News Release
May 20, 2025

Scottsdale Leadership Celebrates Graduation of Class 39 and 

Community Service Impact Projects Benefiting Local Non-Profit Organizations

Scottsdale, AZ — Scottsdale Leadership proudly announces the graduation of Class 39, a dynamic and diverse group of 48 emerging community leaders committed to making a lasting impact on the greater Scottsdale community. The graduation ceremony, held on May 9, 2025, marked the culmination of a transformative year of personal growth, civic engagement, and collaborative leadership development.

As a cornerstone of their experience, Class 39 completed five community focused “Project Lead It Forward” (PLIF) initiatives, directly benefiting local non-profit organizations and addressing real community needs. PLIF is Scottsdale Leadership’s signature service-learning component, challenging participants to lead, innovate, and give back. In total, the class donated 3,200 volunteer hours, $105,000 in-kind donations, $142,000 funds raised and positively impacted an estimated 2,500 youth in the community.

This year’s PLIF teams partnered with the following local non-profit organizations:

Homeless Engagement Lift Partnership (H.E.L.P.) – One aspect of this project aimed to: Eliminate ongoing monthly rental cost by acquiring portable containers, redirect those funds to support families and enhance sustainability. Increase efficiency by implementing organized shelving and labeling within the containers, streamline operations, provide easy access to inventory, and managing event materials more effectively. Project REACH Campus Business Plan: This part of the project involved developing a comprehensive business plan to: Provide a strategic roadmap to secure funding, optimize resource allocation, and implement effective services. It also measured and enhanced the impact on families' health, education, and economic stability. The goal is to foster a supportive community environment that empowers families to achieve self-sufficiency and well-being.

Scottsdale Police Department – The team beautified two elementary school playgrounds, including painting multiple 4 Square games and installing benches in school colors, creating an inviting and stimulating environment. We purchased essential equipment for outside play and storage vessels for the equipment. The 2025 project culminated with our group hosting a multi-grade 4 Square Tournament at each school, which will not only add a fun and competitive element to recess but will also teach students valuable lessons about winning, losing, and the importance of fair play. It also gave the students and the Scottsdale Police department a playful way to build positive relationships. Through fundraising efforts we were able to pay for all of the above, while leaving a legacy fund for future tournaments at even more schools. 

Miracle League of Arizona - The objective was to support the Miracle League of Arizona, a non-profit dedicated to providing a safe, inclusive, and fun baseball experience for individuals with special needs. By removing barriers to participation, the league creates a big-league atmosphere where athletes are supported one-on-one by a buddy, fostering social interaction and community. Our efforts focused on expanding the league’s impact through improved marketing ideas. This included creating a new, user-friendly website, marketing initiatives, and upgrading the press box to enhance game-day experiences. These enhancements aim to increase visibility, grow community involvement, boost revenue, and ultimately serve more families. Everyone deserves the chance to play baseball!

Happily Ever After League (HEAL) –provides resources for mothers recovering from cancer, supporting their healing journey with a one-time grant and ongoing assistance with outreach programs and access to other resources. One such resource is inviting mothers and their families to the HEALing Farm, a place of peace and access to the healing elements of farm animals. Hammy’s HEALing Helpers raised over $ 20,000, including in kind donations, to mitigate the heat for the families and the animals in the warmer months, making the space more usable year round. The team increased shady space through the additional of a larger patio space covered by a gazebo, planting large shade trees around the property, a mister system, and bringing in additional healing touches like water elements and comfortable chairs for relaxing in the space.

Desert Stages Theatre - Originally, the project focused on renovating the theatre space, but as circumstances changed, the mission shifted to something more urgent: saving and relocating the theatre due to the fact that they found themselves without a theatre building. The revised project involved supporting the site closure, researching and securing immediate space for the essential summer camp programs, and exploring a new venue option, all while planning fundraising efforts aimed at providing the financial foundation to successfully launch DST 4.0.

“These projects reflect the heart of Scottsdale Leadership’s mission,” said Executive Director, Lee Ann Witt. “Class 39 not only learned about the challenges our community faces—they took action. Each PLIF project demonstrates the power of collaborative leadership and the difference passionate individuals can make.”

Since its founding in 1986, Scottsdale Leadership has graduated over 1,400 alumni who continue to shape the region through civic, business, and nonprofit leadership. Class 39 exemplifies this legacy, stepping forward as change-makers ready to serve and lead with purpose.

Scottsdale Leadership is proud to now call the Leaders from Class 39 Alumni. 

CLASS 39

Mike Beck, Allied Universal Security Services

Michael Bolinger, Scottsdale Fire Department

Peter Boyle, ASU Center for the Future of Arizona

Ken Brandeis, Retired

Mary Collins, City Library, Botanical Gardens

Veronica Corral, Airpark Signs & Graphics

Chad Corwin, Salt River Project

Riczer Desvaristes, Hypamark

Judy Doyle, City of Scottsdale

Lissa Druss, Riot Hospitality Group

Jerimya Fox, Banner Health

Aaron Glaspie, Alkermes Biotech

Matthew Gotschall, Nationwide Insurance

Aaron Greksa, Vitalant

Devin Haggerty, DC Ranch Community Council

Kristy Hahn-McDonald, City of Scottsdale

Alicia Haygood, Scottsdale City Lifestyle & Scottsdale Vibes Podcast

Ryan Hilbun, Ryan Scott Real Estate Solutions

Tara Hunt, Vanguard

Cassie Johnson, Scottsdale Police Department

Alexa Krause, Hub International

Ethan Kuhns, FirstBank

Rebecca Kurth, City of Scottsdale

Rich LaRue, HomeSmart 

Maude LaBelle, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation

Roger Lurie, ASU Technology

Andy McDonald, Scottsdale Fire Department

Rose Meyer, Save The Family Foundation

Kelly Morin, E Squared Marketing

Katie Patten, Vanguard

Frank Pyles, Nationwide Insurance

Tawni Rachel, Scottsdale Community College

Kate Rarick, Hiscox Insurance

Michael Ratzken, Two Brothers Realty

Charlie Renfro, FranklinCovey

Jordan Richbourg, City of Scottsdale-Westworld

Rhonda Rush, Impact Events LLC

Matthew Salata, Phoenix Suns

Alexis Sanchez, Boys & Girls Club Scottsdale

Jonathan Savage, Merrill Lynch

Jeremy Schlosser, Gartner Research and Advisory

Lori Schneider, LAUNCH Powered by Compass

Scott Smith, Scottsdale Police Department

Tim Spencer, Nationwide Insurance

Kevin Stone, HonorHealth Research Institute

Jennifer Waldron, Scottsdale Unified School District

Regi Walston, Semi Dep, LLC

Shavona White, Vanguard