July 2026 Network News

Thoughts from Dawn Wallace

“The practice of democracy is not passed down through the gene pool. It must be taught and learned anew by each generation.” – Justice Sandra Day O’Connor

As Arizona reflects on the nation’s 250th anniversary, this election year offers a timely reminder that democracy is not only something we commemorate—it is something we practice. Across the Flinn-Brown Network, 37 Fellows stepped forward to run for office, putting their names, ideas, and records before voters. Some advanced through their primaries; others did not. Every campaign requires courage, and every Fellow willing to enter the arena contributes to a stronger civic life, regardless of the outcome.

That spirit of public leadership is at the heart of why the Flinn-Brown Fellowship was created 15 years ago. Former Flinn Foundation president and CEO and legislator Jack Jewett understood that Arizona’s future would depend on thoughtful, informed, and committed leaders willing to serve in many different ways—including elected office. As we celebrate the Center’s 15th anniversary, it is meaningful to see Fellows continuing to answer that call: running for office, supporting candidates, serving their communities, participating in public debate, and helping others better understand the choices before us.

As a nonpartisan private foundation, the Flinn Foundation cannot participate in campaigns, endorse candidates, or become involved in individual races. 

But the Flinn-Brown Network can still be an important source of encouragement and community. Fellows can reach out to one another, offer a kind word after a difficult result, celebrate the courage it took to run, and support colleagues who continue on to the general election. In a year filled with political noise, those personal acts of respect and connection may be among the most meaningful expressions of civic leadership we can offer.

Missed the 2026 Flinn-Brown Convention Registration Deadline?

Registration for Convention has closed so we can finalize an accurate headcount. If you intended to attend but missed the deadline, please contact Dawn as soon as possible so we can help get you registered.

Best, Dawn

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Fellows and the Arizona America250 Celebration

As the nation marks its 250th year, Arizona’s commemoration was shaped in no small part by Flinn-Brown Fellows — starting at the top. The Honorable Laura Terech (Phoenix, 2025) serves as executive director of the Arizona America250 Commission, and the reach of the celebration under her direction speaks for itself: 294 community events and counting, a traveling museum that has visited communities in all corners of the state, and more than $135,000 in scholarships to Arizona students.

A bit of background. The Legislature established the Arizona America250 Commission in 2022 through Senate Bill 1497, charging it to plan, develop, encourage, and coordinate the commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. The Commission is chaired by Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and carries out its work through subcommittees that reach from the arts to veterans affairs to tribal communities. 

Sarah Rose Webber (Prescott Valley, 2017) serves as a Commissioner and the co-chair of the Travel & Tourism committee. Her vision brought Outdoors250 to life, providing birding, fishing, and hiking opportunities for more than 3,000 Arizonans.

Kathryn Leonard (Phoenix, 2016) is a voting member of the History, Heritage, and Historic Preservation Subcommittee, whose work included the creation of the Arizona Heritage Preservation Youth Council and heritage awards. Troy Campbell (Mesa, 2018) is a voting member of the Civic Engagement, Education, and Community Service Subcommittee and was instrumental in bringing Rotary clubs across the state into the work, and Christina Spicer (Phoenix, 2013) also serves on the same subcommittee as a non-voting member.

Fellows have shown up throughout the programming:

• The Road to 250: Arizona Traveling Museum toured all 15 counties. The Honorable Khara House (Flagstaff, 2025) attended the Flagstaff stop and rang the replica Liberty Bell, and Vance Bryce (Safford, 2024) helped coordinate a visit in his community. Thirty complete sets of the museum’s historical exhibit panels will remain available through the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records system, extending the project’s reach beyond the statewide tour.
• Michael Marquess (Flagstaff, 2025), CEO of Mother Road Brewing Company, brewed AZ250 Arizona Lager — the official beer of Arizona’s America250 commemoration — with $2.50 per case supporting educational programming across the state.
• Lisa Schnebly Heidinger (Phoenix, 2012) hosts Celebrating Arizona, the official podcast partner of AZ250, which promoted Passport250. The program has drawn more than 4,000 community nominations for its 250 featured sites. 
• T.J. Mitchell, J.D. (Phoenix, 2024) led a blood drive with Vitalant at the Mesa stop of the Traveling Museum, connecting the commemoration to service.
• The Flinn Foundation partnered on the 5 C’s Art Exhibition with Art State Arizona.

Other highlights from the year include the Dear America, Love Arizona postcard project (26,500 postcards to Arizona schools, now displayed at 47 sites statewide, including the State Capitol and State Parks); the Gen Z in AZ Youth Summit; and Arizona’s contribution to the national time capsule, sealed this month for the next 250 years.

It is worth noting, without much fanfare, that when Arizona needed people to organize, host, brew, promote, and lead, Fellows were already there. That is the Network doing what it was built to do – and a fitting way to mark this moment.

Fellows Running for Office

Putting your name on a ballot takes courage, and it reflects exactly the kind of civic commitment this Network was built around. More than 37 Flinn-Brown Fellows were on the ballot in the primary election, from local school boards to the U.S. Congress.

In November’s general election, 32 Flinn-Brown Fellows will appear on the ballot. We want to make sure everyone is recognized. The Fellows pictured below are those we know of.

If you will be on the general election ballot and don’t see your picture, please let Dawn know so we can include you.

^{*Indicates candidate is running for re-election.} 

CONGRESS

*Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011), U.S. Congress CD6

STATE LEGISLATURE:

*Matthew Gress (Phoenix, 2015), House LD4; *Brian Garcia, J.D. (Tempe, 2018), House LD8;  *Chris Mathis, J.D.(Tucson, 2011), House LD18;  *Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022), House LD17; Tammy Caputi (Scottsdale, 2019), House LD4;  Bridget Fitzgibbons, N.M.D. (Mesa, 2024), Senate LD9;  Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014), House LD13; Aaron Lieberman (Paradise Valley, 2017), Senate LD4; Edgar Soto (Tucson, 2022), Senate LD17; John Winchester (Tucson, 2018) House LD17 

MAYOR

*Mila Besich (Superior, 2019), Mayor, Superior; *Roberta Cano (Winslow, 2025), Mayor, Winslow; *Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014), Mayor, Flagstaff; Levi Johnson (Benson, 2026), Mayor, Benson; *Kell Palguta (Prescott Valley, 2019), Mayor, Prescott Valley

CITY COUNCIL

*Austin Aslan (Flagstaff, 2024), City Council, Flagstaff; *Jeni Coke (Lake Havasu City, 2026), City Council, Lake Havasu City; *Brannon Hampton (Goodyear, 2022), City Council, Goodyear; *Matt Herman (Casa Grande, 2019), City Council, Casa Grande; *Khara House (Flagstaff, 2025), City Council, Flagstaff;  Sheri Lauritano, J.D. (Goodyear, 2012), City Council, Goodyear

NAVAJO NATION

*Shaandiin Parrish (Kayenta, 2025), Navajo Nation Delegate

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

Deborah Ann Begay, J.D. (Phoenix, 2024), Justice of the Peace, Encanto; *Kristel Ann Foster (Tucson, 2015), Justice of the Peace, District 8

COMMUNITY COLLEGE GOVERNING BOARD

*Nicole Barraza, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2020), Pima Community College

SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD

Ben Blink (Phoenix, 2018), Osborn School District; *Violeta Ramos (Phoenix, 2025), Osborn School District; Jennifer Richards, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2024), Flagstaff Unified School District; Elizabeth Slater (Tucson, 2025), Amphitheater Unified School District; *Christine Thompson, J.D. (Phoenix, 2017) Madison Elementary School District; *Ruth Ellen Elinski (Cottonwood, 2014) Cottonwood-Oak Creek Elementary School District

The Flinn Foundation does not endorse candidates or campaigns. 

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Flinn-Brown Convention

Thank you to everyone who has registered for the 2026 Flinn-Brown Convention taking place Friday, Aug. 14 at On Jackson in Phoenix, with a pre-Convention reception on Thursday, Aug. 13 at the FOUND:RE Hotel. 

Registration is now closed. Please contact Dawn if you would like to attend. 

Find out who is attending here. We look forward to seeing you!

The 2026 Flinn-Brown Convention, Living the Network: 15 Years of Leadership in Action, is a celebration with a charge. As the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation and the Flinn-Brown Fellowship mark their 15th anniversaries, the Convention honors 15 years of Fellows who have served, advocated, and led—and challenges the Network to make the next 15 matter even more. Learn more about the sessions and activities here.

2026 Legislative Wrap-Up

Thank you for attending the 2026 Legislative Wrap-Up!
​Thank you to the 51 (in-person and virtual) Fellows who joined us for the 2026 Flinn-Brown Legislative Wrap-Up, hosted by Flinn-Brown Fellow Ben Blink (Phoenix, 2018), featuring lobbyists Gaelle Esposito of Creosote Partners, Jay Kaprosy of Veridus, and Mike Haener of Lumen Strategies.

It was wonderful to have so many Fellows attend in person! Elyse Guidas (Phoenix, 2019), Joshua Munoz (Tempe, 2025), Juliana Manzanarez, J.D. (Phoenix, 2025), Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011), Judah Waxelbaum (Scottsdale, 2024), Kathryn Leonard (Phoenix, 2016), the Honorable Alesia Ash, J.D. (Phoenix, 2015), Thomas Collins, J.D. (Tempe, 2025), Steven Brown, M.D. (Scottsdale, 2026), Breanne Bushu, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2016), Kim Madrigal, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2022), James Arndt (Phoenix, 2026), and Joan Serviss (Goodyear, 2026). 

If you were not able to attend, you can view a recording of the webinar here.

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Fellows Field Trips

Thank you to all the Fellows who joined the Palo Verde Generating Station Tour on June 30, and a special thanks to Katie Hurst (Phoenix, 2025) for organizing the visit.

Rebecca McKay (Phoenix, 2024), Jeffrey Ratje (Tucson, 2015), Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023), Cynthia Aragon (Phoenix, 2015), T.J. Mitchell, J.D. (Phoenix, 2024), Tori Bourguignon (Yuma, 2025), Julie Euber (Tucson, 2022),Thomas Collins, J.D. (Tempe, 2025), Nicole Fries, J.D. (Phoenix, 2020), Juliana Manzanarez, J.D. (Phoenix, 2025), Stacy Reinstein (Phoenix, 2012), the Honorable Ben Blink (Phoenix, 2018), Allison Otu (Phoenix, 2024), David Martinez (Phoenix, 2011), the Honorable Laura Terech (Phoenix, 2025), and Daran Wastchak, Ph.D. (Paradise Valley, 2013).

Save the Date

Flinn-Brown Fellows are invited to take part in a Vitalant blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, 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, J.D. (Phoenix, 2024) for organizing this meaningful opportunity for Fellows and the entire Flinn Foundation community.

Civic Leadership Is Coming To You! 

This August, the Civic Leadership team is hitting the road, and we look forward to seeing some familiar faces along the way!

We’ll be at the 19th annual Rural Policy Forum in Kingman Aug. 5-7. We would love for Fellows in the area to stop by our table and say hello. It’s a great opportunity to connect in person and catch up on all things Flinn-Brown.

We’re also planning a Fellows reception at the League of Arizona Cities and Towns Annual Conference at the Arizona Biltmore from 4-6 p.m. on Aug. 19. Stay tuned for more details to come. 

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. 

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Fellows Meet Fellows

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Fellows Celebrating Birthdays

We want to wish a happy birthday to all the Fellows celebrating in August!

• Honorable Mary Hamway (Paradise Valley, 2012)
• Nicole Pasteur (Washington, D.C., 2013)
• Ryan Gregg (Scottsdale, 2015)
• Amanda Lomayesva, J.D. (Tucson, 2015)
• Kathryn Leonard (Phoenix, 2016)
• Honorable Christine Thompson, J.D. (Phoenix, 2017)
• Honorable Brian Garcia, J.D. (Tempe, 2018)
• Melissa Duke, Pharm.D. (Phoenix, 2019)
• Jack Schwimmer (Phoenix, 2020)
• Michael Deiana, Jr. (Yuma, 2022)
• Charlinda Haudley, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2022)
• Allison Otu (Phoenix, 2024)
• Rodney Short, J.D. (Yuma, 2024)
• Natalie Collings (Charleston, South Carolina, 2025) 
• Juliana Manzanarez, J.D. (Phoenix, 2025)
• Honorable Violeta Ramos (Phoenix, 2025)
• Andre Whittington (Phoenix, 2025)
• Steven Brown, M.D. (Scottsdale, 2026)

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.

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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.

Trevor Abarzua (Kailua, Hawaii, 2020) was featured on an episode of Covering the Cost, discussing the economic impact of the Rim of the Pacific exercise and defense spending in Hawaii.

Jose Arias (Tucson, 2023) was named Hispanic Business Man of the Year by the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Honorable Alesia Ash, J.D. (Phoenix, 2015) has been elected to the State Bar of Arizona Administrative Law & Regulatory Practice Section Executive Council for a 2026-2027 term.

Clare Aslan, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2017) was featured in a SignalsAZ article discussing the White Sage Fire and a new restoration study launched in response to its spread.

Elvy Barton (Chandler, 2013) was named to AZ Big Media’s list of the Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026.

The Honorable Sarah Benatar (Flagstaff, 2015) was named to the 2026 class of NewDEAL Leaders. She was also elected 2nd Vice President of the National Association of Counties.

Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011) was quoted in a University of Arizona News article about a $3.74 million grant to help bolster the state’s preparedness against New World screwworm.

Thomas Collins, J.D. (Tempe, 2025) was interviewed for a 13 News story about an ongoing dispute over how the No Labels Party is named on the ballot.

The Honorable Reetika Dhawan, Ed.D. (Yuma, 2022) was the guest of honor at a Yuma welcome reception, covered by KAWC, where community members shared their thoughts on her new role as Arizona Western College’s president.

Molly Edwards, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2011) is now Chief of Operations, Arizona Criminal Justice Commission.

The Honorable Brian Garcia, J.D. (Tempe, 2018) joined other Arizona lawmakers in a letter to Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raising concerns about the planned closure of the Tucson Indian Health Service office, per KJZZ. 

The Honorable Matthew Gress (Phoenix, 2015) was featured in a KTAR News segment, breaking down education-related ballot measures HCR 2007 and HCR 2040 for Arizona voters.

Stephanie Healy (Tucson, 2011) was quoted in a KGUN 9 article about a new virtual care partnership launching at TMC Rincon, describing it as an effort to bring technology and community health resources together.

Benjamin Henderson (Phoenix, 2014) was featured in an Arizona Capitol Times profile about his public service career and approach to the state budget process. 

Mignonne Hollis (Hereford, 2013) was quoted by Tucson Local Media discussing the expansion of Southern Arizona’s defense manufacturing sector beyond traditional missile production.

Gabriel Jaramillo (Phoenix, 2022), Oye Waddell (Phoenix, 2025), and Andre Whittington (Phoenix, 2025) contributed to the Arizona CDFI Network Early Findings Report. 

Brad Kendrex (Queen Creek, 2018) is now a WestEd board member.

Dana Kennedy (Phoenix, 2016) was interviewed by AZ Family, urging families to stay informed about assisted living facility oversight.

Elaine Kessler (Gilbert, 2018) is now Director, Foundation and Community Impact at the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. She was also featured by ABC15 Arizona in coverage of the organization’s new AI basics training for local businesses.

Andy Kvesic, J.D. (Scottsdale, 2018) is now CEO, Aprio Legal.

David Martinez III (Phoenix, 2011) was announced as CEO for AZ Impact for Good, effective next month.

Reyna Montoya (Gilbert, 2020) wrote an opinion piece for Arizona Republic reflecting on patriotism, Dreamers, and America’s 250th anniversary, drawing on more than a decade of work with Arizona students navigating immigration uncertainty. 

Rebecca Perrera (Laveen, 2020) is now the Deputy Chief Financial Officer at the Arizona Department of Administration.

Nate Rhoton (Phoenix, 2015) was featured in Downtown Phoenix Inc.’s DTPHX Spotlight series, where the one·n·ten CEO shared his approach to community and youth support work.

The Honorable Samuel Richard (Phoenix, 2017) joined KJZZ’s Friday NewsCap to discuss Arizona’s election landscape and Secretary of State Fontes’s response to Trump’s election-related actions.

Gina Roberts (Scottsdale, 2019) was quoted by CALÓ News advising voters to carefully follow instructions when completing their mail-in ballots amid concerns about the security of the vote-by-mail system.

Kathryn Scheckel (Scottsdale, 2014) is now Vice President, Chief Resource Officer at ASU.

Jack Schwimmer (Phoenix, 2020) is now the Chief Development Officer at Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children.

Rebecca Serratos (Prescott, 2025) is now the Sustainability Project Manager at Yavapai College.

Jami Snyder (Santa Fe, New Mexico, 2013) was featured in a Healthcare Innovation article on behind-the-scenes Medicaid policy work.

Christina Spicer (Phoenix, 2013) was quoted by Arizona Digital Free Press on the opening of a new sports court at Shadow Rim Ranch.

Nicholas Staab, M.D. (Phoenix, 2024) was quoted by The Arizona Republic on Arizona’s relatively low number of cyclosporiasis cases.

Nancy Steele (Cottonwood, 2019) shared birdwatching tips in The Verde Independent.

Benjamin Taylor, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019) contributed to an Independent/YourValley.net opinion piece on pool safety tips for Arizona homeowners.

Drew Trojanowski (Phoenix, 2013) was interviewed by NYSE about Arizona’s manufacturing boom. He was also featured as a speaker for the inaugural Arizona Aerospace Summit.

The Honorable Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022) wrote an opinion piece for the Arizona Daily Star reflecting on founding American ideals against the backdrop of today’s partisan politics, drawing on his background as a small business owner and former teacher from Southern Arizona.

Andre Whittington (Phoenix, 2025), executive director of Growth Partners Arizona, was featured in a BizTucson Spring 2026 article about the organization’s expansion.

Janelle Wood (Phoenix, 2013) was featured in an ABC15 news story about National Crown Day, an event recognizing Black hair independence and pushing back against related discrimination.

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Board & 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 the most recent 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.

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Career & Professional Opportunities

iCivics is searching for a Chief Communications and Marketing Officer to execute comprehensive communications strategies and amplify iCivics’ brand across multiple internal and external platforms.

The city of Phoenix is accepting applications for Municipal Court Judge to preside over a variety of municipal trial court cases. 

ALL in Education is seeking an Executive Director who will set the vision for the organization’s next chapter. 

Arizona Council on Economic Education is seeking an Executive Vice President to help lead organizational growth, strengthen strategic partnerships, and advance ACEE’s mission throughout Arizona.

The Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation is seeking an Associate Director of Academic Programs for the Taliesin Institute. 

Arizona SciTech Institute is seeking a Development Manager to advance its fundraising efforts related to individual and corporate giving.

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Events & Conferences

Local First Arizona’s Rural Policy Forum will be held Aug. 5-7 at Lee Williams High School in Kingman. 

AZ Impact for Good is hosting the 2026 UNITE Conference: Transform Arizona, Aug. 12-13 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. 

Registration is open for the 2026 League Annual Conference, Aug. 18-21 at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 2026 Summer Policy Summit  Aug. 26-27 at the Little America Hotel in Flagstaff. 

Registration is open for the Arizona Health Equity Conference Oct. 22 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix. 

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