Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
As citizens of a democratic society, we have historically held free speech as an unshakable right — a principle so deeply ingrained in our legal frameworks and cultural norms that its stability seems beyond question. Increasingly of late, this unalienable right has revealed itself to be more fragile than anyone would care to admit.
It is difficult to call a fundamental tenet of this country’s freedom fragile, yet what was once regarded as absolute and beyond interpretation is now layered with nuance. Traditional threats to free speech have generally centered around government bans and censorship. Today, the greater risks involve a growing fear of personal offense, pressure to conform, and most worrisome, the silencing of dissent in the name of civility.
All of this is to say — leadership in civic spaces matters deeply. The public square—whether it be school boards, city councils, libraries, or institutions of higher learning —should be where free speech shines – not where it fades. As civic leaders, we are duty-bound to fiercely protect that square, even when it does not belong to us — or when we wish it didn’t exist at all. The true test of our First Amendment is not in moments of agreement, but in moments of discomfort. I understand this may feel to some as complicity — a painful blow to one’s values or even a sense of justice. But protecting speech, even when it is hard to hear, is not a weakness. It is, I believe, the highest form of civic strength.
It is not my favorite Ray Bradbury book, but if there’s ever been a metaphor for what we are grappling with today, it is written within the pages of “Fahrenheit 451.” On its surface, book burning is a direct affront to free speech through government control. But the harder truth that Bradbury reveals is that censorship begins with us — when we choose not to engage with ideas that unsettle us and reach for comfort over conflict.
Flinn-Brown Fellows know this discomfort well. It is built into the Fellowship experience, because here in Arizona, civic leadership really means leaning into that tension. Protecting free speech is not about agreement with every voice — but it is about keeping that public square open to every voice, even when it challenges everything we believe.
Be part of the 2026 Flinn-Brown Convention Planning Team
We are starting to plan next year’s Flinn-Brown Convention and want Fellows to be part of the fun. If you enjoy brainstorming big ideas, shaping meaningful conversations, and helping create a one-of-a-kind experience for our Network, we’d love to have you join the planning team. Please let me know!
Best, Dawn
Fellows Spotlight
Toni Eberhardt
(Scottsdale, 2012)
Founder & President
Prescriptive Communications
For nearly five decades, Toni Eberhardt has called Arizona home. Though she moved from the East Coast at the age of two, her childhood in central Phoenix and education in Arizona schools firmly rooted her in the Valley. She attended Xavier College Preparatory before earning both her Bachelor of Science in Marketing and her Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University.
Her early ambition was to be a marketing analyst, a goal she achieved and carried across a diverse career spanning multiple industries. Eberhardt held positions in wireless communications, financial services, pharmaceutical distribution, retail, and health care. She began with AT&T Wireless, where she spent eight years as part of the Arizona launch team and later in regional and national director roles. Other positions included roles with Bank of America, American Express, McKesson, PetSmart, and Banner Health.
After achieving her career goal of becoming a vice president of marketing, Eberhardt retired at age 48 to focus on her health and care for her mother, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Retirement was short-lived. Banner Health asked her to return as a contractor, and in response she founded Prescriptive Communications, LLC, where she serves as president and sole employee. Eberhardt’s communications firm focuses exclusively on the health care industry, serving up to eight clients at its peak.
In addition to her business, Eberhardt serves as a public information officer reservist with the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA). She appreciates the opportunity to apply her skills to state service in a flexible way.
“The state does not have big budgets for salaries, so the opportunity to put my experience and skills to work for the state of Arizona at a time in my life when I am not in it for the money is wonderful,” she said. The role draws on both her communications and analytical strengths while also giving her insight into how the state operates.
When asked about guiding principles, she cites a quote from President Ronald Reagan: “There is no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.” For her, the words reinforce the importance of teamwork and collaboration. “It’s a powerful way to get people enthusiastically engaged which inevitably leads to success for all,” she said.
Eberhardt values the Flinn-Brown Network for its connections and shared commitment to civic leadership. She recalls being recognized at community events and introduced as a Fellow, which creates an instant bond that sparks meaningful conversations. She also finds value in the diversity of thought among Fellows.
“The Flinn network enables me to access a diversity of opinions online from ‘thinking,’ civic individuals who, like me, grew exponentially in their ability to strategically, morally and collaboratively develop solutions to balance and benefit all citizens,” she said.
Looking ahead, Eberhardt sees opportunities to strengthen civic health in Arizona through a “Whole Community” approach. She believes leaders must move away from entrenched partisanship and toward collaboration in the spirit of bipartisan figures like John McCain. Citizens, too, have a role to play. “Contacting our state and national leaders and advocating within the community is the start of being part of the solution,” she said.
Beyond her professional commitments, Eberhardt prioritizes health and fitness, animal advocacy, and international travel. She is a Phoenix Suns season ticket holder, an Orange Theory Fitness regular, and a supporter of local animal rescue efforts. She also enjoys exploring Arizona’s diverse food scene, often seeking out family-owned ethnic restaurants.
Fellows Field Trips
Thank you to Julie Katsel for hosting another successful Southern Arizona Flinn-Brown Happy Hour!
Darcy Mentone (Tucson, 2022), Nick Hilton (Tucson, 2025), Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2024), Julie Katsel (Tucson, 2014), the Honorable Nicole Barraza (Tucson, 2020), Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023), Randi Dorman (Tucson, 2014), Chris Stoller Michelena (Tucson, 2015), Erik Lee (Tucson, 2014), the Honorable Lea Márquez Peterson (Tucson, 2011), Edgar Soto (Tucson, 2022), and Joseph Erceg (Tucson, 2016) were all in attendance.
Wednesday, Oct. 22
Save the date! Flinn-Brown Fellows the Honorable Michelle Hess (Buckeye, 2013) and the Honorable Joanne Osborne (Goodyear, 2012) will be hosting a West Valley Fellows Happy Hour on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Check your email for an invitation from Michelle or Joanne.
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 updated! 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 us know if you have problems accessing the survey or uploading a photo.
CivEx
Join us for Coffee & Common Sense — Grounds for Growth: A Look Ahead to the 2026 Budget at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 at the Flinn Foundation.
This in-person event will bring together a bipartisan panel for a dynamic discussion about the state budget and what to expect in the upcoming 2026 session.
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
Flinn-Brown Fellows going international!
The Honorable Adam Lopez Falk (Phoenix, 2022) and the Honorable Daniel Hernandez Jr. (Tucson, 2011) were in the great Ciudad de Mexico. The Honorable Reetika Dhawan, Ph.D. (Yuma, 2022) and Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023) were in Taiwan. Eric Gudiño (Phoenix, 2012), Reyna Montoya (Phoenix, 2020) and the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014) meet at the Grito de Independencia with the Phoenix Mexican Consulate.
Yavapai County Fellows attended the inaugural Yavapai State of the County event: the Honorable Ruth Ellen Elinksi (Cottonwood, 2014), Rebecca Serratos (Prescott, 2025), Vincent Gallegos (Prescott, 2023), Lloyd Hopkins II (Phoenix, 2024), and the Honorable Steve King (Camp Verde, 2024).
Class is in session at the Arizona School Board Association’s annual Law Conference with the Honorable Monica Timberlake (Quartzsite, 2022), the Honorable Christine Thompson, J.D. (Phoenix, 2017), and the Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017).
The Honorable Coral Evans, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2011) and the Honorable Cameron Moses (Lake Havasu City, 2024) attend the Lake Havasu Leadership Summit.
Katelyn Harris Lange (Phoenix, 2020) brought her kids to Miami, Arizona and got a tour of the PinDrop Travel Trailers production site from the Honorable Tim Elinski (Cottonwood, 2013).
Fellows attend the AI for America panel along with Sen. Mark Kelly and ASU President Michael Crow, Ph.D. Dr. Crow joined them for a photo: Tim Gomez (Phoenix, 2023), the Honorable Eddie Cook (Gilbert, 2023), Erin Carr- Jordan, Ph.D. (Chandler, 2013), Allison Otu (Phoenix, 2024), Sara León (Phoenix, 2022), Teresa Aseret-Manygoats (Chandler, 2023), and Adam Leckie, Ed.D. (Queen Creek, 2023).
The Honorable Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022), Darcy Mentone (Tucson, 2022), Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023), Edgar Soto (Tucson, 2022), Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023) and John Winchester (Tucson, 2018) attended the first Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce Southeast Economic Engine Golden Spike Awards.
Fellows Michael Beller (Scottsdale, 2017), Gabriel Jaramillo (Phoenix, 2022), Matthew Isiogu (Phoenix, 2016), the Honorable Augustine Bartning (Phoenix, 2015), and the Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015) celebrating Constitution Day.
Also spotted out and about in Arizona:
Charlinda Haudley, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2022) and Elizabeth Slater (Tucson, 2025).
Eric Chalmers (Phoenix, 2025), Adam Goodman (Paradise Valley, 2023), and the Honorable Julie Spilsbury (Mesa, 2023).
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 State Government.
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 October!
- Blaise Caudill (Phoenix, 2014)
- Peter Huisking (Pasadena, California, 2015)
- JP Martin (Phoenix, 2017)
- Debbie Nez-Manuel (Window Rock, 2017)
- Brad Kendrex (Queen Creek, 2018)
- Nancy Steele (Cottonwood, 2019)
- Daniel Palm (Tucson, 2020)
- Gabriel Jaramillo (Phoenix, 2022)
- Kim Madrigal, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2022)
- Chris Richardson (Scottsdale, 2022)
- Alanna Riggs (Saint David, 2022)
- The Honorable Monica Timberlake (Quartzsite, 2022)
- Jose Arias (Tucson, 2023)
- Buna George (Yuma, 2023)
- Beya Thayer (Flagstaff, 2023)
- Emily Steiner, J.D. (Phoenix, 2024)
- Lorraine Stofft (Yuma, 2024)
- The Honorable Tara Walter (Florence, 2024)
- Isabel Booth (Glendale, 2025)
- Ryan Peters (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 Toni Eberhardt (Scottsdale, 2012).
Two books I would recommend are “Worth the Fighting For” by Sen. John McCain and “If Disney Ran Your Hospital” by Fred Lee.
“Worth the Fighting For” enables the reader to understand why McCain earned the nickname of “The Maverick,” and why we need more mavericks in Congress. Service to our country and its citizens was of deep value to Sen. McCain, and while all may not agree with his political views, we should all appreciate his commitment to serving the United States and the state of Arizona, even at the risk of working across the aisle or disagreeing with the party line. He was a “thinking” politician and person, which is sorely lacking in today’s political climate.
After reading “If Disney Ran your Hospital” and suggesting it to other members of our organization’s senior leadership team at my then-employer, FastMed Urgent Care, the chief operations officer rebutted, “I ran a hospital. We can’t run them like Disney. What should they do, put nurses in Mickey Mouse costumes?”
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) was named one of the 10 honorees for the Phoenix Mercury Believe in Women Award.
Carlos Alfaro (Scottsdale, 2024) was quoted in an azcentral article regarding civic discourse after Charlie Kirk’s death.
Quintin Boyce, Ed.D. (Tempe, 2020) spoke about an upgrade to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and benefits to Arizona students in a story with KTAR News 92.3 FM.
Evelyn Burrell, Psy.D. (Phoenix, 2023) was accepted into Goldman Sachs’ Black in Business Cohort 8.
The Honorable Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011) and other congressmen met with stakeholders in Tucson to discuss ongoing border and immigration policies, as reported in this azpm story.
Bridget Fitzgibbons, N.M.D. (Mesa, 2024) is part of Valley Leadership Catalyze Class 5.
The Honorable Brian Garcia (Tempe, 2018) spoke to the Apache Junction/Gold Canyon Independent about Prop 409.
The Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015) shared his opinion on Texas SB 2514 regarding Chinese influence in a StateScoop story.
Tim Gomez (Phoenix, 2023) was mentioned in a Cronkite News article welcoming a new mode of transportation to Mountain America Stadium.
Luis Heredia (Chandler, 2013) was elected chair of the DNC Latino Caucus and shared his journey to ASU in an Arizona Board of Regents article.
The Honorable Daniel Hernandez Jr. (Tucson, 2011) is now the Vice President of Political Programming at the LGBTQ Victory Fund.
Ricky Hernandez (Sahuarita, 2018) was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents.
The Honorable Khara House (Flagstaff, 2025) is starting a position as Associate Director of Recovery and Behavorial Health at C4 Innovations.
Andy Kvesic, J.D. (Scottsdale, 2018) is featured in an AZ Big Media story, sharing his journey and accomplishments in the legal industry.
Barbara Lang (Sierra Vista, 2015) will be awarded the Pete Wertheim Public Health Leadership Award from the Arizona Public Health Association on Oct 23.
The Honorable Nikki Lee (Tucson, 2018) was quoted by KGUN 9 on a story about new NDA policies in Tucson.
The Honorable Lori Matthews (Flagstaff, 2024) was quoted by the Arizona Daily Sun, discussing possible code changes for affordable and sustainable housing.
Allison Otu (Phoenix, 2024) was named a 2025 Woman of Achievement by InBusinessPHX Magazine.
The Honorable Kristen Randall (Arivaca, 2025) spoke about higher education opportunities in an article with Tucson Sentinel.
Nick Staab, M.D. (Phoenix, 2024) shares data about heat-related deaths in Maricopa County in an interview with KJZZ Phoenix.
Richie Taylor (Phoenix, 2020) was quoted in a story by the Daily Independent focusing on the parallels between Michigan and Arizona regarding the 2020 election.
Alec Thomson (Phoenix, 2019) spoke to the Powerball jackpot in a story with Fox 10.
Mary Venezia (Tucson, 2015) is now the Assistant Vice President of Admissions at the University of Arizona.
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023) was featured in a Pima County article highlighting efforts by Pima County Economic Development to consider partnerships and opportunities with the state of Baja California, Mexico.
Judah Waxelbaum (Scottsdale, 2024) was featured in an interview with Fox News sharing his opinion on next steps for Turning Point USA.
Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2024) wrote an op-ed for the Arizona Daily Star about being a business owner and a path to economic growth for Tucson.
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.
Board and Commission Openings
The Governor’s Office is now accepting applications to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. Residents knowledgeable and passionate about Arizona wildlife and conservation in eligible counties are welcome to apply here.
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, updated April 7, please see here.
Most Arizona counties and cities have boards and commissions with frequent vacancies. Check local websites for more opportunities.
Arizona has a new board matching program!
In partnership with Flinn Foundation and Vitalyst Health Foundation, AZ Leaders on Board was created to connect passionate community members with open board positions at nonprofit organizations across the state.
Register with AZ Leaders on Board to start viewing open opportunities.
If you have specific opportunities to share, let us know.
Career & Professional Opportunities
Justice Action Network Foundation is hiring a Senior State Policy Manager to coordinate activities and serve as the point person on justice policy reform issues in our priority states.
Arizona SciTech Institute is seeking a Development Manager to advance its fundraising efforts related to individual and corporate giving.
Arizona State University is seeking a Director, Presidential Advancement Strategic Correspondence to serve as a communications strategist.
The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation is searching for a new President and CEO to guide the foundation’s mission to advance student success, educational excellence, and community impact.
Goldwater Institute is looking for a Litigator with first-chair experience to join its team.
The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is seeking a Deputy Director of Operations.
Community Bridges is hiring an Associate Director of Housing and Community Integration to oversee outreach, shelter, housing and community-based programs.
Events & Conferences
The Arizona Wind Symphony kicks off its 25th anniversary season beginning Thursday, Oct. 9. Tickets are on sale now.
The Goldwater Institute is hosting the 2025 Freedom Gala on Friday, Oct. 17, at the Arizona Biltmore.
The Arizona Health Equity Conference will be held Thursday, Oct. 23, in Phoenix.
Join LISC Phoenix for its Annual Breakfast & Community Awards on Thursday, Oct. 30, in Mesa.
The Arizona Tax Research Association will hold the 2025 ATRA Outlook Conference on Friday, Nov. 21, at the Wigwam Resort.
The University of Arizona’s 8th Annual Reimagine Health Research Symposium, focused on the science and medicine of improving human resilience, will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4.
AZBio’s Trailblazer Awards will be held Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Phoenix Country Club.