2017 Leaders of the Year

The Arizona Capitol Times recognized U.S. Sen. John McCain, along with more than two dozen individuals and groups, for advancing public policy in ways that positively affect the lives of Arizonans.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Perseverance, grit, courage, experience, wisdom, a heart of service. These are just some of the words that describe winners of this year’s Arizona Capitol Times Leaders of the Year. Many of them have toiled in the public policy arena for years or are experts in their fields who have made significant contributions to the policy debates that have shaped Arizona’s government.

To all those who submitted nominations to nominate a peer, thank you for your engagement.

A little bit about the process: The awardees were selected by a committee of Capitol regulars from the scores of nominations we received. In some instances, the choice was evident from the get-go, such as the Lifetime Achievement award going to U.S. Sen. John McCain. In other categories, the choice was tough, as all of the nominees deserved to be recognized. The Arizona Capitol Times newsroom wasn’t part of the selection process.

Luige del Puerto

Associate Publisher & Editor

Arts and Humanities – Phoenix Art Museum

Associations – Arizona Association of Community Managers

Business – Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

Charity – St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance

Economic Development – Arizona-Mexico Commission

Education – Grand Canyon University’s Learning Lounge

Environment – Kartchner Caverns State Park

Government – ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy – Arizona Legislative Academy

Health Care – Cover Arizona Coalition

Law – Joe Kanefield, Ballard Spahr