September 2025
Executive Director's Corner
Lee Ann Witt
Executive Director
As we step into the new year, I am filled with excitement and gratitude for all that Scottsdale Leadership has accomplished… and for the opportunities that lie ahead.
This year marks an especially meaningful milestone as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary with the launch of Class 40. For nearly four decades, Scottsdale Leadership has been dedicated to cultivating servant leaders who strengthen our communities, and it is inspiring to see how far we have come. With more than 1,400 alumni, the ripple effect of our programs can be seen across Scottsdale and throughout Arizona — in boardrooms, nonprofits, civic organizations, and neighborhoods.
The year ahead promises to be one of growth, innovation, and connection. Our Alumni Engagement programming is expanding with new opportunities for connection and learning. Don’t miss:
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September 11th: Leadership Lessons from Sports with ASU Athletic Director Graham Rossini, sharing timeless leadership insights.
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September 17th: Networking at 10 to1 PR to learn why the “10 to 1” rule may be the secret to long-term success.
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September 29th: Tee Up for SL, our first-ever golf outing – no need to be a pro to go and have fun!
Our Leadership Development Program continues to evolve with relevant and timely class day topics, engaging participants in the most pressing issues facing our community. Project Lead It Forward (PLIF) will once again bring powerful, sustainable solutions to local nonprofits. Do you know a non-profit organization that should apply? Encourage them to contact
Dana Close, dana@scottsdaleleadership.org
before the October 31st deadline.
To our alumni, partners, sponsors, and friends,we thank you. Your commitment and passion make Scottsdale Leadership thrive. Together, let’s make this 40th celebration year one of impact and inspiration, as we continue to build a vibrant and resilient future for Scottsdale and beyond.
Blast from the Past
Kira Peters, Class 29
Written by: Craig Miller, Class 7 and Dr. Frances Mills-Yerger, Class 16
What a joy it was for us to chat with Kira Peters of Class 29 recently.
Her energy can light up a room. Kira has this ability to take on important jobs with confidence and expertise even on very short notice. This makes her a valuable asset in the leadership ranks of the City of Scottsdale where she works. We think she may have acquired her adaptability from her parents who literally went to the snowy, frozen end of our continent to teach people in need. Or maybe it is just that she has honed her leadership ability by taking on so many different types of challenges over the years. But whatever it is, Kira has it. There is no doubt in our minds that we are all better off by having her in our corner. She is a fascinating person, and we know you will enjoy getting to know her better, just as we did.
Leadership Lessons
from ASU's Athletic Director
SPECIAL
VIP
SPEAKER
EVENT
This
Thursday
Do not miss this exclusive conversation with dynamic speaker, Graham Rossini, Arizona State University's Athletic Director and hear him speak on:
-Building Relationships
and Connections
-Building Trust
-Focusing on Big Moments
and Little Details
-The Fan Experience
-Getting Back to Basics
Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Stage 2
Thursday, September 11th
5:00 - 6:30 pm
FREE for Visionary Donors
$10 for Active Donors | $20 General Admission
Mark Your
Calendar
Are you eligible for these great event discounts or to participate Free?
From Our Alumni Network
More Opportunities to Engage !
What started as a wild idea among a few friends has turned into the RIM 2 RIM Charity Basketball Game—one of the most exciting charity events of the year—and it just keeps getting bigger and better! This isn’t just a game, it’s a movement. Every dollar raised goes directly to supporting local youth programs in Scottsdale and surrounding communities. Over the past few years, this game has raised money for projects, including resurfacing the gym floor at the Boys and Girls Club Piper Branch, games and equipment at other BGC branches, and Rotary Youth Leadership Academy scholarships.
Scottsdale Community All-Stars is led by four SL Alumni, and many of the players in each of the prior games have been SL alumni. This is FREE FAMILY FUN! Bring your friends and neighbors!
If you’re inclined, please consider sponsoring a player or donating toward the fundraising goal!
Don't Miss the Fun!
Saturday, September 27th
10:30 am Tip Off
Welcome
Scottsdale Leadership Class 40!
Scottsdale Leadership proudly announces
the selected members of 2025-2026 Class 40
(listed in alphebetical order)
Bill Abad, Vanguard Group, Director of Fund Policy
Patricia Barney, HonorHealth Foundation, Associate Vice President
Courtney Beyer, Nautilus Insurance Group, VP-Human Resources
Keith Bowers, Bowers AI, President
Melinda Browning, Civic Center Pharmacy, Chief Customer Experience Officer
Cresencio Celaya, APS, Leader of Strategy and Planning
Angela Clervoix, Stingley Management-McDonalds’s, Business Manager/Next Gen
Angelina Cooper, HonorHealth Research Institute, Director-Strategic Research Business & Trauma Research
Lauren Crider, Renaissance Personnel Group, Executive Vice President
Sarah Dalton, HonorHealth, Service Line Program Manager
Lauren Daniels, Happily Ever After League, Founder, Executive Director
Samantha DeMoss, Rose Law Group, Land Use and Zoning Attorney
Kathryn Dwyer, Dwyer & Associates, President, NPO Consultant, Publicist
James Garman, Suzi Glover State Farm, Business Development/Office Manager
Marisha Geraghty, Paradise Valley Unified School District, Volunteer Administrator
Peg Ghering, St. Vincent De Paul, Vice President
Dr. Freda Hartman, Norwich University, Graduate Faculty
Chris Henderson, Gartner, Client Executive
Sean La Rue, Luminate Bank, Branch Manager
Jessica Linzey, Nationwide Insurance, Claim Manager/Program Manager
Sherry Jane Love, SJAL Enterprises, LLC, President
Patrick McCartney, Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, Financial Advisor
Beth McRae, The McRae Agency, CEO and Founder
James Meyer, Illumination Systems, Manager Architectural Residential Sales
Lea Mitchell, Scottsdale Unified School District, Assistant Superintendent
Greg Muir, AZ School of Real Estate and Business, Vice President and General Manager
Kim Novenski, CardioVascular Institute of Scottsdale, Cardiology Nurse Practioner
Whitney Pitt, City of Scottsdale, Business Services Director
Dr. Skip Powerll, Phoenix ER and Hospital, Emergency Physician
Steven Rajakovich, UMOM New Day Centers, Corporate Partnerships Officer
Jessica Rapp, City of Scottsdale, Human Services Manager
Crissy Seals, Nationwide Insurance, Associate Vice President
Shelley Seaver, HonorHealth Research Institute, Manager Business Operations
Jessica Sharkey, Gemsight College & Career Planners, College Essay Editor
Amanda Siegal, Valley of the Sun YMCA, Executive Director
Kimberly Smith, Banner Health, Practice Manager
Jennifer Spiegel Welch, Nationwide Insurance, Senior Consultant
Clint Steeves, Scottsdale Fire Department, Assistant Fire Chief
Karen Sutherland, Scottsdale Police Department, Support Services Director
Dr. Erica Tatum-Sheade, Integrated Mental Health, Owner & Child and Adolescent Clinician
Aaron Torres, Scottsdale Community College, Student Services Manager
Jimmy Vo, MidFirst Private Bank, Portfolio Manager
Laura Vreeland, Arizona State University, Senior Director, Recruitment Communications
Bruce Wall, City of Scottsdale, Citizen Advisor
Lynette Whitener, DC Ranch Community Council, Community Engagement Director
Christopher Wurpts, North Scottsdale United Methodist Church, Lead Pastor
