February 2026
Executive Director's Corner
Lee Ann Witt
Congratulations...
to the men and women of Scottsdale’s Police and Fire Departments for an outstanding Waste Management Phoenix Open. Once again, they ensured one of the largest events in the country ran smoothly and safely. Many of the individuals working tirelessly behind the scenes are members of the Scottsdale Leadership family, and we could not be prouder.
I had the opportunity to spend time at the WMPO and go behind the scenes to see Public Safety Operations in action. It was truly impressive. From the large blue mobile command semi (aka The Blue Ox) filled with screens and real-time data to the coordinated teamwork happening minute by minute, it was a powerful reminder of the planning and precision required to keep our city safe. It was also a privilege to connect with Karen Sutherland of Class 40, who oversees the 911 Communication Center and Real Time Crime Center with Scottsdale PD, and to witness firsthand the professionalism and expertise of her team.
Recently, Class 40 completed both Fire Day and Technology Day, where participants learned how advanced technology supports public safety. From geolocating resources in real time to tracking deployment, our public safety teams leverage cutting-edge systems to ensure quick response and coordinated action. We also heard from Bianca Lochner, the City’s CIO, who shared just how innovative Scottsdale truly is. This technology enables our city to nearly double in size during peak event season while maintaining safety for residents and visitors alike.
Be sure to read more about Scottsdale’s Fire Marshal, Kristi Gagnon of Class 38, who is at the helm alongside our police leadership in ensuring that everyone gets home safely. Her leadership exemplifies the proactive planning and collaboration that define Scottsdale’s approach to public safety.
This season is a powerful reminder that while the spotlight shines on Barrett-Jackson, the Waste Management Phoenix Open, and Spring Training, it is the dedicated professionals working behind the scenes who make it all possible. A special thank you as well to our partners at Experience Scottsdale, who help to bring the world to our city.
To all who serve, on the front lines and behind the scenes, thank you for keeping Scottsdale safe, vibrant, and thriving.
With gratitude,
Lee Ann Witt
Executive Director
Scottsdale Leadership
is in the media spotlight!
Scottsdale Leadership is featured in the February edition of Scottsdale City Magazine. Check out the article entitled "Leading Scottsdale Forward" in the magazine, on news stands, or in your mailbox this month!
This month's Scottsdale City Magazine cover features three Scottsdale Leadership Alumni:
Natalie Marsh, Class 33 [far left]
Sam Campana, Co-Founder [second from far right]
Dennis Robbins, Class 7 [far right]
Read the article here
in the online edition
Thank you
to Alicia Haygood, Class 39, for sharing the Scottsdale Leadership story with the community !
Listen to the podcast interview between Scottsdale City Lifestyle magazine editor and "Scottsdale Vibes" podcaster, Alicia Haygood and Scottsdale Leadership Executive Director, Lee Ann Witt
Blast From the Past
Kristi Gagnon, Class 38
Written by: Craig Miller, Class 7 and Dr. Frances Mills-Yerger, Class 16
After our wonderful conversation with Kristi Gagnon of Class 38 we were reminded of how often we overlook those who safeguard our daily lives.
Kristi serves as Scottsdale’s Fire Marshal, ensuring that our buildings, homes, and events are protected as much as possible from fire threats.
The results of her team’s efforts are impressive to say the least. Last year Scottsdale saw approximately two million dollars in fire loss. While significant, it is vastly lower than comparable municipalities, which often face losses six times that or more.
Kristi is the first to tell you that it is a team effort bolstered by Scottsdale city government which mandated fire suppression sprinklers in all homes and buildings back in 1985.
Recent devasting fires in Los Angeles and Lahaina underscore the importance of preparation. Kristi and her team have learned from those experiences and are always preparing for the unexpected.
We think you will enjoy getting to know her just as much as we did.
Congratulations to Mike Phillips, Class 10
for his contributions to estabishing the fabulous
Old Town Baseball Experience @ Frasher's Tavern
Come join in for the Opening Reception!
A unique baseball museum opens its doors in Scottsdale this February. Called The Old Town Baseball Experience @ Frasher’s Tavern, it’s more than history and memorabilia – it’s a gathering place for those who love the sport and wish to celebrate its rich Arizona legacy.
Located on the footprint of old Scottsdale High School, where Hall-of-Fame pitcher Jim Palmer played, Frasher’s Tavern is woven into Old Town Scottsdale’s historic tapestry. The museum fits into the tradition of such American landmarks as New York’s Fraunces Tavern and San Francisco’s Vesuvio Café/City Lights Bookstore and continues the legacy of local baseball hotspots like the Pink Pony and Don and Charlie’s.
As part of this project, the nonprofit Arizona Baseball Legacy and Experience (ABLE) will operate a museum inside the restaurant focused on Arizona baseball with an emphasis on Scottsdale’s diverse baseball history and heritage. Admission to the museum is free.
For more information: Mike Phillips | mikphil57@aol.com | 480-220-4008
Class Happenings
Learn About Our 4 PLIF Team Projects and How You Can Help!
WALTER HIVE TEAM
Walter Hive–Kids in Focus Digital Media Lab
WALTER HIVE TEAM is creating a Digital Design Lab that will provide youth and community members with access to technology that builds confidence, creativity, and practical skills. Through hands-on workshops in photo editing, video production, CAD design, and project management, kids will gain exposure to new tools and career pathways while developing collaboration and problem-solving skills. Help the Walter Hive team create this digital media lab!
How You Can Help
Help Walter Hive Team get the funding to bring technology to kids who want to learn with the creation of this exciting Digital Design Lab by attending their "Makers, Moments and Masterpieces event on March 12th from 5:00 to 8:00 pm -or- donate using the appropriate QR code below.
SCOTTSDALE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER TEAM
Scottsdale Family Resource Center
Play Space
The SCOTTSDALE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER TEAM is creating a special Play Space so children and families will have a safe, inclusive, age appropriate, and fun outdoor environment that promotes physical growth, social skills, creativity, curiosity, and cognitive development. and they need your help!
How You Can Help
Eat Pizza!
Help the Scottsdale Family Resource Center Team build this amazing Play Space by participating in the special promotional event below with Oregano's Pizza on February 25th! All net procedes will go directly to the team.
CATTLE TRACK ART & PRESERVATION TEAM
Cattle Track Art and Preservation
Introduction to the Community Event
CATTLE TRACK TEAM will be doing the first ever endeavor of introducing Scottsdale Citizens to Cattle Track. Help Cattle Track become a household name. Come for a day of tours every hour from throughout the grounds (including the Gallery, Artist Workshops, Outdoor Stage, Tree House, Archives, TSOA architect Dwellings, Phil Curtis home walkby, The Barn), with food trucks, onsite to keep you fueled for all the interacting you will do! interactions with artists/architects, CT artist sales opportunities, database growth. Attract 500 new visitors to Cattle Track - and inform thousands through notice of the event of this unique property.
How You Can Help
Help Cattle Track Team create an extraordinary introductory two-day community event to take place on April 25th and 26th by first becoming a "Friend of Cattle Track" by using the QR Code below. Tickets for their event will be on sale soon!
HORSES HELP TEAM
Horses Help
'Reins of Impact' Zen Garden
Here is your chance to help a wonderful organization that provides horse therapy to military veterans, at risk youth and physically and mentally challenged people. HORSES HELP TEAM is creating a sanctuary garden space immediately outside the facility's meeting room. This space will provide a calming environment, filled with native plants and flowers with a perfect view of the grazing horses in the adjacent paddock area.
How You Can Help
Help Horses Help Team create the beautiful 'Reins of Impact" Garden by making a donation using the QR codes below. Horses Help is also an Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO) for a dollar-for-dollar tax credit.
Fire Day
Class 40 visited the Scottsdale Fire Department Training Center along with meeeting Fire Chief Tom Shannon who explained the many daily challenges firefighters face, and deputy Chief Bollinger and Deputy Chief McDonald who shared with them an extensive behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to be a part of Scottsdale Fire.
Technology Day
Technology Day took place at NextSpace – the perfect setting for a forward thinking class agenda. The day included a presentation by SUSD School Board member and Arizona State University Executive Director of Data and Analysis, Mike Sharkey who shared about data visualization and storytelling... insights which will be especially relevant as class members prepare videos and presentations for their PLIF projects.
Past Presidents Gather for Annual Meeting!
Past Presidents came together for their annual meeting to hear key updates,
celebrate impact and continue shaping the future of Scottsdale Leadership.
A good time was had by all!
LEFT SIDE - FRONT TO BACK
Abbie Fink, Class 17
Denise Pruitt, Class 11
Suzanne Walden-Wells
Doreen Reinke, Class 17
Bob Howard, Class 1
Diana Smith, Class 3
RIGHT SIDE - FRONT TO BACK
Sharyn Seitz, Class 2
Jolynn Clarke, Class 10
Andi Robertson, Class 30
Sarah Kearney, Class 30
Michael Wills, Class 33
