March 2026
Executive Director's Corner
Lee Ann Witt
Balloons, Four-Leaf Clovers & 40 Years of Leadership
What do birthday balloons, four-leaf clovers, and celebrating 40 years of leadership have in common? For Scottsdale Leadership this March, they all represent something worth celebrating.
First, a very special milestone. Don Ruff, one of Scottsdale Leadership’s founding champions, celebrates his 90th birthday on St. Patrick’s Day! Don’s vision helped launch Scottsdale Leadership nearly 40 years ago, and we remain incredibly grateful for his leadership and dedication to our community. Having his birthday fall on St. Patrick’s Day feels especially fitting—because Scottsdale Leadership has certainly been lucky to have him.
Speaking of luck and good fortune, 2026 marks Scottsdale Leadership’s 40th anniversary! March also kicks off Arizona Gives, a statewide celebration of philanthropy that culminates on Arizona Gives Day, April 7th.
To celebrate, we’re launching a Class Challenge, inviting alumni classes to come together in a friendly little competition to support the organization that helped shape their leadership journey. It’s a great opportunity to reconnect, show your class pride, and ensure Scottsdale Leadership continues developing the leaders our community needs for the next 40 years.
We encourage everyone to have fun with this—tag classmates, post photos from the past, share your PLIF stories, and the impact Scottsdale Leadership has had on you. What’s in it for you? Scottsdale Leadership spirit, support, and bragging rights! 😊 Stay tuned for more fun.
So whether you’re celebrating with birthday balloons, hoping to spot a lucky four-leaf clover, or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, I hope you’ll consider supporting Scottsdale Leadership this Arizona Gives season.
Because when we invest in leadership, we invest in the future of Scottsdale. 🍀
Let the celebrating begin!
Lee Ann Witt
Executive Director
1986-2026
40 Years. 40 Classes.
Let's Honor the Legacy
We're proud to be launching our 3-week AZ Gives campaign as we invite our alumni, current class members, partners and community supporters to help build early momentum - to harness the power of collective giving. Help empower the next generation of leaders who will strengthen our community through service, collaboration and civic engagement. To class members and alumni ~ it's time to show that class spirit once again. Be among the first to give and set the pace for this year's campaign to honor the legacy that you share!
Why I Give
"Scottsdale Leadership has been sending people who are trained to volunteer in a leadership capacity into the community for thirty five years. This has benefited Scottsdale and its residents beyond measure and that is why I consistently give to Scottsdale Leadership."
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
DON RUFF !
Learn More About Don -
One of our Co-Founders
Don not only helped to create Scottsdale Leadership but he was also instrumental in founding the Scottsdale History Hall of Fame. Both of these projects have helped shape Scottsdale into what we know today. That is only a small sample of what Don has done for our community. Trust us, his story is not boring. Keep reading and we know you will learn a lot just as we did.
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Congratulations to
four SL Alumni
Chosen for
"50 Women to Know"
as presented by the KNOW Women
Abbie Fink,
Class 17
Melinda Browning,
Class 40
Ginger Clayton,
Class 35
Jenn Biancavilla,
Class 29
Alumni
Alumni Project Begins at Lexie’s Ranch
The first Alumni Lead It Forward Project, is officially underway at Lexie’s Ranch, founded by Andrea and Brad Robertson, Class 30 and 18 and led by Executive Director, Lisa Randall, Class 28 . This project is bringing our alumni community together to create a beautiful, soothing, and safe garden space for the participants of Lexie’s Voice.
With landscape design support from Charlie Popek, Class 24 and the helping hands of approximately 20 alumni volunteers, work has begun to clean up the space, build the garden beds, and prepare the area for planting. The vision is to create not only a peaceful garden for participants, but eventually a ranch and event space that the broader community can enjoy.
We invite you to join us on April 26 from 5:00–7:00 pm to see the progress, walk through the garden, and view the plans for the continued development of this incredible place. We look forward to sharing this special project with you and celebrating the power of alumni working together to Lead it Forward.
LEFT TO RIGHT
Top Row: Colleen Katz, Brad Robertson, Merle Riepe, Lindsay Halgerson, Jim Kollenda, Lisa Randall
Bottom Row: Ellie Gerace, Erin Gerace, Sarah Kearney, Amy Ferrari, Maryann McAllen, Pat Sauerman, Andi Robertson, Tiana Gracias
Public Safety Day
POLICE DAY gave Class 40 a behind-the-scenes look at the people, training and technology that help keep Scottsdale one of the safest cities in the country.
Thank you to our fantastic Police Day Chairs -
Deputy Director Cassie Johnson, Class 39 | Commander Chris Coffee, Class 38 | Commander Scott Smith, Class 39
Shown with – Director Karen Southerland, Class 40
