The Arizona Forward board of directors has named Lori Singleton to lead the state’s oldest environmental advocacy organization as the new president and CEO. The nearly 50-year-old organization has left a profound mark on the state’s natural and built environment, and is preparing to make an even bigger impact in the coming years.
Singleton’s focus is to significantly increase statewide advocacy efforts. She and the board of directors are setting a new course in 2018 to make tangible progress on issues that are in line with the organization’s mission and vision. The priorities include:
• Advocating for improved use of waterways, including Senator John McCain’s vision of “Rio Salado 2.0” and the Santa Cruz River in Tucson.
• Promoting policies and convening state-wide dialogue to make Arizona a leader in autonomous and connected vehicle adoption.
• Advancing canal redevelopment to promote connectivity and economic development.
• Collaborating with others to solve Arizona’s forest health issues.
Singleton accepted the position after a 39-year career at Salt River Project (SRP), a long time Arizona Forward supporter. “While we will miss her at SRP, her energy, passion and knowledge of environmental issues will serve Arizona Forward well,” said Mark Bonsall, CEO of SRP. She has an extensive history with Arizona Forward, previously having served on its board of directors and as board chair in 2002. Additionally, during her time at SRP, Singleton’s work often connected her with Arizona Forward’s focus on key sustainability issues for the state.
“After an extensive search and interviewing many qualified candidates, Lori stood apart as a leader with the extraordinary ability to connect vision, people and ideas, which is critical to drive the strategy and execution of our mission,” said David Skinner of HDR, who recently began his first term as board chair for Arizona Forward. “Lori has the industry knowledge, statewide connections and organizational history that makes her ideal to lead our effort to reset, refocus and re-energize as an environmental advocacy leader.”
Arizona Forward has the unique distinction of having influenced quality of life decisions in the state since 1969 by mobilizing business leaders and policymakers. The organization’s goal is to leverage its collective power to influence how we best grow our communities, stimulate our economy and enhance our environment. For more, visit arizonaforward.org.
