For the first time in history, up to five generations — and soon possibly six — are working side-by-side in today’s workplace, bringing together decades of experience, fresh ideas and very different perspectives on leadership. From the seasoned wisdom of the Silent Generation to the digital fluency of Gen Z, the modern workforce is a dynamic blend of tradition and innovation. Today, meet Arizona’s Millennial business leaders who are innovating in 2026.
LEARN MORE: As generations collide, great leadership thrives
May 12: Meet the Gen Z business leaders who are innovating in 2026
Today: Meet the Millennial business leaders who are innovating in 2026
May 14: Meet the Generation X business leaders who are innovating in 2026
May 15: Meet the Baby Boomer business leaders who are innovating in 2026
Nikki Badje
Senior vice president and chief people officer // TruWest Credit Union
Generation: Millennials
Background: Badje oversees human resources, employee development and strategy for the $1.7 billion credit union. She brings more than 10 years of experience in human resources, training and organizational development within the credit union industry. A passionate advocate of the credit union movement, Badje is deeply committed to leadership development and mentorship, believing that investing in people is essential to serving members and strengthening communities.
Personal strength: “One personal quality that has most helped me become a leader in my generation is showing up as my authentic self and being grounded in my strong values. I believe leadership is less about titles and more about how consistently you show up for people. For me, that means being honest, treating others with dignity and respect, and making decisions based on principles rather than convenience. When people see that you are genuine, that you communicate clearly, and that you are willing to listen and learn, it creates an environment where others feel respected and supported. And I truly believe that kind of leadership is especially important for my generation, because people are looking for leaders who are transparent, principled and most of all, human.”
Learn more: truwest.org
Alison Bailin
Director of client services // HMA Public Relations
Generation: Millennials
Background: Bailin stands out as a Millennial leader through her impact in communications, journalism and community service. As director of client service at HMA Public Relations, she pairs award-winning storytelling with industry leadership through PRSA and the Rocky Mountain Emmys, while dedicating decades of volunteer work supporting Arizona nonprofits and community causes.
Kari Christie
Director of UX // Oracle
Generation: Millennials
Background: Christie exemplifies Millennial leadership by shaping how global brands operate through design and technology. As a UX director at Oracle, she leads teams building AI-driven platforms for restaurants, hospitality and retail. Known for scaling design organizations and launching enterprise systems, she creates solutions that help businesses operate faster and smarter.
Renee Crawford, DO
Phoenix Children’s
Generation: Millennials
Background: Dr. Crawford exemplifies Millennial leadership in medicine through innovation, compassion and systems-driven thinking. As an allergy and immunology fellow and former chief resident at Phoenix Children’s, she led groundbreaking penicillin delabeling research that improved patient care and reduced antibiotic misuse while championing health equity, education and humanitarian service.
Danny Dreyer
Founder and owner // Dixxon Flannel Co.
Generation: Millennials
Background: Dreyer is the founder and owner of Dixxon Flannel Co., an Arizona‑based apparel brand known for its premium flannels and deeply loyal customer base. He launched the company in 2013 with just $180 while working long hours in the Harley‑Davidson service department, selling shirts at motorcycle swap meets to fund early growth. Drawing from motorcycle, skate, and punk rock culture, Dreyer built Dixxon around quality, durability and limited‑edition releases. Under his hands‑on leadership, Dixxon has grown from a garage startup into a globally recognized lifestyle brand while staying true to its working‑class roots and community‑first mindset.
Personal strength: “The personal quality that’s helped me most is staying hands‑on and grounded in the work. I never wanted to be disconnected from the product, the customer, or the culture that built the brand. I came from working with my hands, so I’ve always believed leadership starts with understanding the details and earning respect through action. Staying involved kept me honest. It helped me make better decisions, avoid shortcuts, and stay aligned with what our customers actually care about. That approach also built trust internally, because people knew I wasn’t leading from a distance, I was in it with them.”
Best decision: “The most defining decision I made during uncertainty was committing to Dixxon when there were no guarantees. I started with very little money, worked long hours, and built the brand while still holding a full‑time job. There was no safety net, just belief in the product and the work ethic behind it. Choosing to move forward anyway taught me that momentum matters more than perfect conditions. It showed me I could handle risk and doubt without losing focus. That experience shaped how I lead today, I trust consistency and staying the course when things aren’t clear.”
Professional advice: “Know who you are, stay consistent, listen closely, don’t lose touch with the work and never trade your values for short‑term growth.”
Learn more: dixxon.com
John Fetherston
Vice president, state and local government relations // JPMorgan Chase
Generation: Millennials
Background: Fetherston represents forward-thinking Millennial leadership through policy expertise, collaboration and measurable impact. As vice president of state and local government relations for JPMorganChase, he shapes policy across the Southwest on issues including housing, workforce development and emerging technology while championing community service and bipartisan solutions that strengthen Arizona’s economic future.
James Goodnow
CEO // Fennemore
Generation: Millennials
Background: Nearly two decades after starting his career at the firm as a file clerk, Goodnow has been at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation, driving the launch of Project BlueWave AI, an industry-leading, proprietary, and secure system that empowers teams to deliver exceptional client service. He also helped pioneer Fennemore Forward, a bold new platform redefining workplace flexibility.
Diana Gibson
Director of client success // REDW Advisors & CPAs
Generation: Millennials
Background: Gibson exemplifies Millennial leadership through resilience, innovation and service. As the first director of client success at REDW Advisors & CPAs and founder of The Diana Adapted Foundation, she empowers others facing limb loss while advancing client-centered strategy and community impact.
Morgan Haynes
CEO // Tribal Health
Generation: Millennials
Background: Haynes exemplifies Millennial leadership through bold vision, operational discipline and mission-driven impact. As CEO of Tribal Health, she has expanded the organization nationwide while improving care for Indigenous and rural communities. With rapid growth, strong client retention and a passion for mentorship, Haynes is redefining healthcare leadership with purpose and results.
Josh Isner
President // Axon
Generation: Millennials
Background: Isner exemplifies forward-thinking leadership in public safety technology. As president of Axon Enterprise, he helps drive global strategy for innovative tools that support law enforcement and community safety. Known for his strategic vision and collaborative leadership style, Isner plays a key role in advancing technology solutions that improve transparency, accountability and operational effectiveness worldwide.
Matt Ofman
Private banker // Alerus
Generation: Millennials
Background: As a private banker at Alerus, Ofman works closely with high-net worth individuals and families to deliver customized lending, banking, and wealth management services that meet their unique and complex needs. With 25 years of experience, he provides thoughtful and thorough guidance focused on achieving both short- and long-term goals.
Cristina Perez Hesano
Founder // Perez Law Group
Generation: Millennials
Background: Perez Hesano exemplifies Millennial leadership through resilience, advocacy and community impact. As founder of Perez Law Group, she rebuilt and grew her firm despite major challenges while championing mentorship and dialogue through her podcast Verdicts & Vogue. A first-generation Latina attorney, Perez Hesano is redefining legal leadership with integrity, compassion and empowerment for the next generation.
Taylor Perkins
Director of business development // CHASSE Building Team
Generation: Millennials
Background: Perkins represents Millennial leadership through impact-driven growth and community engagement. As director of business development at CHASSE, she leads K-12 development while helping oversee projects totaling more than $600 million annually. Through extensive nonprofit board service and philanthropic initiatives, Perkins bridges construction, education and community to strengthen opportunities for Arizona students and families.
Olga Phillips
Founder // Phillips Law Foundation
Generation: Millennials
ADVICE FOR LEADERS: “Lead with empathy, stay consistent, and show up for people,” says Olga Phillips, founder of Phillips Law Foundation.”Real leadership is built through action, trust, and a genuine commitment to making a difference.” (Provided photo)
Background: Phillips is the driving force behind Phillips Law Foundation, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to uplifting underserved communities across Arizona. What began as personally serving meals in Phoenix has grown into a powerful platform supporting nonprofits, families and individuals in need. Phillips leads with compassion and action, overseeing initiatives that address food insecurity, housing support and community outreach. Through strategic partnerships and hands-on involvement, she has helped expand the Foundation’s impact year over year. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to service, connection and creating meaningful change where it is needed most.
Leadership strength: “Empathy has been the foundation of my leadership. It allows me to truly listen, understand and connect with people from all walks of life. Leading with empathy builds trust, strengthens relationships and ensures that decisions are made with real impact in mind. It has helped me stay grounded in our mission while growing the Foundation in a meaningful way. When people feel seen and valued, they are more willing to come together and create change, and that is where true leadership begins.”
Best decision: “Choosing to step beyond traditional philanthropy and become directly involved in the community shaped my leadership the most. Instead of simply supporting from a distance, I made the decision to show up, listen and understand real needs firsthand. That decision changed everything. It taught me that impactful leadership requires presence, consistency and action. It also showed me that meaningful change happens through relationships, not transactions, and that the most effective leaders are the ones willing to be part of the work, not just behind it.”
Alternate era choice: “I would choose to grow up during a time of major social change, where communities came together to challenge the status quo and create lasting impact. Those eras were driven by courage, unity and a shared belief that change was possible. Being part of that kind of movement would be inspiring because it reflects the same values I believe in today — showing up for others, standing for something bigger than yourself and working together to build a better future.”
Learn more: phillipslawfoundation.org
Brandon B. Rafi
Founder and CEO // Rafi Law Group and Rafi Law Services
Generation: Millennials
EARLY START: “I’d choose to grow up a generation earlier, in a time before everything was digital and instant,” says Brandon B. Rafi, founder and CEO of Rafi Law Group. “There was more emphasis on relationships, reputation, and earning trust face to face. In a business like law, those fundamentals still matter today.” (Provided photo)
Background: Rafi is the founder and CEO of Rafi Law Group, Arizona’s premier personal injury law firm and one of the state’s most recognized legal brands. Since founding the firm in 2015, the team has served nearly 100,000 Arizonans. Building on that foundation, Rafi recently launched Rafi Law Services, a management services organization supporting operations, technology, and administrative functions while positioning the organization for continued growth. Known for his strategic mindset and disciplined leadership, Rafi has scaled the organization through a focus on brand, infrastructure, and accountability, while deepening its commitment to supporting children and families across Arizona.
Personal strength: “Accountability. At the end of the day, everything falls on you. The direction of the company, the decisions you make, and the standard you set. Early on, I learned that you can’t pass blame or wait for someone else to fix things. If something isn’t working, it’s your responsibility to address it and move forward. That mindset carries beyond the business too. If you’re in a position to help people, you have a responsibility to do it. Accountability isn’t just internal, it’s how you show up for your community as well.”
Best decision: “Investing early in building a recognizable brand and infrastructure, while also committing to community impact, before there were guarantees, was a defining decision. It required making long-term bets without perfect visibility. At the time, it wasn’t the conventional approach, but it created separation. It allowed us to grow with intention, and as we’ve grown, so has our responsibility to give back. That experience reinforced that leadership isn’t about waiting for certainty, it’s about making calculated decisions and standing behind them.”
Leadership advice: “Take ownership, stay consistent, and use your position to make an impact. That’s what real leadership looks like.”
Learn more: rafilawgroup.com
Scott Ragland
Executive vice president and principal // Marsh McLennan Agency Arizona
Generation: Millennials
Background: Ragland exemplifies Millennial leadership through relationship-driven impact and community engagement. At Marsh McLennan Agency, he consistently ranks among the firm’s top producers nationwide while maintaining exceptional client trust. Ragland also champions philanthropy, helping raise significant funds for Arizona nonprofits and strengthening connections between business and community.
