Scottsdale Leadership

The mission of Scottsdale Leadership is to inform, inspire and empower leaders to champion and strengthen the interests of the community. Scottsdale Leadership was created to invest in and develop leaders through lectures and practical application of skills learned through our Core Program. We focus on creating engaged citizens who, in turn, invest in our community through public service and engagement.

Since 1986, Scottsdale Leadership has been grooming highly motivated people who return to their workplace as a greater asset to their employers and as higher-performing employees. Alumni are also well-positioned for advanced leadership opportunities within their companies or organization through exposure to diverse classmates and complex issues.

Today, over 1400 graduates of the program have positively impacted more than 600 civic, business, philanthropic and cultural organizations They have been sought out to serve in government, holding both city and state elected positions; serve on nonprofit board and city commissions; provide volunteer support on important community issues and contributing as servant leaders in the business community.

Class members from diverse backgrounds experience a transformation in their leadership skills and knowledge base by immersing themselves into the history and infrastructure of the Greater Scottsdale area and Arizona and learn first-hand from highly sought-after experts in Education, Economic Development, Healthcare, Social Services, Diversity and Inclusion, City Government, Public Safety, Arts and Technology, and Sustainable Initiatives.

Since 2008, 73 non-profit or civic organizations have benefitted from our Project Lead It Forward teams that have filled the unmet needs and impact of the community. Teams have collaborated with community partners to develop and implement sustainable programs and services for organizations in need, such as Waste Not, Operation Fix It, Fresh Start Women's Foundation, Homeruns for Heros, Miracle League, Helping Hands, School of Autism, YMCA, Transplant Alliance, and AZ Child Crisis.

We hope you will join other donors in our shared commitment to developing our next generation of community leaders. Your tax-deductible gift will support our ongoing programs and create a legacy for our community.

Testimonials

"Our 15 class days address many relevant and timely issues of interest to our community For 39 years our alumni have given of their time, knowledge, and expertise by teaching, mentoring, and guiding future leaders. Graduates of Scottsdale Leadership are often asked to serve in various aspects of government service." Lee Ann Witt, Executive Director.

"Scottsdale is a better place today as a result of the impact of Scottsdale Leadership graduates in countless community, civic, cultural, and educational activities and initiatives." Gary Shapiro, Co-Founder.

"Scottsdale Leadership played a huge role in my servant leadership and it connected me with a network of professionals who I will be connected to for life." E. Gerace, Class 33

"Scottsdale Leadership provides a longstanding network of people who are inspired, passionate, motivated, grateful, and open-minded. There is no better group of people I could choose to continue to surround myself to learn and develop both personally and professionally as a leader, and that's invaluable." Sarah Kearney, Class 30

"The Scottsdale Leadership experience is more than the core program; it's a backstage pass to Scottsdale, an opportunity to connect with and learn from alumni that have contributed so much more to our community, and a launchpad for meaningful civic engagement." Michelle Warren, President 2021-2022