Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
In a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy article, I described Flinn-Brown Fellows as “sentries at the gate.” For me, the analogy reflects the spirit of the founding aspiration of the Flinn-Brown Fellowship—to build a strong network of principled leaders to help offset the decline of bipartisan cooperation and the weakening of institutional stability in Arizona policymaking, but also to cultivate a statewide network capable of safeguarding Arizona’s long-term philanthropic investments through effective public policy development.
Now, 14 years into this endeavor, that vision is fully realized in the work you are doing. Fellows are supporting Arizona’s nonprofit ecosystem from multiple angles—by crafting policy that protects mission-driven work, securing resources for vulnerable communities, and advancing innovation through direct service and systems change. Fellows are also deeply embedded across the broader policy landscape—serving in elected office, leading nonprofit and philanthropic institutions, driving strategy in business and education, and informing public dialogue through research and advocacy. Whether you are shaping legislation, designing responsive programs, or convening stakeholders, your leadership is helping sustain the nonprofit sector’s critical role in our state.
Leadership, as we know, isn’t always about holding the loudest microphone. Often, it’s about asking the right questions, bringing people together, and doing the behind-the-scenes work that holds systems together. Many of you are doing exactly that—steadily reinforcing the systems that hold our communities together.
Flinn-Brown was created to support this kind of leadership—rooted in knowledge, committed to public good, and grounded in the belief that Arizona’s future is worthy of sustained effort and thoughtful stewardship. Our state needs leaders who can work across sectors, who value collaboration over division, and who understand that progress often happens through sustained, collective effort. I’m proud that we’ve built a network that reflects those values—and amplifies them with credibility, trust, and shared purpose.
As we move into the second half of the year, I hope you’ll continue to rely on the strength of this Network. Use it to convene, to question, to share. Arizona doesn’t need perfect leaders—it needs committed ones.
Best,
Dawn
Fellows Spotlight
In each newsletter, we usually spotlight one Flinn-Brown Fellow—but this month, we’re recognizing a group of Fellows whose collective efforts contributed to one of the most significant regional wins in recent years: the passage of Proposition 479.
Though it’s been over half a year since voters approved the measure in November 2024, Proposition 479 remains a strong example of what can be accomplished through long-term planning, coordination across jurisdictions, and broad-based public engagement. The measure extended Maricopa County’s half-cent transportation sales tax through 2045, securing funding for regional infrastructure, public transit, and street improvements.
The work began in 2019, when the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) initiated the development of a new long-range transportation plan. The final proposal was approved by MAG’s 32-member Regional Council, representing 70% of Arizona’s population.
Because Maricopa County is the only county in Arizona that must seek legislative approval before referring a transportation tax to the ballot, the process required navigating complex politics. Enabling legislation passed in 2022 but was vetoed. MAG and its partners returned in 2023, working through the longest legislative session in state history to secure passage of SB1102. Voters approved the measure in November 2024, and MAG successfully defended it against a legal challenge.
Flinn-Brown Fellows were involved at every level of this process—as local government leaders, legislative staff, advocates, legal advisors, and communications professionals. Their contributions reflect the breadth and depth of the Flinn-Brown Network and the value of cross-sector collaboration. Notably, Fellows from nearly every cohort year, from 2011 to 2025, played a role in this effort, demonstrating the enduring and statewide reach of the Network.
A special acknowledgment goes to Audra Koester Thomas (Fountain Hills, 2011), who joined MAG in 2015 to lead the development of the transportation plan. Her leadership and coordination over nearly a decade were key to the initiative’s success.
Proposition 479 is a clear example of what’s possible when Fellows lead from where they are—across agencies, institutions, and regional issues that shape Arizona’s future. Here’s to all the Flinn-Brown Fellows who did the heavy lifting:
- The Honorable Terry Benelli (Mesa, 2011)
- The Honorable Daniel Hernandez, Jr. (Tucson, 2011)
- The Honorable Christopher Mathis (Tucson, 2011)
- Frank McCune (Phoenix, 2011)
- Talonya Adams (Phoenix, 2012)
- Eric Gudiño (Phoenix, 2012)
- David Longoria (Phoenix, 2012)
- The Honorable Joanne Osborne (Goodyear, 2012)
- The Honorable Christian Price (Maricopa, 2012)
- Catherine Alonzo (Phoenix, 2013)
- Luis Heredia (Chandler, 2013)
- Tony Cani (Phoenix, 2014)
- Blaise Caudill (Phoenix, 2014)
- The Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014)
- The Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015)
- Alexis Danneman (Phoenix, 2016)
- Dana Kennedy (Phoenix, 2016)
- Marge Zylla (Tempe, 2017)
- Ben Blink (Phoenix, 2018)
- Kate Morley (Flagstaff, 2018)
- The Honorable Jennifer Pawlik (Chandler, 2018)
- The Honorable Bill Regner (Clarkdale, 2018)
- The Honorable Raquel Terán (Phoenix, 2018)
- Rosalva Zimmerman (Goodyear, 2018)
- The Honorable Tammy Caputi (Scottsdale, 2019)
- The Honorable Nicole Barraza (Tucson, 2020)
- Gabriel Jaramillo (Phoenix, 2022)
- Vinny Gallegos (Prescott, 2023)
- T.J. Mitchell (Phoenix, 2024)
- Ryan Peters (Chandler, 2025)
**If you are missing from this list, please forgive us. Send Dawn a note and she will update the online version of the newsletter.**
Fellows Field Trips
Our Southern Arizona Fellows and their guests enjoyed a tour of Los Milics Vineyards on June 14. A special thank you to the Honorable Alesia Ash, J.D. (Sierra Vista, 2015), Julie Katsel (Tucson, 2014) and Chris Stoller Michelena (Tucson, 2015) for organizing this event!
Thanks to all the Fellows who attended: Jason Zibart (Benson, 2024), Joseph Erceg (Tucson, 2016), Stefanie Murphy (Tucson, 2020), Dennis Barger (Tucson, 2020), Doug Hockstad (Tucson, 2022), the Honorable Gwen Calhoun (Sierra Vista, 2012) and the Honorable Kristel Ann Foster (Tucson, 2015). 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
We are excited to share that the 2025 Flinn-Brown Convention will be held on Friday, Aug. 15, at On Jackson, 245 E. Jackson St., in Phoenix. Registration is now open. The cost is $40. Financial assistance is available.
The Fellows Planning Committee has been hard at work developing the program for the Convention. Here are some highlights:
- Pre-Convention Reception on Thursday, Aug. 14, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the FOUND:RE Hotel. We will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the 2015 cohort and present our Arizona Champion Awards.
- Morning yoga at the Flinn Foundation on Friday, Aug. 15, hosted by Sarah Rose Webber (Phoenix, 2017).
- Flinn-Brown night at the Phoenix Mercury. For Convention attendees who don’t want the fun to end, we invite you to attend the Mercury game that begins at 7 p.m. on Aug. 15 directly across the street from On Jackson.
- We have secured a block of rooms at the FOUND:RE for out-of-town Fellows or local Fellows who attend the reception and want to shorten their commute to Convention. To book a room at the Flinn-Brown Convention exclusive rate ($119/night plus taxes and fees), visit foundrehotels.com and use the corporate code FLINN.
If you have any questions, please let Dawn or Jennifer know.
Fellows Directory Updates
We are printing new directories for the Flinn-Brown Convention, so please make sure your information is accurate and current by scanning the QR code or following this link. You can also upload a new headshot to this Google Drive folder. Please let us know if you have problems accessing the survey or uploading a photo
CivEx
Please join us for the 2025 Legislative Wrap-up at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 16. This Fellows-only webinar features lobbyists Meghaen Dell’Artino, owner, Public Policy Partners, Marilyn Rodriguez, partner, Creosote Partners, Stacy Pearson, co-founder, Lumen Strategies, and Jay Kaprosy, partner, Veridus.
These Capitol insiders will break down what happened during the 2025 Legislative Session, including key legislation, budget negotiations, and the political dynamics that shaped outcomes this year. After one of the longest and most contentious sessions in recent memory, our speakers will provide insight into the issues that dominated the agenda, the behind-the-scenes negotiations that moved—or stalled—major bills, and how this session’s results may potentially impact future election cycles.
Watch your email for an invitation and registration on July 2!
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
Daniel Ruiz II (Phoenix, 2015) got to catch up with the legendary Nancy Welch! Nancy led the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership and the Flinn-Brown Fellowship program from its inception until she retired in 2019.
Blake Sacha (Gilbert, 2017), Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011), and Patrick McWhorter (Cave Creek, 2011) attended the American Democracy Summit.
Suzanne Sisley, M.D. (Scottsdale, 2011), the Honorable Joanne Osborne (Goodyear, 2012), and the Honorable Michelle Hess (Buckeye, 2013) at a Charter 100 AZ event.
Flinn-Brown was well represented at the I-10/Broadway Curve Improvement Project Celebration by Fellows Luis Heredia (Chandler, 2013), Audra Koester Thomas (Fountain Hills, 2011), the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014), and Eric Gudiño (Phoenix, 2012).
Fellows Russ Yelton (Phoenix, 2012), the Honorable Coral Evans, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2011), and Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011) all shop at the Market of Dreams/Mercado de los Sueños in Flagstaff.
The future is bright with these Fellows! Nate Rhoton (Phoenix, 2015), the Honorable Reetika Dhawan, Ph.D.(Yuma, 2022), Amy Love (Phoenix, 2019), Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011), Jeremy Babendure, Ph.D. (Chandler, 2012), Mignonne Hollis (Hereford, 2013), Larry Sandigo (Phoenix, 2018), Eric Gudiño (Phoenix, 2012), and Ben Blink (Phoenix, 2018) were together at the Lighting up the Future Gala. Notot featured but taking the photo is Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D. (Chandler, 2013).
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 marketing and communications.
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 July!
- The Honorable Bill Regner (Clarkdale, 2018)
- The Honorable Russ McCloud (Yuma, 2018)
- The Honorable Sherri Jones (San Tan Valley, 2022)
- John Zimmerman (Goodyear, 2018)
- Suzanne Sisley, M.D. (Scottsdale, 2011)
- The Honorable Jennifer Pawlik (Chandler, 2018)
- Thomas Collins, J.D. (Tempe, 2025)
- Jason Zibart (Benson, 2024)
- The Honorable Sara Presler, J.D. (Gilbert, 2011)
- Michelle Beaver (Phoenix, 2024)
- Noah Mundt (Gilbert, 2023)
- The Honorable Alex Benezra, J.D. (Phoenix, 2020)
- Jerry McPherson (Phoenix, 2022)
- The Honorable Cameron Moses (Lake Havasu City, 2024)
- Matthew Isiogu (Phoenix, 2016)
- Joel Edman, J.D. (Tempe, 2016)
- Eric Chalmers (Phoenix, 2025)
- Stephanie Soto (Phoenix, 2024)
- The Honorable Shaandiin Parrish (Kayenta, 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 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 Alesia Ash, J.D. (Sierra Vista, 2015) will be Associate Attorney at the law firm Holland & Hart LLP beginning Sept.1.
The Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019) shared her future plans for the town of Superior on an episode of Pinal’s People.
Vance Bryce (Safford, 2024) was named to the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 class of 40 Under 40.
Brent Burgett (Gilbert, 2020) is Assistant Chief of Mesa Fire and Medical Department.
Lisa Cagnolatti (Gilbert, 2019) is now Chair of the African-American Women’s Giving and Empowerment Circle at the Arizona Community Foundation.
Troy Campbell, Ed.D (Mesa, 2018) presented at the NAFSA: Association of International Educators National Conference on “Campus Innovations & Strategic Partnerships in Support of Refugee Resettlement.”
Tony Cani (Phoenix, 2014) was featured on a recent podcast episode of Politics Unplugged.
Erin Carr-Jordan, Ph.D. (Chandler, 2013) and Stephanie Healey (Tucson, 2011) were interviewed about the launch of the Institute for Digital Inclusion and Acceleration’s Mobile HIVE in Southern Arizona.
Melanie Colavito, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2023) received a President’s Achievement Award at Northern Arizona University.
The Honorable Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014) declared May 20 as Rescue Dog Day in Flagstaff to honor local shelters and animal rescue groups.
David Engelthaler, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2022) was featured on Arizona Horizon to discuss criticism regarding mRNA therapies.
Jaime Festa-Daigle, Ed.D. (Flagstaff, 2023) is now the Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning at Flagstaff Unified School District and an Adjunct Faculty member at Grand Canyon University.
The Honorable Ben Graff, J.D. (Phoenix, 2011) was interviewed by AZ Big Media about affordable housing in Arizona and how NIMBYism affects development.
The Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015) was quoted in an AZ Capitol Times article about SB1247 which would increase the age to buy tobacco products in Arizona to 21.
Lisa Schnebly Heidinger (Phoenix, 2012) and Julie Morrison’s (Tempe, 2012) book, Arizona Friend Trips: Stories from the Road, was selected to represent Arizona in the Library of Congress Center for the Book’s 2025 Great Reads from Great Places program.
Mignonne Hollis (Hereford, 2013) was interviewed for an AZ Luminaria article about the possibility of Castelion Corporation, a hypersonic missile manufacturer, coming to Southern Arizona.
The Honorable Khara House (Flagstaff, 2025) spoke at the Flagstaff ‘No Kings’ Protest.
Brittney Kaufmann (Phoenix, 2014) gave the keynote address on “Current Federal, State, and Legislative Impacts on Healthcare” during the WESTMARC Healthcare Summit ‘25.
The Honorable Aaron Lieberman (Paradise Valley, 2017) provided political commentary on a recent episode of KJZZ’s Friday NewsCap.
Amanda Lomayesva (Tucson, 2015) was interviewed for a KGUN9 news story about a beam signing ceremony for the new Casino del Sol in Tucson.
The Honorable Lea Márquez Peterson (Tucson, 2011) was appointed for a four-year term to the board of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners.
Robert McCright (Tucson, 2014) is now a member of the Governor’s AI Steering Committee.
John Molina, M.D. (Guadalupe, 2012) was interviewed for a 13 News story about the measles outbreak in Arizona and resulting concerns about Indigenous immunization rates.
Reyna Montoya (Gilbert, 2020) wrote an op-ed in the Arizona Republic about an executive order challenging state laws that offer in-state tuition for Dreamers.
The Honorable Christian Price (Maricopa, 2012) did a Business Facilities interview about the business sector in the city of Maricopa.
The Honorable Sam Richard (Phoenix, 2017) was recently featured on KJZZ’s Friday NewsCap.
Aaron Rottenstein (Tucson, 2018) was named to the Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors List for 2025.
The Honorable Fernando Shipley (Globe, 2011) was featured in a NPR article discussing Gila County residents’ complex views on Medicaid cuts.
The Honorable Julie Spilsbury (Mesa, 2023) was quoted in a Mesa Tribune article about upgrading the Arizona Museum of Natural History.
The Honorable Jane Strain (Sierra Vista, 2013) was featured in a Herald/Review article highlighting her years of public service in Cochise County.
Benjamin Taylor, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019) provided legal commentary on the Department of Justice’s decision to drop an investigation into the Phoenix Police Department.
The Honorable Raquel Terán (Phoenix, 2018) was featured in an NYup.com article discussing the challenges Latino college students are facing in the current political climate.
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023) is now the president-elect for the Arizona Association for Economic Development.
Daran Wastchak, Ph.D. (Paradise Valley, 2013) is now the Board Chair for Arizona Town Hall.
Andre Whittington (Phoenix, 2025) was elected to the Arizona Housing Coalition (AZHC) board of directors.
Zach Yentzer (Tucson, 2020) launched a new podcast, RETHINK.
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 Phoenix Conservatory of Music is seeking applications for board members.
The 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
Applications are being accepted for the Dodie Londen Excellence in Public Service Series Class of 2026. Learn more here.
Congressman Greg Stanton is hiring a District Director to serve as the Congressman’s most senior staff member in Arizona and lead all district operations, staff management, and external engagement.
One Arizona is accepting applications for a Deputy Director to serve as a key strategic partner to the Executive Director.
Goldwater Institute is hiring for a Media Relations Manager to amplify their policy work and litigation efforts.
The Arizona Sustainability Alliance is seeking a Chief Executive Officer to lead the next chapter of growth, champion bold sustainability efforts, grow partnerships, and expand the funding portfolio.
The Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity is accepting applications for a Sector Workforce Strategies & Grants Administrator to coordinate and execute the Workforce Arizona Council industry sector strategies.
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona is seeking a Vice President for Community Impact.
The Arizona Governor’s Office is seeking a Land Use Policy Advisor.
The ASU Foundation is seeking a Director of Foundation Initiatives, who will lead a team of project managers who facilitate high priority initiatives for the university.
Events & Conferences
Registration is open for Local First Arizona’s Rural Policy Forum that will be held Aug. 6-8 in the Gila Valley.
The 10th Annual Rural Women’s Health Symposium will be held on Aug. 19 at the Desert Willow Conference Center.
AZ Impact for Good is hosting UNITE Conference + Transform Arizona at Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix on Aug. 20-21.
Registration is open for the 2025 League of Cities and Towns Conference to be held Aug. 19-22 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. Join LISC Phoenix for its Annual Breakfast & Community Awards on Oct. 30 in Mesa.