Staff Reports | Community Updates
Following a nationwide search, the Maricopa Community Colleges have selected Julie Dunnigan as the next president and chief executive officer of the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation.
She will replace former Foundation President and CEO Brian Spicker, who retired in May, and Judy Sanchez, who is serving in an interim capacity and will return to her role as vice president and chief operating officer, according to a press release.
“On behalf of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Ms. Dunnigan as our new president and CEO,” said Caroline Lynch, MCCF board chair. “Dedicated to enriching the lives and educational experience of the students attending the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges, the Foundation awarded more than 5,680 scholarships during the 2023-24 fiscal year, along with raising more than $17 million in donations.”
Ms. Dunnigan brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, having held executive positions in the U.S. and Canada. Most recently, she served as CEO of Cancer Support Community Arizona. Before joining CSCAZ, she was executive director and vice president of philanthropy for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona’s Foundation.
“The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation’s focus on educational equity, workforce development and community transformation reflects the heart of why I’ve dedicated my career to this work,” Ms. Dunnigan said. “I am deeply grateful to the chancellor and the Foundation’s board for the opportunity to serve in this role and honored to join such an exceptional team of passionate professionals who are transforming lives through education.”
Her experience includes roles with the Canadian Olympic Foundation and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. She currently serves as vice president of the board of Arizona Junior Rowing Inc., sits on the University of Arizona Cancer Center’s Community Advisory Board and has volunteered with numerous local charities.
“The Foundation has a rich history of impacting the lives of students and the communities we serve; in fact, their efforts have supported nearly 80,000 learners over time,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges chancellor. “I look forward to the work ahead, as Ms. Dunnigan and the Foundation team find new ways to build upon philanthropic efforts in order to serve our students in the ways that matter most,” Dr. Gonzales said.
Founded in 1997, MCCF provides resources for students attending one of the system’s 10 colleges. This year, MCCF ranked 29th on the Phoenix Business Journal’s list of the largest Phoenix-area cultural-education nonprofit organizations.
In 2024, MCCF launched EmpowerED for Student Success, a three-year fundraising initiative aimed at raising $20 million to support bachelor’s degree programs, basic needs funds, workforce development and college promise programs. This fall, MCCF unveiled the Maricopa Promise Program, designed to support learners of all backgrounds, including nontraditional students.
