Staff Reports | Community Updates
Arizona’s Children Association (AzCA) has been named a 2026 USA TODAY Top Workplaces winner in the national nonprofit category.
The award, presented by Energage and USA TODAY, recognizes organizations with at least 150 employees that exceed national benchmarks for employee satisfaction. AzCA was selected from more than 2,000 organizations surveyed nationwide based on anonymous employee feedback measuring factors such as leadership, compensation, meaningfulness of work and appreciation, according to a press release.
“This recognition belongs to every member of our team,” Tracy Thurston, president and CEO of Arizona’s Children Association, said. “This award belongs to them. I am incredibly proud.”
AzCA was recognized in the midsize employer category, competing among 42 midsize organizations statewide. Program facilitators noted that recognition for a first-time participant is uncommon.
In addition to the workplace recognition, Ms. Thurston received a Leadership Award in the midsize business category.
“When our staff feels valued, Arizona’s children benefit,” Ms. Thurston said. “This award is a reflection of the culture we have built together, and it reinforces our commitment to being the kind of organization people are proud to be part of.”
Founded in 1912 by a group of women in Tucson, Arizona’s Children Association has served children and families throughout the state for more than a century. Today, the organization operates in all 15 Arizona counties and provides foster care, adoption, kinship services, behavioral health services and parenting education programs. In 2025, AzCA served 5,345 individuals and completed 168 adoptions.
