This year, WESTMARC (Western Maricopa Coalition) celebrates its 35th anniversary while unveiling the finalists for the 33rd Annual Best of the West Awards Dinner—a premier event celebrating individuals and organizations making lasting contributions across the West Valley. There are four categories that will be recognized: Economic Engine, Excellence in Education & Workforce Development, Excellence in Innovation, and Quality of Life Enhancement.

This year WESTMARC received 40 competitive nominations. Below are the finalists in each category.

  • Economic Engine: City of Glendale – Loop 303 Corridor and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC)
  • Excellence in Education & Workforce Development: Agua Fria Union High School District – Academies of the Southwest Valley and Boys & Girls Club of the Valley – AZ Youthforce Program
  • Excellence in Innovation: Abrazo Health West Campus and City of Hope Arizona
  • Quality of Life Enhancement: Circle the City and West Valley Mavericks Foundation

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Additionally, WESTMARC will honor two board selected awards, a President’s Choice Award recipient, and a West Valley Emerging Leaders Impact Award recipient.

The West Valley Inspiration in Leadership Award recognizes a person, group or organization which serves as an example of extraordinary leadership to others. Charley Freericks, President of Howard Hughes, Teravalis will be honored as the 2025 recipient.

The West Valley Regional Advancement Award recognizes a person, group or organization that has strengthened and transformed the West Valley’s position for economic growth. Christine Mackay, Director of the City of Phoenix Community and Economic Development, will be honored as the 2025 recipient for her work in bringing the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and other significant projects to the greater region. The Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) Board of Directors recently announced Mackay as the new President & CEO of the organization, effective Oct. 13, 2025.

This year’s President’s Choice Award will be uniquely replaced with a special 35th Anniversary Legacy Award to honor a WESTMARC Member who has served as an example of extraordinary leadership by going above and beyond in their foundational contribution to WESTMARC. The 35th Anniversary Legacy Award recipient is Herman Orcutt, a founding leader of WESTMARC and lifelong West Valley advocate.

The West Valley Emerging Leaders Impact Award recognizes an exceptional young professional under 40 who is making significant contributions to the West Valley’s quality of life and shaping the region’s future. The finalists for this year’s award are:

  • Alexi Kuska (Arizona State University – College of Health Solutions)
  • Whitney Yates Woods (Yates Buick GMC)
  • Gabriel Gamino Guerrero (Alhambra Elementary School District)
  • Sara Alloway (Liberty Utilities)
  • Vanesa Contreras Rodriguez (New Pathways For Youth)
  • Victoria Okula Samwick (EPCOR USA)
  • Robert White (Cigna Healthcare)
  • KC Shuck (City of Glendale)

“Every year, the Best of the West Awards remind us of the West Valley’s resilience and innovation. This year, as we commemorate our 35th anniversary and mark the 33rd iteration of this celebration, our finalists and honorees embody the spirit of leadership, community, and progress that defines our region,” said Sintra Hoffman, WESTMARC President and CEO. “Their dedication continues to propel the West Valley forward.”

Event Details

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025

Time: 5:30pm – 9:00pm

Location: Desert Diamond Arena, Glendale, AZ

Sponsorship opportunities are available as well as individual and table rates. Visit https://www.westmarc.org/bow25/ for additional information.