March 2025 Network News
60 is the new 40!
Many of you know that the Flinn Foundation was established by Dr. Robert and Irene Flinn. Dr. Flinn was a renowned leader of Arizona’s medical community who had a special interest in both medical education and new technology, especially for use in cardiology. (He is famed for installing the first pacemaker in Arizona.) Fittingly, the Foundation’s first grant, for $10,000, supported the Department of Cardiology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine. That was the beginning of a legacy—fueling groundbreaking advances in bioscience and medical innovation, enriching our arts and culture, strengthening education, and, in my view, nurturing our all-important Flinn-Brown Network. As we mark Flinn’s 60th anniversary this year, we celebrate it as the oldest private foundation in the state – a living tribute to Dr. and Mrs. Flinn’s visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to progress.
While doing some routine housekeeping at Flinn, a colleague shared a fascinating clipping from Harvard’s 45th-anniversary alumni yearbook—where Dr. Flinn, a 1923 graduate, left an indelible mark. In 1968, he wryly noted, “My once busy practice has dwindled due to death and defection. Moreover, I am about to be replaced as electrocardiographer at our local hospital by an electronic computer. Ironically, I am furnishing the funds with which to buy this novel contrivance. It is rather like being a spectator at your own funeral.”
There is an ironic and even bittersweet humor in the notion of being a spectator at your own funeral. At first glance, it paints a rather somber picture—standing aside, watching your legacy unfold without your active presence. Yet, upon reflection, there is something profoundly comforting about that idea. Perhaps it suggests that your life’s work has grown beyond you, that your contributions continue to inspire and flourish even in your absence. In that quiet moment of observation, you might find solace in knowing that true leadership is measured not only by what we accomplish today, but by the enduring impact we leave behind. Dr. Flinn has done just that—his legacy lives on, ever inspiring and thriving long after he gracefully passed the torch.
The Fellowship Returns!
I am thrilled to share that the 2025 Flinn-Brown cycle has had a fantastic turnout—125 applicants from 10 counties — a 12% jump from last year. It is exciting to see more talent coming in from outside Maricopa County, proving that our reach is truly expanding across Arizona.
We are also seeing strong interest from all sectors, with half of our applicants coming from the public sector, but also a nice boost from prior years from the nonprofit and private sectors, especially self-employed professionals.
Earlier this year, our team hit the road with in-person info sessions in Prescott Valley, Flagstaff, Tucson, Yuma, and Sierra Vista, plus a couple of sessions in Phoenix, and six virtual sessions. These info sessions brought in over 300 participants—doubling last year’s numbers!
Selected applicants will be notified March 31 about their interviews. In-person interviews will be held at the Flinn Foundation April 15–16, with the final announcement made on May 15.
The League is back in town!
Every year, I’m blown away by how many Flinn-Brown Fellows head to the League of Cities and Towns Conference—it’s such a vibrant space to connect with local government leaders and peers doing complementary work in public service. I’ve loved attending over the past two years, each time swapping ideas and building meaningful connections.
This year, from Aug. 19–22 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, we’re excited about the chance to organize a more formal event just for Flinn-Brown Fellows—a perfect opportunity to strengthen our network and collaborate even more closely for the betterment of our communities.
And if you have panel ideas to contribute for the League conference, please share them through this link.
Best, Dawn
2020 Flinn-Brown Fellow
Vice President, Enterprise Planning
Arizona State University
Christian Osmeña is a distinguished leader in higher education administration, public policy, and civic engagement. As the Vice President for Enterprise Planning at Arizona State University (ASU), he is instrumental in charting the university’s strategic direction. His career spans influential roles – including service as a policy advisor to the Governor of California – and is marked by a deep commitment to transforming public institutions and expanding community opportunities through education.
Originally from Orange County, California, Osmeña began his career in Sacramento, where he worked extensively in state government with a focus on higher education policy. His early work concentrated on crafting initiatives to broaden educational access – a mission that has fueled his passion ever since.
“I quickly came to appreciate how critical state action is in the policy areas that I care about. When I took the job at ASU, I was excited to be in a state capital and to try to figure out new ways to contribute to state policy to make a difference in people’s lives.”
His transition to Arizona was sparked by an introduction to ASU President Michael Crow in 2014. At the time, Osmeña was deeply involved in modernizing higher education in California. Crow’s forward-thinking vision for ASU resonated with him.
“My second visit to Arizona was either in July or August of 2019, which is a pretty shocking experience,” he recalled. “But for some reason, there was a novelty of this tremendous heat. I got to visit places that weren’t ASU and really grew to love the place… or at least, be really excited about coming to the place.”
After five years of discussion and exploration, Osmeña officially joined ASU in 2019, assuming a role that enabled him to blend his expertise in policy with institutional strategy. Early on, he immersed himself in the university’s civic engagement landscape, where he discovered the Flinn-Brown Fellowship.
“You quickly find that the Flinn Foundation is one of the hubs in this region. If that’s what you’re looking for – and that was what I was looking for – it’s the program and it’s the group of people you quickly find are the leaders in that space,” he explained.
A member of the 2020–2021 cohort, his fellowship unfolded during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and a pivotal election season, an experience that redefined his perspective on leadership. Through the fellowship, Osmeña gained a deep and broad understanding of Arizona state policy, something he uses to guide him to this day.
“I focused a lot of my career on education, but I think to do education work well, it’s important to understand how education fits together with health care, with human services, with the environmental issues, with the economy. Flinn-Brown was an introduction for me to that kind of range of policy issues affecting Arizonans,” Osmeña said.
Beyond his administrative role, Osmeña actively leverages his network to influence state policy. Through a Flinn-Brown Network connection, he connected with the Governor’s Office and was appointed to the First Things First state board – a role he embraces with pride. His civic contributions complement his responsibilities at ASU, where he not only teaches but also continues his own education. Currently pursuing a Juris Doctor degree at ASU’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, he believes that formal legal training will enhance his ability to navigate and shape public policy.
Teaching, for Osmeña, offers a unique opportunity to connect with emerging policy leaders. He finds joy in mentoring students and opening doors that were once opened for him.
“Teaching is a skill that forces you to have to understand (and to try to appreciate) someone else’s perspective and communicate in a way that responds to where they’re at,” he remarked. For Osmeña, Arizona is more than just a workplace—it has become home, a place characterized by innovation, openness to change, and abundant opportunities for meaningful impact.
If you missed a Fellows Spotlight, you can find them here.
Patrick Tighe, J.D. and The Honorable Christopher Glover: Episode 16
In the April episode, the (Mesa, 2016) and (Phoenix, 2019) discuss their roles as board members for the Keys to Change Campus, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in Maricopa County. Glover, a former Mesa City Councilman, and Tighe, an attorney with Snell and Wilmer, also share how their broader civic engagement in Arizona—and their experiences with the Flinn-Brown Fellows—have shaped them into leaders driving effective community transformation.
While you wait for the upcoming April episode, dive into our March release featuring the dynamic (Phoenix, 2017), deputy director of Arizona State Parks and Trails. Join her as she unveils her passion to preserve Arizona’s rich natural and cultural legacy, champions expanded public access to outdoor spaces, and explores how the synergy between art and nature fuels her innovative approach to civic engagement.
Listen to any of our previous podcasts on our YouTube channel, Apple Podcast or any of the platforms below. The podcasts, including a summary, are also available on our website.
Join us this Thursday, March 27 at 2 p.m. for the CivEx webinar, “Still Missing Too Much School: A Follow-Up Analysis of Arizona Chronic Absence Trends in Grades 1–8.” In this session, Flinn-Brown Fellows (Phoenix, 2016) and (Phoenix, 2017) will examine the effects of chronic absenteeism on students, schools, and the broader community in Arizona. Drawing on insights from the report by Helios Education Foundation and WestEd, and the latest data in the report, this webinar offers valuable perspectives on how these trends, accelerated since the pandemic, are reshaping our educational landscape.
Join us Tuesday, April 8 at the Flinn Foundation for the in-person Coffee & Common Sense event, hosted in partnership with the Common Sense Institute, on Arizona’s state budget. From funding priorities to economic impacts, Flinn-Brown Fellows Rep. (Phoenix, 2015), Rep. (Tucson, 2022), (Phoenix, 2014), and (Phoenix, 2017) will explore what’s next for Arizona’s economy.
If you have an idea for a CivEx webinar that you would like to host or a topic you would like to learn more about, contact Dawn.
We are excited to share that the 2025 Flinn-Brown Convention will be held on Friday, Aug. 15, at On Jackson, 245 E. Jackson Street in Phoenix.
The Fellows Planning Committee has been hard at work developing the program for the Convention. Here are some highlights:
If you have any questions, please let Dawn or Jennifer know.
Flinn-Brown Fellows are shaping Arizona’s future through collaboration. This section highlights how Fellows are working together on public policy—whether it’s developing initiatives, influencing legislation, or tackling key issues across the state.
Congratulations to (Chandler, 2013) and the (Superior, 2019) on their collaboration on the first rural HIVE at the Superior Enterprise Center! Hives are safe and welcoming spaces in communities where people can explore tech, access training, and gain comfort and confidence being online. Read more about the Institute for Digital Inclusion Acceleration HIVES here.
(Phoenix, 2019), (Phoenix, 2024), (Phoenix, 2020), (Phoenix, 2013), (Phoenix, 2022), and (Phoenix, 2019) gather at the Governor’s Bridging Progress State Report.
Inaugural cohort members, (Phoenix, 2011) and the (Tucson, 2011), met up in the halls of Congress.
(Sierra Vista, 2013), (Chandler, 2013), (St. David, 2022), and (Tempe, 2013) meet at the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center.
Many Fellows attended the National League of Cities Conference in Washington, D.C. The (Flagstaff, 2024), (Tucson, 2023), the (Prescott Valley, 2023), the (Mesa, 2023), (Phoenix, 2018), (Phoenix, 2012), the (Chandler, 2014), the (Superior, 2019), and (Phoenix, 2011).
2024 Fellows meet up after a tour of Helios Education Decision Center: (Phoenix), the (Lake Havasu City), (Phoenix), and (Phoenix).
Yuma Fellows (2024), (2024), (2023), and the (2022) attend the Governor’s State of the State address.
The (Gilbert, 2023) and (Flagstaff, 2023) ran into each other at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport on the way to Washington D.C.
Cochise County Fellows Happy Hour! (Sierra Vista, 2013), (Sierra Vista, 2012), (Sierra Vista, 2015), (Saint David, 2022), (Sierra Vista, 2013), (Sierra Vista, 2019), (Benson, 2024), and (Sierra Vista, 2015).
On Friday, April 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Flinn-Brown Fellow (Mesa, 2014), the city of Mesa’sActing Director for the Department of Arts and Culture, is hosting an event exclusively for Flinn-Brown Fellows!
The department supports three municipal arts institutions located in the heart of downtown: , and This Fellows-only event will include tours of each of these three facilities with leadership from each institution and will conclude with a networking lunch. Throughout these tours, museum leaders will share the fantastic work the city of Mesa contributes to the arts and how they directly engage with the community.
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.
Each month we feature a Fellows list in a specific employment sector, public policy area, affinity group or region.
While we try extremely hard to keep up to date on Fellows’ activities, we recognize that we may have missed someone. Please let us know and we will happily update the list.
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.
We want to wish a happy birthday to all the Fellows celebrating in April!
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.
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 (Phoenix, 2020).
Osmeña describes this book as being instrumental in shaping his analytical thinking. He frequently recommends the book to aspiring policy professionals, emphasizing its value in fostering clearer decision-making and reducing misalignment in public discourse.
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.
(Flagstaff, 2015) appeared in a Cronkite News article discussing the potential effects of President Trump’s tariffs on North America.
(Superior, 2020) was featured in Governor Hobbs’ news release emphasizing how the newly assigned $700,000 for infrastructure projects will make significant change in rural communities.
(Maricopa, 2013) wrote an op-ed in the Daily Independent about ways Arizonans can celebrate Black history all year long and not just in February.
(Jerome, 2012) attended the Big Park Regional Coordinating Council monthly meeting in early February.
(Tucson, 2011) is the lead sponsor of a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives aiming to reduce high-speed chases between drivers and Border Patrol.
(Flagstaff, 2014) wrote about the wildfire preparedness strategy in Northern Arizona for Flagstaff Business News.
(Yuma, 2022) was one of nine representatives selected to join the Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry’s Director’s Advisory Committee.
(Phoenix, 2017) and (Phoenix, 2016) were featured in a KJZZ article discussing Arizona’s continuous struggle with students missing school.
(Tucson, 2015)conducted almost 100 free wedding ceremonies on Valentine’s Day.
(Tempe, 2018) spoke to ABC15 about a proposed bill seeking to create an Amber Alert system for missing Indigenous people.
(Yuma, 2023) spoke to Arizona’s Family about the Trump Administration’s tariffs and the potential impact they could have on Arizona.
(Phoenix, 2015) is looking at ways to increase teacher pay in Arizona.
(Phoenix, 2019), spoke to ABC15 about the fear people are feeling due to uncertainty about their food benefits, leading some to ration their resources out of fear they may not be renewed.
(Goodyear, 2022) has been appointed to the National League of Cities 2025 Community and Economic Development Federal Advocacy Committee where he will focus on housing and economic development.
(Tucson, 2011) wrote about the connective and collaborative power of high-speed internet for Inside Tucson Business.
(Phoenix, 2011) acted as Chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona’s 70th Anniversary gala, which featured an array of community members and Big Brothers and Big Sisters from the past 70 years.
(Paradise Valley, 2023) prosecuted a bribery case regarding COVID-19 unemployment fraud.
(Scottsdale, 2018) announced the merger of Radix Law and Aprio.
(Tucson, 2011) was featured in a TucsonSentinel.com article discussing Department of Government Efficiency praise and criticism.
(Gilbert, 2020) appeared on Episode Three of a new podcast “Pantsuits and Lawsuits” hosted by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes and Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
(Phoenix, 2024) appeared on Valley 101 to discuss her experiences growing up in a bilingual household and the different ways Arizonans pronounce people/places/things.
(Phoenix, 2017) spoke to KJZZ about the difference between border and immigration policies, and how Democrats plan to move forward.
(Gilbert, 2017) wrote an op-ed piece about open primaries in Arizona.
(Phoenix, 2012) spoke to AZCentral about tourism in Sedona.
(Tucson, 2022) coached the Southern Arizona All-Stars baseball team in its game against Germany.
(Phoenix, 2013) hosted the annual Bring Home the Cookies run at Westgate Entertainment District to raise money for the Girl Scouts-Arizona Cactus-Pine Council and the State Forty Eight Foundation, as well as to celebrate the girls.
(Phoenix, 2024) spoke to ABC10 about changing vaccination rates, and the impact that may have on children’s health and school ecosystems.
(Cottonwood, 2019) was featured in an article by The Guardian documenting the devastation of the California wildfires.
Frances Sjoberg, J.D. (Phoenix, 2012) has been appointed to serve on the Judicial Selection Advisory Board for the city of Phoenix.
Carlos De La Torre (Tucson, 2013) joined Mayor Regina Romero in unveiling Tucson’s first electric garbage truck, a step forward in best environmental practices.
Richie Taylor (Phoenix, 2020), spoke to KJZZ about Attorney General Kris Mayes’ actions against Trump Administration policies affecting Arizonans.
Heath Vescovi-Chiordi (Tucson, 2023), was awarded the International Economic Development Council’s 2024 Future Leader award for his work in the business community. Winners were awarded at the 2025 Leadership Summit, which took place in Washington D.C.
The Honorable Kevin Volk (Tucson, 2022) is one of the lawmakers who introduced a bill proposing “Howdy” as the official state greeting. He was also interviewed by Arizona Agenda about his time so far in office.
Sarah Rose Webber (Phoenix, 2017) represented Arizona State Parks and Trails in accepting two accolades at the 43rd Environmental Excellence Awards.
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 has more than 200 boards and commissions. To apply, complete the application on the website. For a list of vacancies, updated Jan. 31, please see here.
The following non-profit organizations are seeking board members:
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.
Applications are now open for the Lead Tucson Class of 2026. The application deadline is April 27.
The Central Arizona Project invites water education leaders and PreK-12th grade teachers to apply for a year-long, water-focused Fellowship.
The Adams Presidential Center is seeking an Executive Director to lead their Educating for American Democracy initiative.
Desert Botanical Garden is undertaking an executive search for its next President and CEO.
Groundswell Capital in Tucson has positions open for Executive Vice President, Director of Finance, and Executive & Finance Assistant.
The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona is seeking a Vice President for Community Impact.
The Hopi Education Endowment Fund is searching for an Executive Director to oversee programming and fundraising.
Per Scholas is hiring a Managing Director to oversee a campus serving approximately 500 learners.
Social Ventures Partners Tucson is looking for a President and CEO to provide strategic and tactical leadership.
The Venture Madness Conference 2025 is April 2-3 at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe.
Local First Arizona is hosting the 2025 Arizona Good Business Summit on April 2 at the Arizona Broadway Theater.
The Veterans Community Forum is April 3 at University of Arizona Tech Park in Tucson.
The 2025 Phoenix Global Forum will be held April 8-9 at the Phoenix Convention Center.
The Women’s Leadership Development Forum XXI begins April 9 in Phoenix.
The Latest in Arizona Biosciences webinar hosted by the Flinn Foundation will be held April 23.
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.
The American Democracy Summit 2025 will be held in Phoenix, May 14-16 at Gila River Resorts.
Greater Phoenix Chamber will host the Mayor’s State of the City Address & Luncheon on May 20 at Sheraton Phoenix Downtown.
Registration is open for the University of Arizona’s Center for Rural Health 51st Annual Rural Health Conference in Flagstaff on June 3-4.
Registration opens soon for Local First Arizona’s Rural Policy Forum that will be held Aug. 6-8 in Gila Valley.
Registration opens in May for the 2025 League of Cities and Towns Conference to be held Aug. 19-22 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.
