The Scottsdale Executive Leadership Program is a confidential, invitation-only experience for senior executives who recognize that leadership extends beyond the organization—and that the decisions shaping our community require leaders who understand the bigger picture.
Designed around candid conversation, meaningful experiences, and trusted peer relationships, the program brings accomplished executives together to explore Scottsdale from new perspectives and engage directly with the people and institutions shaping its future.
Across eight immersive sessions, participants step outside the day-to-day demands of their roles to examine real issues, challenge assumptions, and gain insight across business, government, healthcare, education, and the nonprofit sector.
This is leadership development at a different level—personal, practical, connected, and rooted in the community. Scottsdale Leadership is proud to launch this new executive leadership program in partnership with HonorHealth our Presenting Partner, and PNC Bank, our Leadership Partner.
What Participants Gain
• Greater capacity to lean across organizational and community boundaries
• Access to high-level decision makers and community leaders
• Trusted peer relationships with fellow executives
• New perspectives across sectors and industries
• Opportunity to develop strategic partnerships
• A deeper understanding of Scottsdale and its future
Introducing the Inaugural Cohort
2026 Scottsdale Executive Leadership Program Participants
The 2026 inaugural cohort brings together a select group of C-Suite and senior executives representing some of Scottsdale's most influential organizations and institutions.
_edited.jpg)
Dr. John Neil, MD
President
HonorHealth
Dr. Scott Menzel
Superintendent
Scottsdale Unified School District
Rachel Sacco
President & CEO
Experience Scottsdale
Adam Mays
CEO
A.R. Mays Construction
Stacey Mitch
Sr. VP-Communications
Phoenix Suns
Andy Greenwood
VP-Development
Macerich
Jeff Brand
Partner | VP & Studio Design Director
Nelsen Partners
Lindsay Cheatham
VP Marketing
E Squared Marketing
Program Facilitator
Kate Birchler serves as facilitator of the Scottsdale Executive Leadership program. As founder of communiKate strategies, Kate brings 30 years of marketing and communications leadership experience. She is well known throughout the community and has served on numerous boards and held leadership roles with national, state, and local nonprofit organizations.
A Scottsdale Leadership alumna and Scottsdale History Hall of Fame inductee, Kate brings a deep understanding of Scottsdale, a strong network of community relationships, and a passion for bringing people together around meaningful conversations.
More About the Program
The program takes place September through December 2026 with eight immersive sessions hosted at distinctive locations throughout Scottsdale. Each session is designed around a different aspect of the community, creating opportunities for participants to experience Scottsdale, hear directly from key leaders, and engage in conversations that extend beyond their individual organizations.
Scottsdale Executive Leadership complements Scottsdale Leadership's nationally recognized Leadership Development Program, which has graduated more than 1,450 community leaders over the past four decades.
