Staff Reports | Community Updates
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego will present Mayo Clinic and Dr. John Shufeldt with the Global Leadership Award and Global Citizen Award, respectively, during the Mayor’s International Gala on Friday, Oct. 16, at Chateau Luxe.
Phoenix Sister Cities will host the annual event, which brings together community leaders, residents and international partners for an evening of cultural exchange, dining and recognition of individuals and organizations that contribute to Phoenix’s international engagement.
The Global Leadership Award and Global Citizen Award recognize organizations and individuals whose leadership and service have helped strengthen Phoenix’s international presence, according to a press release.
2026 Global Awards honorees
Global Leadership Award: Mayo Clinic – Phoenix
Since opening in Arizona in 1987, Mayo Clinic has expanded its presence through patient care, research and medical education. Its Arizona operations include a 450-acre campus in north Phoenix and a sister campus in Scottsdale.
In 2025, Mayo Clinic announced a $1.9 billion expansion of its Phoenix campus, adding 1.2 million square feet and increasing the campus footprint to 4.2 million square feet. The project includes a new procedural building, a five-floor addition to the Specialty Building, additional operating rooms and patient units, and improvements to the patient arrival experience.
Global Citizen Award: Dr. John Shufeldt
Dr. John Shufeldt is a health care entrepreneur who founded NextCare Inc., MeMD LLC and Tribal Health. MeMD was acquired by Walmart in 2021. He also founded Xcellerant Ventures, a venture capital firm focused on health technology startups. Dr. Shufeldt continues to practice emergency medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital and other locations.
In addition to his work in medicine and business, Dr. Shufeldt serves as a distinguished professor of practice at Arizona State University’s John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering and lectures at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, where he teaches subjects related to health law, ethics and medical engineering.
“The Global Awards celebrate extraordinary leaders and changemakers who personify the spirit of diplomacy, innovation, and community,” Mayor Kate Gallego said. “When you look at trailblazers like Dr. John Shufeldt’s health care innovations, entrepreneurship, and commitment to educating the next generation, alongside the immeasurable impact of a world-class institution like Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, they perfectly match what these awards signify – cross-sector leadership, life-changing medical breakthroughs, and a promise to elevate Phoenix worldwide and inspire more of our community to reach for the stars.”
