Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
Recently, I confessed during one of those awkward “fun fact” icebreakers that I spent a short stretch of my early twenties trailing the Counting Crows from city to city. Somewhere along the way, I even got invited to hang out with the band after a show. At the time, it felt like the height of cool, though now, it’s more of a fond, nostalgic laugh.
The last show I saw was, fittingly, in December in Dallas, at a warehouse-style venue. It was bitter cold outside, stiflingly hot inside. My favorite song, A Long December, was certainly part of the encore set. Even now, when those first piano notes start, it hits me right in the chest. Every December since, that song finds its way back into my playlist, right around the time I start taking stock of the year — what I’ve accomplished, what I’m proud of, and what I wish I would have done differently. There is something about the blend of weariness and hope in the song that resonates this time of year, especially when Adam Duritz sings, “maybe this year will be better than the last.”
For some of you, this year may have felt long, heavier than you expected, marked by loss, change, or simple exhaustion. I’ve had years like that too, when December arrives not as a celebration but as a sigh, or more optimistically, a collective exhale that reminds us we have made it through. Wishful thinking and quiet resilience aren’t so different after all — both reflect a realistic acknowledgment that life happens but that every year still holds the possibility of renewal. I love that December offers that gift — a pause between what was and what comes next.
As we turn the page to a new year, I hope you give yourself permission to rest, reflect, and renew. Maybe your December was heavy, or maybe it was light. Either way, it leads to a new beginning. Maybe this year will be better than the last —and maybe believing that is exactly where it begins. To all of you — happy holidays and my warmest wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Best,
Dawn
Fellows Spotlight
Born and raised in Nogales, Mexico, Juan Francisco Padrés crossed the border daily to attend school in the United States, a routine that shaped his perspective on opportunity and resilience. His parents later enrolled him at Culver Military Academy in Indiana, a decision made to give him a broader perspective. After graduating, Padrés returned to Arizona to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Arizona.
Today, Padrés teaches sixth-grade world history at BASIS Tucson North. His journey to the classroom, however, was anything but linear. Over two decades, Padrés built a career that spanned entrepreneurship, finance, public service, and technology, each chapter marked by adaptability and commitment to serve his community.
Padrés began over two decades ago as an insurance agent with New York Life, before opening his own agency with Farmers Insurance during the housing boom. Success allowed him to branch out into the restaurant and bar industry, opening two locations in Tucson. But the Great Recession changed everything for Padrés, and he had to start over, a hardship Padrés has encountered many times. However, his optimistic perspective that, “as long as you’re alive, just get up and do it again,” allowed him to persevere.
Padrés saw an opportunity to begin again. While returning to his alma mater and earning an MBA from the Eller College of Management, Padrés worked for Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and the city of Tucson as an economic development and international trade specialist. After a few years in his new role, Padrés discovered the Flinn-Brown Fellowship, opening doors to leadership.
As a 2016 Fellow, Padrés transitioned from leading public affairs at TuSimple, an autonomous trucking company, to consulting and running an import business. But, when the pandemic disrupted both ventures, he pivoted again, this time toward education.
During the pandemic, Padrés also had two back-to-back campaigns, for Pima County supervisor in District 3 in 2020 and council member for Tucson’s Ward 3 in 2021 but lost in the primaries. Despite these moments of loss, Padrés now sees his campaigns as the launching point for his career in early childhood education. In 2022, he accepted a full-time position at BASIS Tucson North.
“What I saw during the pandemic was a tremendous lack of teachers,” he said. “I realized this was where I could make a difference. I was looking at this [as] an opportunity to really begin a new career, a new stage in life.”
Before his position at BASIS Tucson North, Padrés subbed for nine months in the Tucson Unified School District where his eyes were opened to the challenges faced in his community.
“When I ran for office, I knew we had challenges, but I didn’t even scratch the surface with the number of issues plaguing our community, and the number one issue is poverty. You see it firsthand with kids when you are in a classroom, talking to them, looking at their backgrounds and you start hearing their stories,” Padrés said.
Padrés describes meeting students whose parents have been deported, who are in dire financial need, may have one meal a day, and who have been taken out of school and put with child protective services. He believes Arizona’s greatest challenge and opportunity lies in bridging partisan divides. To build the bridge, leaders on both sides must first have important conversations to find a middle ground.
“We must open the channels of conversation because we all want the same thing. I can see 80% of people getting on board and working together towards the same goal as a state, as a city, as a community,” he said. “But we keep falling into that 20% of loud voices on the extreme ends of either side, and that’s all we hear, and all we see on social media and the news.”
The Flinn-Brown Network creates a space unlike others for Padrés, where statewide leaders can gather with the intent to enhance their local and statewide communities. To him, the Network provides opportunities for fostering conversations that are typically seen as challenging with depth, understanding, and support. He sees the Network made up of, “people who understand the issues and want to make a difference.”
As he shapes young minds, Padrés continues to dream big. “All I can do right now is give my time as a teacher,” he shared. “If I can change a few lives or influence a few kids to continue their path, then that’s what I see as putting my little pebble into the community for now.”
Currently, he’s planning a new business venture for next year and remains committed to civic engagement. Outside of his leadership, he remains passionate about starting the conversation on a state level to bridge the partisan divide.
Fellows Salons
A message from Sarah Rose Webber (Prescott Valley, 2017) and Christina Spicer (Phoenix, 2013):
At the Flinn-Brown Convention, we shared the launch of the Fellows Salons, a new pilot program for Flinn-Brown Fellows from the 2011 – 2019 cohorts to gather, learn about, and explore Arizona together. Our inaugural group of 13 Fellows met for the first time in November and chose rural Arizona, a theme proposed by Mayor Laura Dorrell (Clifton, 2017), as our shared focus for the year.
As part of our learning journey, we’re heading to Clifton and Morenci in late January! We’ll arrive the evening of Jan. 29, enjoy dinner together, and spend the next day exploring one of Arizona’s most unique regions — breakfast with Mayor Dorrell, a tour of the open-pit mine, a downtown walk along the San Francisco River, and lunch with Mayor Mila Besich (Superior, 2019).
Because this is such a special trip, we are opening this Salon session to all Fellows who’d like to join. We’ll share more details soon, but we are hoping to stay nearby in Safford, where we can gather for dinner and good conversation.
If you would like to learn more, please contact Christina at [email protected].
Fellows Field Trips
Special thanks to Sarah Brown Smallhouse for hosting the Southern Arizona Fellows for a holiday get-together in her home! Kevin Bonine, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2014), Manny Felix (Tucson, 2024), Zach Brooks, Ph.D. (Green Valley, 2017), Chris Stoller Michelena (Tucson, 2015), Nick Hilton (Tucson, 2025), Sean Goslar (Tucson, 2020), Doug Hockstad (Oro Valley, 2022), Patrick Marcus, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2011), Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023), the Honorable Chris Mathis, J.D. (Tucson, 2011), Jose Arias (Tucson, 2023), Julie Katsel (Tucson, 2014), Randi Dorman (Tucson, 2014), Stefanie Murphy (Tucson, 2020), Daniel Palm (Tucson, 2020), the Honorable Nicole Barraza, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2020), Joe Erceg (Tucson, 2016), Julie Euber (Tucson, 2022), Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2024), the Honorable Kristel Ann Foster (Tucson, 2015), Charlinda Haudley, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2022), Mary Venezia (Tucson, 2015), the Honorable Lea Márquez Peterson (Tucson, 2011), with Tammy McLeod, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Flinn Foundation, and Sarah Brown Smallhouse, President of the Thomas R. Brown Foundations.
Katie Hurst (Phoenix, 2025) has invited Fellows to join the Arizona Association for
Economic Development Port of Douglas Tour on Jan. 22. You will get a behind the scenes look at the new Douglas Port of Entry currently under construction. The tour will conclude with a mixer where attendees can enjoy light appetizers and drinks. Space is limited.
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.
Save the Date
Flinn-Brown Fellows are invited to take part in a Vitalant blood drive from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 27 at the Flinn Foundation. Donating blood is a simple act with a powerful impact. Each donation can help save multiple lives and provide critical support to patients across our community.
Special thanks to T.J. Mitchell (Phoenix, 2024) for organizing this meaningful opportunity for Fellows and the entire Flinn Foundation community.
If you would like to donate, please schedule your appointment in advance. View available times and reserve your spot here.
Fellows Directory Updates
Help us keep our Fellows Directory accurate and up-to-date! 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 Dawn know if you have problems accessing the survey or uploading a photo.
CivEx
Thank you for joining us for the Fellows-only 2026 Legislative Preview!
Thank you to lobbyists Meghaen Dell’Artino, owner, Public Policy Partners; Gaelle Esposito, partner, Creosote Partners; Stacy Pearson, co-founder, Lumen Strategies; and Jay Kaprosy, partner, Veridus, for their insights, and Flinn-Brown Fellow Ben Blink (Phoenix, 2018) for moderating the panel discussion. Special thanks to the Fellows who attended in person!
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
Brittney Kaufmann (Phoenix, 2014), the Honorable Lea Márquez Peterson (Tucson, 2011), Amanda Burke, Ed.D. (Phoenix, 2022), and Reyna Montoya (Gilbert, 2020) were honored as Arizona Capitol Times Women Achievers of Arizona 2025.
The Honorable Kristel Ann Foster (Tucson, 2015) performed the marriage ceremony for fellow cohort member Chris Stoller Michelena (Tucson, 2015) and his husband.
Ben Henderson (Phoenix, 2014) spoke about his role in government for Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo’s (Mesa, 2014) public policy class.
The Honorable Alex Benezra, J.D. (Phoenix 2020), Christian Osmeña, Ed.D. (Phoenix, 2020), and T.J. Mitchell, J.D. (Phoenix, 2024) at the Maricopa County Bar Association’s Hall of Fame dinner.
The Honorable Bill Regner (Clarkdale, 2018), the Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017) and Matthew e Schumacher, Ed.D. (Cottonwood, 2025) attended the Dine Under the Stars event for Yavapai College.
Claire Louge (Phoenix, 2023), the Honorable Christine Thompson, J.D. (Phoenix, 2017) and David Martinez III (Phoenix, 2011) talk about solutions to diaper shortages for Arizona families.
Derrik Rochwalik (Phoenix, 2018) met lots of Fellows, with Katie Hurst (Phoenix, 2025), Katelyn Harris Lange (Phoenix, 2020), the Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019) at the Arizona Association for Economic Development. And with Billy Kovacs (Scottsdale, 2016), Veronica Aguilar (Scottsdale, 2025), and Tammy McLeod, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Flinn Foundation, at the Phoenix Children’s Museum gala.
Eric Gudiño (Phoenix, 2012) the Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019), Sophie Dessart (Florence, 2025) and Ben Blink (Phoenix, 2018) dressed up for the Boyce Thompson Arboretum Green Gala.
Isabel Booth (Glendale, 2025) and Zach Yentzer (Glendale, 2020) at the Glendale Chamber Annual Dinner.
Fellows take to the skies! The Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019), and Michelle Kauk (Gilbert, 2019) ran into each other at the airport.
Ryan Peters (Gilbert, 2025), Derrik Rochwalik (Phoenix, 2018), Marge Zylla (Tempe, 2017), and the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014) meet at the National League of Cities conference in Salt Lake City.
Cohort members are always happy for a chance encounter: the Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015) and Cynthia Aragon (Phoenix, 2015).
Yuma Fellows, the Honorable Robyn Stallworth Pouquette (Yuma, 2020), the Honorable Russ McCloud (Yuma, 2018), Diana Gomez (Yuma, 2016), and Lori Stofft (Yuma, 2024) gather at the Onvida Health 2025 Quality Hall of Fame.
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023), and Noah Mundt (Gilbert, 2023) attend the USMCA SME Dialogue in Tempe.
Julie Katsel (Tucson, 2014) and Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023) attend the 21st Annual County Supervisors Association of Arizona Policy Summit.
The Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014), the Honorable Alex Arboleda, J.D. (Phoenix, 2018), and Mitchell Moore (Phoenix, 2014) attended the Gammage & Burnham holiday open house.
The Honorable Russ McCloud (Yuma, 2018) and Tori Bourguignon (Yuma, 2025) gave Nancy Welch a tour of Amberly’s Place in Yuma.
Amanda Burke, Ed.D. (Phoenix, 2022), Quintin Boyce, Ed.D. (Tempe, 2020), Jeremy Babendure, Ph.D. (Chandler, 2012), and Jaime Festa-Daigle, Ed.D. (Flagstaff, 2023) meet at an education event focused on the future of high school.
Fellows Lists
Each month we feature a Fellows list in a specific employment sector, public policy area, affinity group or region. Our focus this month is Fellows in the Human Services field.
You can find additional lists here. If there is a new list you would like to see compiled, please let us know.
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 our lists.
Fellows Celebrating Birthdays
We want to wish a happy birthday to all the Fellows celebrating in January!
- Honorable Daniel Hernandez Jr. (Tucson, 2011)
- Cassie Hilpman-Breecher (Phoenix, 2011)
- Honorable Lea Márquez Peterson (Tucson, 2011)
- Toni Eberhardt (Scottsdale, 2012)
- Sarah Rose Webber (Prescott Valley, 2017)
- Douglas Hockstad (Oro Valley, 2022)
- Timothy Gomez (Phoenix, 2023)
- Adam Leckie, Ed.D. (Queen Creek, 2023)
- Judy Lynn (Hereford, 2023)
- Tina Dorsey (Tucson, 2024)
- Veronica Aguilar (Scottsdale, 2025)
- Nick Hilton (Tucson, 2025)
- Honorable Kristen Randall (Arivaca, 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 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 Juan Francisco Padrés (Tucson, 2016).
“White Working Class” by Joan C. Williams talks about a lot of the issues of the white working class, which has been Republican for a while. It focuses on how a lot of the working class went from Democrat to Republican in a few short years. It gives you the perspective, as a Democrat, how do you recover from that?
I’m currently reading and almost at the end of what I thought was also a great book, “The Third Awokening” by Eric Kaufmann. It’s from a right-leaning position, but it makes a lot of sense and puts it in perspective.
Fellows In The News
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.
Veronica Aguilar (Scottsdale, 2025) shared findings and suggestions on the national gender pay gap in a Fountain Hills Times Independent story.
Elvy Barton (Chandler, 2013) was the 2025 ATHENA Awards Public Sector Recipient. She will also be honored as the Natural Resource Professional of the Year at the Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s upcoming Commission Awards Banquet on Jan. 17.
The Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019) is featured in a Copper Area story as Superior transitions from summer to fall.
The Honorable Sarah Benatar (Flagstaff, 2015) spoke about the city of Page’s new self-service tax payment kiosk in a Coconino County Arizona newsletter.
Isabel Booth (Glendale, 2025) has a new role as the System Manager for IT Business Management at CommonSpirit Health.
Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011) spoke at the 34th annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord as a NASDA leader for the U.S. about agricultural collaborations with Canada and Mexico, according to Farms.com.
Tony Cani (Phoenix, 2014) sat down with KJZZ to discuss ongoing and upcoming efforts in Congress.
The Honorable Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011) was featured in a KGUN9 story about the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s fundraiser, in support of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The Honorable Nikki Check (Jerome, 2012) is featured in an Arizona Capitol Times story about protecting groundwater in rural communities.
The Honorable Demion Clinco (Tucson, 2013) shared his thoughts on the survival of a mod-century modern home in a KGUN9 story.
The Honorable Reetika Dhawan, Ph.D. (Yuma, 2022) was selected to serve as the 10th President of Arizona Western College.
Randi Dorman (Tucson, 2014) was featured in an Arizona Daily Star article on her journey from Manhattan to Tucson.
The Honorable Ruth Ellen Elinski (Cottonwood, 2014) is mentioned by Flagstaff Business News for partnering with Arizona State Parks and Trails to encourage families to take outdoor adventures.
David Engelthaler, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2022) is featured in a photo and mentioned by the Arizona Daily Sun as the Flagstaff Organization of the Year for 2025 nominations opened.
Bridget Fitzgibbons, N.M.D. (Mesa, 2024) was announced as a member of the nonprofit Mesa Leadership Training and Development Program class of 2026, according to Arizona Digital Free Press.
Jenna Goad (Phoenix, 2012) is mentioned by Citizen Portal for her role in adopting the city of Goodyear’s fiscal 2026 – 2029 strategic plan.
Deborah Gonzalez, Ed.D. (Phoenix, 2012) spoke about the Phoenix Elementary District’s Goal 3 in a Citizen Portal article.
Elyse Guidas (Phoenix, 2019) is quoted in a news release from the Office of the Governor Katie Hobbs regarding new ARPA funds being deployed to Food Banks and the New Food Bucks Now Program.
Stephanie Healy (Tucson, 2011) shares her thoughts on how employees can better thrive in an Inside Tucson Business story.
Nick Hilton (Tucson, 2025) is mentioned by University of Arizona News for efforts to address food insecurity and the well-being of families through an annual workplace giving campaign.
Mignonne Hollis (Hereford, 2013) is mentioned for her role as a panelist at the Connect Everyone Coalitions forum on low Earth orbit satellite networks, according to Broadband Breakfast.
Lloyd Hopkins II (Phoenix, 2024) and Nate Rhoton (Phoenix, 2015) were selected for Piper Trust’s 2025 Class of Piper Fellows.
Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2016) was named as the new Flagstaff city manager.
Bradley Kendrex (Queen Creek, 2018) is a new board member for the American Red Cross of Arizona & New Mexico.
Dana Kennedy (Phoenix, 2016) clarified data about impacts on Medicare to ensure accurate information for beneficiaries, according to KAWC.
Tomás León (Phoenix, 2022) was mentioned by ABC 15 for his role in the Equality Health Foundation’s 9th Annual Health Fall Festival.
Amanda Lomayesva (Tucson, 2014) spoke on a new naming rights partnership between The Pascua Yaqui Tribe’s Casino Del Sol and the University of Arizona in a Tribal Business News article.
Brendan Lyons (Tucson, 2020) was mentioned in a Tucson Spotlight article regarding the Pima Prospers development plan.
Michael Marquess (Flagstaff, 2025) was featured by Phoenix New Times about his small business Mother Road Brewing Company.
Frank McCune (Phoenix, 2011) was appointed Deputy City Manager for the city of Phoenix.
Reyna Montoya (Gilbert, 2020) shared the importance and intersection of Día de los Muertos for Arizonans in a special for azcentral.
The Honorable Shaandiin Parish (Kayenta, 2025) honored Dennehosto Chapter officials and community members at the 25th Navajo Nation Council Fall Session for their support after a monsoon flood.
The Honorable Lea Márquez Peterson (Phoenix, 2011) is mentioned by the McCain Institute for her role as a panelist for the Governing, Integrity, and the Future of Politics panel discussion.
Kathryn Ptak (Phoenix, 2015) is featured in the Arizona Capitol Times for her lifelong work in child welfare.
The Honorable Sam Richard (Tempe, 2017) shared his opinion on the swearing in of Congresswoman Adelita Grijalva on KJZZ’s Friday NewsCap.
The Honorable Fernando Shipley (Globe, 2011) spoke on the surplus of volunteers the city of Globe is receiving after the September floods, in a Silver Belt story.
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023) speaks on Pima County Economic Development’s receival of the Golden Prospector Award in a Pima County article. He is also mentioned for his part in a tour of the SRP watershed.
Andre Whittington (Phoenix, 2025) is quoted in an article about a new Arizona CDFI Network & NALCAB collaboration.
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, please see here.
Most Arizona counties and cities have boards and commissions with frequent vacancies. Check local websites for more opportunities.
If you’re interested in joining a nonprofit board, or you work for a nonprofit with board openings, sign up for AZ Leaders on Board, a platform that connects civic-minded professionals with meaningful board service opportunities for Arizona nonprofits.
If you have specific opportunities to share, let us know.
Career & Professional Opportunities
Grand Canyon Trust is accepting applications for a Development Director to further its strategic and comprehensive fundraising program.
The Tucson Symphony Orchestra is seeking a Vice President of Marketing and Communications to strengthen the collaboration among the marketing team and across departments.
ACLU Arizona is hiring a Legal Director to provide strategic leadership on litigation and legal advocacy.
Arizona SciTech Institute is seeking a Development Manager to advance its fundraising efforts related to individual and corporate giving.
Community Bridges is hiring an Associate Director of Housing and Community Integration to oversee outreach, shelter, housing and community-based programs.
Events & Conferences
Holiday events in Arizona:
- Arizona State Parks has holiday events at parks across the state throughout the month of December.
- Las Noches de las Luminarias at Desert Botanical Garden is open through Dec. 30.
- ZooLights at the Phoenix Zoo evenings through Jan. 16.
- The Tianyu Lights Festival is on display at Camelback Ranch through Jan. 4.
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry will host the 2026 Legislative Forecast Luncheon on Jan. 9.
The Arizona Association for Economic Development is hosting the 2026 Legislative Luncheon on the Lawn at the Capitol on Jan. 13.
The Greater Phoenix Chamber’s Legislative Kick-Off Reception is Thursday, Jan. 15 at the Heard Museum.
The Arizona Rural & Public Health Policy Forum will be Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium in Phoenix.
The 2026 Business & Education Summit is planned for Friday, Feb. 27.
Registration opens in February for the 2026 Native Power Building Summit, Still We Rise: Joy, Justice, & the Fight for Indigenous Futures that will be held on Thursday, July 16 in Scottsdale.