Leadership West

Congratulations to Mike Heath, class 18 alum, on recently celebrating 41 years with SRP! While this milestone is certainly worth recognizing, what truly stands out is Mike's unwavering commitment to serving others.

Throughout his career, Mike has dedicated countless hours to volunteering with several nonprofit organizations, demonstrating the spirit of civic engagement and servant leadership that Leadership West strives to cultivate. His extraordinary commitment has been recognized with some of SRP's highest volunteer honors, including the Karl F. Abel Award (twice) and multiple President's Volunteer Awards.

Most recently, Mike received the prestigious Daily Points of Light Award, a national recognition honoring individuals whose volunteer service creates meaningful change in their communities.

Thank you, Mike, for continuing to lead by example through your dedication to making a difference. We are proud to celebrate your impact and the legacy of service you continue to build.

Sponsor Spotlight: Republic Services Celebrates Grand Opening of
Northwest Valley Transfer Station.

This summer, Republic Services celebrated the grand opening of the 15,000-square-foot Northwest Valley Transfer Station in Sun City. The facility will serve more than 40,000 homes and businesses as the first transfer station in the Northwest Valley, the only area in Maricopa County previously without one.

Why does this matter?

Transfer stations serve as an intermediate point where recyclables and municipal solid waste are consolidated into larger trucks for transport to recycling centers or landfills. Without a local facility, collection trucks serving the Northwest Valley have had to travel significantly farther, up to 40 additional miles per round trip, increasing costs and generating more vehicle emissions. The Northwest Valley Transfer Station will receive up to 40 tons of recyclables and municipal solid waste per day.

Congratulations Republic Services!

It was an honor to represent Leadership West at the Luke Air Force Base Change of Command ceremony.

Thank you to Brig. Gen. David Berkland for your leadership and service to Luke. Wishing you and your family all the best as you begin your next chapter in Texas.

A warm welcome to Col. Nicholas R. Ihde as he takes command. It was also special to hear Col. Dick Tolliver deliver the invocation and to witness such a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem.

We are incredibly fortunate to have the men and women of Luke Air Force Base and the world’s greatest fighter pilots right here in our own backyard.

Thank you for your service and for all you do for our community.

🎉 Congratulations to Leadership West alumna and board member Cheryl Covert on her promotion to Director of Economic Development for the City of Avondale!

A proud member of Leadership West Class 18 and a former Board President, Cheryl has spent more than two decades championing economic development and helping shape the future of the West Valley. Her leadership has been instrumental in transformative projects like the West Valley Health Quarter and The BLVD, creating investment, jobs, and opportunities throughout our region.

Cheryl leads with vision, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to community. We are incredibly proud to see her step into this new role and know that the City of Avondale and the entire West Valley will continue to benefit from her leadership for years to come.
Please join us in congratulating Cheryl on this well-deserved accomplishment! 👏

Last weekend, family and friends gathered at The Wigwam to celebrate the life of our friend and Leadership West Class 18 alumnus, Mark Hutchins.

Mark did not simply live in the community, he helped create it. His kindness, generosity, and servant's heart left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
For more than 35 years at The Wigwam, Mark became part of the fabric of the West Valley. He was a dedicated advocate for our region, serving with organizations including the West Valley Regional Chamber, Fighter Country Foundation, and supporting the mission of Luke Air Force Base.

Whether volunteering at community events or simply showing up for others, Mark never sought recognition. He simply loved serving people.

Mark loved being part of the Leadership West family. He cherished reconnecting with classmates, assisting with alumni gatherings, and continuing to invest in the community that meant so much to him.

Mark lived with purpose, loved deeply, and gave generously. His legacy lives on through the countless people he encouraged, supported, and inspired.

Please continue to keep the Hutchins family in your thoughts and prayers as they navigate this difficult season.

Rest in peace, Mark. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

⏰️Emerging Leader Nominations Close this Friday July 10th ⏰️

Do you know an amazing West Valley professional under 40? Nominate them for the WESTMARC + Leadership West Emerging Leader Award today!⁠

This award identifies young professionals who are leading well and helps them connect on regional strategy, planning, and problem-solving, providing a platform for engagement and strengthening community involvement.

📅July 10, 2026 (submit by 5pm)
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For more information: https://www.westmarc.org/emergingleaders