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 Generation X 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
May 13: Meet the Millennial business leaders who are innovating in 2026
Today: Meet the Generation X business leaders who are innovating in 2026
May 15: Meet the Baby Boomer business leaders who are innovating in 2026

Michael Aguirre

Partner // Coppersmith Brockelman

Generation: Gen X

Background: Consistently recognized by Best Lawyers© and Southwest Super Lawyers, Aguirre’s work has driven meaningful outcomes statewide — from advising a Native American tribe on the launch of its commercial enterprise arm and its first-ever acquisition and minority investment in an iconic Arizona resort, to counseling a publicly traded, multi-state cannabis operator on a $2 billion sale.

Emily Borlas

Assistant vice president of IT applications // HonorHealth

Generation: Gen X

Background: Growing up before the digital age and building a career within it gives Borlas a rare ability to connect authentically across generations. She brings a calm, practical and resourceful leadership style shaped by Gen X resilience and a “let’s figure this out” mindset that’s especially valuable in the fast-changing world of healthcare technology.

Cara Christ, MD

Chief medical officer // Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona

Generation: Gen X

Background: Dr. Christ has distinguished herself as one of the most influential public health leaders of her generation, guiding Arizona through complex health challenges with expertise, transparency and steady leadership. As former director of the Arizona Department of Health Services, she strengthened public health systems while championing data-driven decision-making and community health.

Michelle Cirocco

Chief impact officer // Televerde

Generation: Gen X

Background: Cirocco has helped redefine what second-chance employment looks like in America. She leads a global business that generates revenue for some of the world’s largest companies while providing incarcerated women with education, job training and career pathways that break the cycle of poverty and recidivism.

Jolean Fleck

Senior vice president of people and organizational development // Delta Dental of Arizona

Generation: Gen X

Background: Fleck works to shape the company’s culture and create an enriching experience for employees. With a focus on building a strong, high-performing team, Fleck is also responsible for leadership development and employer branding. As an experienced talent manager, she has spent more than 25 years delivering HR solutions across diverse industries.

Tad Gary

CEO // Mercy Care

Generation: Gen X

Background: Gary leads Mercy Care, the not-for-profit health plan serving AHCCCS members that has long worked to advance health equity across Arizona. Mercy Care serves more than 475,000 Medicaid and Medicare members. He also leads Mercy C.A.R.E.S., which has helped direct more than $33 million toward community reinvestment projects in the past five years alone.

EJ Hughes

Chief operating officer // Child Crisis Arizona

Generation: Gen X

Background: Hughes has dedicated his career to creating brighter futures for children and families across the state. Hughes joined Child Crisis Arizona in 2016. His work in the C-suite of Child Crisis has directly impacted the organization’s transformational growth. Over the past decade, Child Crisis has grown assets from $9.1 million to more than $30 million.

Jennifer Kaplan

Founder and CEO // Evolve PR & Marketing

Generation: Gen X

Background: Kaplan exemplifies Generation X leadership through steady judgment, thoughtful decision-making and a willingness to evolve alongside the people she leads. Since founding Evolve PR & Marketing in 2010, she has grown the agency from a one-woman startup into Arizona’s largest PR firm, supporting more than 140 clients across 30 markets with a 28-person team.

Michael Kintner

Senior vice president and general manager // Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

Generation: Gen X

Background: Kintner exemplifies exceptional leadership and innovation for Generation X through his ability to balance operational excellence, cultural stewardship and people-first values. With 18 years at Harrah’s, Kintner leads with deep respect for the Ak-Chin Indian Community and a collaborative approach that honors tradition while driving progress.

Jaime Leija

Co-founder // BioLab Holdings

Generation: Gen X

Background: Leija exemplifies generational leadership through visionary entrepreneurship, impactful leadership and a relentless focus on the mission. As co-founder of BioLab Holdings, Leija transformed a struggling startup into a biotech force, leading the company through a challenging 2022 to achieve more than 700% growth and capture 25% of the addressable wound care market.

Erik Moses

Executive director and CEO // Fiesta Sports Foundation

Generation: Gen X

Background: Moses led a strategic evolution to Fiesta Sports Foundation in 2025, strengthening the connection between nationally recognized sporting events — the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl and Rate Bowl, which generate more than $200 million annually for Arizona’s economy — and year-round philanthropic engagement statewide. Moses is a leader and mentor who uplifts others.

Amber Smith

CEO // Pipeline Connects

Generation: Gen X

Background: Smith’s strategic vision repositioned Pipeline Connects from just a platform into Arizona’s statewide nonprofit, powering career-navigation infrastructure that generates more than $180 million in annual economic output and supports 3,000 jobs statewide. Under her leadership, Pipeline Connects now serves more than 300,000 Arizonans, with career awareness reaching one in three students in grades 6–12 while connecting 8,000-plus employers with skills-aligned talent.

Mark Stebbings

CEO // National Bank of Arizona

Generation: Gen X

Background: Stebbings has emerged as a respected financial leader of his generation by helping guide strategic banking growth across the state. Through his leadership at National Bank of Arizona, he has supported business expansion, commercial lending and community investment, strengthening relationships that help drive Arizona’s economic development and entrepreneurial success.

Sandra Torre

Co-president and CFO // LAVIDGE

Generation: Gen X

Background: Torre has become a defining financial leader of her generation by guiding LAVIDGE through growth, innovation and a successful transition to employee ownership. With more than 30 years in finance, she blends strategic discipline with transparency, operational leadership and community impact, helping shape a resilient culture while advancing the agency’s long-term success.

LaDonna Weaver

Senior vice president // Northern Trust

Generation: Gen X

Background: As a Generation X leader, Weaver exemplifies adaptability, resilience and purpose-driven leadership. With a 30-year career at Northern Trust, she brings deep institutional knowledge while continually evolving her approach to meet the needs of a multigenerational workforce. What distinguishes Weaver is her ability to bridge generations, fostering mentorship and reverse mentorship.