Thoughts from Dawn Wallace
Happy New Year!
Can you believe it? We’re officially a quarter of the way through the 21st century. Twenty-five years ago, we were nervously stockpiling bottled water and canned goods for Y2K, worrying that computers would crash, planes might fall from the sky, and microwaves would stop working. Today, we’re navigating a world where technology has revolutionized our daily lives—from self-driving cars to AI that predicts our next move (or at least our next online purchase). But as much as these advancements amaze me, they also remind me that the progress we celebrate today didn’t just happen. It’s the result of bold ideas, relentless effort, and, let’s face it, a lot of trial and error.
As we step into 2025, it is a good time to reflect on leadership—the kind that inspires action, fosters collaboration, and builds a sense of shared purpose. Leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about asking thoughtful questions, listening deeply, and working together to create solutions that strengthen our communities. In this coming year, I’m happy to know that we have Flinn-Brown Fellows in our state who are committed to leading with authenticity and resilience, grounded in the belief that real progress comes from working in concert and building something greater together.
Strengthening Connections: Why the Flinn-Brown Network Survey Matters
The Flinn-Brown Network represents the very best of Arizona—a community of dedicated civic leaders who are committed to creating meaningful change. I’ve seen firsthand the incredible impact this Network has on our state. To continue supporting and amplifying your work, we need your input.
You can find the survey here.
Our annual Flinn-Brown Network Survey is more than just a questionnaire. It’s your chance to help us understand how you want to engage with the Network, how we can improve existing programming, and what new opportunities we should explore. We’re here to listen and to act on what matters most to you. By taking a few moments to complete the survey, you’re helping us build on our shared successes and ensuring that this Network continues to thrive.
2025 Flinn-Brown Application Cycle
This spring, approximately 25 new community leaders will join the Flinn-Brown Network as the next cohort of Fellows. These individuals will bring fresh energy, perspectives, and passion to our shared mission of strengthening Arizona. The application for the 2025 Flinn-Brown Fellowship opens Saturday, Feb. 1at 6 a.m., with a Feb. 28 deadline to apply. For detailed information about the application process, requirements, and dates for our information sessions, please refer potential applicants to our website.
Fellows Needed for Application Review
Are you interested in shaping the next class of Flinn-Brown Fellows? We need your expertise! If you would like to serve as a reviewer for Round 1 of the selection process, let me know. Here’s what’s involved:
- You’ll be paired with another Fellow to review 10-15 applications online.
- Together, you’ll select three applicants to advance and designate two alternates.
- This process typically takes 5-10 hours over a two-week period (March 4-21).
- To prepare, attend a virtual info session for reviewers on March 4, or watch an instructional video if you can’t make it.
We truly value your time and insights and will provide a modest honorarium for your efforts.
Best,
Dawn
Fellows Spotlight
Dan Coleman
2014 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Co-Founder, Modern Works Music Publishing
When Dan Coleman co-founded Modern Works Music Publishing in 2004, he did not just enter the music industry—he helped reshape it. With none other than John Legend as the company’s first signing, Coleman’s vision for bridging artistry and commerce took root. Nearly two decades later, his contributions have extended far beyond music publishing, earning him a reputation as a creative leader who brings the arts to life in communities across the nation.
“My work bridges the profit and nonprofit sectors of artistic production,” Coleman said during a recent interview. “I help individual artists and organizations, including songwriters and hedge funds, manage music copyrights. My job in music publishing is analogous to real estate property management, where music copyrights are treated as income-generating assets, like rental properties. On the nonprofit side, as a board member, I help raise and disburse funds to support individual artists and arts presenters.”
Coleman’s passion for the arts is not confined to the recording studio. In 2014, he played a pivotal role in establishing the Tucson Jazz Festival, bringing world-class performers to Arizona and enriching the cultural fabric of the region. He currently serves on the board of trustees for the BMI Foundation in New York, where he champions music education and innovation on a national stage.
But Coleman’s contributions go even further. As the composer-in-residence for the Tucson Symphony Orchestra, his work is steeped in creativity and collaboration. His compositions have been commissioned by an impressive array of organizations, including the American Composers Orchestra, Dallas Symphony, Honolulu Symphony, Indianapolis Symphony, Pacific Northwest Ballet, New York Chamber Symphony, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and many more. His music has graced stages from the Alpenglow Music Festival to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra.
In addition to John Legend, Coleman’s music publishing ventures have represented a diverse roster of celebrated artists, including Ani DiFranco, Terence Blanchard, and Alison Krauss.
Reflecting on the influences that shaped his career, Coleman credits Frances Sjoberg, a Flinn-Brown Fellow, poet, and attorney, as an inspiration. “Her work as an arts administrator in Tucson and as legal counsel for the Navajo Nation has left a lasting impression on me,” he said. “She exemplifies how the arts and civic leadership can intersect to create meaningful change.”
A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and The Juilliard School, Coleman’s educational background laid the foundation for his dynamic career. Today, he remains a tireless advocate for the arts, bridging gaps between creators, communities, and the institutions that sustain them. Whether composing for orchestras, managing copyrights, or supporting arts education, Coleman’s work is a testament to the power of music to inspire and connect us all.
If you missed a Fellows Spotlight, you can find them here.
Leadership Forward – A Better Arizona
Alfred Urbina, J.D.: Episode 14
Our January podcast features Alfred Urbina, J.D. (Tucson, 2013), exploring the intersections of leadership, justice, and cultural identity in Arizona. Drawing on years of experience advocating for tribal sovereignty and community empowerment, Urbina highlights the importance of understanding Arizona’s diverse cultural fabric. The discussion also delves into his critical work addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and the broader challenges faced by tribal communities.
Listen to any of our podcasts on our YouTube channel, Apple Podcast or any of the platforms below.
Fellows Meet Fellows
Southern Arizona Happy Hour with a beautiful view! Zach Yentzer (Marana, 2020), Zach Brooks, Ph.D. (Green Valley, 2017), Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2024), the Honorable Alexa Lucchese (Tucson, 2024), Teresa Bravo (Tucson, 2023), Randi Dorman (Tucson, 2014), Julie Katsel (Tucson, 2014), and Chris Stoller Michelena (Tucson, 2015).
Central Arizona Happy Hour at 100 Mile Brewing Company. Breanne Bushu, Ph.D. (Phoenix, 2016), Katelyn Harris Lange (Phoenix, 2020), Nicole Fries, J.D. (Phoenix, 2020), Fletcher Montzingo (Phoenix, 2017), Kyle Sawyer (Phoenix, 2017), Michelle Beaver (Phoenix, 2024), Rebecca McKay (Phoenix, 2024), and Bridget Fitzgibbons, N.M.D. (Mesa, 2024).
Holiday gathering under the stars with Fellows Katelyn Harris Lange (Phoenix, 2020), the Honorable Sam Richard (Phoenix, 2017), Vanessa Ruiz (Phoenix, 2024), Sophie Allen-Etchart (Phoenix, 2022), and the Honorable Raquel Terán (Phoenix, 2018).
Gabriel Jaramillo (Phoenix, 2022), Katelyn Harris Lange (Phoenix, 2020) Sophie Allen-Etchart (Phoenix, 2022), the Honorable Christine Thompson, J.D. (Phoenix, 2017), and Tomás León (Phoenix, 2022) at the Valley of the Sun United Way Scorecard Breakfast.
It’s not all just happy hours and conferences for Fellows. Rebecca McKay (Phoenix, 2024) and Bridget Fitzgibbons, N.M.D. (Mesa, 2024) made time for pickleball and Joanne Keene (Flagstaff, 2015) and Mayor Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014) attended the Great Pinecone Drop to ring in the New Year.
Cochise County Fellows the Honorable Gwen Calhoun (Sierra Vista, 2012), Barbara Lang (Sierra Vista, 2015), and Jason Zibart (Benson, 2024) attended the Arizona Community Foundation’s Border Philanthropy convening.
The Honorable Ben Graff, J.D. (Phoenix, 2011), the Honorable Jennifer Pawlik (Chandler, 2018), and the Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014) at the Chandler Chamber Meet the Elected Officials Breakfast.
Fellows even find each other in Washington, DC! The Honorable Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011) and the Honorable Eddie Cook (Gilbert, 2023).
Julie Euber (Tucson, 2022) and the Honorable Christine Thompson, J.D. (Phoenix, 2017) at a Piper Academy session on nonprofit collaboration.
Flinn-Brown Fellows at the Alumni lunch for the current class of Greater Tucson Leadership Civic and Political Leadership Academy. The Honorable Nicole Barraza, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2020), Zach Yentzer (Marana, 2020), Sean Goslar (Tucson, 2020), Erica Yngve (Tucson, 2024), and Charlinda Haudley, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2022).
Flinn-Brown Fellows (and Stan Barnes!) showing support as Fellows are sworn into their elected positions. The Honorable Kevin Hartke (Chandler, 2014) and the Honorable Julie Spilsbury (Mesa, 2023) at the Mesa swearing-in ceremony.
2024 Fellows just can’t get enough Flinn-Brown – and we love them for it! T.J. Mitchell, J.D. (Phoenix), Emily Steiner, J.D. (Phoenix), the Honorable Deborah Ann Begay, J.D. (Phoenix), and Stephanie Soto (Tucson).
The Honorable Bill Regner (Clarkdale, 2018) and the Honorable Janet Regner (Clarkdale, 2017) supporting the Honorable Nikki Check (Jerome, 2012) at Yavapai County.
The Honorable Matt Gress (Phoenix, 2015) and Pete Kim (Scottsdale, 2023) are award winners at the Common Sense Institute’s Free Enterprise Summit.
Charlinda Haudley, Ph.D. (Tucson, 2022), the Honorable Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022), and Jerry McPherson(Phoenix, 2022) came together on the floor of the Arizona House of Representatives for the opening of the legislative session.
Fellows Field Trips
Chris Glover (Mesa, 2016) and Patrick Tighe, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019) are board members for Keys to Change, a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of homelessness in Arizona. Together with 15 partner organizations, Keys to Change provides vital resources, including transitional housing, job training, mental health support, and educational opportunities—all on one transformative campus.
They are inviting Fellows for an exclusive tour of Key Campus, 204 S. 12th Ave., Phoenix, at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5. Following the tour, they will host a Q&A session with the organization’s leadership. This tour is a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate with fellow Flinn-Brown Fellows who are committed to making a difference.
Fellows are encouraged to suggest or offer opportunities for Fellows to visit and learn more about what is happening in Greater Arizona. Please let Dawn know if you have an idea or are interested in providing a field trip opportunity.
Fellows Lists
Each month we feature a Fellows list in a specific employment sector, public policy area, affinity group or region. Over the next few months, we will focus on alumni of our state universities. This month our focus is Fellow alumni of the University of Arizona.
While we try very hard to keep up to date on Fellows’ activities, we recognize that we may have missed someone. Please let Dawn know and we will happily update the list.
Fellows Directory Updates
Help us keep our Fellows Directory accurate and updated! We update our online directory monthly and print hard copies each year for Convention. Please take a moment to complete this survey with your current information. You can also upload a new headshot to this Google Drive folder.
Please contact Jennifer if you have problems accessing the survey or uploading a photo.
Fellows Celebrating Birthdays
We want to wish a happy birthday to all the Fellows celebrating in February!
- Elvy Barton (Chandler, 2013)
- Jeffrey Ratje (Tucson, 2015)
- Laura Oldaker (Phoenix, 2016)
- Troy Campbell, Ed.D. (Mesa, 2018)
- Joseph Citelli, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019)
- Avery Xola (Queen Creek, 2022)
- Sarah León (Phoenix, 2022)
- The Honorable Brannon Hampton (Goodyear, 2022)
- The Honorable Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022)
- The Honorable Adam Lopez Falk (Phoenix, 2022)
- Melissa Kotrys (Phoenix, 2023)
- The Honorable Deborah Ann Begay, J.D. (Phoenix, 2024)
- Dr. Bridget Fitzgibbons, N.M.D. (Mesa, 2024)
This is not a complete list, but we can only wish you a happy birthday if we know when it is! You can help us make sure we celebrate you by sharing your birthday with us in the Fellows Survey.
Fellows Book Recommendations
Each month, we feature suggestions from Fellows to create a virtual library about public-policy issues, the practice of leadership, professional development, and other areas worth sharing. This month’s recommendation comes from Dan Coleman (Tucson, 2014).
Good and Plenty: The Creative Successes of American Arts Funding by Tyler Cowen
Good and Plenty describes how the U.S. government encourages artists through direct and indirect subsidies. Working in the arts often involves navigating both profit-driven and nonprofit organizational structures.
Fellows In The News
We are happy to promote your work through social media, so reach out if you would like us to recognize a professional accomplishment, event, or program with which you are involved.
Jose Arias (Tucson, 2023) and Tina Dorsey (Tucson, 2024) are BizTucson 2025 Next Gen Leaders.
Clare Aslan, Ph.D. (Flagstaff, 2017) and Kathryn Leonard (Phoenix, 2016) were appointed to serve on the Grand Canyon Monument Advisory Committee.
The Honorable Mila Besich (Superior, 2019) was highlighted in a GCU News article about how her communications degree from GCU helped her become a better leader.
Paul Brierley (Phoenix, 2011) was interviewed for a PBS News story about how Yuma County farmers have learned to adapt their farming practices as water sources decrease.
The Honorable Nikki Check (Jerome, 2012) was interviewed for a Red Rock News article about her priorities as the new Yavapai County District 3 Supervisor.
The Honorable Juan Ciscomani (Tucson, 2011) announced the passing of the Dole Act to help improve veteran healthcare services.
Tim Gomez (Phoenix, 2023) was interviewed for an AZFamily news story about the 5-foot ASU pitchfork he built out of Legos.
Stephanie Healy (Tucson, 2011) was promoted to Southern Arizona Market Vice President, Cox Communications.
The Honorable Michelle Hess (Buckeye, 2013) received the Leadership in Service Award from the Buckeye Valley Chamber of Congress.
Mignonne Hollis (Hereford, 2013) was interviewed for a KGUN 9 news story about how Sierra Vista’s only homeless shelter, Good Neighbor Alliance, merged with Catholic Community Services to remain open amidst financial struggles.
Dana Kennedy (Phoenix, 2016) was interviewed for an ABC 15 story about newly proposed Arizona Department of Health Services rules that would prevent seniors from wandering away from assisted living facilities.
The Honorable Aaron Lieberman (Paradise Valley, 2017) was quoted in a Financial Post article about how electric vehicle (EV) owners are offering their at-home charges as a community resource for other EV drivers.
Claire Louge (Phoenix, 2023) was interviewed for a 12News story about the dangers of shaking an infant which can lead to Abusive Head Trauma.
Shamia Lodge (Surprise, 2023) spoke at the Black Chamber of Arizona’s 26th Anniversary Pinnacle Awards and Masquerade Gala which recognizes Black business achievements in Arizona.
Reyna Montoya (Gilbert, 2020) was selected as a member of Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari’s Transition Team for the 119th Congress. She was also interviewed for an Associated Press article about DACA recipients’ fears that their deportation protections could end.
Fletcher Montzingo (Phoenix, 2017) is now the Director of Fiscal Policy at the Arizona State Senate.
The Honorable Sara Presler, J.D. (Gilbert, 2011) is an Arizona Dispensaries Association board member for 2025.
Kathryn Ptak, J.D. (Phoenix, 2015) was appointed the new director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety.
Nick Staab, M.D. (Phoenix, 2024) was quoted in an EconoTimes article about the detection of bird flu in local wastewater samples.
Benjamin Taylor, J.D. (Phoenix, 2019) was quoted in an ASU News article about a State Bar of Arizona survey which polled Arizona lawyers and legal professionals about their understanding of the state bar’s disciplinary process.
Richie Taylor (Phoenix, 2020) was quoted in a KTAR News article about a program Attorney General Kris Mayes launched with the Arizona Anti-Human Trafficking Network to train utility workers statewide to recognize and report human trafficking incidents.
Alec Thomson (Phoenix, 2019) was quoted in a Daily Independent article about the recent partnership Arizona Lottery and Desert Botanical Garden formed to support conservation efforts in Arizona.
Alfred Urbina, J.D. (Tucson, 2013) is now an attorney for the Gila River Indian Community Office of General Counsel.
The Honorable Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022) was interviewed for an Explorer article about the issues he’d like to address while serving in the state legislature.
Zach Yentzer (Marana, 2020) was quoted in a KGUN 9 news story about a proposal Tucson City Council approved to increase the water supply fee.
Dajana Zlaticanin (Phoenix, 2020) is now the Chief Deputy Superintendent of Schools at the Maricopa County School Superintendent’s Office.
Board and Commission Openings
Serving on a board or commission is a great way to influence public policy on issues where you have expertise or a passion to serve.
The Governor’s Office is currently seeking interested individuals for the following boards and commissions:
The Governor’s Office has more than 200 boards and commissions. To apply, complete the application on the website. For a list of vacancies, please see here.
Most Arizona counties and cities have boards and commissions with frequent vacancies:
Check local websites for more opportunities.
To share specific opportunities, contact Jennifer Papworth.
Career & Professional Opportunities
The Central Arizona Project invites water education leaders and PreK-12th grade teachers to apply for a year-long, water-focused Fellowship.
The Arizona Commission on the Arts is looking for a Deputy Director to develop and implement planning and performance-measurement processes.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is seeking an Environmental Program Manager to administer the Safe Drinking Water program within the Water Quality Division.
Pima County is hiring a Deputy Director of Economic Development to lead key initiatives.
Arizona State University is hiring an Executive Director to lead the Pastor Center for Politics & Public Service.
The Center for the Future of Arizona is seeking a Project Manager, Media Projects & Communications to drive day-to-day implementation of its new Arizona Media Initiative.
Per Scholas is hiring a Managing Director to oversee a campus serving approximately 500 learners.
The SciTech Institute has positions open for an AZ STEM Ecosystem Project Manager, a Workforce Development Specialist, and a Chief Science Officer International Program Coordinator.
Social Ventures Partners Tucson is looking for a President and CEO to provide strategic and tactical leadership.
Events & Conferences
The ASU Research Institute is hosting the Center for Resilient Families Conference on Feb. 7 at SkySong.
The Annual Rural & Public Health Policy Forum is Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Virginia G. Piper Auditorium in Phoenix.
The 2025 Business & Education Summit is Friday, Feb. 21, in Agave Hall at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
Central Arizona Project has a CAP University: Deeper Dive on Finance webinar on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
The Arizona Water Association is hosting the 2025 AZ Water Research Symposium on Friday, Feb. 28 at Gateway Community College.
The 2025 Phoenix Global Forum will be held April 8-9 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
Cochise County Health and Social Services, in partnership with Arizona Complete Health and the Center for the Future of Arizona, will host a Workforce Development Forum at the Cochise College-Sierra Vista Campus on May 2.