December 2025
Executive Director's Corner
Lee Ann Witt
Executive Director
As 2025 Comes to a Close ...
my heart is full of gratitude for the incredible
Scottsdale Leadership community.
This year has reminded me just how powerful connection and purpose-driven leadership can be. This was especially apparent during our 25th Annual Spirit of Community Awards, where a record 450 community members gathered to celebrate service, impact, and one another. We were thrilled to honor Kathy Wills as our Drinkwater Award winner, Denny Brown as our Hodges Award winner, Karina Koppikar as the Jenkins Youth Leadership Award winner, and Pastor Jackie Parks as our Frances Young Trailblazer Award winner. If you haven’t watched their videos yet, they’re now on our website under About Us—and provided below for you to view. They are worth the watch, and inspiring, to say the least.
At our signature event, we also proudly recognized Nationwide Insurance as our Corporate Partnership Award winner. Throughout the event Cameron Cox of 12News kept us smiling as Emcee and Auctiontainer Letitia Frye brought her signature energy, keeping the room buzzing with pride and celebration.
I am incredibly thankful for our participants, alumni, board members, sponsors and partners who show up with heart, curiosity, and a true commitment to strengthening our community. Your passion is what makes Scottsdale Leadership not just a program, but a vibrant and connected network of effective leaders.
And, the excitement doesn’t stop there. 2026 is shaping up to be a big year. We’re launching a new Alumni PLIF Project, introducing the Gary Shapiro Legacy of Impact Award at our PLIF Showcase and Graduation, and debuting our new CEO Executive Program — all designed to deepen impact, spark fresh ideas, and continue developing leaders who care deeply about this community.
As we head into the holiday season, I hope you find time to slow down, celebrate the wins, and enjoy moments of joy and connection. Thank you for being part of this remarkable leadership community — I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together next!
With gratitude,
Lee Ann
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Inaugural Alumni PLIF Project
Written By
Sarah Kearney
Past Board President
Class 30
Ten years ago, during Scottsdale Leadership Class 30, I had the privilege of meeting Andrea Robertson for the very first time. What started out as us being classmates quickly turned into something far more personal and meaningful. I remember hearing the story of Lexie's Voice and feeling an immediate connection to the mission, the people, and the heart behind the work. Andi moved mountains alongside many others who championed Lexie's Law.
Over the years, that connection grew into a genuine friendship, one built on mutual respect, shared passion, and a commitment to creating a better, more compassionate community. I’ve watched the foundation evolve, expand, touch countless lives, give back to Scottsdale Leadership and in many ways, it has shaped my own leadership journey.
LEXIE'S RANCH SELECTED AS THE FIRST EVER ALUMNI PLIF PROJECT
So today, it is an incredible honor to serve as the Alumni lead for the inaugural Alumni Project Lead It Forward that will be completed with Lexie's Ranch. This moment feels like a full-circle chapter in a story that began a decade ago. And now, we have the opportunity to write the next chapter together. As an added bonus, Colleen Katz is our Scottsdale Leadership board member liaison to the project and Lisa Randall is the Executive Director of Lexie's Voice Foundation. If that's not a powerhouse group of optimism, hope, belief and most importantly action, I am not sure what is.
WE NEED YOUR PARTICIPATION !
To make this project truly transformative, we need the best of the best. It is going to take our Scottsdale Leadership alumni who understand what it means to inspire, to serve, and to lead with purpose. Our community needs us, Lexie’s Ranch needs us, and together we can create real, lasting, and sustainable impact for the individuals and families who rely on this incredible space. To my fellow Alumni I suggest - let's honor the legacy of leadership we’ve all been given, and let’s lead it forward. I hope you will join us. Reach out to Dana Close at Dana@scottsdaleleadership.org to learn more about the project and inquire how to get involved!
LEFT TO RIGHT:
Sarah Kearney, Class 30 - Advisor | Andi Robertson, Class 30 - Lexie's Voice Owner |
Lisa Randall, Class 28 - Lexie's Voice Executive Director | Colleen Katz, Class 34 - Advisor
Mark Your
Calendar
Monday, January 12th 5:30 -7:00 pm
Anti
Human Trafficking
Training
Every voice matters in the fight against human trafficking. Join Scottsdale Leadership as we bring back this highly popular event – learning from the experts, and taking meaningful steps toward prevention, protection, and hope.
Mark Your Calendar - More Details Coming Soon
Thursday, January 22nd 4:45 pm
Phoenix Suns Behind-the-Scenes Tour!
Alumni Donors Only
You still have time to become a donor!
Become a donor here.
Spirit of Community Awards
Event Day
Class 40 Blog
Spirit of Community Awards Event Day
by Patricia Barney, Class 40
December arrived like a fast-moving current for the Scottsdale Leadership staff team — Dana Close, Lee Ann Witt, and Michele Collier—who skillfully navigated a packed calendar of year-end moments and talented volunteers. Between final touches on the Auction, the Luncheon, and ongoing class projects, there was little pause, but plenty of purpose.
In the midst of the bustle, Class 40 reached an exciting milestone as members, the morning of Friday, December 12th, we officially received our PLIF project assignments. Divided into four teams, we will partner with Horses Help, The Walter Hive, Cattle Track Art Compound and the Family Resource Center. The energy was palpable as ideas began to take shape.
That momentum carried us sstraight into the Fairmont Princess ballroom for the 40th Anniversary Spirit of Community Leadership Award Luncheon which was transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland of lights. Surrounded by holiday magic, more than 450 guests gathered to celebrate leaders whose service defines Scottsdale. Honorees included emerging and established leaders who exemplify service and impact in our community. This year’s distinguished awardees included Kathy Wills (Drinkwater Leadership Award), Denny Brown (Hodges Alumni Achievement Award), Jackie Parks (Francis Young Trailblazer Award), and Karina Koppikar (Jenkins Youth Leadership Award).
A lively auction, announced by Leticia Frye, added to the excitement, featuring everything from movie packages to original artwork. Thanks to generous supporting sponsors and a committed community, the Awards Event was a resounding success—raising funds, awareness, and spirits. All of this served as a powerful reminder of what’s possible when leadership and community come together.
Class 40 celebrates at the Spirit of Community Awards Event at the Fairmont Princess
Did You Know ?
If you’re 70½ or older, you can donate to Scottsdale Leadership directly from your IRA This type of gift—called a Qualified Charitable Distribution—can count toward your Required Minimum Distribution and may lower your taxable income.
If you’re interested, please contact the person who manages your IRA and let them know you’d like to support Scottsdale Leadership. It’s an easy and meaningful way to support our work!
Thank you !
