Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
Living the Network: A Look Back at the 2026 Flinn-Brown Convention
When Fellows chose “Living the Network: 15 Years of Leadership in Action” as the theme for this year’s Flinn-Brown Convention, it felt like the right way to mark an important milestone. Fifteen years is certainly worth celebrating, but what I kept thinking about throughout the day was not how long the program has existed. It was how much this Network has grown—and what it takes to keep it meaningful.
Attendance: This year, 167 Fellows attended Convention, our largest turnout to date. Every cohort was represented, from our earliest Fellows to all 24 members of the 2026 class. One hundred Fellows also joined us for Thursday evening’s reception. Those numbers are gratifying, but attendance alone is not what makes a network strong. What matters is what happens when Fellows get in the room together.
Survey Results: Networking time was the most valuable part of Convention, followed closely by the moderated Fellows panel and tabletop conversations. That feels right to me. Fellows want good content, but they also want time to talk with one another—to compare experiences, make connections, ask questions, and sometimes stumble into a conversation they never would have had otherwise.
We also asked whether the statewide Convention format still works. The response was pretty clear: 15 of 16 survey respondents preferred keeping a full-day statewide gathering rather than replacing it with regional events. I was glad to see that. Arizona is a large state, and it is easy for our professional circles to become geographically—and sometimes professionally—narrow. Convention gives Fellows from different parts of Arizona, different sectors, and different cohorts a reason to cross those lines.
There was another number that caught my attention: only 16 Fellows completed the post-Convention survey, and 15 of them attended the event. With 167 Fellows in the room, that means we heard from fewer than one in 10 attendees. Even with a small response group, we learned useful things—but 15 responses from 167 attendees does not give us the full picture. The more Fellows who respond, the better we can understand what worked, what did not, and where we should make changes. We do not need everyone to agree. We do need to hear from more of you.
Convention is one of the most significant undertakings of our year. It takes months of planning, considerable staff time and resources, and a willingness on your part to give us a day of your time. We take that investment seriously. And we continue to make it because there is something important about bringing this Network together.
An email can share information. A webinar can introduce an idea. But neither quite replaces sitting across the table from another Fellow, discovering a shared interest, hearing a different perspective, making an introduction, or reconnecting with someone you have not seen in years.
That is what living the Network looks like to me.
Take a few minutes to look through the Living Network Cards spreadsheet, find your name, and see with whom you were connected.
The Throw and Receive board we introduced at Convention is also another great way to connect with your fellow Fellows
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the 2026 Convention such a strong gathering.
Before You Close Your Calendar…
Since 167 of you showed us that bringing the Network together still matters, we thought we should give you plenty of notice for the next one.
Save the date: Friday, Aug. 13, 2027 — Flinn-Brown Convention.
No agenda yet. No survey yet. Just one request for now:
Put 8.13.27 on your calendar. We hope to see you there.
Best, Dawn
Fellows Salons
We’re excited to launch another year of Flinn-Brown Fellows Salons—a chance to get out into Arizona, learn alongside fellow Fellows, and build deeper connections across the Network. Led by Christina Spicer (Phoenix, 2013) and Sarah Rose Webber (Prescott Valley, 2017), the 2026–2027 Salons will continue the Exploring Rural Arizona journey begun last year, with a new cohort and new communities to discover. Participants will receive a travel stipend to help offset program costs.
Save these dates:
- Monday, Oct. 19, 3 p.m. – Information Session | Zoom Link
- Oct. 19–Nov. 6 – Application Period
- Friday, Nov. 13 – Orientation
- Jan. 28–29 – Yuma
- April 8–9 – Winslow
- Early August – Rural Policy Forum
- Friday, Aug. 13 – 2027 Flinn-Brown Convention share-out
Whether you’re interested in joining the cohort or have a community, organization, or experience you think Fellows should explore, we’d love to hear from you.
Start by joining us Oct. 19 to learn more, and watch for the application to open that same day. We hope to see Fellows from across the Network take part in this next adventure.
FLINN-BROWN AT 15:
CELEBRATING ARIZONA’S EVERYDAY HEROES
Join us at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, as we celebrate 15 years of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation and launch Arizona’s Everyday Heroes—a new children’s book featuring the stories of 15 Flinn-Brown Fellows.
Through their stories, the book shows the many ways civic leadership takes shape across Arizona—from public service and education to business, healthcare, the arts, and community advocacy—and reminds us that leadership often begins with people who simply choose to step forward and make a difference.
Please note: The event date has changed from Sept. 21 to Oct. 12. If you registered prior, do not register again. Your RSVP will carry over!
Presented in partnership with Art State Arizona, the evening will feature an exhibit inspired by the book, remarks from Flinn Foundation President and CEO Tammy McLeod, Ph.D., and music from Rosie’s House.
Most of all, this will be a chance to come together—to celebrate the Fellows, partners, and friends who have shaped the Center’s first 15 years and to look ahead to what civic leadership in Arizona can become next.
We hope you’ll join us for this special evening.
FELLOW SPOTLIGHT
Brent Burgett
(Gilbert, 2020)
Assistant Chief
Mesa Fire & Medical Department
Brent Burgett grew up in Santa Fe, New Mexico, the youngest of three children, shaped by a father who was a combat veteran and volunteer firefighter and a mother whose New Mexico roots instilled in him a strong work ethic. After graduating from the University of New Mexico, he moved to Arizona to pursue a career in fire service, working two jobs while he earned an associate degree in fire science from Scottsdale Community College.
He began his career with Rural/Metro Fire Department in 2001, and three years later, he landed what he calls his dream job with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department. Over the past 22 years, Brent has advanced from firefighter to captain, battalion chief, deputy chief, and now assistant chief. In this role, he oversees Technical Services, Social Services, Public Affairs, Public Education, and Fire Prevention. He has kept building on that foundation ever since, adding an associate degree in paramedicine from Mesa Community College, a master’s degree from Northern Arizona University, and a Certified Public Manager credential from Arizona State University. He lives in Gilbert with his wife of 18 years and their two teenage children.
Public policy runs through nearly every division Brent leads. In Fire Prevention, he works closely with the fire marshal to track state legislative updates and interpret municipal ordinances, integrating modern fire codes into local law and partnering with city planners and private developers to balance economic growth with life safety from the blueprint stage through construction. On the Social Services and Community Health side, he sees directly how shifts in healthcare coverage, Medicaid structures, and funding for unhoused and underserved populations shape who ends up calling 911, often, he says, because 911 has become the default safety net when community healthcare infrastructure falls short. In Technical Services, federal, state, and regional policy governs the systems his department depends on: the radio frequencies, interagency agreements, and dispatch platforms that keep emergency response interoperable across jurisdictions.
“Do you know what my favorite part of the game is? The opportunity to play,” Brent says, quoting former NFL linebacker Mike Singletary. It’s a line he returns to often. For Brent, having the opportunity to serve people when they need help most is a gift, and the quote captures the gratitude he carries into the job every day.
That sense of gratitude extends to the Flinn-Brown Network. Brent points to the annual Flinn-Brown Convention as a highlight each year, a chance to reconnect in person with his cohort and see the professional milestones they’ve reached since he last saw them. Beyond the formal sessions, he says, it’s the trusted peers he can call on for advice on complex challenges that make the Network valuable.
Asked what would strengthen civic health in Arizona, Brent points to the top of the ladder. If elected leaders can restore public trust and demonstrate that involvement and collective participation genuinely matter, he believes Arizonans can work together to make life in the state better, starting with proving there is real value in crossing partisan lines.
FELLOWS FIELD TRIPS
A Look Inside Arizona’s Archives
Flinn-Brown Fellows joined the Honorable Laura Terech (Phoenix, 2025) for a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Polly Rosenbaum Archives and History Building on Sept. 22.
Fellows learned how the State Archives, Research Library, and Records Management branches work together to preserve Arizona’s history and make important records accessible to the public. The tour also offered an up-close look at rare documents and materials that help tell the story of Arizona and its people.
It was a great opportunity to see how our state’s history is preserved—and to spend time together outside of our usual program setting.
NEW FIELD TRIP OPPORTUNITY! Luke Air Force Base Tour
The Honorable Michelle Hess (Buckeye, 2013) has organized a Fellows field trip to tour Luke Air Force Base from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday, Oct. 21 , followed by lunch from noon to 1 p.m. The base requires an entry list, so please register directly with Dawn by Monday, Oct. 12. Dawn will follow up with each registered Fellow to collect the information needed for base entry, including date of birth, citizenship status, driver’s license or ID number and state of issue, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. An itinerary will be shared about a week before the tour.
Because this tour requires significant coordination for both our team and our hosts at the base, we kindly ask that you register only if you’re confident you can attend.
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.
CivEx
CivEx: Cross-Sector Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence
Thank you for joining us for a virtual CivEx exploring artificial intelligence. A special thank you to Flinn-Brown Fellow Chris Richardson (Scottsdale, 2022), senior vice president, enterprise architecture, CSAA, for moderating, and to our panelists, Minky Kernacs, co-founder and CEO, Mercurio Analytics; Srinivas Mukkamala, CEO, Securin Inc.; and J.R. Sloan, chief information officer, Arizona Strategic Enterprise Technology (ASET).
FELLOWS DIRECTORY UPDATES
We distributed the 2026 Flinn-Brown Directory at the Flinn-Brown Convention.
Please make sure your information is accurate and current by scanning the QR code or following this link to complete the survey. We will update the online directory for you.
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
Trista Guzman Glover (Mesa, 2019), the Honorable Chris Glover (Mesa, 2016), and Deanna Villanueva-Saucedo, Ed.D. (Mesa, 2014) represented Flinn-Brown Fellows at the inaugural Union Jack Classic in London!
Ryan Peters (Gilbert, 2025), Derrik Rochwalik (Phoenix, 2018), and the Honorable April Hepperle (Gilbert, 2023) attended the Zach Bryan concert.
Yavapai County Fellows the Honorable Jodi Lair (Prescott Valley, 2018), the Honorable Bill Regner (Clarkdale, 2018), the Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017), Rebecca Serratos (Prescott, 2025), Vincent Gallegos (Prescott, 2023), the Honorable Steven King (Camp Verde, 2024), and the Honorable Nikki Check (Jerome, 2012) attended the State of the County address.
Dana Kennedy (Phoenix, 2016) utilized the Network by having Audra Koester Thomas (Fountain Hills, 2011) present information about Prop. 479 to a national executive (pictured on the left).
Fellow’s Birthdays
We want to wish a happy birthday to all the Fellows celebrating in October!
- The Honorable Benjamin Graff, J.D. (Phoenix, 2011)
- Blaise Caudill (Phoenix, 2014)
- The Honorable Drew John (Safford, 2014)
- Peter Huisking (Pasadena, California, 2015)
- JP Martin (Phoenix, 2017)
- Debbie Nez-Manuel (Window Rock, 2017)
- Brad Kendrex (Queen Creek, 2018)
- Jodie Filardo (Keswick, Virginia, 2019)
- Nancy Steele (Cottonwood, 2019)
- Daniel Palm (Tucson, 2020)
- Zachary Yentzer (Glendale, 2020)
- Kim Madrigal, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2022)
- Chris Richardson (Scottsdale, 2022)
- Gabriel Jaramillo (Phoenix, 2022)
- Alanna Riggs (McNeal, 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)
- Jennie Bever, Ph.D. (Chandler, 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.
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 Brent Burgett (Gilbert, 2020).
I recommend Tribe by Sebastian Junger. This book is about understanding the value in human connection. It dissects why and how people come together after tragedy and how we live in a world that is not generally well connected.
FELLOWS LISTS
Each month, we feature a Fellows list in a specific employment sector, public policy area, affinity group, or region. Arizona State University football participated in the inaugural Union Jack Classic at Wembley Stadium this month. To celebrate their win, we highlight our ASU Alumni fellows this month.
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.
Sophie Allen-Etchart (Phoenix, 2022), Jennifer Carusetta (Phoenix, 2012), Charlinda Haudley, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2022), Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2016), and Dana Kennedy (Phoenix, 2016) were named 2026 Women Achievers of Arizona.
The Honorable Alexandra Arboleda, J.D. (Phoenix, 2018) was quoted in a Cronkite News article on federal Colorado River cuts, calling for shared sacrifice between the Upper and Lower Basin states.
The Honorable Alesia Ash, J.D. (Phoenix, 2015) will join Carvana as Litigation Counsel in October.
Carla Berg (Tempe, 2020) is now Staff Vice President of Clinical Quality and Accreditation at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
The Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019) was selected as president for the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. She was also quoted in a CopperArea.com article about the installation of new US 60 directional signs for downtown Superior and credited Amy Love (Phoenix, 2019) with helping the own navigate ADOT requirements and complete the project.
Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011) was quoted by 13 News on a new $325,000 state-funded genetic study of the Salt River wild horses, which will guide science-based decisions to keep the herd healthy and sustainable.
Teniqua Broughton (Phoenix, 2013) was quoted in an Ahwatukee Foothills News article about The State of Black Arizona’s new housing report, which found a lower homeownership rate among Black Arizonans compared with the statewide rate.
The Honorable Eddie Cook (Gilbert, 2023) was quoted in an AZ Free News article about Arizona property tax and deed laws that are now in effect.
Joel Edman, J.D. (Tempe, 2016) is now Strategic Initiatives Director at Progress Arizona. He also weighed in on Prop. 317, which would classify drug cartels as terrorist organizations, in this Arizona Mirror article.
Timothy Gomez (Phoenix, 2023) was featured in an AZFamily story about his passion for Lego building.
Adam Goodman (Paradise Valley, 2023) was featured in the Arizona Capitol Times for co-leading an effort with the Leadership Now Project to rally Arizona CEOs around a pledge on election legitimacy as an economic issue.
Doug Hockstad (Oro Valley, 2022) is now the Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director at Tech Launch Arizona.
The Honorable Khara House (Flagstaff, 2025) was recognized with the 2026 Newsmaker Award.
Julie Katsel (Tucson, 2014) spoke with KVOA News 4 Tucson about the legacy of the late Sen. Jon Kyl, for whom she worked for 18 years.
The Honorable Nikki Lee (Tucson, 2018) was quoted in a Vox article about launching AI data centers into space.
Shane Leonard (Gilbert, 2019) is now Director of Business Development and Government Affairs at Rainmaker Technologies Inc.
The Honorable Lea Márquez Peterson (Tucson, 2011) was featured in a Design News video on Southern Arizona’s growth as a tech hub.
Reyna Montoya (Gilbert, 2020) was featured on a KJZZ segment about the U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit over Prop. 308, Arizona’s law allowing DACA recipients to qualify for in-state tuition.
Stacy Reinstein (Phoenix, 2012) has been named Chief Marketing and Public Affairs Officer at First Things First.
Ryan Smith (Mesa, 2013) was quoted by KTAR News on Mesa Gateway Airport’s selection as one of 13 airports piloting Gateside by TSA PreCheck, which allows approved visitors to pass through security without a ticket.
Nick Staab, M.D. (Phoenix, 2024) was quoted in a KTAR News article about the record number of heat-related deaths in Maricopa County in 2026.
Benjamin Taylor, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019) provided legal commentary for a 12News story about a Tucson passenger who was restrained with duct tape on a diverted American Airlines flight.
The Honorable Raquel Terán (Phoenix, 2018) was a panelist at KTAR News’ “The Issues That Matter” town hall, breaking down November ballot propositions on voter ID, photo radar and drug cartels.
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023) was quoted in a University of Arizona announcement about the launch of SPARK, a joint semiconductor and photonics research center with Taiwan’s National Sun Yat-sen University.
Brad Vynalek, J.D. (Phoenix, 2011) was named one of the 50 Most Powerful Business Leaders in Arizona by AZ Big Media.
The Honorable Thea Wilshire, Ph.D. (Globe, 2011) was featured in Copper Country News for her hands-on work with Love Where You Live, helping revive and expand downtown Globe’s whimsical Mini Gila Monster murals.
Zach Yentzer (Glendale, 2020) co-authored an op-ed with Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers on the city’s decades of water planning. The piece was cited in ABC15 coverage of how Glendale is preparing for historic Colorado River cuts.
Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2024) was featured in a KGUN 9 story about her business, Sonoran Stitch Factory, partnering with PasturePuff to produce portable horse mattresses with graduates of an industrial sewing workforce program.
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 AND PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The City of Scottsdale is hiring a Deputy Director, Human Services to provide strategic leadership and oversight for the department.
Community Bridges is seeking a Director of Housing and Community Integration to provide guidance and oversight for their programs and services.
The City of Mesa is accepting applications for an Economic Development Project Manager to plan, organize, monitor, and evaluate their economic development activities.
Maricopa Association of Governments is seeking a Governmental Relations Administrator to lead intergovernmental relations efforts with member agencies.
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.
ALL in Education is seeking an Executive Director who will set the vision for the organization’s next chapter.
Arizona SciTech Institute is hiring a Development Manager to advance its fundraising efforts related to individual and corporate giving.
EVENTS AND CONFERENCES
The Greater Phoenix Chamber will host the 2027 Economic Outlook on Oct. 1 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
AZ Impact for Good is hosting the West Valley Impact Collective on Oct. 15 at Ottawa University in Surprise.
Registration is open for the Arizona Health Equity Conference Oct. 22 at the Desert Willow Conference Center in Phoenix.
The Goldwater Institute’s Freedom Gala will be Oct. 23 at the Arizona Biltmore in Phoenix.
Arizona Forward is hosting the 2026 Statewide Sustainability Summit: Thrive in 2035 on Oct. 26 in Tempe.
The Greater Phoenix Chamber’s ATHENA Awards will be Oct. 29 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge.
Local First Arizona will host Arizona Fall Fest on Nov. 7 at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.
The 2026 ATRA Outlook Conference will be Nov. 13 at the Embassy Suites in Scottsdale.
AZBio’s annual Trailblazers Luncheon will be Dec. 10 at the Phoenix Country Club.