Leadership journey includes classes, tours and enhancement activities
By Jill Adair | Digital Free Press
The Mesa Leadership Training & Development Program announced its newest leadership class — the Class of 2026.
The 23 new class members of Mesa Leadership Training and Development Program represent a cross section of local small and big business, City of Mesa departments, nonprofits, and other community organizations. In May 2026, the graduates will become part of more than 900 Mesa Leadership alumni, many of whom are serving in public office, on nonprofit boards or city commissions, and donating their time and energies in a variety of ways to benefit the city of Mesa and its residents.
The 10-month program began with its first monthly class on Friday, Aug. 1. The program includes a variety of activities, including tours, leader shadowing, ride-alongs with Mesa Police, Fire, and Code Enforcement, and a class project benefitting a local nonprofit organization. Graduation will be held May 1, 2026.
The nonprofit organization, which is supported by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, was inaugurated in 1981 with a mission to educate and train potential leaders who are seeking the opportunity to serve in the community and who need exposure to information, organizations and leaders to make that service possible.
Mesa Leadership’s Class of 2026 includes:
- Alicia Boe – Visit Mesa
- Ashley Stwertnik – Visit Mesa
- Bailey Norling – The Boeing Company
- Brandy Andersen – City of Mesa, Business Services
- Bridget Fitzgibbons – Modern Medicine
- Chris Gonzalez – Eastmark
- Courtney Gooch Riggins – Freelife Wellness Center
- Dani Vernon – The Arizona Museum of Natural History
- Diego Kommunik – Davis Entertainment
- Donna Tucker – Truwest
- Isaiah Garfias – AZ Army National Guard
- Jacob Newman – Aster Aging
- Jeannie Hernandez – House of Refuge
- Jonathan Lister – Gallagher & Kennedy, P.A.
- Kyle Maskule – The Boeing Company
- Lindsay Meyer – Concord General Contracting
- Margaret Golka – Arizona Public Service
- Mary Teresa Marshall – Arizona Children Association
- Natalia Smith – SRP
- Nate Gauthier – SRP
- Rachel Patel – The Boeing Company
- Sherri Collins – First Things First
- Spencer Tippetts – Rain Forest Plumbing
New board members
In addition, Mesa Leadership announced new leadership within its board of directors to lead the organization in its mission to educate and train potential leaders who are seeking the opportunity to serve in the community and who need exposure to information, organizations and leaders to make that service possible.
Alison Stoltman, a graduate of Mesa Leadership 2023, will serve as the 2025-26 board chair, succeeding Phaedra Earhart.
“I’m so excited to step into the role of Chair for the Mesa Leadership Training and Development program,” Stoltman said. “This program truly makes a difference. It develops up-and-coming leaders, inspires civic-mindedness, and encourages giving back to our community, all while deepening our connection to the City of Mesa.”
Mesa Leadership Training & Development Program is a 501(c)3 sponsored by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and is part of the Mesa Chamber Business in Education Foundation. The program is administered by volunteers who serve as board members.
Serving on the Mesa Leadership Development Program Board of Directors are the following officers:
- Chair: Alison Stoltman
- Past Chair: Phaedra Earhart
- Treasurer/Chair Elect: Kim Williams
- Program Director: Terrie Gardner
- Secretary: Jill Adair
- Alumni/Community Events: Melissa Nelson, Denise Siemen
- Program Advancement Chair: Michael Campbell
- Co-Chair Elect/Tours Chair: Andrea Williams
- Recruitment Co-Chairs: Holly Moseley, Lisa Andersen
- Technology Chair: Cheryl Calen
- Communication Chair: Les Kauffman
- Co-Curriculum Chairs: Carrie Aranda, Shannon Bickmore
The following are part of the board’s general committee: Angela Clark, Myra O’Ferrall, Connie Bunyard, Jessica Steadman, Mayra Leon Sanchez, Michael (Elvis) Castillo, Denise Siemen and Kelli Whittemore.
For more information, visit https://mesaleadership.org/
