Staff Reports | Community Updates
The Tempe Diablos have elected Arnold Mejia as the organization’s new president, succeeding Vince Vasquez, who served as president during the past year.
Mr. Mejia brings decades of leadership, financial and community service experience to the role. An Arizona native, he attended the University of Arizona, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration from the Eller College of Management. He currently serves as finance director for the Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority and has more than 28 years of experience in finance, accounting and management across utility services, construction, publishing, waste management and financial consulting.
A longtime advocate for community involvement, Mr. Mejia served for more than a decade in the Arizona Air National Guard and has held board positions with several Tempe-based organizations focused on serving local residents.
The Tempe Diablos support youth, education and charitable organizations throughout Tempe and have awarded approximately $20 million in scholarships, grants and community service initiatives since the organization was founded in 1968, according to a press release.
As president, Mr. Mejia said he plans to expand the charity’s community involvement and annual grant program, which has grown during the past five years.
“We have been focused on increasing our give to the community by developing new revenue streams and I plan on furthering that goal alongside our membership,” Mr. Mejia said. “We will also continue to focus on our mission of helping kids and families in need, improving quality of life and supporting youth education in the community.”
Joining Mr. Mejia on the executive committee are Todd Pearson, first vice president and president of Southwest Markets at Global Credit Union; Justin Rojas, second vice president and chief growth officer at Progressive Roofing; and Josh Prior, secretary-treasurer and founder and CEO of Prosperia Marketing.
Through programs including Excellence in Education, Celebrate Giving, scholarship awards and community grants, the organization continues to invest in opportunities that support local students, families and community organizations.
