FOUNDING VISION - 1986
Scottsdale Leadership was conceived in 1986 by a visionary group of community leaders: Scottsdale Community College President Dr. Art DeCabooter, Scottsdale City Councilmember Sam Campana, real estate executive Gary Shapiro, and Don Ruff, past president of the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. Recognizing Scottsdale's exponential growth in the 1960s and 1970s, they advocated for a structured leadership training program. Their goal was to broaden and diversify the city's leadership pool—bringing more faces, brains, and hands to address emerging community issues and guide the city, region, and state into the future.

 

THE CHARTER CLASS - 1987
The first Scottsdale Leadership class was recruited from diverse backgrounds and organizations across the community. In January 1987, these pioneers began gathering twice monthly for “program days.” Under the leadership of Executive Director Martha Green (1986–1996) and based in the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce’s “Little Red Schoolhouse,” the class explored all facets of community leadership. They toured construction sites like The Phoenician and Hyatt at Gainey Ranch, visited the newly opened Horseman’s Park (now WestWorld) and the TPC golf course, and engaged in dialogues with past and present city leaders. Topics included public safety, city government, social services, and media operations. The class graduated in June 1987, ready to turn insight into action—joining nonprofit boards, city commissions, school boards, and even running for public office.

 

GROWTH AND INDEPENDENCE
In its early years, Scottsdale Leadership was supported by its founding sponsors: the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce, Scottsdale Community College, Scottsdale Unified School District and the City of Scottsdale. In 1996, the organization transitioned into an independent nonprofit, with enthusiastic support from its original sponsors and local partners. A committed board of directors, a small professional staff, and a senior advisory board of community leaders have since ensured the program’s continued relevance and impact.

 

SUSTAINED IMPACT AND ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Scottsdale Leadership thrives on alumni involvement. Program graduates regularly help design and conduct new sessions, ensuring topics remain current and impactful. Many alumni are actively solving the very issues explored in program days. Over the past four decades, graduates have contributed tens of thousands of volunteer hours to more than 1,000 organizations across the Valley.

 

LEADERSHIP IN ACTION
The program’s alumni have left a lasting mark on civic life. Many have served in the Arizona Legislature and on the Scottsdale School Board. Eleven graduates have been elected to the Scottsdale City Council, with two rising to serve as Mayor. Dozens more have filled key roles on city boards and commissions—further evidence that Scottsdale Leadership continues to shape the city’s future.

 

A LEGACY REMEMBERED: MAYOR BILL JENKINS ON SCOTTSDALE LEADERSHIP

The late Scottsdale Mayor Bill Jenkins, who served as Scottsdale Leadership’s third board president and was honored with the Drinkwater Leadership Award in 2002, once reflected on the organization’s profound impact:

 

“One of the things that makes Scottsdale a very special place is the work of organizations such as Scottsdale Leadership in getting the people of this city involved in the life of the community. And, in Scottsdale Leadership’s training of future leaders, we can rest assured the city is in good hands.”
— Mayor Bill Jenkins

 

This heartfelt endorsement from a respected civic leader underscores the enduring role Scottsdale Leadership plays in shaping a connected, resilient, and engaged community.