Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
In 2026, the Flinn Foundation marks the 15th anniversary of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership as an important moment for us to reflect on how the Center began and how its work has evolved over time.
When the Center was established in 2011, it was guided by a clear conviction that Arizona’s future depended on informed, engaged leaders who understand the responsibilities and the complexities of public policy and civic life. That vision was championed by the Honorable Jack Jewett, the president and CEO of the Flinn Foundation at the time, and brought to life by Nancy Welch, whose leadership helped define the Center’s early direction and values.
Over time, the Center has grown beyond its original focus on state-level leadership capacity-building alone. Under the leadership of Tammy McLeod, Ph.D., the Center has continued to evolve, embracing a more expansive understanding of civic leadership—one that is not confined to a single program—but one that begins with education, deepens through experience, and is sustained through connection, dialogue, and long-term engagement within Arizona’s civic life.
Today, the Center includes 494 Flinn-Brown Fellows who serve Arizona in elected office, public service, nonprofit leadership, business, and community life. The work also extends to youth civic leadership development through the Flinn Young Leaders program, expanded youth and adult civics education, and community partnerships such as the Arizona Civic Life Partnership, our collaboration with the Center for the Future of Arizona.
Recent initiatives reflect this broader approach, including Arizona Leaders on Board, launched through the Leadership Collaborative to strengthen nonprofit governance statewide and the Arizona Civic Language Perception project, which explores how language shapes public understanding, trust, and participation in civic life. These efforts reinforce the Center’s role not only as a program provider, but as a connector across Arizona’s civic landscape. Equally important is the Center’s role as a convener — bringing together civic organizations, leaders, and educators to strengthen participation, understanding, and trust across differences.
As we look ahead, the Center will honor its 15th anniversary with a series of events and activities designed not only to celebrate the past, but to highlight the important work still to come. This begins with Uncovering the 5 C’s, an art exhibit at the Flinn Foundation opening Feb. 3, developed in partnership with the Arizona America250 Commission. While honoring Arizona’s history, the exhibit aligns closely with the Center’s mission — inviting reflection and dialogue about our state’s history as we consider the future of civic leadership in Arizona.
Fifteen years in, we’re proud of how far the Center has come—and even more excited about what we’re building next. Stay tuned.
Best,
Dawn
Fellows Spotlight
Annette Zinky
(Phoenix 2013)
Chief Operating Officer
TheraSpecs
Originally from the Midwest, Annette Zinky has called Arizona home since her youth. Growing up in the state shaped her deep appreciation for what she describes as the “spirit of adventure and determination,” a quality that grounds her work and leadership.
Since 2017, Zinky has served as the Chief Operating Officer of TheraSpecs, an e-commerce company with specially tinted glasses for people with different kinds of light sensitivity and a past Flinn Foundation Bioscience Entrepreneurship Program participant. The glasses support individuals affected by brain injury, chronic migraines, and others who experience discomfort from prolonged exposure to screens, fluorescent lighting, sunlight, or other bright environments.
Zinky’ began her career as an entrepreneur when she launched her first company as a college student. She later spent more than a decade in higher education, including serving as the Director at the Small Business Development Center at Coconino Community College, where she supported startups, business expansion, and local economic development. This quasi-public role gave her unexpected insight into public sector work, an experience she carried into future leadership roles.
At TheraSpecs, Zinky is intentional about building a company that both serves people and treats its employees well. She emphasizes that it is possible to create a successful business in a supportive work environment.
“It requires a high level of engagement and thoughtfulness from people,” said Zinky. “We ask for a lot from people, and it is not a depleting thing. It feels good to work in a company that takes care of its people and does good work. It turns out it’s good for business, too.”
Zinky has also noticed a shift in how people think about work. While meaning has always mattered, today’s workers are more open about prioritizing purpose in their careers.
“We have this journey through life and work that gets us closer and closer to the things that make us feel like we’re contributing in a meaningful way, “said Zinky.
Zinky credits the Flinn-Brown Network for keeping Fellows engaged and informed, describing it as a community of thoughtful, motivated leaders whose expertise she trusts. She recalls moments when Fellows supported one another without prior connections, reinforcing her confidence in the strength of the Network.
“I trust that all the other Fellows are showing up with their expertise,” Zinky said. “They can help the other Fellows be more aware, understanding, engaged, and well-versed in the nuances of life in Arizona.
She also values the opportunities within the Network for connection and dialogue, not for agreement, but to deepen understanding.
Reflecting on the state’s civic health, Zinky references a quote from the late Dr. Jane Goodall: “the greatest danger to our future is apathy.” She cautions that exhaustion can lead to disengagement and emphasizes that continued care, even when difficult, is what sustains progress.
“The worst possible thing that we can do is check out and become apathetic” Zinky said. “The small actions that we can continue to take and the ways that we continue to move forward is what makes a difference.”
Fellows Field Trips
Northern Arizona Wine Tasting
The Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017) is partnering with the Southwest Wine Center in Clarkdale to host a wine tasting on Saturday, March 7. Enjoy outstanding local wines, great company, and insight into how the Verde Valley is emerging as a destination for viticulture and winemaking.
Registration is coming soon.
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.
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 Jennifer know if you have problems accessing the survey or uploading a photo.
Fellows Meet Fellows
Yavapai County Fellows the Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017), Beya Thayer (Flagstaff, 2023), and the Honorable Nikki Check (Jerome, 2012) want to change the world in Camp Verde.
Luis Heredia (Chandler, 2013), the Honorable Roberta Cano (Winslow, 2025), and Derrik Rochwalik (Phoenix, 2018) enjoyed the Somerton Tamale Festival.
The Honorable Coral Evans, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2011), the Honorable William Ring, J.D. (Flagstaff, 2011), and Erika Philpot (Flagstaff, 2018) are proud to call themselves Northern Arizona Fellows.
Jose Arias (Tucson, 2023), Charlinda Haudley, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2022), Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2024), Nick Hilton (Tucson, 2025), and the Honorable Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022) welcomed the new cohort of the Civic and Political Leadership Academy in Tucson.
Pinal County Fellows, the Honorable Matt Herman (Casa Grande, 2019), Sophie Dessart (Florence, 2025), the Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019), and Adam Leckie, Ed.D. (Queen Creek, 2023) attended the APS energy update in Casa Grande.
Gail Jackson (Flagstaff, 2023) and the Honorable Roberta Cano (Winslow, 2025) connected at the Women in Semiconductors conference.
Fellows supporting Fellows! Derrik Rochwalik (Phoenix, 2018) congratulated the Honorable Alex Benezra, J.D.(Phoenix, 2020) on his re-appointment as a city of Phoenix municipal judge.
Fellows Celebrating Birthdays
We want to wish a happy birthday to all the Fellows celebrating in February!
- Honorable Carl Zaragoza (Wilsonville, Oregon, 2012)
- Elvy Barton (Chandler, 2013)
- Jeffrey Ratje (Tucson, 2015)
- Laura Oldaker (Tucson, 2016)
- Marcus Steele (Phoenix, 2016)
- Troy Campbell (Mesa, 2018)
- Joseph Citelli, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019)
- Honorable Brannon Hampton (Goodyear, 2022)
- Sarah León (Phoenix, 2022)
- Honorable Adam Lopez Falk (Phoenix, 2022)
- Honorable Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022)
- Avery Xola (Queen Creek, 2022)
- Melissa Kotrys (Phoenix, 2023)
- Honorable Deborah Ann Begay, J.D. (Phoenix, 2024)
- Bridget Fitzgibbons, N.M.D. (Mesa, 2024)
- Ashley Anderson (Maricopa, 2025)
- Tori Bourguignon (Yuma, 2025)
- Elizabeth Slater (Tucson, 2025)
- Jay Smith (Flagstaff, 2025)
- Honorable Laura Terech (Phoenix, 2025)
- Joseph Urrea (Gilbert, 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 Annette Zinky (Phoenix, 2013).
I loved this book and I really like Jane McGonigal. She’s a futurist and a game designer. The way she thinks and the way she talks about the intersection between games, brains, and the way humans act is really creative … it is idea generating and it sparks questions. Her premise in the book is that we can do very game-like things and exercises to help ourselves be more mentally flexible about the way we think about the future.
Fellows Lists
Each month we feature a Fellows list in a specific employment sector, public policy area, affinity group or region. With the 2026 legislative session under way, our focus this month is Fellows in Elected Office.
You can find additional lists here. If there is a new list you would like to see compiled, please let us know.
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.
The Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019) contributed a guest commentary in the Arizona Capitol Times on the future of energy sustainability in Superior.
Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011)was quoted in an article in The Packer about a $3 million grant from the Arizona Board of Regents to launch the Arizona Hub for Agricultural Innovation.
Teniqua Broughton (Phoenix, 2013) discusses the Arizona Business Database in this AZ Big Media article.
Vance Bryce (Safford, 2024) was featured in a Gila Valley Central article for highlighting the economic impact the Graham County Chamber of Commerce has had on the city of Safford.
Isabel Booth (Glendale, 2025) is now System Manager, IT Business Management for CommonSpirit Health.
The Honorable Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011) re-introduced a bill to designate Chiricahua National Monument as a national park.
Melanie Colavito (Flagstaff, 2023) is now Deputy Director for the Ecological Restoration Institute at Northern Arizona University.
Thomas Collins, J.D. (Tempe, 2025) provided commentary on KTAR News about the renaming of the No Labels Party to the Arizona Independent Party.
Natalie Collings (Charleston, South Carolina, 2025) is now the Voter Registration and Absentee Manager for Charleston County Board of Elections & Voter Registration.
The Honorable Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014) was appointed to the Arizona Commission on the Arts.
Sophie Dessart (Florence, 2025) was named an Arizona Forward Rising Sustainability Star.
The Honorable Reetika Dhawan, Ph.D. (Yuma, 2022) was quoted in a KVOA article about $3 million in funding that Gov. Hobbs and the Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity awarded to the BuildItAZ Apprenticeship Initiative.
The Honorable Ruth Ellen Elinski (Cottonwood, 2014) is now Associate State Director with the Arizona Small Business Development Center Network.
Julie Erfle (Phoenix, 2013) shared her personal experience with gun violence with Fox 10, advocating for a change in legislation that would require police to destroy firearms used in murders.
The Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015) was interviewed by ABC15 about education issues likely to shape the agenda for the 2026 legislative session.
The Honorable Brannon Hampton (Goodyear, 2022) was appointed to serve as the vice mayor of Goodyear.
Lisa Schnebly Heidinger (Phoenix, 2012) and Julie Morrison’s (Reno, Nevada, 2012) book, Arizona FriendTrips, was named on Tucson Sentinel’s list of Notable Southern Arizona Books of 2025.
Lloyd Hopkins II (Phoenix, 2024) and Nate Rhoton (Phoenix, 2015) were selected for the 2025 Class of Piper Fellows.
Michelle Kauk (Gilbert, 2019) is now Director, Public Policy & Communications at Beale Infrastructure.
Audra Koester Thomas (Fountain Hills, 2011) was named the new Executive Director of Maricopa Association of Governments, becoming the first woman to lead the organization.
Brendan Lyons (Tucson, 2020) was quoted in an AZPM article about Tucson’s new middle-housing amendment to allow more duplexes, triplexes, and townhouses into residential neighborhoods.
Barbara Lang (Sierra Vista, 2015) was quoted in a press release about the launch of Here’s Health, an online tool to help residents in Cochise County find local healthcare services.
JP Martin (Phoenix, 2017) is now the Media Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Frank McCune (Phoenix, 2011) was appointed Deputy City Manager of Phoenix.
Daniel Palm (Tucson, 2020) was featured in a USA Today article about his company, Catalina Global, which helps expand access to international higher education opportunities.
Kathryn Ptak (Phoenix, 2015) was quoted in this press release about the Arizona Department of Child Safety’s recent 50% increase in the daily rate for licensed foster homes.
The Honorable Bill Regner (Clarkdale, 2018) and the Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017) donated over 60 sweaters for meal delivery recipients at the Verde Valley Senior Center.
Gina Roberts (Scottsdale, 2019) was appointed to the steering committee for National Voter Registration Day.
Elizabeth Slater (Tucson, 2025) was interviewed for a KVOA.com segment highlighting Tucson Subaru’s winter coat donation to her organization, Youth On Their Own.
Benjamin Taylor, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019) provided commentary about the legality of Arizona law enforcement’s use of warning shots in a Fox 10 news story.
The Honorable Raquel Terán (Phoenix, 2018) provided political commentary on a recent episode of KJZZ’s Friday NewsCap.
The Honorable Laura Terech (Phoenix, 2025) was featured on an AZ Family news segment about the Arizona Passport250 App.
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023) was interviewed for a KGUN 9 news story about how changes to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement could impact Southern Arizona’s economy.
Adam Weinstein (Tucson, 2016) opened Hidden Hearth, a new micro-bakery at the MSA Annex in Tucson.
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
ALL In Education is currently accepting applications for the LISTO Academy, a leadership program designed to support education leaders in developing a strong understanding of data-driven governance.
Arizona State University is hiring an Executive Director of Operations and Finance for the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts.
The Goldwater Institute is hiring a State Affairs Manager to build coalitions and engage elected officials across the country, and a Civics Education Specialist for the Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy to assist in the implementation of its initiatives.
The Arizona Animal Welfare League has several open positions, including Director of Community Engagement, Finance Manager, and HR Manager.
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
The AZ Water Association will host the 2026 AZ Water Research Symposium on Friday, Feb. 13.
The Arizona Rural & Public Health Policy Forum will be Tuesday, Feb. 17 at the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium in Phoenix.
ASU’s Reach Institute is hosting the 2026 Center for Resilient Families Conference on Thursday, Feb. 26 at ASU SkySong.
The 2026 Business & Education Summit is planned for Friday, Feb. 27.
The Arizona Hispanic Chamber will host the 15th annual Power of the Purse: Women in Economy on Thursday, March 5 at the Phoenix Zoo.
The TENWEST Creativity and Entrepreneurship Festival is March 24-29 in Tucson.
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.