interviewed for an Arizona Republic article exploring the aftermath of ICE raids at Colt Grill restaurants in northern Arizona.
The Honorable Demion Clinco (Tucson, 2013) was interviewed for a KGUN 9 news segment regarding the disappearance of the “Noah’s Ark” sculpture in Tucson.
The Honorable Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014) wrote a column in Flagstaff Business News about plans to build a new regional wildland fire training facility in northern Arizona.
Adam Deguire (Mesa, 2020) presented at ASU’s Congressional Dialogue Series.
The Honorable Reetika Dhawan, Ph.D. (Yuma, 2022) was quoted in an AZ Family article highlighting Arizona Western College’s new Spanish-language electrician program, the Fundamentos de Electricidad.
The Honorable Ruth Ellen Elinski (Cottonwood, 2014) was nominated to join the United States-Mexico-Canada Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Counselors Network.
The Honorable Tim Elinski (Cottonwood, 2013), a 2024 Hottest Things Made in Arizona finalist, was featured in the kickoff video for the Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2025 Hottest Things Made in Arizona competition.
The Honorable Coral Evans, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2011) is now on the board of directors for Northern Arizona Healthcare.
Greg Esser, J.D. (Phoenix, 2016) shared the story of how his love for art began at a young age on KJZZ’s SOAPBOX.
Julie Euber (Tucson, 2022) was featured in this ASU News article about being named to the 2025 class of Sun Devil 100.
The Honorable Brian Garcia, J.D. (Tempe, 2018) co-wrote an op-ed for the Cooper Courier, contrasting Arizona’s state budget with the federal budget and their effects on Arizona.
Eddie Genna, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2013) is now Senior Vice Chancellor of External Affairs for Maricopa Community Colleges.
Stephanie Healy (Tucson, 2011) wrote a Tucson Local Media article highlighting how small business owners in southern Arizona are utilizing AI to maximize productivity, efficiency and profitability.
Lloyd Hopkins II (Phoenix, 2024) is now the Executive Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations at Prescott College.
Matthew Isiogu (Phoenix, 2016) is now an Advisor with Acovia Advisors.
Brittney Kaufmann (Phoenix, 2014) was interviewed for an Arizona Capitol Times article about an initiative a California union proposed to cap Arizona hospital executives’ pay to no more than 15 times the state minimum wage.
Adam Leckie, Ed.D. (Queen Creek, 2023) was featured in a Pinal Central article about how limiting cellphone usage during the school day has impacted students in Casa Grande Elementary School District.
The Honorable Nikki Lee (Tucson, 2018) was interviewed for a tucson.com article explaining why Project Blue died in Tucson.
The Honorable Aaron Lieberman (Paradise Valley, 2017) provided political analysis on a recent episode of Politics Unplugged.
Amanda Lomayesva, J.D. (Tucson, 2015) was quoted in a KGUN 9 article about the naming of Casino Del Sol’s Grant Road property.
Claire Louge (Phoenix, 2023) wrote an opinion piece in the Arizona Republic advocating for a stronger system of support to prevent child abuse in Arizona.
The Honorable Lea Márquez Peterson (Tucson, 2011) was elected Chair of the Western Interconnection Regional Advisory Body.
Jerry McPherson (Phoenix, 2022) was featured in a KGUN 9 news story recapping the CD-7 Midtown town hall debate hosted by the Arizona Commission for African American Affairs.
Ryan Peters (Chandler, 2025) is now the Deputy City Manager for the city of Chandler.
Stacy Reinstein (Phoenix, 2012) is now Assistant Director, Governance & Innovation for the Department of Economic Security Office of the Director.
April Rhodes (Prescott, 2022) is now the Arizona Market President for NovumHealth.
The Honorable Sam Richard (Phoenix, 2017) provided political commentary on a recent episode of KJZZ’s Friday NewsCap.
Jessica Rigler (Chandler, 2019) was featured in a Tucson Now segment to discuss the launch of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona’s “Nurses Who Inspire” contest.
Nate Rhoton (Phoenix, 2015) was featured in a Phoenix New Times interview about the work his organization one·n·ten does to support LGBTQ+ youth in Arizona.
Aaron Rottenstein (Tucson, 2018) is now treasurer of the Social Venture Partners International board.
Nick Staab, M.D. (Phoenix, 2024) was interviewed for a radio article about how to cope with extreme summer heat.
Matt Schumacher, Ed.D. (Cottonwood, 2025) was named a Verde Valley/Sedona Influencer by the Verde Independent.
Benjamin Taylor, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019) provided legal analysis for a FOX 10 news story about Zariah Dodd’s murder case.
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023) was featured in a KGUN 9 news segment highlighting efforts by Pima County Economic Development to strengthen business ties with Mexico.
The Honorable Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022) was featured in a KGUN 9 article highlighting how he helped deliver school supplies to the nonprofit organization Youth on Their Own.
Russ Yelton (Phoenix, 2012) spoke at the Business Incubator Program 101 hosted by the Graham Economic Partnership.
Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2024) wrote an opinion piece for tucson.com about recent changes to federal contracting policies and their adverse effects on small businesses.
We are happy to promote your work through social media, so reach out if you would like us to recognize a professional accomplishment, event, or program with which you are involved.
Board and Commission Openings
Serving on a board or commission is a great way to influence public policy on issues where you have expertise or a passion to serve.
The Arizona Governor’s Office has more than 200 boards and commissions. To apply, complete the application on the website. For a list of vacancies, updated April 7, please see here.
Most Arizona counties and cities have boards and commissions with frequent vacancies. Check local websites for more opportunities.
If you have specific opportunities to share, let us know.
Career & Professional Opportunities
Arizona SciTech Institute is seeking a Development Manager to advance their fundraising efforts related to individual and corporate giving.
Arizona State University is seeking a Director, Presidential Advancement Strategic Correspondence to serve as a communications strategist.
The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation is searching for a new President and CEO to guide the Foundation’s mission to advance student success, educational excellence, and community impact.
One Arizona is accepting applications for a Deputy Director to serve as a key strategic partner to the Executive Director.
Goldwater Institute is looking for a Litigator with first-chair experience to join its team.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is seeking a Deputy Director of Operations.
Community Bridges is hiring an Associate Director of Housing and Community Integration to oversee outreach, shelter, housing and community-based programs.
The Arizona House of Representatives is hiring for a Legislative Research Analyst and an Assistant Legislative Research Analyst.
The Corporation for Supportive Housing is seeking a Director, Southwest to lead efforts to expand housing and services for highly impacted populations.
Events & Conferences
The new Arizona’s Bioscience Roadmap will be unveiled at a statewide webinar from 3-4:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 11. Registration is open. The strategic plan was commissioned by the Flinn Foundation and developed with leaders across the state to guide discovery, innovation, and economic growth. The program will include an overview of the Roadmap’s goals, insights from bioscience leaders, and opportunities for Q&A. Whether you’re engaged in research, health care, entrepreneurship, education, or policy, this session offers a unique look at the future of bioscience in Arizona. (In-person events are also happening in Flagstaff, Tucson, and Phoenix.)
The Arizona Wind Symphony kicks off its 25th anniversary season concerts beginning Thursday, Oct. 9. Tickets are on sale now.
Arizona Forward is hosting a Southern Arizona Luncheon, Powering Forward: Clean Energy Solutions for Southern Arizona, on Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Arizona Inn.
The Arizona Association for Economic Development will hold the 2025 Southern Summit: How Aerospace Innovation Fuels Economic Growth on Thursday, Sept. 18, at the Pima Air & Space Museum.
Registration is open for a special webinar on Thursday, Sept. 18 from the Arizona Center for Rural Health on Impacts and Opportunities for Arizona: Understanding House Resolution 1.
The Goldwater Institute is hosting the 2025 Freedom Gala on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Arizona Biltmore.
The Arizona Health Equity Conference will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, in Phoenix.
Join LISC Phoenix for its Annual Breakfast & Community Awards on Thursday, Oct. 30, in Mesa.
The Arizona Tax Research Association will hold the 2025 ATRA Outlook Conference on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Wigwam Resort.