Az Business Angels, featured each year in the November issue of Az Business magazine, is an editorial awards program honoring Arizona’s nonprofit community and the business leaders who champion them. These annual recognitions highlight nonprofits, individual leaders and organizations making significant local impact through philanthropy and community engagement. Following an open nomination period in which the public submits nominees, the Az Business magazine editorial board analyzes the nomination forms and determines the individuals and organizations that are honored. By spotlighting those who support essential causes — from education and healthcare to environmental sustainability — Az Business Angels underscores the powerful synergy between business and nonprofit sectors in building a stronger, more resilient Arizona. Here are the individual business leaders who were named Business Angels of the Year:

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Jeff Artzi, CEO, OOROO Auto

OOROO is dedicated to creating a positive impact in every community it serves, extending beyond vehicle maintenance and repair. Through its philanthropic arm, OOROO Cares, the company partners with local organizations to support those in need. OOROO launched Joyride in 2017 and has continued the program for eight consecutive years, which offers free vehicle repairs to families in need during the holiday season.

Susan Brichler Trujillo partner, Quarles

Trujillo practices in health law and has been an active supporter of the Girl Scouts, serving many years as a board member and is serving a three-year term as chair of the Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, the council where she participated as a Girl Scout. She is also vice president of the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education board of directors.

Abbie Fink, president, HMA Public Relations

Fink serves as president of the board for Valley Youth Theater and serves as the marketing committee co-chair at Congregation Beth Israel. She is a member of the Common Sense Media Advisory Council. She is a past board member for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale and Florence Crittenton Services of Arizona and is the recipient of the Junior League’s Valley Impact Award. 

Troy Foster, partner, The Foster Group

Foster made a lasting impact in community health by establishing Arizona’s first Medical-Legal Partnership, embedding legal advocates in healthcare to address systemic barriers. In 2008, after two of his adopted children were diagnosed with mitochondrial disease, he founded Henry’s Hope, a nonprofit that helps families access life-saving treatment for critically ill children without overwhelming financial strain.

Tommy Mello, founder and CEO, A1 Garage Door Service

In the past year, Mello donated over $1 million to nonprofits like Feed My Starving Children and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, while also volunteering with PLEA Charities and Make-A-Wish. After learning about a local family with a daughter battling cancer, he gifted them a new garage — plus a surprise $10,000 to help fund their twin daughters’ education.

Jeff Meshey, president and CEO, Desert Financial Credit Union

Under Meshey’s leadership, Desert Financial Credit Union contributed over $5.2 million in corporate, foundation and employee giving in 2024, impacting 365,232 Arizonans. In October, 1,300 team members volunteered at the annual all-employee event, assembling and donating 430 bikes to The Foster Alliance — Desert Financial’s largest-ever bike donation — fulfilling all the nonprofit’s birthday and holiday requests through the end of 2024.

Justin Naber, vice president of business development, Brix Paving Northwest 

Naber is a relentless force for good. A fixture with Fiesta Bowl Charities since 2018, he’s chaired key committees and earned Committee Member of the Year. He co-leads Big Dig for Kids, helping raise more than $2 million for Phoenix Children’s. Nader donates more than 100 hours annually to causes like St. Mary’s Food Bank, Junior Achievement and more — impacting lives with purpose and heart.

Brandon Rafi, founder, Rafi Law Group 

Rafi has built one of Arizona’s most recognized personal injury law firms with philanthropy as a core value. He established the firm’s charitable initiative, Rafi’s Hope, to focus on helping children, families and underserved communities throughout the state. Rafi’s Hope has contributed more than 2,770 volunteer hours since 2022, supported by major financial contributions to local causes, including a $500,000 gift to Valleywise Health Foundation.

Mike Stafford, president, LGE Design Build

Under the leadership of Stafford, the David R. Sellers Foundation has prioritized active employee participation and hands-on involvement in community service. Stafford has championed a culture of giving, encouraging team members to support local causes in ways that go beyond financial contributions. As a result, employees across both companies regularly take part in charitable projects and volunteer initiatives throughout the year.

Trevor Wilde, CEO, Wilde Wealth Management Group

“Through Wilde for Arizona, we empower our team to make a difference in our community through everything from the sponsorship of local sports teams to organizing fundraising events for nonprofits in need to simply donating to causes near and dear to the teams’ hearts,” says Wilde. One example: Team members from Wilde Wealth Management Group came together to support Child Crisis Arizona and its preschool program.