Staff Reports | Community Update
The Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation is naming Amber Cordoba as executive director.
Ms. Cordoba, a nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of leadership experience and a longstanding connection to Arizona’s foster care community, was selected by the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation Board of Directors following a comprehensive search to lead the organization’s next chapter, according to a press release.
She succeeds Luis De La Cruz, who has served as the foundation’s president and CEO since 2022.
“Amber’s appointment marks an exciting new chapter for AFFCF,” John Keane, chair of the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation Board of Directors, said. “Her extensive leadership experience, passion for serving children and families, and firsthand understanding of the foster care system make her the ideal person to lead our organization into its next chapter. We are confident she will build on AFFCF’s strong foundation while expanding opportunities for the children, youth and young adults we serve.”
Ms. Cordoba brings more than two decades of leadership experience, including more than 10 years in the nonprofit sector, where she has led organizational growth, strengthened strategic partnerships and expanded fundraising efforts. She has secured grants and sponsorships, managed multimillion-dollar operating budgets and guided mission-driven organizations through periods of growth and change.
In addition to her executive leadership experience, Ms. Cordoba brings a personal connection to the organization’s mission. As a former licensed foster parent, state-appointed Foster Care Review Board member and family support worker serving families involved with Arizona’s Department of Child Safety, she has firsthand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities within the foster care system.
“This mission is deeply aligned with both my professional experience and my personal journey, and I couldn’t be more excited to work alongside this passionate community to create opportunities for children, youth and young adults navigating foster care,” Ms. Cordoba said. “I’m honored to build on the Foundation’s incredible legacy and look forward to all that we’ll accomplish together.”
Under Ms. Cordoba’s leadership, the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation will continue its mission of creating opportunities to build self-esteem and support children, youth and young adults impacted by foster care through funding for childhood activities, education, career development and other support services.
“Serving the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” Luis De La Cruz, outgoing president and CEO of the Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation, said. “Having once been a youth who benefited from AFFCF, getting to lead and grow it is especially meaningful. I am proud of all we’ve accomplished together, and I am excited to see Amber continue to lead the organization forward.”
