January News from Valley Leadership

"Be Open, Be Transparent, Be Authentic" are the current leadership mantras, but companies often push back. Business is premised on the concept of control and yet the new world order demands openness - leaders do not know how to be open and be in control. This must-have resource will help the modern leader understand how to lead in the new open world - where blogging, twittering, facebooking, and digging are becoming the norm. The author lays out the steps that leaders must take to transform their organizations and themselves into being "open" - and exactly what that will mean.

Shows how to use social media to become an open organization
Offers basic advice for leaders who are adapting to the new era of openness in the marketplace
The author Charlene Li is one of the foremost experts on social media and technologies

In easy-to-understand language, this book will help leaders orient themselves to social networking and other technological advances.

To learn more about this book, click here.

Quotes of the Month

"Leadership is action, not position."
-- Donald H. McGannon (American broadcasting industry executive; 1920-1984)

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"Humans are ambitious and rational and proud. And we don't fall in line with people who don't respect us and who we don't believe have our best interests at heart. We are willing to follow leaders, but only to the extent that we believe they call on our best, not our worst."
-- Rachel Maddow (American radio personality, television host, and political commentator; 1973-present)

Leadership Resources

Leadertalk

The following excerpt is taken from their blog:

"At Mountain State University, we value lifelong learning, and we believe in the power of knowledge to transform lives. It is our hope that this blog will expand our influence by inviting the world into our classrooms. Though you may never step foot on one of our campuses, please visit our corner of cyberspace often to interact with the exchange of ideas happening here. As we share our vision and knowledge, it is our hope to join a larger conversation about leadership. We invite your feedback, comments, and suggestions."

To learn more, click here.Kevin Eikenberry selected LeaderTalk as one of the Best Leadership Blogs in 2010. The LeaderTalk blog is maintained by Mountain State University in West Virginia as an interactive component of their School of Leadership and Professional Development.

Valley Leadership's Social Media Campaign
5 Things You Can Do to Help VL Conquer Social Media: 1) Connect on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn 2) Friend/Follow other VL alumni 3) Suggest alumni connect with VL social media 4) Post on the wall 5) Share VL news and events with friends Click on the following images to follow us on Twitter, friend us on Facebook or connect with us on LinkedIn:

Annual Report
Click here to download our Annual Summary of Accomplishments for 2009-2010.

We Want Your Stories!
Please take a moment to share your experiences and stories with us, so we can feature you in upcoming publications. Please send submissions (200 words or less) to Lisa Rolland-Keith at vl@valleyleadership.org.

Chairman's Corner with Rob Leslie, Board Chair

Rob Leslie headshot Hello and Happy New Year to all of our Valley Leadership alumni and friends. We are excited for what this new year has in store and are busy preparing a full slate of events and activities for you in 2011.

Our first event is the kick-off to the Community Dialogue Series, a semi-annual speaker series where we hold the magnifying glass to issues facing our state. January's Community Dialogue: "Surveying Arizona's Political Landscape in 2011" will take place Tuesday, January 18. We hope you will join us as we examine Arizona's political agenda for the coming year and discuss ways we can develop a shared vision for our future.

Also commencing next month is the Leadership Development Series for Women, which will launch on Wednesday, February 9. The "Women in Business" workshop will feature author Gloria Feldt, No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power, as well as speakers Lisa Graham Keegan of Education Breakthrough Network, Jessica Pacheco of APS, and Luz Sarmina of Valle del Sol.

Finally, we are pleased to announce the newest class of Valley Teen Leadership in the Teen Leadership News below. We congratulate these bright, emerging leaders for their acceptance into the program which will kick off with an orientation on Wednesday, January 19.

I would like to thank and give special appreciation to all of the volunteers that have been instrumental in preparing not only these upcoming events but for all of the outstanding and successful activities so far this year - it could not be done without you.

Be on the lookout for upcoming alumni tours and events; we look forward to seeing you there!

Upcoming Events

Mark Your Calendars

Community Dialogue Series Presents:
"Surveying Arizona's Political Landscape in 2011"
Join us for an exciting evening of political discourse as we develop a shared vision for Arizona's political future. Speaker of the House Kirk Adams, State Treasurer Doug Ducey, Former Arizona Democratic Party Chair Jim Pederson, and State Senator Kyrsten Sinema will be present to discuss our state's politics and policies in 2011.

Limited seating available, reserve your seat now.

Date: Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Time: 4:00-5:15 PM with a reception to follow
Location: Wells Fargo Conference Center;

100 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 85003

Cost: $15 for dues-paying members
$25 for non-dues paying members and guests
**This event is complimentary for Community Stewards**

RSVP: You must RSVP to attend this event - please click here to register; or contact the VL office at 602.952.6760 or vl@valleyleadership.org

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Exclusive Alumni Tour of the Mayo Clinic
Guests will go behind the scenes at this technologically and scientifically advanced medical treatment center. Mayo Clinic specializes in hard-to-treat diseases and is known for innovative and effective treatments, as well as being one of the top-ranked hospitals in the nation. Their mission is to inspire hope and contribute to health and well-being by providing the best care to every patient through integrated clinical practice, education and research.

Only a few spots available, reserve your seat now.

Date: Thursday, January 27, 2011
Time: 9:00-10:00 AM
Location: Mayo Clinic Scottsdale; 13400 E. Shea Blvd.,

Scottsdale, 85259
Cost: $15 for dues-paying members
$25 for non-dues paying members and guests
**This event is complimentary for Community Stewards**
RSVP: to vl@valleyleadership.org or 602.952.6760

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Leadership Development Series: "Women in Business" Workshop

Learn to unlock your unlimited potential with power tools for success! Featuring keynote speaker Gloria Feldt and her new book No Excuses: 9 Ways Women Can Change How We Think About Power. Three dynamic panelists will also discuss how to navigate the obstacles of the business world, each using a different example of one of Gloria's 9 power tools. There will be a reception with a book signing following the event from 6:30-7:30 PM.

Date: Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Time: 3:00-6:30 PM
Location: ASU SkySong; 1475 N. Scottsdale Road (at the intersection of Scottsdale and McDowell Roads), Scottsdale, 85257

Cost: $35 early bird thru February 1st, $40 after February 1st
RSVP: Click here register or call 602.952.6760

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Police Academy Experience

Attendees will have a chance to participate in actual police training scenarios and see firsthand how officers are trained to make critical decisions. The tour will also include an overview of basic and advanced training for police officers.

Date: Thursday, February 17, 2011
Time: 2:00-5:00 PM
Location: 10001 S. 15th Avenue, Phoenix, 85041;

http://phoenix.gov/POLICE/
Description: Cost: $15 for dues-paying members
$25 for non-dues paying members and guests
**This event is complimentary for Community Stewards**
RSVP: to vl@valleyleadership.org or 602.952.6760

Annual Membership Dues Campaign

Your member dues help support programs like the AZ Attorney

General Debate.
Annual Dues Renewal

Valley Leadership would not be the premier organization it is without financial support from our generous alumni, corporate partners and community leaders. Our membership dues campaign is successfully underway, and we extend our sincere gratitude to all our alumni and community friends who have already renewed their 2010-11 member dues. If you have not yet renewed for this year, you can click here to link to the VL website and make an easy online payment. Here is a brief summary of the benefits you will receive from renewing your membership, though the greatest benefit is helping to assure the financial sustainability of Valley Leadership!

$100 - discounts to alumni events & complimentary admission for one to a Community Dialogue Series event.

$250 - discounts to alumni events, two complimentary admissions for Community Dialogue Series event(s), and one ticket to the 62nd Annual Man & Woman of the Year luncheon ($100 value).

Payment of membership dues at all levels includes access to the online alumni directory, newsletter recognition and member discounts to all VL events. Click here to read a full description of member benefits.

Thank you in advance for your continued support of Valley Leadership. Click here to pay your dues online.

Read below to learn more about our Community Stewards Society at the $500 and up membership levels.

Community Stewards Society

Discover the Benefits of Being a Community Steward

Please consider joining the ranks of our Community Stewards and support Valley Leadership at a higher level. Membership in the Community Stewards Society comes with a myriad of benefits at all levels including:

Free attendance to specially arranged tours, social events and community dialogues
A complimentary gold VL nametag designating your Community Stewards Society membership
At least two tickets to Valley Leadership's annual Man & Woman of the Year Awards Luncheon ($200+ value)
Invitations to special receptions for Community Stewards
Donor recognition on Valley Leadership's website for a full year, as well as in the Annual Summary of Accomplishments and the Man & Woman of the Year program
Annual membership dues are included
Your membership may be eligible for a tax deduction (please consult your tax advisor)

If you take advantage of all Community Stewards Society membership has to offer, it is an exceptional value, and you are also supporting Valley Leadership's mission "to enhance the abilities of leaders to serve and strengthen our communities." Click here to join the Community Stewards Society today.

Valley Leadership/Business on Board Collaboration

New Collaboration Will Equip Potential Board Members

Valley Leadership is pleased to announce its collaboration with Business on Board to provide all graduates of Leadership Institute with a 20% discount on the Business on Board program fee.

Business on Board is a dynamic program run by the Arts and Business Council of Greater Phoenix. It is designed to help create, build and sustain strong, effective boards for nonprofit arts and social service organizations. This program consists of 25 hours of training focused on all of the essentials that make a strong, well-rounded board member.

If you are interested in learning more about Business on Board, email Debra Paine (Class 27) at dpaine@artsbusinessphoenix.org or call 602.234.4711.

Valley Teen Leadership News

Presenting VTL Class 15!

We are pleased to announce the members of Valley Teen Leadership's Class 15. This wonderful and diverse group hails from 33 different high schools throughout the greater Phoenix area. The program year will kick off January 19 with orientation and will conclude April 27 when we graduate a brand new class of inspired teen leaders.

Please join us in welcoming Class 15 of Valley Teen Leadership:

Jenna Allton, Westwood HS

Maame Amoa-Asare, Hamilton Prep

Drew Balthazor, Gilbert Classical Academy

Marion Cambrelin, Sunrise Mountain HS

Patricia Cannon, Valley Vista HS

Samantha Cooke, Cactus HS

Megan Crenshaw, Perry HS

Melissa Dong, Hamilton Prep

Layla El-Sharkawy, Mountain Pointe HS

Bella Escalante, Boulder Creek HS

Amanda Frank, Shadow Mountain HS

Chelsea Greene, Sandra Day O'Connor HS

Grant Gustafson, Brophy College Prep

Alexandra Harms, Perry HS

Ashlie Heaton, University HS

Angela Kaitschuck, Skyline HS

Megan Kelly, Sandra Day O'Connor HS

Matt Kelsey, Willow Canyon HS

Rita Khalaf, Hamilton HS

Alexander Khan, Brophy College Prep

Meera Kumar, Horizon Charter School

Fatima Lasker, Arizona Cultural Academy

Chandler Longbons, Estrella Foothills HS

Kaivan Mayelzadeh, Horizon Community Learning Ctr

Lorenzo Melvin, Desert Vista HS

David Meyers, Brophy College Prep

Sebastian Miller, Brophy College Prep

Becky Mozilo, Arizona Cultural Academy

Ellen Munsil, Scottsdale Prep

Kay Munsil, Pinnacle HS

Hasan Mustofo, Scottsdale Prep

Scott Naylor, Sandra Day O'Connor HS

Hayley Nevins, Arcadia HS

Genna Quinones, Marcos DeNiza HS

Syed Ridhwaan, Arizona Cultural Academy

Tyler Rodriguez, Verrado High School

Nehal Samra, Brophy College Prep

Lena Sarsour, Arizona Cultural Academy

Kara Smith, Xavier College Prep

Paulina Smith, Xavier College Prep

Windsor Smith, Sandra Day O'Connor HS

Will Snider, Arizona School for the Arts

Jonah Soble, Desert Mountain HS

Sierra Tall, Xavier College Prep

Chris Tulin, Nortre Dame Prep

Leslie Velasco, Alhambra College Prep

Angelica Verhaalen, Betty Fairfax HS

Xavier Walker, Millennium HS

Lilly Webb, Millennium HS

Julian Weinstein, Arcadia HS

Blake Welch, Verrado HS

Austin Young, Skyline HS

We would also like give a big thank you to Joyce Grossman and her fellow Class 25 alumni Louise Moskowitz/APS, Leonard Aragon and Lisa Davis for helping to sponsor VTL Day 4 - "Light Rail Day" this year.

Meet Class 32

Andrew Benson

Andrew is a second generation Phoenician and a proud alumnus of Creighton Public Schools, Camelback High School, Gateway Community College and Arizona State University. He is the Senior Producer for Randy Murray Productions where he works with great teams, clients and distributors to produce socially-responsible media such as commercials, marketing videos, documentaries and TV shows. He serves as Co-Chair on the Generation United Steering Committee - a program of Valley of the Sun United Way - where he collaborates with a group of inspiring young professionals to create and execute opportunities for their peers to CONNECT. VOLUNTEER. ADVOCATE. GIVE with Valley of the Sun United Way.

What makes a good leader?
From my read, a good leader strives to understand and elevate the positive impact of all facets of the cause(s) they serve. They are empowered, act for mutual benefit, have fun doing it and couldn't imagine it any other way.

Why did you apply for Valley Leadership?

Valley Leadership was an opportunity to gain deeper understanding of facets of the cause(s) I aim to serve in our community. And, I get to do that with brilliant people who hold varied perspectives. Those I have come to know in my class (the best class ever), as well those in previous classes, truly desire to be thoughtful stewards of this community. What better people could you learn, share and act with?

Catherine Cormier

Catherine is a Scientific Liaison for the DNASU plasmid repository (basically, a collection of pieces of DNA containing individual genes that researchers can use for various experimental applications) which is located within the Virginia G. Piper Center of Personalized Diagnostics at the Biodesign Institute at ASU. She moved to the Valley a little over a year ago when her boss relocated from Harvard to the Biodesign Institute, and she is glad to have made the move as she found Arizona to be a wonderful and inspiring place to live and work.

What makes a good leader?

A good leader is enthusiastic, motivating, encouraging, and visionary.

Why did you apply for Valley Leadership?

As a newcomer to the Valley, I applied to Valley Leadership to learn more about the people, places and challenges facing the region. I also looked at this as an opportunity to meet others with the same goals in hopes that we can all work together towards accomplishing our shared visions for the future.

Lori Higuera

Lori is a director at Fennemore Craig, PC, where she practices primarily employment and labor law. At the firm, she also enjoys her time serving on the Hiring Committee and the Diversity Counsel. Lori is a native Arizonan. She was born in Mesa and attended Mesa High School before moving to Tucson, where she attended the University of Arizona. After living a few years in Chicago, Illinois while attending law school at the University of Chicago in Hyde Park, she returned to Phoenix and has been here ever since.

What makes a good leader?

A good leader is a knowledgeable and credible person who provides direction and motivation in a way that energizes people toward a common goal that, hopefully, surpasses their expectations.

Why did you apply for Valley Leadership?

As a native Arizonan with children whom my husband and I are raising here, I think it is important to play a key role in effecting positive change in our community so it will remain a place where we are proud to live and contribute our time, money and energy. Valley Leadership is an effective resource for connecting me with other individuals who possess similar aspirations for providing us with a historical and contextual perspective that will facilitate our efforts to achieve these similar goals.

Angela Perez

Angela is an attorney at Snell & Wilmer L.L.P, where she practices in the area of Business & Finance and serves as the Chair of the Bioscience Industry Group. She was raised in Tucson and moved to the Valley in 2004 after graduating from law school at the University of Arizona.

What makes a good leader?

I think that great leaders are people who listen, who define a vision and the values necessary for achieving it, and who pursue that vision with integrity, enthusiasm and care for those whom they are leading. Equally important, great leaders build up those around them rather than themselves.

Why did you apply for Valley Leadership?

I applied for Valley Leadership in order to learn more about myself, my community and the challenges facing Arizona. I am very excited to work with my peers in service to the community.

Richard Siever

Richard is a Phoenix native and proud to be a 5th generation Arizonan. He currently serves as Corporate Counsel for Rural/Metro Corporation, an ambulance and fire services company headquartered in the Valley. Rural/Metro provides services to communities throughout the country, but is known as Southwest Ambulance in much of Arizona. Richard assists with contract, real estate, employment and other legal matters for the company.

What makes a good leader?

A good leader is someone who inspires others to participate in some way. And I believe, in order to engage or energize others, one must listen.

Why did you apply for Valley Leadership?

I applied to Valley Leadership so that I could be part of a dialogue about the community I love. I also wanted to learn more about how I can contribute and participate in addressing some of the issues we face as our community grows. I knew that in the process I would meet interesting and "interested" individuals who share my passion for this town. I was right.

Leaders Making Waves

Recognizing the Accomplishments of Valley Leadership Alumni

Have you taken on an exciting new job or been promoted? Have you recently been married or had a child? We want to hear about all your professional and personal milestones, so please keep us informed. We would like to share honors and accomplishments with your fellow alumni.

The following Valley Leadership alumni have announced their bids to run for city office. We commend them for their dedication to local government leadership and wish them the best of luck in their campaigns.

Greg Stanton (Class 19) has announced he is running for City of Phoenix Mayor and Councilwoman Peggy Neely (Class 26) has an active exploratory committee for Phoenix Mayor.

Eric Sloan (Class 28) announced he is running for Phoenix City Council - District 5

We would also like to recognize Councilmen Bill Gates (Class 28) - District 3 and Tom Simplot (Class 15) - District 4 who are running for re-election.

Maribeth Ackzen (Class 30) is now the Director of Research Laboratory Operations and Core Facilities at Nevada Cancer Institute in Las Vegas. In her new role, Maribeth will establish the research infrastructure and operations to provide access to state-of-the art technologies and instruments that enable both basic biomedical research and clinical investigations that target cancer.

Martin Shultz (Class 5) retired from Pinnacle West Capital Corp. on January 1, 2011 and is now joining the newly opened Phoenix office of the lobbying firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. There he will serve as senior policy director in the government relations group.

Douglas Sydnor, AIA (Class 6) was appointed to the Library Board by the Scottsdale City Council. Friends of the Scottsdale Public Libraries also selected him as a 2010 Spirit of Literacy Honoree. His firm, Douglas Sydnor Architect and Associates, Inc., received a 2010 American Institute of Architects Western Mountain Region Design Honor Award for the Scottsdale Appaloosa Branch Library. Mr. Sydnor also authored a book titled Images of America: Scottsdale Architecture published by Arcadia Publishing in 2010.

Meet the Leaders of Valley Leadership

Q&A with Eric Sloan

Profile: Eric Sloan, Class 28

Background: I've been in the Valley since 1993. I am a graduate of Mesa Community College and Arizona State University. I have worked as a legislative analyst for a governor, as director of media and government relations for a state agency, as a liaison for ASU, and most recently I started Sloan Lyons Public Affairs with the love of my life, Alisa Lyons (Class 30). I am currently a candidate for the Phoenix City Council.

Why he joined the Board: I decided to join the board because I had experience raising money for other nonprofits and thought that I could help secure Valley Leadership's future by becoming a board member and fundraiser.

What experiences lead to his involvement with the Fund Development committee: I founded Tomorrow's Leaders when I was on the board of the Ronald McDonald House - a group of professionals who are committed to supporting Ronald McDonald House of Phoenix through raising awareness of and contributions for the House as well as working to build a networking organization that will give future community leaders opportunities to receive valuable training in the Phoenix non-profit community. In addition, I also served as the first Strong Kids Campaign chair for the Maryvale YMCA.

What his one big goal is for the year: My goal for Valley Leadership is to raise the number of Community Stewards that support the organization and to expand sponsorships. My personal goal is to get elected to the Phoenix City Council.

Volunteer Opportunities/Resources needed: The Fund Development committee can be summarized in a simple quote, "When you think to send the very best, send cash."

Man & Woman of the Year

Jim Bruner and Sam Kathryn Campana named 2010 Man & Woman of the Year

2010 Honorees Sam Kathryn Campana & Jim Bruner

For the past 62 years, the Man and Woman of the Year awards presented by Valley Leadership has honored two outstanding individuals who have exhibited exemplary leadership, community outreach and remained true to their values and beliefs when faced with adversity.

This year we honor two Inspiring Leaders of our community - Jim Bruner and Sam Kathryn Campana as the 2010 Man and Woman of the Year. Mr. Bruner and Ms. Campana exemplify the leadership values, skills and knowledge essential to strengthening our Valley's social and economic well-being. We are also grateful to have the 2009 Man and Woman of the Year, Frank Fairbanks and Christine Wilkinson, Ph.D., as our Honorary Event Co-chairs.

We are currently seeking event sponsors; sponsorships range from $15,000- $1,000. Proceeds from the event support Valley Leadership's continued efforts in leadership development. Please click here to learn more about the event and sponsorship opportunities.

For more information visit www.valleyleadership.org or contact Amy Buchan (Class 31), Event Chair at amy.buchan@apollogrp.edu, Milton Dellossier (Class 29), Event Vice-Chair at milton.a.dellossier@wellsfargo.com, or Frank McCune at frank@valleyleadership.org.

Leadership Institute and Alumni Event Photos

Program Day 4 - "Nonprofit/Social Services"

Overview by Talonya Adams (Class 32)

On Friday, January 7, 2011, John C. Lincoln North Mountain Hospital hosted Valley Leadership Class 32 for Program Day 4 entitled "Nonprofit/Social Services." This program day began with a glowing presentation by our classmates on "Leadership is Relationship." The afternoon had guest speakers break into small group sessions that allowed class members to meet representatives from community engagement, arts & culture, healthcare, environment, and health & social services to network and learn more about research, resources and current events in these areas.

Throughout the day speakers provided new information about the ever-changing cost climate of unpredictable tax regulation, collaborative non-profit efforts and the impact the recession has had on philanthropy. Brian Spicker, Senior VP Community Impact, Valley of the Sun United Way, moved some class members to tears with his opening interactive segment on "Duplicative Services vs. Community Needs." The initial role play consisted of storylines that were complicated and multi-layered, a true representation of the interconnected challenges faced by individuals in our society.

Other speakers included Patricia Lewis, Sr. Professional-in-Residence, and Robert Ashcraft, Executive Director from ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy & Nonprofit Innovation; Nora Hannah, Chief Consortium Officer, Experience Matters; Rhonda Oliver, CEO HandsOn Greater Phoenix; Rusty Foley, Interim Executive Director, Arizona Citizens Action for the Arts; Bobb Cooper, Producing Artistic Director, Valley Youth Theatre; Dr. John Swagert, CEO, Mountain Park Health Center; Alaina Chabrier, Vice President Strategic Planning & Marketing, JCL Health Network; Jackie Rice, Director of Network Business Planning, JCL Health Network; Patrick Graham, State Director, The Nature Conservatory; Torrie Taj, Executive VP, Marketing & Resource Development, A New Leaf; and Laura DiTroia, Program Manager, Lodestar Day Resource Center.