Never before has the Arizona business community needed leaders who are agile, adaptable, and innovative more than they are needed in today’s rapidly expanding economy. That’s what the Champions of Change awards are all about — recognizing those dynamic innovators and trailblazers who are changing Arizona’s economic environment through leadership and visionary thinking.
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“We created the Champions of Change Awards to recognize those innovative leaders, for-profit companies, and nonprofits who are changing the landscape of Arizona business,” says AZ Big Media Publisher Amy Lindsey. “These awards shine a spotlight on the state’s true game-changers and thought leaders. This is an awards event that is unlike any other the state has even seen.”
In the days that follow, the 2022 Champions of Change will be spotlighted right here on azbigmedia.com. Be sure to check back every day.
Champions of Change: Elise Gould, senior director of insights, brand strategy and communications, SRP
Elise Gould, SRP’s senior director of insights, brand strategy and communications, leads a team of more than 100 individuals collectively reimagining how the organization builds deeper and increasingly meaningful relationships with its customers and communities.
Under her leadership, the team has transformed into an integrated, data-driven organization that collaborates across departments to exceed KPIs. This wasn’t by accident. With a master’s in organizational psychology, Elise stepped into her leadership role by first seeking to understand the nuance around SRP marketing and communication needs and every team’s role in it. She then empowered her team members to bring their unique perspectives to the table to build a culture of change and performance together.
“Elise has a deep sense of curiosity and an ability to cultivate an environment where all voices and perspectives are heard,” said Alaina Chabrier, associate general manager and chief communications executive for SRP. “These traits have helped SRP and her team to move through change with agility and a growth mindset.”
Elise has championed change despite massive organizational and industry disruption. Both the pandemic and unprecedented growth in power demand in the Valley have been hurdles she has had to overcome with visionary thinking and commitment.
Her impact goes far beyond SRP’s walls. Elise serves as a board member for Fresh Start Women’s Foundation and has helped the organization transition successfully under new leadership and changing organizational needs. Elise also serves on the ASU Center for Services Leadership Advisory Board, where she advises the groundbreaking research center on expanding service innovation by combining the latest scientific insights from the academic world with the best of service strategy in the business world. Elise also co-founded the Arizona Interactive Marketing Association (AZIMA), a legacy that has lived on in the region for nearly a decade.
