Each year, Az Business magazine, a publication of AZ Big Media, presents the Champions of Change Awards to recognize those dynamic innovators and trailblazers who are changing Arizona’s business landscape through leadership, visionary thinking and philanthropy. The Champions of Change Awards honor both individuals and organizations. The Champions of Change Awards will be held Thursday, May 16, 2024. Each day leading up to the event, we will preview one category of finalists. Today, meet the Champions of Change finalists for medium-sized business leader of the year.

Sponsors of the Champions of Change Awards include BOK Financial (impact sponsor), Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona (spotlight sponsor), Stearns Bank (step-and-repeat sponsor), Maricopa Corporate College at Maricopa Community Colleges (photo booth sponsor), Lerner & Rowe Gives Back (name tag sponsor), REDW Advisors and CPAs (floral sponsor) and Center for the Future of Arizona (dessert sponsor).

To learn more about the Champions of Change Awards, click here.

Finalists for medium-sized business leader of the year

Rebecca Cain

Co-founder // Silver Cain

Cain’s trial experience and background in accounting and business provide her insight into the difficult challenges clients face when dealing with litigation. Rebecca draws on this experience to work with clients to implement a litigation and trial strategy that supports their business objectives and needs.

Angie Schmidt

CEO // SDB Contracting

Since her father founded SDB in 1980, Schmidt has had construction in her blood. Since Schmidt became CEO, SDB has obtained the Women-Owned Business Enterprise certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council. In addition to corporate duties, Schmidt leads the company’s philanthropic and community engagement programs.

Troy Foster

Partner // The Foster Group

In 2008, Foster and his family founded Henry’s Hope, a nonprofit created to provide necessary resources to families with children facing terminal or life-threatening illnesses, helping them to obtain diagnoses, medications and vital treatments in addition to patient advocates that help them navigate the system. 

Josh Hartmann

CEO // NexMetro Communities

Through his leadership, NexMetro piloted the Arizona Housing Fund’s Multihousing Rent Round Up program to support the development of affordable housing and support services for Arizonans facing housing insecurity. He also serves as a mentor for Project Destined and supports the Alice Cooper Solid Rock Teen Centers.

Kyle Kennedy

Phoenix president // Bell Bank

Driven by a mission of “happy employees, happy customers,” Bell Bank’s award-winning culture includes giving employees money for causes they care about through its Pay It Forward program, which has donated more than $27 million to people and organizations in need since 2008. 

Ahmad Alatrash

Founder // Mesquite Fresh Street Mex

Since its inception as a humble walk-up taco stand in Old Town Scottsdale, Alatrash has grown Mesquite Fresh Street Mex to nine Valley locations, allowing the restaurant to rally their customer base around various social issues and likeminded nonprofits.

Jonathan Keyser

Founder // Keyser

Keyser’s dedication to serving the Arizona community still remains centered around selfless service. His team follows his lead with members actively going above and beyond in their communities through individual service efforts and their service to other community organizations, development boards and philanthropic efforts. 

Linda Searles

Executive director // Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center

Searles leads Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center, which provides wildlife care in Arizona. It is a nonprofit that runs on donations only and has a statewide network of volunteers that are on call 24/7 to rescue wildlife to transport back to the center.