Scottsdale Leadership Is Proud to Announce the
2022 Spirit of Community Leadership Honorees
2022
Hodges Alumni Achievement
Award Winner
Christine Kovach
Christine recently served as Vice Chair of the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, helping them to relocate, expand and enhance the center for rehabilitation of wild animals. She has reshaped multiple aspects of the community over a 30-year span. Most notably, she was a critical force in bringing to fruition the McDowell Sonoran Preserve where she served as the Chair multiple times and is the donor of two interpretive trails – Bajada and Kovach Family Nature Trail. She is a vocal and enthusiastic member of the
Scottsdale Public Art Advisory Board and a key member of the Public Art Ad Hoc committee which advocates for changes to the Scottsdale Public Art Program. She was inducted into the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame in 2017 for her community engagement and leadership.
2022
Drinkwater Leadership
Award Winner
Jack Miller
Hospitality is an important component of Scottsdale’s economy. When Jack arrived at the Fairmont Princess in July 2009 he quickly realized that thetemperature was the only hot thing happening. In record time he implementedJuly Freedom Fest celebrating 4th of July and honoring veterans. That was followed by Christmas at the Princess and now Spirit Halloween. The Fairmont Princess is also the signature hotel for Scottsdale’s Phoenix Open. When the pandemic hit, the hospitality industry saw 90% of its hotels close. The Princess didn’t close, but employment was curbed. Jack made sure his former employees had food by serving 35,000 meals in 90 days. Jack has served with multiplevalley hospitality, convention, and resort commissions. He is a former chair of the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau (now Experience Scottsdale) and continues to mentor others in the industry.
2022
Jenkins Youth Leadership
Award Winner
Giselle Rojas Guzman
Giselle is a Senior at Coronado High School (go Dons!) and will be the first in her family to pursue a college degree. She is planning to major in Psychology and minor in Early Childhood Education so she can become an educator. She is a member of National Honor Society (GPA 3.9), Interact Club, and
Link Crew. She is also a club officer in Coronado’s Jobs for Arizona Graduates (JAG) program. Along with on-campus work, like welcoming the new class of 2026 Dons, she has worked as a childcare volunteer with the Dream Academy Program at Tonalea K-8 School. She hopes her positive attitude and unwavering determination will be an inspiration to her younger brother to continue his education.
