Leadership West

We are proud to congratulate several Leadership West alumni who were recently inducted into the **2026–2028 Luke Air Force Base Honorary Commander Program!**

This highly selective program provides community leaders with a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the mission, people, and impact of Luke Air Force Base while strengthening the important connection between the base and our West Valley communities.

We love seeing Leadership West alumni continue to step into opportunities to learn, connect, serve, and lead across our region.

Congratulations to each of our alumni selected for this incredible experience. We are proud to have you representing Leadership West and the West Valley!

Non-Profit Friday: Peoria Diamond Club ⚾️

Spring Training is a big part of life in the West Valley, with stadiums and teams across our region welcoming fans from near and far each spring. But at the Peoria Sports Complex, baseball's impact reaches far beyond the field.

Since 1993, the Peoria Diamond Club has brought volunteers, community partners, and baseball together to support youth throughout the West Valley. With more than 350 volunteers, the organization has invested over $2.2 million into local youth organizations and impacted tens of thousands of kids.

And we love the Leadership West connection! Executive Director Rebecca Wright, Class 32, is helping lead that work and expand the organization’s impact across our region.
It’s a great reminder that some of the biggest Spring Training wins happen long after the last pitch.

To learn more: https://peoriadiamondclub.org

Big congratulations to Leadership West Class 19 alum Roger Theis!

Roger has been promoted to Vice President of Harvard Communities, where he will lead master-planned community and land development initiatives across Harvard Investments’ growing residential portfolio.

We love seeing our alumni continue to lead, grow, and help shape the future of our region.
Congratulations, Roger! We’re cheering you on in this exciting new role!

Some of the most important work happens when you ask the right questions.

Over the past two years, our Leadership West Board has done just that. We’ve asked important foundational questions, strengthened processes and procedures, grown revenue, expanded our reach, and positioned the organization for what’s next.

At last week’s board meeting, the conversation began to shift from building the foundation to dreaming about what we can build on it.

Now we’re looking ahead and strategizing for the next two years. There are some big ideas on the table, and we’re excited about where Leadership West is headed.

Grateful for a board willing to think strategically, challenge assumptions, and dream for the next.

Thank you to Joel Canchola and Burns and McDonnell for guiding the conversation and hosting us.

Non-Profit Friday: White Tank Mountains Conservancy
Submitted by Sharma Torrens and Catherine Locke

As the West Valley continues to grow, protecting what makes this region special matters more than ever.

This week, we’re highlighting the White Tank Mountains Conservancy, a local nonprofit working to protect the natural and cultural resources of the White Tank Mountains and surrounding region.

Through conservation, education, community engagement, and collaboration, WTMC is helping protect wildlife corridors, preserve biodiversity, and ensure thoughtful growth can coexist with the incredible Sonoran Desert landscape we call home.

Their work reminds us that building a strong future for the West Valley includes being good stewards of the places we are fortunate to inherit.

Learn more, volunteer, or support their work at wtmconservancy.org.

We love celebrating Leadership West alumni!

Congratulations to Maria R. Brunner of Credit Union West on being named the 2026 West Valley Women Networking Woman of the Year!

Maria’s commitment to leadership, service, and community shines through in how she continues to show up for the West Valley. We are proud to have her as part of the Leadership West family and thrilled to see her recognized with this well-deserved honor.

Congratulations, Maria! 🎉

Want to join in the celebration this October? See the flyer for event details and registration information.

Leadership West was well represented at the West Valley Regional Chamber Awards Gala!

We loved seeing so many Leadership West alumni, partners, and friends in the room and among this year’s honorees. It’s a great reflection of the leadership and impact our alumni continue to have across the West Valley.

Special congratulations to our Leadership West partners, COSIC Education Foundation, named Rising Star, and APS and SRP, recognized for Industrial Impact!

Congratulations to the West Valley Regional Chamber on a wonderful evening celebrating our region!