Greater Tucson Leadership

Join us as we celebrate 46 years of Greater Tucson Leadership at our 2026 Alumni Reunion: Sonoran Sunset Soirée!

Whether you're GTL alumni, a community partner, or simply someone who believes in developing strong local leaders, this night is for you. The event is open to the public, so bring a friend!

Friday, October 9, 2026
📍 The Grand Tucson
⏰ 6:00-9:00 PM
🎟 Tickets: $40
🗓 RSVP by Sunday, October 4

Your ticket includes: ✨ Delicious appetizers 🍹 Your first drink 🎶 Music and dancing 🎟 Incredible raffle prizes 🤝 Networking with GTL alumni and community leaders

Every ticket purchased supports the GTL Scholarship Fund, helping ensure leadership development is accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.

Founded in 1980, GTL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to recognizing, developing, and engaging driven leaders to be catalysts for change.

A huge thank you to our sponsors: Pima Foundation, University of Arizona Eller College of Management, and First Citizens Bank.

Interested in becoming a sponsor or donating a raffle prize? We would love to partner with you. Send Jamie a message [email protected].

🎟 Get your tickets and join us on October 9: https://gtlreunion2026.givesmart.com

Nothing more satisfying than a refreshed financial report with pretty graphics and charts! 📊 Huge thank you to Melissa and Justin at Tomlinson Financial Group for all your hard work this morning. Bonus points for founder Melissa Tomlinson being a proud Lead Tucson Class of 2021 alum! We appreciate you and your continued support of GTL. 💙

Tomlinson Financial Group is a Tucson-based, CPA-owned accounting and financial advisory firm providing high-quality accounting services across Arizona and nationally - all while giving back to the Tucson community.

https://tomlinsonfinancialgroup.com

FY26-27 Executive Committee mini retreat: are you ready? SUPER READY!! 😄

This afternoon our EC got together - fueled by Gushers and the GTL snack bag (never underestimate the power of good snacks for good strategy) - for a mini retreat before our first full board meeting next month. A little GTL check-in, a little strategic plan refresh planning, and a fun CliftonStrengths review as a team.

Our top five team themes are positivity, activator, woo, communication, and connectedness - with influencing as our leading domain.

Translation: we bring energy into every room and turn ideas into momentum fast. We naturally connect people, spark action, and create a sense of possibility that pulls others forward. We lead with energy, connection, and forward motion. With Influencing and Relationship Building making up nearly two-thirds of our collective strengths, we rally people, build momentum, and create environments where others feel included and energized. Our instinct is to engage quickly, communicate openly, and move ideas into action - not deliberate endlessly.

But beyond the fun (and the Gushers), today was really about leadership and mission. This team is stepping into FY26-27 clear-eyed about why we do this work - for our board, for our organization, and for the leaders GTL exists to develop across Southern Arizona. Knowing our strengths isn't just a fun exercise, it's how we lead with intention.

Long story long: it was a productive afternoon and a great way to kick off the new fiscal year. New leadership. New energy. Awesome vibes. 🎉

If your team wants to unlock this kind of energy (and actually understand why you all work the way you do), Greater Tucson Leadership runs strengths-based team building workshops led by a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach. Ask us how we know it works. 😉

https://greatertucsonleadership.org/Teambuilding

GTL is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization

🎉 Please help us welcome the Lead Tucson Class of 2027! 🎉

This year's cohort is 46 leaders strong - one of the largest since the program launched in 1980.

They come from banking, law, healthcare, higher ed, K-12, government, real estate, nonprofit, military, and more - and span every level of leadership, from emerging professionals to executives, business owners, and board members. It's a class as diverse in perspective as it is in profession, all united by a commitment to Southern Arizona.

Over the next 10 months, they'll dig into the issues shaping our region through behind-the-scenes access to the organizations and leaders driving change here.

Meet the Class of 2027 - click here for their full bios:https://greatertucsonleadership.org/images/downloads/2027_ltcohort_directory_bios_final_073026_v5.pdf

A special thank you to our GTL Corporate Sponsor, Pima Foundation, and our early-committed program sponsors: Cushman & Wakefield | PICOR, Tucson Electric Power, Caterpillar Inc., Arizona Complete Health, Banner – University Medicine Tucson, Benefits Collective LLC, Make a Difference Crafts & Cactus & Creosote Collective, Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation, and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona - for investing in Southern Arizona's next generation of leaders.

Want to sponsor an Issue Day? Opportunities are open now:
Sept – Government | Oct – Economic Development | Nov – Healthcare
Dec – Arts & Culture | Jan – Education | Feb – I.D.E.A.
Mar – Border | Apr – Environment | May – Justice & Public Safety

Contact Jamie Leon-Guerrero at [email protected] to learn more.

Welcome, Class of 2027! 💙💛

Lead Tucson Class of 2027 Orientation 2 of 2.

Next up... Retreat! Let's go!!!!!!!

GTL is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization www.greatertucsonleadership.org

And so it begins... again :)

Lead Tucson Class of 2027 Orientation 1 of 2. We meet the rest of the cohort next week!

Please join us in welcoming the newest members of the Greater Tucson Leadership Board of Directors and Junior Board! 🎉

Each of these outstanding leaders brings unique expertise, fresh perspectives, and a shared commitment to our mission to recognize, develop, and engage leaders to be catalysts for change. From GTL alumni to community partners, we're excited to have them helping shape the future of leadership in Southern Arizona.

🌟 Dr. Esperanza Freitchen (Lead Tucson Class of 2023) serves as Project Manager for College & Career Pathways at the Center for the Future of Arizona. A lifelong Tucsonan, educator, and equity advocate, she brings extensive experience in education, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and community impact.

🌟 Jamie Ibrahim (Lead Tucson Class of 2024) is Deputy Director of Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc. An attorney with more than 20 years of experience, she is dedicated to expanding access to justice and strengthening communities through service and leadership.

🌟 Zoey Puente (TYLA Class of 2023) is an undergraduate student at the University of Arizona and a proud Tucson native. As one of our TYLA alumni, she represents the next generation of civic leaders and brings a fresh perspective to the board.

🌟 Iker Losada Samano (TYLA Class of 2023) is a University of Arizona student and proud TYLA alumnus. His passion for leadership and civic engagement reflects the impact of investing in young leaders and the future of our community.

🌟 Peter Loya (Lead Tucson Class of 2021) is self-employed and brings a passion for community engagement, strategic partnerships, and relationship building. His experience connecting people and organizations will be a tremendous asset to GTL and our mission.

🌟 Dr. Kadian McIntosh (Lead Tucson Class of 2024) serves as Assistant Dean of Assessment, Evaluation & Analytics at the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine. She brings expertise in strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and data-informed leadership.

We're also excited to recognize our FY26-27 Executive Committee:
✨ Emilia Eldridge, Board Chair
✨ Lynda Weigel-Firor, Chair-Elect
✨ Sumi Rowe, Treasurer
✨ Zoë Burcham, Secretary

And thank you to our full FY26-27 Board of Directors for your leadership and service: Amanda Abens • Zoë Burcham • Alex Demeroutis • Emilia Eldridge • Esperanza Freitchen • Gina Hansen • Jamie Ibrahim • Mike Letcher • Iker Losada Samano • Peter Loya • Kadian McIntosh • Lance Meeks • Zoey Puente • Joe Rottman • Sumi Rowe • Heath Vescovi-Chiordi • Greg Curtis Wakefield • Lynda Weigel-Firor • Alicia White

Here's to another year of developing leaders, strengthening our community, and creating lasting impact together!

Learn more: https://greatertucsonleadership.org/board

🌟 Congratulations to our July 2026 Leader of the Month, Saby Andino! 🌟

As Vice President of Operations at the Pima Foundation and a proud Lead Tucson Class of 2022 alum, Saby leads with generosity, heart, and an unwavering commitment to community. Whether she's strengthening organizations through operational excellence, mentoring emerging leaders, speaking at leadership conferences, or giving back through her volunteer service, Saby is someone who consistently turns challenges into opportunities and inspires those around her to do the same.

Saby exemplifies GTL's mission to recognize, develop, and engage driven leaders to be catalysts for change. Her leadership reminds us that some of the greatest community impact comes from people who quietly step in, build others up, and make success possible for everyone around them.

💛 Thank you to our Leader of the Month sponsors - BNI SoZona, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, Malama ia Floral Design and Make a Difference Crafts & Co. - for helping us celebrate the leaders who make our community stronger.

✨ Know someone doing amazing things in Tucson? Nominate them! Nominations are always open, anyone can nominate, and anyone can win. Help us recognize the incredible leaders shaping our community's future: https://forms.gle/G1xS7RB7X5iXVD4dA

Nominate a Leader Today!

For four years, Greater Tucson Leadership's Leader of the Month (LOTM) initiative has shined a light on the people making Tucson stronger - the ones who inspire others, lead projects, or quietly make a difference. Anyone can be nominated. Anyone can win.

Submitting a nomination takes just a few minutes. Each month, we reveal a new honoree with a special surprise, and all winners are celebrated at our annual Community Impact Awards. Nominations are open to the entire community and are due by the last day of each month.

👉 Nominate your favorite Leader now: https://forms.gle/G1xS7RB7X5iXVD4dA

Special thanks to our LOTM sponsors: BNI SoZona, the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, Malama ia Floral Design and Make a Difference Crafts & Co.

🌟 Congratulations to our June 2026 Leader of the Month, Robert Stevenson! 🌟

As a Staff Assistant with the City of Tucson's Human Resources Department, Robert is often the first voice people hear when they're looking for help, answers, or simply someone who will listen. Whether he's helping job seekers navigate opportunities, supporting major city initiatives behind the scenes, or connecting community members with the resources they need, Robert leads with kindness, patience, and genuine care for people.

Leadership isn't always about titles or recognition. Sometimes it's about treating every person with dignity, building trust one conversation at a time, and making sure no one feels unseen. Robert embodies the kind of servant leadership that strengthens our community every day and reflects GTL's mission to recognize, develop, and engage driven leaders to be catalysts for change.

Thank you to our Leader of the Month sponsors BNI SoZona, Malama ia Floral Design, and the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona for helping us celebrate the leaders who make our community stronger.

Know someone doing amazing things in Tucson? Nominate them! Nominations are always open, anyone can nominate, and anyone can win. Help us recognize the incredible leaders shaping our community's future: https://forms.gle/G1xS7RB7X5iXVD4dA