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June 2025

President's Corner

Greetings Alumni!

As I conclude my term as President of Scottsdale Leadership’s Board of Directors, I want to offer my gratitude and pride for our Board and community throughout this year.

Our focus this year has been clear: laying the groundwork to scale—intentionally, sustainably, and in alignment with the evolving needs of our community and business partners. We took meaningful steps to embed leadership competencies into every facet of what we do—from programming to partnerships to internal operations—ensuring that leadership development is not only what we offer but how we operate.

The efforts to scale our organization are not just strategic; they are foundational. By strengthening our internal capacity and refining our business planning model, we’ve positioned Scottsdale Leadership to grow alongside our vibrant city and to continue preparing leaders who meet tomorrow’s challenges with purpose and skill.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our exceptional board. Their passion, expertise, and commitment have helped move us forward in profound ways, and I am deeply grateful. And this work will continue in years to come, starting with our incoming leader! 

I’m excited to welcome Merle Riepe as the incoming Board President. Many of you already know Merle from his work with our Leadership Program Emergenetics assessments, but Merle also brings a deep understanding of leadership development and an energizing vision for what comes next, which will build on the great foundation we have today. I have every confidence that, under his guidance, Scottsdale Leadership will continue to thrive.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve, and for all you do to support our mission -- and welcome to our new Board of Directors! 

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Joanna Peyton

President of the Board

"We’re incredibly grateful to all the alumni who have contributed and chosen to stay connected as active donors this year—thank you!  In early July, we’ll be unveiling the 2025–2026 donor benefits and calendar of Fall Alumni Events. We can’t wait for you to see what’s ahead and hope you will consider renewing or becoming an Active Alumni Donor."

Welcome
2025-2026 Scottsdale Leadership
Board of Directors

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Top Row:

Merle Reipe, Stephanie Tippett, Colleen Katz, Larry Hewitt, Jim Kollenda, Justin Layman, Brendan Cassin, Jason Glenn, Annie Gwin, Rose Meyer

Bottom Row:

Dan Newhart, Alicia Haygood, Dale Shafer, Lee Ann Witt, Erin Krivanek, Ann Porter, Lisa Nolan, Katie Patten

Not Pictured:

Joanna Peyton, Karen Tonkinson

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Congratulations
Sam Mendez, Class 37! 

Sam is the honored recipient of the Virginia A. Lynch Pioneer Award in Forensic Nursing from the International Association of Forensic Nurses awarded for exceptional research and contributions to the field of Forensic Nursing.

 

We are so proud of you, Sam! 

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Well Done
Devin Haggerty, Class 39! 

Devin just graduated from Class 39 and has already been accepted as a board member with the Scottsdale Historical Society.

 

Congratulations, Devin!

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Mark Your
Calendar

Wednesday, June 25, 7:30 pm

Our Own
Bob Howard at
The House of Comedy!

 

Join us for a night of laughs as Bob Howard of Class 1 performs a comedy show at The House of Comedy on High Street in northeast Phoenix. The theme is "Boomers and Zoomers". Tickets are normally $10.00, but just mention Bob Howard's name at the box office and you'll get in FREE. Just be sure to buy some food and drink.

 

Oh, and Bob said he will be hilarious...

as usual! 

Friday, August 22, 5:30pm

Welcome Reception

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Welcome the newest Scottsdale Leadership Class 40!

Scottsdale Resort

Friday, December 12, 12:00N - 1:30pm

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SAVE THE DATE  !

Scottsdale Princess

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Lauren Dessis of Class 38, and her husband, Hector, welcomed their beautiful baby girl, Angelina Grace on May 16th!

The New LeaderSHOP is Here! 

We have great new merchandise in our LeaderSHOP! Check it out. You can even pick items that can be customized with your class number. AND, if you take a photo of yourself in your new swag and send it to Dana Close you can be in our new promotional video! 

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This month's edition of Branching Out is brought to you with thanks to our community partner 

Thank you for investing in Scottsdale Leadership!

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Richard "Rick"

Kostopoulos

President & CEO

Class 37

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