Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
It’s that time of year again. March Madness is upon us, and like millions of Americans, I filled out my bracket.
I should be transparent: I don’t follow college basketball closely. I couldn’t tell you much about the teams, the players, or the statistics that serious fans use to make their picks. But I fill out a bracket every year anyway. What I love about it has less to do with basketball and more to do with what it does to people—for a few weeks in March, it becomes a shared language. Everyone has a pick. Everyone has an opinion.
My strategy comes down to one thing: I look for the underdogs. The favorites are easy to pick. That’s not interesting to me. What I find myself drawn to are the lower seeds, the ones the analysts wrote off before the tournament even began. Not because I expect them to win, but because when they do, it tells you something about what’s truly possible when people refuse to accept the limits others have set for them.
This approach frustrates my sports-minded husband, who has little patience for bracket bingo. But he loves an underdog too—so when I told him I was writing about this, he pointed me to Coach V.
Jim Valvano coached NC State to the 1983 national championship with a team that had finished the regular season with 10 losses. Before that season began, he had his players practice cutting down the nets. Not as a reward, but as a rehearsal for winning it all. The conviction behind it was simple: you cannot do what you cannot first imagine yourself doing.
The team advanced through the tournament one unlikely win at a time. Survive and advance. That was Valvano’s philosophy—stay in the game long enough, and anything is possible. And the question he kept asking his team in every difficult moment along the way became the legacy of that season.
Why not us?
What I’ve noticed about people who actually change things is that they rarely had ideal conditions. They had a question they couldn’t stop asking and enough grit to keep showing up until the answer shifted.
The problems Arizona faces are real. The noise is loud. It is entirely reasonable to look at the odds and decide to wait for a more favorable draw. But survive and advance is not a passive philosophy—it is a commitment to moving forward when the path of least resistance is giving up.
Valvano’s players didn’t win because they were the most talented. They won because they prepared, they stayed in the game, and they never stopped believing the outcome was still theirs to deliver.
This month, as the tournament unfolds and brackets everywhere go sideways, I hope you’ll carry that question into whatever work you’re doing for Arizona.
Why not us?
PS. If you are in the mood to hear one of the most incredible speeches made in modern American history, watch Coach V’s 1993 Espy Speech here.
Best, Dawn
Save the Date!
Mark your calendar 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.
The Convention Planning Committee is hard at work developing a day of engaging conversations, meaningful connections, and opportunities to celebrate the strength of the Flinn-Brown Network.
Nominations for Fellows awards open May 6. We will honor our Arizona Champions during the reception on Thursday evening and present the Jack Jewett Award and Network Builder Award at the Convention on Friday.
Fellows Spotlight
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, Ed.D.
(Mesa, 2014)
Associate Vice Chancellor, Center for Excellence in Inclusive Democracy
Maricopa Community Colleges
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, Ed.D., is a proud Arizona native, born and raised in Mesa and still deeply rooted in the community she calls home. Her commitment to service began early. Her father, also a Mesa native, grew up working alongside his own father on a ranch and instilled in her a deep respect for education, hard work, and the responsibility to use one’s voice in service to others. Those values have remained a guiding force throughout her life and career.
Deanna’s professional path has taken her through nonprofit and ministry work, municipal government, and now higher education. While each chapter has been distinct, the thread connecting them all has been a steadfast dedication to community and civic engagement. Across sectors, she has built a career centered on helping people connect more meaningfully to one another and to the civic life of their communities.
Today, Deanna serves as Associate Vice Chancellor at Maricopa Community Colleges, where she leads the Center for Excellence in Inclusive Democracy (CEID). In that role, she supports the civic work of all 10 colleges and helps advance system-level efforts that encourage students, educators, and community members to participate more fully in public life. Among those initiatives is a civic seminar series developed in partnership with The Arizona Republic and judges from Arizona’s federal district court, an example of the thoughtful, collaborative work she is helping bring to life across the system.
For Deanna, public policy is not something distant or abstract. It shapes the daily lives of every Arizonan, influencing everything from educational access and health care to the built environment, climate, and neighborhood services. She brings a strong sense of purpose to helping others see that civic engagement is not separate from everyday life; it is woven into the choices, systems, and opportunities that affect us all.
This year also marked a significant personal and professional milestone: on Feb. 9, Deanna successfully defended her dissertation and completed her doctoral program. It was a tremendous accomplishment, and one that reflects her enduring commitment to learning, leadership, and the role education plays in strengthening communities.
Deanna believes community colleges represent one of Arizona’s greatest opportunities to expand access, strengthen civic health, and prepare students for active participation in civic life. Because they serve such a broad and diverse population, community colleges are uniquely positioned to create pathways for connection, belonging, and democratic engagement. Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of educational institutions to open doors, not only to careers and credentials, but also to confidence, participation, and public purpose.
She also values the Flinn-Brown Network for the sense of connection it creates across sectors, communities, and regions of the state. The Network offers an extraordinary kinship of thoughtful, engaged leaders who bring both expertise and generosity to their work. For Deanna, that Network is not only a meaningful professional resource, but also a source of camaraderie, shared purpose, and joy – including the fun of spotting fellow Flinn-Brown members out in the community and gathering for a group selfie.
Fellows Field Trips
Northern Arizona Wine Tasting
Thank you to all the Fellows and their guests who joined the Southwest Wine Center tasting and tour in Cottonwood. And special thanks to the Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017) for organizing and hosting this event!
Pictured: the Honorable Ruth Ellen Elinski (Cottonwood, 2014), the Honorable Tim Elinski (Cottonwood, 2013), Fred Lomayesva, J.D. (Tucson, 2016), Amanda Lomayesva, J.D. (Tucson, 2015), David Martinez III (Phoenix, 2011), Matt Schumacher, Ed.D. (Cottonwood, 2025), Marge Zylla (Tempe, 2017), the Honorable Laura Terech (Phoenix, 2025), the Honorable Bill Regner (Clarkdale, 2018), Bridget Fitzgibbons, N.M.D. (Mesa, 2024), Eric Chalmers (Phoenix, 2025), Clare Aslan, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2017), and the Honorable Austin Aslan (Flagstaff, 2024).
Maricopa County Fellows Happy Hour
Katelyn Harris Lange (Phoenix, 2020) has organized a Fellows Happy Hour on Thursday, April 2, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Green Woodpecker at Park Central, 3110 N. Central Ave., Suite 185 in Phoenix. This informal gathering is a great opportunity to connect with fellow members of the Network, catch up with familiar faces, and meet new ones. Whether you can stop by for a few minutes or for two hours, we hope you’ll join us for good conversation and community.
Palo Verde Generating Station Tour
Katie Hurst (Phoenix, 2025) has organized a Fellows Field Trip to the Palo Verde Generating Station from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, June 30. The event includes a tour, lunch, and a Q&A session. There is limited capacity, so registration is capped at 20 Fellows.
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 Dawn know if you have problems accessing the survey or uploading a photo.
Fellows Meet Fellows
Flinn-Brown Fellows at the National League of Cities and Towns conference in Washington, D.C.: Joe Hughes (Mesa, 2014), Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011), Mignonne Hollis (Hereford, 2013), the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014), Ryan Peters (Gilbert, 2025), Eric Gudiño (Phoenix, 2012), Marge Zylla (Tempe, 2017), and the Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019).
The Honorable Laura Terech (Phoenix, 2025) and T.J. Mitchell, J.D. (Phoenix, 2024) donated for the AZ250 Vitalant blood drive.
Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2016), the Honorable Coral Evans, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2011), Luis Heredia (Chandler, 2013), and the Honorable Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014) meet in Flagstaff.
Rodney Short, J.D. (Yuma, 2024), Frank McCune (Phoenix, 2011), the Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019), the Honorable Roberta Cano (Winslow, 2025), the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014), and Marge Zylla (Tempe, 2017) attend the League of Cities and Towns Data Center Policy luncheon.
Lori Stofft (Yuma, 2024), the Honorable Cecilia McCollough (Wellton, 2018), and Tori Bourguignon (Yuma, 2025) at the Governor’s State of the State address in Yuma.
Isabel Booth (Glendale, 2025) and Veronica Aguilar (Scottsdale, 2025) at the Save the Family Gala.
Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, Ed.D. (Mesa, 2014) and Frank McCune (Phoenix, 2011) at the Global Ties Lunar New Year celebration.
The Honorable Eddie Cook (Gilbert, 2023) and the Honorable Sarah Benatar (Flagstaff, 2015) attend the National Association of Counties Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
The Honorable Roberta Cano (Winslow, 2025) and the Honorable Coral Evans, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2011) at the I-40 Trade Corridor kick-off in Albuquerque, N.M.
Derrik Rochwalik (Phoenix, 2018), Adriana Garcia Maximilliano (Phoenix, 2019) and Veronica Aguilar (Scottsdale, 2025) at the Teach for America Gala.
Fellows Celebrating Birthdays
We want to wish a happy birthday to all the Fellows celebrating in April!
- Lisa Urias (Phoenix, 2011)
- John Garcia III, Ed.L.D. (Alexandria, 2012)
- Melissa Lien (Grafton, Wisconsin, 2012)
- John Glenn (Denver, Colorado, 2013)
- Diana Rhoades (Anchorage, Alaska, 2013)
- Chris Stoller Michelena (Tucson, 2015)
- The Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017)
- The Honorable Pearlette Ramos, J.D., Ph.D. (Avondale, 2018)
- The Honorable April Hepperle (Gilbert, 2023)
- Gillian Vanasse (Phoenix, 2023)
- Jaime Festa-Daigle, Ed.D. (Lake Havasu City, 2023)
- Adam Goodman (Paradise Valley, 2023)
- Melanie Colavito, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2023)
- Vance Bryce (Safford, 2024)
- Jennifer Richards, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2024)
- Lloyd Hopkins II (Phoenix, 2024)
- The Honorable Khara House (Flagstaff, 2025)
- Katie Hurst (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 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 Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, Ed.D. (Mesa, 2014).
John Dewey and the Future of Community College Education by Clifford Harbour: Community colleges educate roughly 40% of the nation’s undergraduates—with a large percentage coming from low-income and underserved communities—while being chronically underfunded compared to their four-year counterparts. Yet the civic mission of the community college sector is clear: to create democratic communities and ensure students are prepared to be actively engaged in civic life.
Fellows Lists
Each month, we feature a Fellows list in a specific employment sector, public policy area, affinity group, or region. In honor of Arizona Gives Day on April 7, our focus this month is on Fellows in the Nonprofit sector.
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.
Will Barnow (Mesa, 2014) published an article about the importance of protecting data privacy and ensuring local governments control the limited data collected by automated traffic enforcement systems.
Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011) announced that the Salt River Wild Horse Management Group has been awarded a five-year contract to help responsibly manage and protect the Salt River horse herd.
Isabel Booth (Glendale, 2025) was named co-chair of the Glendale Chamber Military & Veterans Affairs Committee.
Amanda Burke, Ed.D. (Phoenix, 2022) helped launch Permission Granted, a statewide effort designed to help Arizona school systems move from perceived constraints to practical action.
Tony Cani (Phoenix, 2014) was featured on an episode of Politics Unplugged.
The Honorable Tammy Caputi (Scottsdale, 2019) is running for the Arizona House of Representatives in LD 4.
The Honorable Nikki Check (Jerome, 2012) is hosting a Sedona town hall at 4 p.m. April 8 to connect residents with county services and promote community health through a “Dump the Drugs” initiative.
Sarah Coles, M.D. (Flagstaff, 2017) provided medical insight on rising measles cases to help Arizonans make informed decisions about vaccines.
The Honorable Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011) passed bipartisan legislation strengthening America’s supply of critical minerals such as copper.
The Honorable Becky Daggett (Flagstaff, 2014) is leading efforts to strengthen local transparency and community safety through new city protocols on federal agency interactions.
Julie Erfle (Phoenix, 2013) spoke out in support of House Bill 2861, emphasizing the broad bipartisan and law enforcement backing behind the proposal.
Julie Euber (Tucson, 2022), Brittney Kaufmann (Phoenix, 2014), Reyna Montoya (Gilbert, 2020), Christina Spicer (Phoenix, 2013), and Prescott Smith (Scottsdale, 2017) are all recognized in the Sun Devil 100.
The Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015) is working on legislation, House Bill 2313, aimed at limiting teacher protests during school hours to ensure classroom instruction time is protected.
Stephanie Healy (Tucson, 2011) is helping lead Cox Charities’ $150,000 investment in Southern Arizona nonprofits, supporting education, sustainability, and community well-being.
Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2016) won the 2026 ATHENA Award!
Aron Ketchel, J.D. (Phoenix, 2023) prosecuted a major fraud case involving a former Amazon employee.
The Honorable Lea Márquez Peterson (Tucson, 2011) voiced support for expanding nuclear energy while emphasizing the need for public education to overcome community resistance and advance future energy projects.
Reyna Montoya (Gilbert, 2020) published an article reflecting on the value of public education and urging renewed attention to its role in supporting opportunity and community stability.
Rebecca Perrera (Laveen, 2020) is a 2026 AJLI 40 Under 40 recipient.
Sara Presler (Gilbert, 2011) was named to the Arizona Dispensaries Association board of directors.
Larry Sandigo, J.D. (Phoenix, 2018) is now the Deputy Chief of Staff of Operations and Cabinet Affairs for Gov. Katie Hobbs.
Benjamin Taylor, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019) is a Lawyer of the Year finalist for the AZ Business 2026 Excellence in Law Awards.
The Honorable Laura Terech (Phoenix, 2025) is leading the America 250 Commission’s traveling museum initiative, bringing Arizona and U.S. history to communities across all 15 counties.
Alec Thomson (Phoenix, 2019) is advancing responsible gaming efforts statewide, promoting awareness and access to resources during Problem Gambling Awareness Month.
Mary Venezia (Tucson, 2015) is helping guide the University of Arizona’s Campus Master Plan, focusing on modernizing infrastructure and shaping a cohesive campus environment to support long-term student success.
The Honorable Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022) wrote an op-ed about the increasing dysfunction and partisanship in the Arizona State Legislature, comparing it to the United States Congress.
Avery Xola (Queen Creek, 2022) joined the board of Nexus Academy of Leadership and Innovation.
Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2024) was featured as a Tucson Spotlight for growing Sonoran Stitch Factory to strengthen the local workforce, and to expand industrial sewing opportunities in Southern Arizona.
Marge Zylla (Tempe, 2017) is now the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the City of Chandler.
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 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.
Career & Professional Opportunities
Arizona Western College is seeking an Executive Vice President of the Entrepreneurial College to provide strategic oversight for workforce, career and technical education, health care, and reskilling programs that advance student success and regional economic impact.
The American Heart Association is hiring an Executive Director, Southern Arizona to strengthen and expand fundraising capacity.
Maricopa County is seeking an Executive Director, Maricopa County Stadium District, to oversee the financial and operational performance of the Chase Field renovation.
The city of Surprise is hiring a Community Engagement Partner to promote community vitality.
The Arizona Community Foundation is seeking a Vice President, Controller, to be responsible for the stewardship of ACF’s financial integrity.
Arizona SciTech Institute is seeking a Development Manager to advance its fundraising efforts related to individual and corporate giving.
Events & Conferences
InvestSW will hold the 2026 Venture Madness Conference on April 9 at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix.
On April 16, the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation is hosting the 2026 Spring Forum focused on Human-centered Nonprofit Leadership in the age of AI.
Phoenix Global Forum 2026 will be held May 12-13 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Registration is open for the Professional Women’s Leadership Summit on May 21 at the Marriott Phoenix Airport.
The 52nd Annual Arizona Rural Health Conference will be held June 2-3 at the High Country Conference Center in Flagstaff.
Registration is open for the 2026 Native Power Building Summit, Still We Rise: Joy, Justice, & the Fight for Indigenous Futures, which will be held Thursday, July 16 in Scottsdale.
Registration opens soon for Local First Arizona’s Rural Policy Forum that will be held Aug. 5-7 in Kingman.