Honoring Past Leadership and Embracing a Future of Growth and Impact
At Growth Partners Arizona (GPAz), we are driven by our commitment to empowering communities through economic development and financial inclusion. Our board members play a critical role in guiding us through periods of growth and change, and today, we take a moment to express our deep gratitude to those who have recently served and to welcome new members who will help shape our future.
Thank You to Our Outgoing Board Members
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Gary Molenda, President of Arizona Capital Source, Mike Hammond, Founder of Cushman & Wakefield/PICOR, and Roxanne Veliz, Partner at Snell & Wilmer. Their steadfast leadership and invaluable contributions, particularly in the areas of financial strategy, community engagement, and sustainable economic growth, have been instrumental in our journey.
These dedicated board members were instrumental during a pivotal period for our organization. They provided essential support through Lesli Pintor’s retirement in May 2022 and the hiring of our new Executive Director, Andre T. Whittington.
Their collective efforts were crucial as GPAz navigated statewide expansion strategies, implemented robust financial management and reporting processes, and supported the organization through the CDFI recertification process. Their vision, commitment, and leadership have left an indelible mark on GPAz, and we are deeply grateful for their service.
Looking to the Future: Welcoming Our New Board Members
As we continue to build on the foundation laid by our outgoing members, we are thrilled to welcome three new leaders to our board:
These talented and passionate individuals bring a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our board. Their strong commitment to community development and economic growth aligns seamlessly with GPAz’s mission, and we are excited to work together as we position the organization for the future.
Their diverse backgrounds enhance our board’s collective expertise, particularly in areas of financial strategy, community engagement, and sustainable economic growth. We are confident that their leadership will be instrumental in advancing our mission and expanding our reach across Arizona.
A Shared Vision Moving Forward
The transition of board leadership marks an exciting new chapter for GPAz. This change reflects our ongoing commitment to growth and community support and aligns with our broader strategic vision. As GPAz continues to expand its impact statewide, the combined experience of our new and former board members will ensure that our mission of financial empowerment and small business support remains at the forefront.
We also recognize that leadership transitions are a collaborative effort. We invite our partners, supporters, and community members to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our outgoing board members and welcoming our new leadership.
Get Involved
Stay connected with GPAz’s journey by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our upcoming community events. Your continued support makes a difference, and together, we will keep building a stronger, more inclusive Arizona.
Thank you once again to Gary, Mike, and Roxanne for your unwavering dedication and support. We look forward to embarking on this next phase with Ashley, Benjamin, and Jonathan as part of our leadership team.
Together, we will propel GPAz to new heights, driving greater impact and fostering lasting change across Arizona’s communities.