ALUMNI
The alumni of the Desert Foothills Leadership Academy represent a diverse and accomplished network of community leaders, business owners, nonprofit professionals, and civic-minded residents who have completed a transformative journey of growth and connection. Through the program, alumni gained a deeper understanding of the Desert Foothills region, strengthened their leadership skills, and built lasting relationships across industries and municipalities. Many describe the experience as eye-opening, providing behind-the-scenes access to how our communities function, sharpening their ability to lead with purpose, and inspiring a renewed commitment to serve the region they call home.
For current class participants, the Desert Foothills Leadership Academy alumni are an invaluable resource. They offer real-world insight, mentorship, and perspective on applying the lessons learned in the program to professional, civic, and volunteer roles. Alumni can help open doors, share experiences, and serve as trusted sounding boards as participants navigate their leadership journey. Most importantly, they embody the spirit of collaboration and service that defines the Academy, creating a strong, supportive network that continues well beyond graduation and strengthens the Desert Foothills community as a whole.
Class #5 - 2025
Left to Right: (Front Row): Samantha Hamouz, Teresa Riza, Rebecca Niessink, Brent Bowles, Lize Vescovi, Marjorie Hans, Brian Trouette
(Back Row): Jennifer Rosvall, Leeanne Gardner, Mark Cichocki, Jon Binsbacher, Steve Feld, Bill Kuniej, Connie Clark, Kim Pritchard, Bo Larsen, Christina Gordon, Garrett Peterson, Lauren Strait, Brian Talley, Rhonda Noble, Gordon Minns, Diane Roth, Dory Mawyer, Aerick Squier, Molly Heekin, Lon Johnson, Jim Sherbert
Not pictured: Amanda Adams, Mitch Love, Dave Wilson
Class #4 - 2024
Left to Right: (Front Row): Mayor Robert Morris of Cave Creek, Mayor John Crane of Carefree
(Back Row): Dustin Holm, Jennifer Grubbs, Rosanne McSweeney, Frank Hendricsen, Raymond Carlin, Jim Sherbert, Cristi Harris, Lisa Riley, Doc Langworthy, Jessica Clark, Sheila Amoroso, Charlie Fisher, Steve Feld, Michelle Reyes, Lon Johnson, Madisyn Garrett, Sue Force, Cam Kuniej, Jen Miles, Suzy Dodson, Sandi Carll, Eric Lundgren, Melanie Campbell, Alex Perez, Rebecca Niessink, Jennifer Rosvall
Not pictured: Tammy Dymarcik, Emery Parks, Vanessa Kohnen
Class #3 - 2023
Left to Right: (Front Row): Mayor Robert Morris of Cave Creek, Mayor John Crane of Carefree
(Back Row): Kellen Brugman, Samantha Gesell, Frank Tyrol, Sarah Emerson, Benjamin Robinson, John Collier, Michael Maloney, Helene Madden, Leeanne Gardner, James Hartman, Poppy Peterson, Brian Tobin, Stephanie Maloney, August Heiss, Karen Dahlman, Lon Johnson, Mary Roberts, Pat Campbell, Lauren Cobb, Jennifer Rosvall, Allison Taylor, Colin Zaccagnio, Rebecca Niessink, David Mawyer
Not pictured: Julie Clark, Ken Madden
Class #2 - 2022
Left to Right: (Front Row): Jamie Pear, Erica Shumaker, Susan Sheanhan, Nancy Scott, Mary Birdoes
(Back Row): Kim Nathanson, Chris Hart, Rebecca Niessink, Luke Kautzman, Adam Stein, James Hartman, Jim Sherbert, Alex Nadesan, Nicholas Partida, Ingrid Fisketjon, Sarah Ikard, Carole Schwietz, Jennifer Rosvall
Not Pictured: Eric Twohey, Mary Ellen Twohey
Class #1 - 2021
Left to Right: (Front Row): Raye Gall, Leigh Zydonik, Kim Nathanson, Jennifer Rosvall, Sandra Carrier
(Back Row): Kris Strike, Shea Stanfield, Corey Moss, James Hartman, Holly Hoepfner, Cort Monroe, Jim Sherbert, Lonny Gibson, Alex Nadasen, Patty Villeneuve, Patrick Jones.
Not pictured: Jessica Brashear, Kandace Contreras, Kyle Millsap