About Scottsdale Leadership

The mission of Scottsdale Leadership is to inform, inspire and empower leaders to champion and strengthen the interests of the community

Through powerful, transformative experiences during its leadership development programs, Scottsdale Leadership enhances the ability of leaders and creates engaged citizens who ensure a sustainable future for our community.

Drawing from a diverse and inclusive group of individuals from the private and public sectors, Scottsdale Leadership creates lifelong, sustained partnerships and connections, delivering a strong net of prominent leaders who regularly influence our communities.

In 1986, Dr. Art DeCabooter, former President of Scottsdale Community College; Don Ruff, former Valley Bank Executive; Gary Shapiro, REALTOR®, and former Mayor Sam Campana shared a vision to establish a program that motivated individuals to step up as leaders who would help shape Scottsdale and surrounding communities. Their vision was realized with the graduation of Class 1, made up of 21 individuals.

Scottsdale Leadership operated under the direction of the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce until 1996 when it became an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Thirty-five years later, Scottsdale Leadership has graduated more than 1,200 alumni, made up corporate, nonprofit, and small business executives as well as civic and community leaders. Eight alumni have served as city council members, legislative representatives and one has become a senator. Hundreds of others have held positions on city boards and commissions or nonprofit boards of directors.