August 2026
Executive Director's Corner
"We're kicking off an exciting year and we want you to join in the fun!"
Let's Make This an Amazing Year!
There’s something special and energizing about the beginning of a new Scottsdale Leadership year—new faces, new ideas, new connections, and the excitement of what’s ahead.
We’re ready to kick off an exciting year, and we want you to join in the fun!
This summer, I attended the ALP (Association of Leadership Programs) Convention with executives from leadership organizations across the country. Sharing ideas and learning from communities nationwide was inspiring. But, I came home especially excited and affirmed about the work we’re doing right here in Scottsdale. Our programs, alumni participation, community partnerships, and commitment to developing engaged leaders are truly something special. And we’re building on that momentum!
In September, we’ll launch our new Scottsdale Executive Leadership Program, bringing together a select group of CEOs and C-suite executives for meaningful conversations, learning, and connection. We’re excited to expand our leadership offerings and continue creating opportunities for leaders at every stage.
It’s time to celebrate!
We have an incredible lineup of events coming up—our Kickoff Alumni Happy Hour at Rock Bar, our Class 41 Welcome Reception, our 2nd Annual Sunset & Scramble Golf Tournament, and the launch of our 2026-2027 Speaker Series—and that’s just the beginning! Details and registration links for all these events are in this newsletter below. We hope you’ll join us, reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and experience all that Scottsdale Leadership has to offer this year.
Tickets for our premier event, the Annual Spirit of Community Awards Luncheon, are now on sale! Join us on December 11th as we celebrate the outstanding leaders who make a difference in our community. Be sure to take advantage of Earlybird pricing available now through November 4th.
Do you know someone outstanding and deserving of one of our awards? Nominate a community leader! Spirit of Community Award nominations are now open through September 16th. Help us recognize the people who are making a difference in our community.
-
Click Here to submit a Drinkwater Award Nominee – recognizing a deserving community leader who is not a Scottsdale Leadership alumnus
-
Click Here to submit a Hodges Award Nominee – recognizing an outstanding Scottsdale Leadership alumnus
-
Click Here to submit a Jenkins Award Nominee – recognizing an exceptional Junior or Senior high school leader
-
Click Here to submit a Frances Young Trailblazer Award Nominee – recognizing an individual who is breaking new ground and making a lasting impact
We’re also looking for exciting and unique auction items for both our silent and live auctions at the Awards Luncheon. If you have an item, experience, or connection that would make a great auction contribution, please click HERE to let us know.
Stay connected and support Scottsdale Leadership. There are so many great benefits to staying engaged; Active Alumni Donors receive discounts or complimentary admission to many of our events. If you haven’t renewed your support yet, now is the perfect time to do so! Your continued support—and the support of those who are new to Scottsdale Leadership—is invaluable. It is an investment in helping us develop leaders, strengthen connections, and build a stronger Scottsdale community.
Thank you for believing in Scottsdale Leadership and for being part of our community.
Let’s make it an amazing year together!
With gratitude,
Lee Ann Witt
Executive Director
The Scottsdale Leadership PLIF Projects Program is now accepting applications from non-profit organizations to become 2027 partners!
To These Outstanding Alumni for Their Accomplishments!
Karen Southerland
Class 40
Congratulations to Scottsdale Police Department Deputy Director Karen Sutherland on her election to the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International Board of Directors as the Western Regional Representative.
Christian Sanft
Class 38
Congratulations to Christian who was recently promoted
to the position of Chief Operating Officer of the
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale.
_JPG.jpg)
Tawni Rachel
Class 39
Congratulations to Tawni who has been promoted
to Director of Career and Workforce Center
at Scottsdale Community College
Amanda Siegal
Class 40
Congratulations Amanda
for being named to the Business Journal's
40 Under 40 list!!
Sean LaRue
Class 40
Congratulations Sean
for being elected to the
NOAH (Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health)
Board of Directors!
Cassie Johnson
Class 39
Congratulations Cassie
for being appointed as
Interim General Manager of WestWorld!
Holly Peralta
Class 31
Congratulations Holly
for being promoted to
Senior Director of Communications
for the City of Scottsdale!
