See Our 2018 Speakers:
Keynote Speaker: Charles Marohn
Charles Marohn, known as “Chuck” to friends and colleagues, is a Professional
Engineer (PE) licensed in the State of Minnesota and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He is the Founder and President of Strong Towns. Marohn has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Technology and a Masters degree from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute.
Marohn is the lead author of Thoughts on Building Strong Towns — Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3 — as well as the author of A World Class Transportation System. He hosts
the Strong Towns Podcast and is a primary writer for Strong Towns’ web content. He has
presented Strong Towns concepts in hundreds of cities and towns across North America
and in 2017. Marohn is a long time commentator on KAXE Northern Community Radio. He currently co-hosts KAXE’s Dig Deep program, a monthly examination of public policy issues
affecting Minnesotans.
Chuck grew up on a small farm in Central Minnesota. The oldest of three sons of two
elementary school teachers, he joined the Minnesota National Guard on his 17th birthday
during his junior year of high school and served for nine years. In addition to being
passionate about building a stronger America, he loves playing music, is an obsessive
reader and religiously follows his favorite team, the Minnesota Twins. Chuck and his
wife live with their two daughters in their hometown of Brainerd, Minnesota.
Keynote Speaker: Teresa Kitteridge
Teresa Kittridge is the Vice President and COO of the Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI). Teresa’s career has included Executive level service in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. She has also been elected to public office.
For the first 20 years of her career, she served as an elected Officer of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Following her work in the state legislature, she worked in Washington DC and led National Policy Programs for RUPRI. In addition, she has over a decade of experience in the private sector building and leading National and International businesses in publishing as a President and Executive for two Coughlan Companies and built and served as President of MNREM, the Minnesota Renewable Energy Marketplace.
Teresa and holds an M.A. in Organizational Leadership and a B.A. in Business Administration. She served in public office as school board director and board chair and is an active civic and community volunteer.
Speaker: Aguirre, Amanda, President and CEO, Regional Center for Border Health
Session: The Ultimate Goal: Improving Quality of Life for Rural Arizonans
Contact: amanda@rcfbh.org
Former Arizona State Senator Amanda Aguirre presently serves in the capacity of President & CEO of the Regional Center for Border Health, Inc. since 1991 and its subsidiary San Luis Walk-In Clinic, Inc., a primary care rural health medical center. Ms. Aguirre has been involved for more than 35 years in healthcare and business administration and has lived in Yuma for the past 30 years.
In 2007 she established a licensed post –secondary vocational training center in the area, the RCBH’s “College of Health Careers”, which has generated job opportunities for over 1,448 individuals. Ms. Aguirre has built these corporations that have provided employment for 203 employees in a slow recovering economy.
In 2003 Ms. Aguirre became the first female and first Hispanic to represent District 24 in the Arizona House of Representatives and in the Arizona State Senate (in 2006) where she served in the Arizona State Senate through 2010.
Speaker: Aikins, Katie
Session: Growing Your Own: Rural Economic Development Opportunities Through Food
Contact: katieaikins@azfb.org
Director of Education for the Arizona Farm Bureau, Katie Aikins performs the educational functions of the Farm Bureau that contributes to an increase in agriculture awareness in the K-12 classroom and beyond. This includes the development of new curriculum and programs that engage the public on hot-button issues in agriculture. Having always specialized in agricultural education, Aikins last worked as the Director of Agriculture in the Classroom and Public Relations for the Cook County Farm Bureau. Aikins holds a Master’s of Science in Agricultural Education from the University of Arizona. She has worked in both the classroom and research side of agricultural literacy. Aikins, a native of Arizona, grew up in Gilbert in the equine industry.
Speaker: Alverez, Maribel, Executive Program Director of Southwest Folklife Alliance, AZ CCI Partner
Session: Activating Creativity in Arizona’s Rural Communities
Contact: alvarezm@email.arizona.edu
Maribel Alvarez is an anthropologist, folklorist, and curator. She holds the title of Jim Griffith Chair in Public Folklore at the Southwest Center at the University of Arizona, where she is also Associate Professor in the School of Anthropology. Alvarez is the Executive Director of the Southwest Folklife Alliance, an affiliate non-profit of the UA and a Policy Fellow at the Herberger Institute of the College of Arts and Design at Arizona State University. Last year she completed a 6-year term appointment as a trustee of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Her work focuses mainly on bridging academic knowledge with the practical skills of community development. Alvarez teaches, writes, and lectures nationally on methods of cultural analysis, food, oral narratives, visual cultures of the US-Mexico border, nonprofit management and leadership development, social theories of change, and Latino creativity and demographics.
Speaker: Anderson, Samantha, Grants Manager Arizona Humanities
Session: Vision Session
Contact: sanderson@azhumanitites.org
Samantha joined the staff of Arizona Humanities in August 2015. Samantha has a B.A. in Art History from Arizona State University and M.A. in Anthropology from New Mexico State University where she specialized in Archaeology and Museum Studies. Samantha has volunteered, interned and worked with a number of museums in Arizona and brings experience in event management, communications and development. An Arizona native, Samantha is passionate about creating a sense of place and community within our amazingly diverse state. Her free time is spent reading, hiking and exploring local festivals, museums and cultural sites.
Speaker: Araiza, Ricky, Senior Coordinator of AZ Creative Communities Institute
Session: Activating Creativity in Arizona’s Rural Communities
Contact: raraiza@asu.edu
Ricky is an Arizona native and a practicing theatre artist. A graduate from Arizona State University with a B.A. in Theatre in 2004, Ricky went on to become an ensemble member of Childsplay Inc., in Tempe, AZ from 2004 to 2014. In 2009, he decided to step away from professional work and study Physical Ensemble Based Theatre at Dell’Arte International in Blue Lake, CA. In 2010, Ricky returned to Phoenix and continues to work as an actor, director and teaching artist throughout the Valley. Ricky is also the Artistic Director of Teatro Bravo, a Latinx theatre company in South Phoenix, AZ. He recently graduated from the master’s program for Theatre for Youth and Communities at Arizona State University. Currently, Ricky is a senior coordinator working with ASU, the Arizona Commission on the Arts and Southwest Folklife Alliance on the Arizona Creative Communities Institute.
Speaker: Babiars, Brian, Executive Director, WACOG
Session: Regional Support Systems in Rural Arizona
Contact: brianb@wacog.com
Mr. Brian Babiars is the Executive Director of Western Arizona Council of Governments (WACOG), a position he has held for the last thirty-three years. Mr. Babiars began his career with WACOG in 1973 as the Physical and Natural Resources Director and became Deputy Director in 1978 prior to his appointment as Executive Director in 1985.
Mr. Babiars has an extensive history of service on numerous civic and non-profit boards. In addition, his public service includes serving on the Yuma City Council, being on the Yuma Elementary School District #1 Board, and serving on the Arizona Western College District Governing Board for over ten years, including two terms as Chairman. Locally, he was one of the early supporters of the Boys Club of Yuma, serving on its Board of Directors and a term as its President. Mr. Babiars has served on the AEA Federal Credit Union Board of Directors for 10 years.
Speaker: Barnum, Travis
Session: Blight 2.0: Strategies for Improving your Town’s Curb Appeal
Contact: Barnum.Travis@azdeq.gov
Travis Barnum has worked at ADEQ since 2007. He has been an inspector for hazardous waste and air quality NESHAP, project manager for CERCLA sites, inspections/compliance and outreach for underground storage tanks and is now serving as Brownfields Coordinator. Before entering public service he worked in real estate, aerospace and waste industries.
Speaker: Bazata, Bonnie, Program Manager, Pima County Ending Poverty Now
Session: Employer Resource Networks: Rural Businesses Band Together to Help Employees do Better
Contact: Bonnie.Bazata@pima.gov
Bonnie Bazata is the Ending Poverty Now Program Manager for Pima County, a 2015 initiative incorporated into the County’s economic development plan. Pima County is working with area businesses on developing an Employer Resource Network. Bazata co-founded and was the first executive director of the St. Joseph County Bridges Out of Poverty Initiative in South Bend, Indiana, which launched an Employer Resource Network in 2012. . She has presented both regionally and nationally on issues related to poverty. Bonnie holds a University of Arizona MA, a teaching certificate from Prescott College, and an Antioch College BA where she was a Watson Fellow.
Speaker: Benham, Allan, Chief Operating Officer, Meadows Behavioral Healthcare
Session: Health Care as an Economic Driver
Contact: Abenham@themeadows.org
Allan Benham is the Chief Operating Officer for Meadows Behavioral Healthcare. In his 16 years with The Meadows. Allan has served in numerous roles including positions as a Registered Nurse, Director of Nursing, Director of Operations at The Meadows, Executive Director of Gentle Path at The Meadows and presently is the Chief Operating Officer for Meadows Behavioral Healthcare. With a background in working almost every position and with every facility in the Meadows family, Allan brings a commitment to quality and effective treatment for our patients and a dedication to helping those who are suffering find relief.
Speaker: Bigthumb, Carol, Owner, Antelope Canyon Tours
Session: Economic Trailblazing: How to Harness Backyard Ecotourism
Contact: cbigthumb@yahoo.com
Carol Bigthumb a Native American woman from Lechee, Arizona. She was born and raised on the Navajo Reservation by her late father Dan Begay. Her mother is Pearl Begay who is still going strong at 94 year’s old. She was the little girl that found the Antelope Canyon. Bigthumb has lived on the reservation all her life, with Antelope Canyon her my backyard. She has 6 beautiful kids and 14 grandchildren. Bigthumb owns the business Adventurous Antelope Canyon, which she founded in 2009. The business has flourished. Bigthumb takes pride in her life with Antelope Canyon and thanks her family and the CREATOR every day for this life.
Speaker: Cickavage, Leah, Operations Manager, Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG)
Session: Straight from the Source: Solutions and Barriers to Youth Engagement
Contact: Lcickavage@nacog.org
Leah has 12 years of experience in economic workforce development and is the Operations Manager for Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG), Economic Workforce Development Division. NACOG administers services through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. In 2016, Leah received the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board Director Award for service, performance, and dedication to the workforce area. Additionally, Leah has over 15 years’ experience in the private sector in management, public relations, and customer service. This versatile background allows Mrs. Cickavage to bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to business industries. Her high level of customer service, communications and leadership skills have serviced to facilitate higher levels of performance standards, customer satisfaction, and service functionality. Professional affiliations include Yavapai County Workforce Development Board Member, Yavapai County Youth Council Member, Arizona @ Work One Stop Committee Lead, Wanted Analytics Real Time Labor data member, and PAHRA member.
Speaker: Colebank, Wayne, Principal Design and Clean Water Act Permitting, Arizona Peace Trail
Session: Economic Trailblazing: How to Harness Backyard Ecotourism
Contact: wcolebank@logansimpson.com
Wayne is a highly experienced landscape architect and planner who has been recognized with numerous industry awards for partnering on complex interdisciplinary projects, for successfully integrating man-made facilities into sensitive settings, for achieving environmental betterment, and for maintaining the integrity of culturally significant locations. The quality of his work has been honed through years of regulatory compliance; environmental design; visual assessments; historic preservation; outdoor recreation; resource protection; water course restoration; water conservation; habitat replacement; and repair of disturbed sites. He is recognized as a thought leader and expert in Low Impact Development (LID) practices and Clean Water Act compliance. Wayne has completed hundreds of planning and design projects throughout Arizona. Representative projects include the Arizona State Supreme Court Building; Arizona Coyotes Hockey Arena; Boyce Thompson Arboretum; Rockin’ River Ranch State Park; Bright Angel Lodge; Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge; Beeline Highway; Fremont Street in Tombstone; Tusayan Pedestrian Enhancements; and Mesa LID Toolkit.
Speaker: Dempsey, Jamie, Executive Director of Arizona Commission on the Arts
Session: Activating Creativity in Arizona’s Rural Communities
Contact: jdempsey@azarts.gov
Jaime Dempsey is the Executive Director of the Arizona Commission on the Arts, a 52-year-old agency of the State of Arizona and a partner in the creative and professional development of Arizona’s arts sector. Jaime serves on the board of directors for Grantmakers in the Arts, a national service organization which holds racial equity in arts philanthropy as a core priority. She also serves on the board for DataArts, a national service organization that endeavors to empower the arts sector with high-quality data to strengthen sector vitality, performance, and public impact. In alignment with her passion for public policy and the potential of her home state of Arizona, Jaime completed a fellowship with the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership’s Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy in 2013. In 2017, Jaime received a Gabe Zimmerman Award for Public Service from the Center for the Future of Arizona.
Speaker: Denniston, Jeri, Director, Small Business Development Center, Yavapai College
Session: Creating Exceptional Experiences: Coordinating Community Strategies
Session: Higher Education Institutions as Community Partners
Contact: Jeri.Denniston@yc.edu
Jeri Denniston is a certified Strategic Management Professional through the Association for Strategic Planning. Jeri leads the Small Business Development Center at Yavapai College, helping entrepreneurs launch, grow and sustain their business. With more than 30 years of strategic management and marketing experience, Jeri has worked in Fortune 500 and small business organizations in the banking, transportation, marketing information, and publishing industries. She is an effective leader, manager, team builder and problem solver, frequently sought out for her ability to see the big picture and connect the right information and people. A strategic marketing professional, Jeri shares a business management consulting practice with her husband helping entrepreneurs manage and grow their organizations. Jeri holds a Masters in international management from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a BA in Spanish from Chapman University. She also teaches social media marketing through Yavapai College.
Speaker: Devins, Amy, First Responder Services, Cenpatico Integrated Care
Session: Preparing for Disasters: Care for Communities Facing Extreme Stress
Contact: adevins@cenpatico.com
Ms. Amy Devins leads the First Responder Services team within the Crisis Services and Justices Services Division of Cenpatico Integrated Care, the Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) in eight Southern Arizona counties. In this role, Ms. Devins and her team are responsible for developing partnerships with first responder agencies to increase first responder confidence in, and usage of, crisis system alternatives to detention and emergency departments. With 15 years of experience as a detective and patrol officer in Colorado and Wyoming, Ms. Devins understands the need for robust crisis services ready to serve their communities. She is a proud University of Iowa alumna and a passionate advocate of peer support programs, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) and Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT).
Speaker: Dobler-Allen, Kate, Regional Director, First Things First – Navajo/Apache Regional Partnership Council
Session: Early Care and Education Access, Equity and Workforce Development in Rural Communities
Contact: kdallen@azftf.gov
Kate Dobler-Allen earned a B.S. in Family and Consumer Resources from the University of Arizona in 1994 and a Certificate of Public Management from Arizona State University in 2015. She also holds an endorsement from the Infant-Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona. Dobler-Allen is currently the Regional Director of the Navajo/Apache Regional Partnership Council, an 11-member panel of volunteers responsible for financial oversight and creation of programs that support the region’s youngest children and their families. System-building is a hallmark of Dobler-Allen’s work: “…helping partners do what they already do, but do it better.” Prior to joining First Things First in March of 2008, Dobler-Allen was a Service Coordinator for the Arizona Early Intervention Program for southern Navajo County, and has a wide network of community partners. Dobler-Allen and her husband live in Pinetop, Arizona with their children, Jacob and Madison.
Speaker: Drew, Teri, Regional Director, NACOG
Session: Regional Support Systems in Rural Arizona
Contact: tdrew@nacog.org
Teri Drew has worked in economic and workforce development for over 40 years and is the Regional Director for the Northern Arizona Council of Governments, Economic Workforce Development Division. Her area of responsibility includes 24 communities in the four county Economic Development District of Apache, Navajo, Coconino, and Yavapai counties. Teri currently serves as Chair of the Arizona Association for Workforce Developers/Arizona Workforce Association (AAWD/AWA), and was recently appointed to the United States Workforce Association (USWA). She was active on the Board of Directors for the Greater Prescott Regional Economic Development Partnership until 2017. Teri was appointed by the Governor of Arizona to serve on the Digital Arizona Council (DAC) from 2012 – 2014, and has served several terms on the Yavapai County Workforce Development Board (WDB) including the Executive Committee. She served on the Arizona Association of Economic Development Board of Directors from 2003 – 2014, serving as President of AAED 2012-2013 and Past President 2013-2014. Teri received the AAED Workforce Practitioner of the Year Award in 2008.
Speaker: Fetzer, Chris, Executive Director, NACOG
Session: Regional Support Systems in Rural Arizona
Contact: chris.fetzer@nacog.org
Chris Fetzer is the Executive Director of Northern Arizona Council of Governments where he is responsible for the overall administration and operations of the agency. Mr. Fetzer has more than two decades of experience working with regional planning and community services programs at NACOG, serving past roles as Division Director for Human & Community Services, Planning Director and Transportation Planner. Chris is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), serves on the boards of the Arizona Community Action Association and North Country Healthcare, and is an active member of the National Association of Development Organizations where he currently serves as the association’s Secretary. He is a graduate of Northern Arizona University with a degree in Geography and Public Planning.
Speaker: Filardo, Jodie, Director of Community Development, Town of Clarkdale
Session: Leveraging Local Businesses: Building Self Reliance
Contact: jodie.filardo@clarkdale.az.gov
As a regional community and economic development entrepreneur in north-central Arizona, Jodie serves as a regional collaborator with extensive experience in development, government relations, and organizational development. Jodie holds board leadership positions in economic development organizations including the Northern Arizona Council of Governments Economic Development Council (Chair), and the Verde Valley Regional Economic Organization (Founder). Committed to community development, Jodie is also one of the founders of Verde Valley Leadership, now in its twelfth year of operation. In addition, she is a member of the Clarkdale Downtown Business Alliance and the Arizona Association of Economic Developers. A graduate of Stanford University with a B. A. in Economics, Ms. Filardo obtained her Masters in Business Administration from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University.
Speaker: Fleetham, Trever, Planner and Sustainability Advisor, Town of Payson
Session: Vision Session
Contact: tfleetham@paysonaz.gov
Trever Fleetham is an Arizona native who is passionate about urban planning and community development. He attended Arizona State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in Urban Planning and a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability. During his last semester of college he interned with the City of Phoenix where he helped with community outreach efforts related to their General Plan update. Trever is now the Planning & Sustainability Advisor for the Town of Payson, where he has been employed for the past four years. He works with both the Planning & Zoning and Economic Development Departments on projects, such as the Economic Development Strategic Plan, that make Payson a more resilient, healthy, and equitable community. Trever also recently became a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).
Speaker: Francis, Cherylee, Video/Audio Production Contractor, CF Productions LLC, Organizer, Native American Women Business Owners Group
Session: Vision Session
Contact: info@cfproductions.us
Cherylee Francis is a video/audio production contractor specializing in creating commercials, promotional, educational, human resources, and training instruction videos for corporate and non-profit organizations. She is an Award-winning, proven video production specialist with over 17 years of production experience. Achievements include “Winner” of the Savvy Awards, NACo Achievement Award, and the 24th Annual Communicator Awards by the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts. Ms. Francis is a member of the prestigious Flagstaff Leadership Program, Flagstaff Citizen’s Police Academy, community volunteer musician, a member of the American Indian Chamber of Commerce, National Center for American Indian Economic Development, Local First Arizona, and alumni of the East West Center’s Changing Faces Women’s Leadership Seminar. Cherylee Francis is a tribal member of the Navajo Nation and she is the founder of the Native Women Entrepreneurs of Arizona group, a first of its kind in the State of Arizona, dedicated to “Advancing Native Women Owned Businesses”.
Speaker: Goerlich, Samantha, Co-Founder, Solstead
Session: Rural Succeeds when Everyone has the Opportunity to Participate
Contact: info@solstead.org
Samantha Goerlich, co-founder of Solstead, has a diverse educational background that began with traditional academic pursuits, then expanded into the arts, natural building, and botany. After leaving University in 2014 she found a sustainable lifestyle to be the best application of her myriad of skills and sought to expand her knowledge base. While attending Earthship Biotecture Academy in Taos, NM in the fall of 2015 she met Solstead co-founder and friend Ashley Baker. Together they hope to create sustainable workshop facilities for artists, natural builders, and permaculturists. With the support of the local community and friends worldwide, they aim to show that sustainable practices are both accessible and desirable.
Speaker: Gonzalez, Victor, CEcD Economic Development Manager, the Town of Sahuarita
Session: Employer Resource Networks: Rural Businesses Band Together to Help Employees do Better
Contact: vgonzalez@sahuaritaaz.gov
Victor Gonzalez has over 15 years of economic development organization strategic planning and community partnership building. As the Economic Development Manager for the Town of Sahuarita, he has provided leadership and coordinated the efforts for the Town’s economic, marketing and place-making strategies as well as establishing programming for small businesses. He recently spearheaded the successful application for $3 million Economic Development Administration grant for the Town of Sahuarita’s SAMTEC project. Victor is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD); a graduate of the University of Arizona, B.S. Regional Development; and successfully completed the Economic Development Institute sponsored by the University of Oklahoma. In 2009, The Arizona Association for Economic Development recognized Victor as Economic Developer of the Year, Small Community.
Speaker: Hawbaker, Christina, Programs Manager, Support My Club
Session: Vision Session
Contact: chawbaker@supportmyclub.org
Christina Hawbaker is the Programs Manager for Support My Club, an Arizona-based non-profit which aids high school clubs and teams in gaining community support for their equipment and experience needs. She has been volunteering with SMC since its inception in 2012 and loves that her job is to help students achieve their dreams and find a passion the way high school activities did for her. Christina was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and moved to Phoenix as a child where she eventually attended Arizona State University to receive a Bachelors in Management Entrepreneurship, Digital Marketing, and Business Sustainability. Her volunteerism with Support My Club, Social Venture Partners, and other local agencies led to her career experience with non-profit program management. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, cooking, working with children, fitness, and walking her dog.
Speaker: Heiss, Randy, Executive Director, WACOG
Session: Regional Support Systems in Rural Arizona
Contact: rheiss@seago.org
Originally from Michigan, Randy found his way to Southeastern Arizona in February of 1982, and became so deeply enchanted he decided to relocate here. He began his public service as a consultant to the Town of Patagonia, assisting them with grant writing and regulatory compliance issues for various infrastructure projects. In 2002, Randy was hired as the Town Clerk/Manager. In addition to his regular job duties, Randy was responsible for planning, securing grant financing, and managing the implementation of major infrastructure improvement projects in this small, rural community of 950 residents. In June of 2009, Randy took the leap from local to regional planning when he was hired to lead the Southeastern Arizona Governments Organization, where he was quick to realize the region’s best opportunity to diversify and grow its economy was expanding cross-border commerce. He and his wife Marcella split time between their homes in the beautiful communities of Patagonia and Bisbee.
Speaker: Holt, Gloria, Vice President, Casa Grande Youth Council
Session: Straight from the Source: Solutions and Barriers to Engaging the Youth
Contact: holtgloria22@gmail.com
Gloria will be a senior this upcoming school year at Casa Grande Union High School. She grew up in Casa Grande, Arizona in a family of five. Gloria’s academic career began at a private Catholic school where she was first introduced to values such as community service, leadership, and academic excellence. This, coupled with the influence of her parents and two older sisters, she grew up in a very positive environment where she was encouraged to be a leader both in my school and in my community. Gloria is currently Senior Class President, an officer for the DECA Board of Directors, Vice President of the Casa Grande Youth Commission, an altar server, a member of the National Honors Society, and an intern for the Pinal County Democrats.
Speaker: Howard, Robert, CEO, Peridot District Economic Enterprises
Session: Partnering on Creative Economic Development Initiatives in Tribal Communities
Contact: robert.howard@pdee.co
Robert E. Howard currently serves as the CEO of PDEE, a San Carlos Apache Tribe parent holding company which owns and operates 6 Tribal Enterprises. His main focus is developing sustainable and profitable grassroots-based economic ventures benefiting the local community and the Tribe. He is San Carlos Apache and holds double degrees from Arizona State University in Accounting and American Indian Studies in additional to being a Morris K. Udall Scholar. Prior to his current position, he held leadership roles in San Carlos as its Vice-Chairman, a Council Member, Advisor to the Chairman, Systems Accountant. He is active in the community having served as a past founding board member for the San Carlos Healthcare Corporation and Nantac Rim Construction Corporation; he currently serves on the Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Salvation Army Advisory Board and the Copper Cities Youth Sports Committee.
Speaker: Howard, Tim, Emergency Broadcasting Network
Session: Preparing for Disasters: Care for Communities Facing Extreme Stress
Contact: usaebn@outlook.com
Mr. Tim Howard has been in the Disaster Preparedness field since 1985. He has been involved with conflicts and disasters to include Panama invasion, Desert Storm, Desert Shield, 911 terrorist attacks, Iraq, Afghanistan, Hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes and tsunamis. Tim’s career has taken him throughout the world. His experience and leadership has been called upon for some very important projects. Within weeks after the 911 Attacks the US Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service, recruited him to help form the US Department of Homeland Security. Tim has been consulted by federal, state and local governments on matters of preparedness and safety. Mr. Howard currently uses his leadership as the Chairman of the Arizona Federal Health and Safety Council, Southern Gila County CERT Coordinator and is the President of the USA Emergency Broadcasting Network. More information can be found at www.usaebn.org
Speaker: Jenkins, Rand, Owner, Mountain Mojo Group
Session: Vision Session
Contact: rand@mountainmojogroup.com
Starting in 2003 as a production assistant for MTV, Rand has since managed and produced over 1400 concerts, festivals, fundraisers and special events. As an entrepreneur, he co-founded Flagstaff’s Green Room, a music venue and bar in Flagstaff, AZ in 2008 and helped to operate the Pepsi Amphitheater from 2012-2014. He also founded and produces two community/music festivals, Flagstaff Hullabaloo and Cornucopia. In late 2015, he started Mountain Mojo Group, a marketing firm with partner Austin Leggett. Since then, Mojo has grown from 2 to 13 team members, assembling a talented group of creatives that provide marketing strategy, website development, graphic design, advertising and media buys, digital marketing, media management, PR, photography and videography services. In his spare time he has sat on the boards of Habitat for Humanity, The Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy, The Flagstaff Music Festival/Firefly Gatherings, mentored for Big Brothers, Big Sisters and loves volunteering.
Speaker: Jensen, Neal, CEO, Cobre Valley Medical Center
Session: Healthcare as an Economic Driver
Contact: Njensen@cvrmc.org
Neal Jensen, Chief Executive Officer, has been Cobre Valley Regional Medical Center’s CEO since 2008. Previously he served 10 years as Chief Financial Officer for CVRMC, making dramatic financial improvements which gave CVRMC the capacity to expand services and become fiscally sound. Under Neal Jensen’s leadership, outlying clinics have been established in Superior, Kearny, and Young to provide health services to those people in underserved areas. Over the years he has seen the need for expansion and improved accommodations for patients and their families. The construction of the new, 67,000 square foot expansion of the hospital was completed in 2017. He is a man of great vision and has a steadfast resolve for the health and wellness of the communities he is committed to serve.
Family and church are the most important aspects of Neal Jensen’s life. He, along with his wife Kathie, have made Globe-Miami their home. They have raised three children who are all currently attending universities in the southwest.
Speaker: Keogh, Jennifer, Health and Wellness Program Development Specialist, Cenpatico Integrated Care
Session: Health: Why Your Zip Code Matters More than Your Genetic Code
Contact: jkeogh@cenpatico.com
Jennifer Keogh has over eight years’ experience in behavioral health, more specifically in integrated care. She currently serves as the Health and Wellness Program Develop Specialist at Cenpatico Integrated Care, in Tucson, Arizona. In this role, Jennifer facilitates population health and disease management programs for individuals living with serious mental illness. Prior to joining Cenpatico, she worked as a health educator and wellness coach in a community behavioral health clinic. Jennifer is a proud University of Arizona alumna, and later completed her Master of Public Health at University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. A certified health educator, Jennifer is passionate about health equity and social justice, and being of service to underserved communities.
Speaker: Kittridge, Teresa, Vice President & COO, Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI)
Session: Keynote
Contact: teresa@rupri.org
Teresa Kittridge is the Vice President and COO of the Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI). Teresa’s career has included Executive level service in the private, public, and non-profit sectors. She has also been elected to public office. For the first 20 years of her career, she served as an elected Officer of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Following her work in the state legislature, she worked in Washington DC and led National Policy Programs for RUPRI. In addition, she has over a decade of experience in the private sector building and leading National and International businesses in publishing as a President and Executive for two Coughlan Companies and built and served as President of MNREM, the Minnesota Renewable Energy Marketplace. Teresa and holds an M.A. in Organizational Leadership and a B.A. in Business Administration. She served in public office as school board director and board chair and is an active civic and community volunteer.
Speaker: Kray, Carrie, Chief Clinical Officer, Spectrum Healthcare
Session: The Ultimate Goal: Improving Quality of Life for Rural Arizonans
Contact: carriek@spectrumhg.org
Carrie Kray has 25 years combined experience in behavioral and whole health and has worked in the Verde Valley at Spectrum Healthcare for the past 5 years, where she currently serves as the Chief Whole Health Officer. Holding a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from Spring Arbor University and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Andrew’s University, She is licensed as a social worker and is a strong advocate for whole health recovery. She gained 20 years experience in Michigan in case management, crisis services, vocational rehabilitation services and development, housing development, grant writing and program development, prevention, integrated care, counseling, and promotion of peer specialist recovery services. As part of a research team from Andrew’s University, she co-authored an article, “The Impact of Child Abuse on College Student Life” that was published in the Journal of Research on Christian Education and considers herself an advocate for Trauma-Informed Care.
Speaker: Kulpinski, Paul, Executive Director, LAUNCH Flagstaff
Session: Vision Session
Contact: PKulpinski@launchflagstaff.org
Paul Kulpinski is a visionary and creative leader, with proven success in fostering collaborative relationships among diverse populations. He holds a deep commitment to integrity, trust, community, ethical decision making, and empowering others toward their success. A resident and active community member in Flagstaff since 1989, Paul has over 14 years of experience in public education governance, policy and management. He currently serves as the Partnership Director of LAUNCH Flagstaff, a collective of cross-sector community stakeholders who have convened around the goal of advancing world-class education for every child in Flagstaff from cradle through career using the framework of collective impact. Paul is also the creator of Spawning Fish, LLC a multi-media production company on a mission to create content based on ideas and wisdom that inspire hope and compassion. He holds a degree in fine arts from New York University.
Speaker: Lanning, Kimber, Executive Director, Local First Arizona Foundation
Session: Leveraging Local Businesses: Building Self Reliance
Contact: kimber@localfirstaz.com
Kimber Lanning is Founder and Executive Director of Local First Arizona, a statewide organization implementing innovative strategies for new models of economic development that create vibrant local economies. Lanning is an entrepreneur, business leader and community development specialist who works to cultivate strong self-reliant communities and inspire a higher quality of life for people across Arizona. Lanning’s passions, which are seen throughout her work, include fostering cultural diversity and inclusion, economic resilience and responsible growth for Arizona’s urban areas. Lanning has received many awards and recognitions for her pioneering work in advancing Arizona’s economy, including Citizen Leader of the Year by the International Economic Development Council.
Speaker: Laskarides, Angie, Regional Director, Southeast Arizona, Arizona Community Foundation
Session: Funders Roundtable
Contact: ALaskarides@azfoundation.org
Angie Laskarides serves ACF in Southeast Arizona, working to improve the quality of life through regional philanthropy. Angie coordinates with Foundation donors, local professional advisors and the nonprofit community while engaging in community development and leadership.
Ms. Laskarides has nearly thirty years’ experience in public relations, fundraising and management. Prior to joining the Foundation, Angie was the Senior Program Coordinator for the ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation, working with community-based organizations in rural areas to build the capacity of the sector with a focus on community sustainability. She served over nine years as an executive director and regional director, emergency services for the American Red Cross in Michigan.
Angie earned her bachelor’s degree in public administration and master’s degree in political science from Western Michigan University. Subsequently, she earned a certificate in Social Impact Measurement from ASU’s Lodestar Institute for Nonprofit Management.
Speaker: Latham, Michael, Honorable Judge, Arizona Superior Court in Apache
Session: Rural Succeeds When Everyone Has The Opportunity to Participate
Contact: mlatham@courts.az.gov
Judge Michael Latham became the Presiding Judge for the Arizona Superior Court in Apache County on January 1, 2015. Judge Latham has also founded multiple community outreach programs promoting legal education throughout Apache County. Among several achievements, Judge Latham founded the Legacy Teen Center program within the county to proactively engage with the youth in Apache County. The first Legacy Teen Center was opened on September 30, 2017 in St. Johns, and the process has begun to build the next one in Eager within a year. Prior to taking the bench, Judge Latham worked for the Apache County Attorney’s Office as a Deputy County Attorney for over five years. Judge Latham also served as a Board member of the Apache County Youth Coalition. Before becoming a public servant, Judge Latham started his legal career at the private law firm, Bryan Cave, LLP in Phoenix Arizona.
Speaker: Lead, Leonard, Manager of Program Initiatives, Cenpatico Integrated Care
Session: Health: Why Your Zip Code Matters More than Your Genetic Code
Contact: llead@cenpatico.com
Leon Lead has over 15 years’ experience in both the public and private sectors in the fields of behavioral health, justice systems, public education and child welfare. Leon currently serves as the Manager of Program Initiatives at Cenpatico Integrated Care. In this role, Leon oversees housing, employment and evidenced-based practices for the Health Plan. Leon’s passion for learning and teaching is prevalent in his work addressing conditions of Social Determinants of Health. Leon’s experience in navigating systems has been both a professional and personal journey in which he is inspired to shared lessons learned. Leon finds inspiration in the resiliency of humans and the stories they share!
Speaker: Lechner, Frances, Yarnell Hill Recovery Group
Session: Preparing for Disasters: Care for Communities Facing Extreme Stress
Contact: flechner52@gmail.com
Frances Lechner is one of the founding members of the Yarnell Hill Recovery Group, formed while Yarnell and Peeples Valley residents were being evacuated from their homes during the 2013 Yarnell Hill Fire. She served as Communications Director, Secretary, and Vice-President, and is leading the transition to a new identity for the organization. She moved to Yarnell in 2007, while continuing to work in the Valley for another five years. Frances’ other community leadership roles include the Yarnell Community Garden Project, the Yarnell Regional Community Center and the Yarnell Fire District. Her professional background includes teaching junior high students and 27 years with the United Dairymen of Arizona. She is an alumnus of Project CENTRL, the premier leadership program for rural and agricultural communities in Arizona. She and her husband live in Yarnell with their cat and were fortunate enough to not lose their home in the Fire.
Speaker: Luria, Jennifer, Tourism and Marketing Manager, Bisbee Visitor Center
Session: Creating Exceptional Experiences: Coordinating Community Strategies
Contact: JLuria@discoverbisbee.com
Jennifer Luria is the tourism and marketing manager for the City of Bisbee. Jen is a native of the Pacific Northwest and has lived in Arizona for 18 years. She has had a professional career in graphic design and marketing after receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Phoenix. Her tourism career started off as a tour operator at the Seattle Space Needle and upon moving to Bisbee, owned and operated the Shady Dell Vintage Trailer Court. She supports tourism and economic development in her area by serving on the Cochise County Tourism Council, Bisbee Economic Advisory Committee, Bisbee Arts and Cultural District Steering Committee and is the team leader for Bisbee’s Leadership for Sustainable Communities Cohort. She is also co-owner of Tumbleweed Gypsy, a fun and sassy boutique located on Subway Street in the heart of Bisbee’s Arts and Culture District.
Speaker: Lutzick, Daniel, Owner, Snowdrift Art Space, Special Projects, La Posada Hotel
Session: Creating Exceptional Experiences: Coordinating Community Strategies
Contact: dlutzick@yahoo.com
As one of four original partners on the project, Dan Lutzick has been involved with the restoration of La Posada Hotel (1930) for the last twenty-three years. He also manages portions of the Castaneda Hotel (1898) and Plaza Hotel (1882) projects in Las Vegas, New Mexico. Dan is chair of the Winslow Arts Trust Board and is overseeing the construction of a contemporary art museum in the original La Posada train depot. Dan and his wife, Ann-Mary, live and work in a re-purposed Babbitt Brothers Department Store (1914) now called Snowdrift Art Space in downtown Winslow.
Speaker: Marohn, Charles, PE AICP, Founder and President, Strong Towns
Session: Keynote – Neighborhoods First: How Communities Grow Stronger With Small Incremental Changes Over Time
Session: Curbside Chat Workshop: The Financial Health of Our Places
Contact: info@strongtowns.org
Charles Marohn, known as “Chuck” to friends and colleagues, is a Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the State of Minnesota and a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He is the Founder and President of Strong Towns. Marohn has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Technology and a Masters degree from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey Institute.
Marohn is the lead author of Thoughts on Building Strong Towns — Volume 1, Volume 2 and Volume 3 — as well as the author of A World Class Transportation System. He hosts the Strong Towns Podcast and is a primary writer for Strong Towns’ web content. He has presented Strong Towns concepts in hundreds of cities and towns across North America and in 2017. Marohn is a long time commentator on KAXE Northern Community Radio. He currently co-hosts KAXE’s Dig Deep program, a monthly examination of public policy issues affecting Minnesotans.
Chuck grew up on a small farm in Central Minnesota. The oldest of three sons of two elementary school teachers, he joined the Minnesota National Guard on his 17th birthday during his junior year of high school and served for nine years. In addition to being passionate about building a stronger America, he loves playing music, is an obsessive reader and religiously follows his favorite team, the Minnesota Twins. Chuck and his wife live with their two daughters in their hometown of Brainerd, Minnesota.
Speaker: Martinic, Marica
Session: Lunch Debrief
Contact: mmartinic@northcountryhealthcare.org
Marica Martinic is the Education Director at North Country HealthCare (NCHC) based in Flagstaff, AZ. She oversees the Northern Arizona Area Health Education Center (NAHEC), Family Medicine Residency Program development, and AT Still University community campus at NCHC. Marica received her Master of Public Health in Public Health Practice from the University of Arizona MEZCOPH. She has over twelve years of experience in development, implementation, and evaluation of non-profit community health programs.
Speaker: Medeska, Terry, Director, Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance
Session: Leveraging Local Businesses: Building Self Reliance
Contact: terry@downtownflagstaff.org
Terry Madeksza currently serves as the Executive Director for the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the vibrancy and economic vitality of downtown Flagstaff. She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the downtown area, including oversight of public space enhancements, community building and promoting downtown as a destination.
Prior to taking the helm at the FDBA, Madeksza served as Vice President at the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, Inc. for over 15 years where she was the driving force behind Downtown Phoenix being a clean, safe, friendly and memorable destination. She was the organization’s representative to the 2015 Super Bowl Host Committee and was instrumental in planning activities that drew over 100,000 visitors downtown and a resulting economic impact of over $719 million to the Valley.
Terry lives in Flagstaff with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending time with family, cooking great meals and volunteering at her children’s school.
Speaker: Morrison, Richard, J.D., Author, Founder, Activate Human Capital
Session: Vision Session
Contact: Richard@morrisonaz.com
Richard Morrison recently retired from a law practice focused on water law, environmental law, and issues facing special districts and agriculture. He taught Agricultural Law and the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law in the fall of 2017 and will do so again in the fall of 2019.
Richard is listed among Arizona’s Finest Lawyers. Mr. Morrison has been a director of his local chamber of commerce, his county Farm Bureau, and the Maricopa County Pollution Control Corporation. He also has been a member of the Agricultural Cluster Committee for the Arizona Strategic Plan for Economic Development, and USDA’s National Advisory Council for Rural Development. Mr. Morrison holds a B.S. in Business Management from Northern Arizona University, a Master of Arts in Values from San Francisco Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston. He also holds Doctor of Humane Letters degrees from the University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University.
Speaker: Pastor, Michael, Workforce Training Director, Gila Community College
Session: Higher Education as Community Partners
Contact: michael.pastor@eac.edu
Mike Pastor was raised in Miami, graduating from Miami High School in 1966. After serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era, he attended our local community college, graduating in 1979. As a life-long learner, he later attended Northern Arizona University, graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education. He has also completed coursework at the graduate level at Northern Arizona University and at the University of Phoenix. He worked in the local copper industry for 35 years, retiring in 2008 to run successfully for Gila County Supervisor of District 2 in 2009 and was reelected in 2012 having severed for 8 years. He and his wife, Linda, owned and operated Linda’s Beauty Salon, one of Globe’s successful small businesses. They have 3 grown children and 8 grandchildren. A life-long resident of the Globe-Miami area, Mike has always been a strong advocate for community and has a distinguished record of public service. Mr Pastor’s belief in traditional family values and in service to one’s community has guided his public life.
Speaker: Patton, Kelly, Senior Economic Development Consultant, Statewide Programs
Session: Lunch Debrief
Contact: Kelly.Patton@aps.com
Kelly Patton has spent 17 years working in the economic development industry with 12 years of experience specific to Arizona. She currently holds the title of Senior Economic Development Consultant, Statewide Programs at Arizona Public Service (APS) and is responsible for working with community, regional and statewide partners in the attraction and expansion of business and industry within APS service territory. Prior to joining APS, Kelly spent eight years in the Gilbert, Arizona Office of Economic Development and five years with the regional economic development organization in Kansas City, the Kansas City Area Development Council. A Kansas City native, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in journalism from the University of Kansas and a Master’s in business administration from Ottawa University. She also sits on several statewide, regional, and national economic development boards and committees.
Speaker: Peet, Carole, MSN, MBA, FACHE, Executive Vice President/Chief Administrative Officer, Northern Arizona Healthcare/Verde Valley Medical Center
Session: Healthcare as an Economic Driver
Contact: carole.peet@nahealth.com
Carole Peet joined Northern Arizona Healthcare in January 2018 as Northern Arizona Healthcare Executive Vice President and Verde Valley Medical Center Chief Administrative Officer.
A registered nurse by background, Ms. Peet has been in executive positions for over 16 years. Her career has focused on leading organizational efforts to improve the healthcare of the communities she serves. At St. Anthony North Health Campus in Westminster, Colorado, she led the transformation of a stand-alone acute care facility into a comprehensive health organization focused on wellness and serving the community.
Carole is also passionate about providing access to behavioral health. She is proud of the partnership she created with the Community Mental Health Center in Westminster, Colorado, where, together, they established comprehensive behavioral health services, including 24/7 crisis drop-in services, 16 crisis stabilization beds, a crisis phone line, and mobile crisis services.
Speaker: Perey, Dr. James, Executive Dean, Yavapai College Verde Valley Campus and Sedona Center
Session: Growing Your Own: Rural Economic Development Opportunities Through Food
Contact: james.perey@yc.edu
Dr. James Perey has been the Executive Dean of the Verde Valley Campus and Sedona Center since 2012. Dr. Perey provides leadership to Yavapai College’s Verde Valley Campus and Sedona Center. He is responsible for analyzing, evaluating, and developing strategic priorities and goals for the campus and center with a focus on student success in fulfillment of the College’s mission and vision. Previously Dr. Perey served as Associate Dean for Career and Technical Education overseeing multiple programs at the Chino Valley Agribusiness Center and Career and Technical Education Center. He is actively involved in the community, serving on various committees and in various roles. Dr. Perey is a native Arizonian having grown up in Mayer. He has bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from the University of Arizona, a master of arts in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, and a doctorate of education in organizational leadership from Grand Canyon University.
Speaker: Peru, Steve, CEO, United Way Northern Arizona
Session: Preparing for Disasters: Care for Communities Facing Extreme Stress
Contact: speru@naunitedway.org
Steve Peru is President/CEO of United Way of Northern Arizona, a position he has held since early 2015. In this position, Steve oversees United Way’s community impact and investment strategy for Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties. Born and raised in Morenci, Arizona, Steve came to Flagstaff to attend Northern Arizona University where upon graduation Steve joined Coconino County and worked there for 32 years. During that time Steve worked in a variety of social service and job-training programs then proceeded on management track within the County. After retiring from Coconino County in 2011, Steve worked in the private sector for a few years before joining United Way of Northern Arizona in early 2015 to serve as its President and CEO.
Steve earned a B.S. in Sociology/Social Work and a Master’s in Public Administration, both from Northern Arizona University, and completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard University- Kennedy School of Government.
Speaker: Redday, Rene, Inclusion Coach, Southwest Human Development
Session: Early Care and Education Access, Equity and Workforce Development in Rural Communities
Session: Rural Succeeds When Everyone has an Opportunity to Participate
Contact: RRedDay@swhd.org
Rene RedDay has over 20 years experience in teaching, supervision and administration. She has experience working for private, public, federal and non-profit sectors in urban and rural areas of Massachusetts and Coconino County. Mrs.RedDay is a passionate community advocate for young children and their families. She is an active community leader with LAUNCH Flagstaff, Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y), NAGOG Head Start Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), and Northern Arizona National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAzAEYC). Her passion is fostering family resilience by strengthening community collaborations.
Speaker: Rogers, Courtney, Director of Community Relations, Parker Area Alliance for Community Empowerment (PAACE)
Session: Straight from the Source: Solutions and Barriers to Youth Engagement
Contact: Courtney.paace@gmail.com
Courtney Rogers is a current resident of Parker Arizona, where she works as the Director of Community Relations for Parker Area Alliance for Community Empowerment, a grassroots organization that has served the Parker Community for over 20 years! Courtney is the current Program Director of the PAACE Parenting Academy and manages a Parent’s Commission grant from the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family. Courtney facilitates monthly PAACE Coalition Meetings and works closely with the PAACE Youth Coalition. As a PAACE employee, she manages several youth summer programs and aids the day-to-day management of the Players 9th Street Youth Center. She loves working for an organization that creates such positive changes in the Parker community.
Speaker: Russel-Winiecki, Jane, Chairwoman, Yavapai Apache Nation
Session: Partnering on Creative Economic Development Initiatives in Tribal Communities
Contact: jrussell-winiecki@yan-tribe.org
Jane Russell-Winiecki serves as Chairwoman of the Yavapai-Apache Nation. As a lifetime member of the Yavapai-Apache Nation, Winiecki dedicated years of service to the Nation’s Economic Development Board. Additionally, Winiecki has served on the Town of Clarkdale Town Council, Verde Valley Regional Economic Development Council, the Camp Verde Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Cliff Castle Casino Board of Directors, Yavapai College Sedona Board of Directors, and the Yavapai-Apache Nation CDFI Board of Directors. Prior to serving the Nation as Chairwoman, Winiecki spent years in the private sector as a business owner, developing the Verde Valley’s first form of internet with Wild Apache Internet Services, and Life Vessel, a healing and wellness center in Carefree, AZ. As Chairwoman, Winiecki focuses on the planning and future development of the Nation’s economy, preservation of the Nation’s cultural identity, water and natural resources, tribal gaming sustainability and longevity and youth prevention.
Speaker: Sajovec, Nina, Producer, Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Session: Growing Your Own: Rural Economic Development Opportunities Through Food
Contact: nina@ajocsa.com
Nina Sajovec pursued a graduate degree in environmental anthropology, which brought her to Southern Arizona almost ten years ago. Struck by the dichotomy between the lack of access to (healthy) food, and abundance of cultural diversity and other local resources, she founded Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Ajo CSA) shortly afterwards in order to support a grassroots, community-based effort of growing a more sustainable and just food system in Ajo and surrounding region. Ajo CSA’s activities include the Authentically Ajo Farmers Market (accepting WIC, SNAP and Double Up Bucks, and incubated over 60 micro-businesses), Ajo Gardeners Network, Adopt-A-Sonoran-Desert-Crop (citizen participation crop conservation program), food-based entrepreneurship incubator, beginning farmer training and many educational programs and events such as Kids at the Farm, annual Ajo Food Festival and Baja Arizona Pomegranate Festival. Sajovec is a founding member of the Ajo Regional Food Partnership and a board member of the Arizona Small-Scale Farmers Alliance (AZ chapter of National Young Farmers Coalition).
Speaker: Sanchez, Jenea, Artist, Educator, AZ CCI Team Member, Douglas, Az
Session: Activating Creativity in Arizona’s Rural Communities
Contact: mjsanch1@gmail.com
M. Jenea Sanchez is an interdisciplinary artist based in Douglas, AZ. After receiving her MFA from Arizona State University in 2011, she returned to her hometown to pursuer her career in art and teaching. She is currently a faculty member at Cochise College in the Digital Media Arts Program and the founding director of Border Arts Corridor (BAC), an arts organization that provides a platform for creative expression in the borderlands community through bi-national artwalks, workshops, performances, public dialogues and artist residencies.
Speaker: Smith, Cassity, Membership and Events Coordinator, Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce
Session: Vision Session
Contact: csmith@flagstaffchamber.com
Cassity Smith is the Membership and Events Coordinator for the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce in Flagstaff, AZ. She graduated in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Special Events Management and Communications from Arizona State University. Cassity is highly engaged in the community whether it be for chamber events, networking meet-up’s, or volunteering. She loves meeting new people on a professional and personal level and is great at forging and maintaining long-term relationships. Cassity thrives on challenging tasks with the allowance of creativity and is constantly encouraging everyone in her life to express and act on their ideas. Cassity sits on the Board of Flagstaff Young Professionals where they actively create educational seminars, networking events, and volunteer opportunities for Young Professionals in the age range of 21 to 39 living in Flagstaff.
Speaker: Smith, Dr. Colleen, President, Coconino Community College
Session: Higher Education as Community Partners
Contact: colleen.smith@coconino.edu
Dr. Colleen A. Smith currently serves as President for Coconino Community College. The College chose Dr. Smith because of her extensive experience as a community college administrator and CEO. She has a passion for the mission of the community college, and the students and communities served by that mission. Throughout her career, Dr. Smith’s focus on the students and her collaborative leadership style have served as the driving force behind innovation and success initiatives that effectively implement policy changes and launch new programs. She has successfully negotiated partnerships with Universities and Public Schools to provide smooth transitions for students, as well as with local municipalities for the development of mutually beneficial training facilities. Her in-depth understanding of both the national and state higher education environment, as well as her CEO experience, have all contributed to the realistic and results-oriented approach she brings to leadership in the comprehensive community college.
Speaker: Stago, Jessica, Program Manager, Native American Business Incubator Network
Session: Partnering on Creative Economic Development Initiatives in Tribal Communities
Contact: jessica_stago@nativeincubator.org
Jessica Stago is Bita’nii (Folded Arm) clan from the Dine nation born for White Mountain Apache Bis’za’ha (Rough Wash) clan. She is the Program Manager and co-founder of the Native American Business Incubator Network, a non-profit organization providing support to Native entrepreneurs on the Colorado Plateau. With over 15 years of experience working with Native American small businesses and entrepreneurs, she is currently focused on building the ecosystem in Native communities where entrepreneurs can be successful. Over the years, she has also managed several community and economic development projects through JM Stago Consulting Company. Her experience includes adjunct faculty at Dine College and Northland Pioneer College. She has also served on the boards of the Navajo CDFI, Navajo Chamber of Commerce, and the Arizona Family Health Partnership.
Speaker: Steele, Nancy L.C. Steele, D.Env., Director, Friends of the Verde River
Session: Economic Trailblazing: How to Harness Backyard Ecotourism
Contact: nancys@verderiver.org
Nancy Steele is the Executive Director of Friends of the Verde River, working collaboratively for a healthy Verde River system. In her prior work, Nancy was Executive Director of Council for Watershed Health in Los Angeles; she has also worked in various California agencies, focusing on environmental and health impacts of pollution, including controlling diesel emissions from heavy-duty vehicles and reducing childhood lead poisoning. She has served on several environmental, research, and community boards, including the Infrastructure Funding Alliance, where she was also the Interim Executive Director. Nancy co-founded the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, serving as President/CEO 2000-2011 and as Director of Conservation (2017). Nancy is a fellow of the Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation and a Stanton Fellow of the Durfee Foundation. Nancy earned her doctorate in Environmental Science and Engineering from UCLA; she received her Master’s (Zoology) from Arizona State University and her Bachelor’s (Biology) from Occidental College.
Speaker: Tewksbury-Bloom, Sharon, Podcaster and Owner, Do Good Be Good
Session: Vision Session
Contact: connect@sharonspeaks.com
Sharon Tewksbury-Bloom saved her sister’s life when she was two years old. That fact is irrelevant to this session, but it’s interesting, no? Other fun facts: she can’t do a cartwheel, her favorite beer is Mother Road’s Tower Station IPA, and she traveled around the US and Canada for one year, volunteering every week in a different place. As a business owner, Sharon works as an organizational development consultant who specializes in employee training and facilitation. She helps public sector organizations build trust and share knowledge. In August 2017, Sharon launched a podcast, Do Good, Be Good, about the challenges people face when they try to be helpful. Through a partnership with a local nonprofit and sponsorship from a small business owner, Sharon started the show with $500. She’s now on the third season and the podcast has helped her in business and in life.
Speaker: Tunis, Paul, Director, Cobre Valley Center of the Arts, AZ CCI Team Member, Globe, AZ
Session: Activating Creativity in Arizona’s Rural Communities
Contact: director@globearts.org
Paul Tunis is the Program Director of the Cobre Valley Center for the Arts, a nonprofit that provides arts education and resources to Globe-Miami and the surrounding community. Paul’s dedication to the transformative power theatre arts for young people has driven the expansion of youth performance opportunities for children of all ages in his community. During his tenure as director he has piloted the CVCA’s Educational Outreach Program, which serves performing arts education to 1,500 students enrolled in local elementary schools in absence of school arts programming.
Speaker: Welch, Nancy, Vice President, Arizona Center for Civic Leadership, Flinn Foundation
Session: Vision Session
Contact: nwelch@flinn.org
Nancy Welch has led the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership since 2010. She has built the Center’s flagship program, the Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy, into a unique statewide program with nearly 300 Fellows and an active Flinn-Brown Network. She also developed CivEx, or Arizona Civic Exchange, as a gateway program for Arizonans to learn about issues and politics. Ms. Welch recently authored Strong Foundations for Achieving Civic Leadership, a “checklist” to help Flinn-Brown Fellows and others assess their personal strengths and challenges.
Ms. Welch came to the Foundation from the Morrison Institute for Public Policy at Arizona State University, which she joined in 1989. At Morrison, she managed policy research, project development, and client relationships.
Ms. Welch has served on a variety of community boards and committees, including for Read On Arizona. She earned a master’s degree in history at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Va.
Speaker: Williams, Rebecca, Owner, Dream Manor Inn
Session: Creating Exceptional Experiences: Coordinating Community Strategies
Contact: rebecca@dreammanorinn.com
Rebecca Williams is the co-founder of Dream Manor Inn, Globe’s premier lodging accommodations. The business was established in 2006, as a Bed and Breakfast. The inn grew into a Boutique Resort specializing in Weddings. Received Gila County’s Small Business Success Award in 2011. The Inn has received Trip Advisor Hall of Fame Award-Certificates of Excellence every year it has been awarded, published in Arizona Highways, National Geographic Traveler, and Sunset Magazines. Rebecca is a third generation Arizona native of a pioneer family who built the first general store in Mesa, Arizona. She has held leadership positions for Macayo’s Restaurants; Yuma Proving Grounds, MICROS Systems. A Certified Facilitator of “The Service Difference.” Rebecca has consulted, developed, trained, coached and empowered others in customer-focused programs to increase sales and customer loyalty throughout her careers. She serves on Globe-Miami’s Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee. Received the Chamber’s Business of the Year 2016.
Speaker: Wright, Melissa, Community Relations Liason, La Paz Hospital
Session: The Ultimate Goal: Improving Quality of Life for Rural Arizonans
Contact: mwright@lapazhospital.org
Melissa Wright has worked in community education and outreach for most of her career. She started out in the prevention field and now works as the Community Relations Liaison for La Paz Regional Hospital. Working closely with the community she serves for so many years means she has a unique understanding of their needs. Aside from community outreach, Melissa’s creative skills in marketing, photography and filmmaking are invaluable in communicating to the public. She also serves as an Arizona Western College Governing Board Member for District 2.
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