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| Board of Directors | |
Executive Committee
Rob Leslie - Board Chair
Eide Bailly
Hon. Louis Frank Dominguez - Immediate Past Chair
Phoenix Municipal Court
Michelle Hernandez - Chair Elect
Mountain Park Health Center FoundationCameron Black - Secretary/Treasurer Blue Cross Blue Shield of AZ Mike Crusa - Member-at-Large City of Tempe Members
Dave Bolman
University of Advancing Technology
Harrison Brecht
Dobson High School
Cassidy Campana
Parenti Communications
Ginny Arnett Caro
SCF Arizona
Scott Davis
APS
Betty Doran
BD Consulting
Greg Ensell
Cox Communications
Marci Hendrickson
Jokake Construction
George Khalaf
ASU
Elizabeth Krecker
Iasis Healthcare
Anita Luera
ASU Cronkite School of Journalism
Cassandra Mason-Motz
City of Phoenix Police Dept.
Tony Moya
SRP
Alberto Olivas
Maricopa Community Colleges
Benah Parker
Center for the Future of Arizona
Tim Pickering
Interim Public Management
Marshall Shore
Marshall Shore
Information Curating
Eric Sloan
Sloan Lyons Public Affairs
Brad Vynalek
Quarles & Brady, LLP
Staff Frank McCune Executive Director Beth Thomson-Gorman Program Manager Lisa Rolland-Keith
Communications Coordinator |
| Leadership Institute Financial Aid Fund | |
Pay It Forward In the midst of these tough economic times, small businesses, organizations and individuals are finding it increasingly difficult to pay tuition for their emerging and existing leaders to go through premier leadership development programs such as Leadership Institute. In order to ensure the ability of all outstanding candidates to participate in our program, we are establishing the Leadership Financial Aid Fund. If you were able to graduate from the Leadership Institute, and especially if someone else - an employer or sponsor - made this experience possible for you, please consider making a contribution and paying it forward to a future leader in need.
To make a donation to the Leadership Financial Aid Fund, or for more information, please contact Executive Director Frank McCune at 602.952.6760, ext. 1 or frank@valleyleadership.org. |
| Book of the Month | | |
 Everything is Obvious:
*Once You Know the Answer
by Steve Farber
Publisher's Description:
"Why is the Mona Lisa the most famous painting in the world? Why did Facebook succeed when other social networking sites failed? Did the surge in Iraq really lead to less violence? How much can CEO's impact the performance of their companies? And does higher pay incentivize people to work hard?
If you think the answers to these questions are a matter of common sense, think again. As sociologist and network science pioneer Duncan Watts explains in this provocative book, the explanations that we give for the outcomes that we observe in life-explanation that seem obvious once we know the answer-are less useful than they seem.
Drawing on the latest scientific research, along with a wealth of historical and contemporary examples, Watts shows how common sense reasoning and history conspire to mislead us into believing that we understand more about the world of human behavior than we do; and in turn, why attempts to predict, manage, or manipulate social and economic systems so often go awry.
Only by understanding how and when common sense fails, Watts argues, can we improve how we plan for the future, as well as understand the present-an argument that has important implications in politics, business, and marketing, as well as in science and everyday life."
To learn more about this book, click here. |
| Quotes of the Month | | |
"You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don't make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can't take their eyes off you."
--Maya Angelou (African American author and poet,
b. 1928)
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"The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born -- that there is a genetic factor to leadership. This myth asserts that people simply either have certain charismatic qualities or not. That's nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born." --Warren G. Bennis (American scholar, and pioneer of the contemporary field of Leadership studies; b. 1925) |
| 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. |
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| Chairman's Corner with Rob Leslie, Board Chair | | |
The end of April and the beginning of May have been eventful for the ever-bustling Valley Leadership with the Sports Economic Impact Community Dialogue, Valley Teen Leadership Class 15's graduation and Class 32's outstanding Arts & Culture Program Day. Always a busy time of year, we want to thank our dedicated volunteers and staff who make these programs possible as well as successful.
Coming up on June 4, 2011, we will celebrate the program completion of yet another class of fine Valley leaders at Class 32's graduation reception and dinner. All are invited to attend this event at the Wyndham Phoenix hotel, and we encourage you to join in the celebration and welcome the newest crop of graduates to Valley Leadership's esteemed legacy of alumni.
Also, be sure to watch the PBS Be More Awards on May 26 (or attend the event in person) and see Valley Leadership recognized as one of three finalists in the "Be More...Knowledgeable" category. Continuing in the television vein, our most recent Community Dialogue Series event as filmed by Cox Channel 7 will be airing until Sunday May 15, so be sure to catch it, especially if you weren't able to attend.
As we enter into the summer months, here's wishing you safe travels and we hope you will continue to keep Valley Leadership updated on all your exciting news.
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| Upcoming Events | | Mark Your Calendars
Class 32 Graduation Dinner & Reception
Come and celebrate with Class 32 to as they graduate from Leadership Institute and join ranks with our esteemed alumni. Mayor of Flagstaff, Sara Presler, will deliver the keynote address.
Register now.
Date: Saturday, June 4, 2011
Time: Reception begins at 6 p.m.; Dinner begins at 7 p.m.
Location: Wyndham Phoenix Hotel; 50 East Adams Street
Cost: $50 for members and guests
RSVP: Limited seating. 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 |
| Meet Class 32 | |
 David Edward Funkhouser III
David has lived in the Valley for the last 8 years. He is currently an attorney at Quarles & Brady LLP in Downtown Phoenix, where he focuses on complex commercial litigation issues. From 2008 through early 2009, David was a member of the Arizona House of Representatives, chosen by the Arizona Democratic Party to serve the remaining term of a vacated seat in Arizona's 11th Legislative District. David currently resides in North Central Phoenix with his wife, Alicia, and two boys, David Edward Funkhouser IV ("Davey" for short) and Jackson William Funkhouser.
What makes a good leader? I believe a good leader is one that listens first, and asks questions later. A good leader is one that strives to make the correct choice, even if it is not the popular choice. In my (extremely) humble opinion, too many of Arizona's so-styled "leaders" are looking out only for their own interests, or the next (temporarily popular, albeit subsequently deemed crazy) sound bite, rather than coming together in a unified manner to make the truly tough choices our State deserves.
Why did you apply for Valley Leadership? I applied for Valley Leadership because I know many graduates of previous Leadership Institutes, and all look back fondly on their own Class. I also applied because I am a transplant to the Valley and, in retrospect after nearly completing this year's program, knew very little about the Valley. And, finally, I love meeting new people, and I couldn't ask for a better set of leaders to align myself than with those of Class 32 (the BEST(-looking) Class Ever).
 Kari VandersliceKari works at Health Services Advisory Group assisting primary care physicians across Arizona to implement Electronic Health Records (EHR). She is part of a team helping providers understand Meaningful Use and earn Medicare and Medicaid EHR incentive funds. Kari moved to the Valley 7 years ago to be near family and hiking opportunities.
What makes a good leader? Being available, approachable, calm, confident, and encouraging. A good leader is credible, leads by example, articulates the vision, and recognizes the contributions of others.
Why did you apply for Valley Leadership?
To learn from others and meet talented people across the Valley. To become aware of organizations and services within the Phoenix metropolitan area. Also, to help classmates and businesses advance their efforts by connecting them with others, and potentially spur Arizona's economy. |
| The Ripple Effect | | |
Valley Leadership's Local Impact
Valley Leadership has been selected as one of the finalists in the Be More Awards' "Be More Knowledgeable" category. The winner for each category will be announced at the Be More Awards luncheon and ceremony on Thursday, May 26th at the Eight Studios located at 555 N. Central Avenue, Suite 500. The luncheon and presentation of awards will take place from 12-1:30 p.m.
Tickets for this event are $75 per person, if you want to see Valley Leadership and the other finalists honored in person. If you aren't able to attend, be sure to watch the awards on Channel 8 to see if we win.
Click here to purchase tickets.
For more information or to make reservations call (602) 496-9614.
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NOW SHOWING: Community Dialogue Series
Watch live on Cox Channel 7 or online at www.cox7.com
Arizona Political and Policy Agenda 2011
Saturday, 5/14/11 11:00 a.m.
Sunday, 5/15/11 11:00 a.m.
Economic Impact of Sports Agenda 2011
Saturday, 5/14/11 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, 5/15/11 11:30 a.m.
Also available on Channel 2635; select Valley Leadership.
In addition to the generous sponsorship of SCF Arizona and the support of Cox Communications, Fry's Food Stores and Wells Fargo, we would like to introduce two new sponsors of the Community Dialogue Series.
 Alpha Energy
Alpha Energy is a full-service engineering and project development company offering turnkey renewable energy technologies for commercial, institutional and remote (off-grid) applications. Alpha Energy is a member of The Alpha Group, a world leading Total Power Solutions provider for more than thirty years.
 DP Air
For over 25 years, DP Air has been a trusted partner to 49 of the Fortune 100 companies and thousands of medium and small businesses. DP Air is a full-service, one-stop partner for all critical environment needs including design, installation and maintenance featuring Green Solutions and 24/7/365 service. ________________________________________________________ A Conversation with...Arizona's Women Governors
Presented by ASU Alumni Association and az magazine Several Valley Leadership current class members and alumni attended this event both honoring and learning from some of our state's top women government officials. 
Members of Class 32 pose with the former governor. From left: Kim Cofer, Laura Etter, Gov. Rose Mofford, Sarah Finecey, Danelle Kelling, and Charlene Tarver. |
| VL Tumblers Available for Purchase | | |
 Yours for Only $12
These clear, acrylic, insulated tumblers are perfect for keeping beverages hot or cold for hours.
The reusable cups hold 20 oz. and are a great way to "go green" by using fewer plastic bottles and other disposable containers.
*Available for pick-up in the office. Shipping available for those outside the Valley.
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| Leadership Resources | |
 Business Leadership Advice.com is a blog published by Josh Hinds, which compiles expert advice on business leadership on tips on becoming a more effective leader. Josh Hinds is a leading motivational speaker and entrepreneurial educator. He is also the author of Why Perfect Timing is a Myth.
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| 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:
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Program and Event Photos | | |
Program Day 8 - "Arts & Culture"
Overview by Beverly Medlyn (Class 32)
The phenomenal Mesa Arts Center -- the largest such center in the Southwest -- was the setting for VL Class 32's lively "Arts & Culture" Day. The morning began with a multi-media, experiential presentation on "Sustaining Hope" (a chapter from the leadership text) by the creative minds of VL 32's Group 8. No heart was untouched by the group members' inspirational readings narrating a silent video of compelling and provocative images. Then up popped Olivia Newton John's video, Physical. Enter stage left class member Steve Yamamori, with a Richard Simmons' wig and a goofy workout outfit. He led the class outdoors for morning exercises to metaphorically "stretch" minds and bodies for the leadership challenges that lie ahead. The theatrics continued throughout the day: Joyce Medina astonished her classmates by singing opera, while Andrew Benson's dance moves elicited dollar-bill waving encouragement from his fans in the cougar section.
But seriously, the message of the day was Arizona's arts community needs support. Arizona is 50th in the nation for government arts funding. The Arizona Arts Commission -- a 47-year-old state agency -- had its state appropriation slashed from $2 million to zero this year. Corporations and foundations also are cutting support, as the arts are viewed as expendable in tough economic times. Several speakers said the funding cuts are short-sighted because the arts are an economic driver, generating jobs, tourism and tax dollars, as well as providing gathering places that promote a sense of community, such as the 50,000 people who turned out July 3rd at the Mesa Arts Center for a patriotic fireworks celebration. Artists also reflect society through their soulful interpretations of realities such as the Great Depression, the Civil Rights movement and the AIDS epidemic. Arts education helps children develop creatively, producing better engineers as well as musicians, dancers, painters, photographers and writers. Though the state has good arts education policies on the books, no one is held accountable for meeting them. Disparities exist between access for minority communities and whites.
What can citizens do? Work to elect people who support the arts -- in the Legislature, on school boards and city councils. Volunteer and contribute to nonprofit arts organizations. Go to performances -- and if you can't afford full ticket prices, check out showup.com on the web for last-minute discounts. The payoff is a better-educated and more well-rounded community.
 
Left: Julie Richard (Class 31) speaks to a small group on the arts from her perspective as Executive Director of the West Valley Arts Council; Right: Class 32 member Bob Boschee listens to small group presenter Barbara DuVal Fenster, Executive Director of Free Arts of Arizona.
Left: Caryn Sanchez (Class 32), Bob Booker, Executive Director of Arizona Commission on the Arts and Talonya Adams (Class 32); Right: Mandy Buscas, Arts Educations Outreach Coordinator for the Mesa Arts Center and Julie Richard (Class 31), Program Day Vice Chair.
Left: Stephanie Small (Class 24), part of the Program Day Committee, leads an exercise with class member Adolfo Maldonado; Center Left: Class member Joyce Medina reports on her group's experiences; Center Right: Betsy Fahlman (Class 19), presents the recommendations from Arizona Town Hall held May 1-4, Tucson, AZ; Right: City of Mesa Mayor, Scott Smith, addresses the class on the importance of the Arts Center in the community
Left: Class 32 at the Mesa Arts Center for Arts & Culture Day; Right: Program Day Chair Rusty Foley (Class 8) speaks to the class.
Valley Teen Leadership - "Graduation"
Left: Rita Khalaf (VTL Class 15) speaks at the Valley Teen Leadership graduation ceremony; Right: Nehal Samra (VTL Class 15)
shares his experiences from the program. Left: Class member Jenna Allton joined other speakers in reflecting on the Valley Teen Leadership experience; Right: Michelle Hernandez, VTL Chair, and Frank McCune pose with teen program graduate Samantha Cooke after she received her completion certificate. Community Dialogue - "Economic Impact of Arizona Sports"
Left: Panelists discuss how the sports industry contributes to the local economy; Right: Jon Schmieder, Phoenix Regional Sports Commission; Tom Sadler, AZ Sports and Toursim Authority; Robert Brinton, Mesa Convention and Visitors Bureau; and Michael
Nealy, Phoenix Coyotes.
Left: Elizabeth Krecker (Class 30), Amy Heisler (Class 30) and Kate Widland Gallego (Class 28); Right: Tammy Bosse (Class 15)
and Dolly Franco (Class 31).
Left: Fry's Food Stores, one of the event's sponsors, provided refreshments for the evening; Right: CBC (Canadian Broadcast
Company) reporters in town covering the Phoenix Coyotes negotiations set up an impromptu interview with Michael Nealy, COO for the Coyotes. |
| Special Thanks to our 2010-2011 Premier Leadership Sponsors | |
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| Thank You to our 2010-2011 Valley Leadership Sponsors and Collaborators | |
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Valley Leadership's monthly newsletter is designed to link a dynamic and diverse group of leaders together. Read our Leadership Connection news each month to learn about alumni opportunities, special announcements, personal and professional updates on your colleagues, and much more. Be sure to keep in touch and let us know how you are leaving a "legacy of leadership" in the Valley of the Sun. Comments and member news are welcome and encouraged. They can be sent to the Valley Leadership Office at vl@valleyleadership.org or phone at 602.952.6760 ext. 3.
Leadership Connection is published by Valley Leadership
2700 North 3rd Street, Suite 2009, Phoenix, AZ 85004
602.952.6760, www.valleyleadership.org |
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