Every year, Arizona’s business community proves that success isn’t just measured by revenue or growth—it’s measured by impact. That spirit takes center stage in Az Business magazine’s Champions of Change Awards, an awards event that celebrates the individuals and organizations who are raising the bar for leadership, innovation and philanthropy across the state.
The Champions of Change finalists and winners will be celebrated at a superhero-themed awards luncheon on May 21, 2026, at Omni Tempe at ASU. Learn more here. The presenting sponsor of the Champions of Change Awards is Phillips Law Group, the spotlight sponsor is BOK Financial, the VIP reception sponsor is Plexus Worldwide, the VIP sponsor is Valleywise Health, the dessert sponsor is CHASSE Building Team and the floral provider is PJs Flowers.
From healthcare pioneers and nonprofit visionaries to forward-thinking executives and community champions, this year’s finalists represent the best of Arizona’s bold, purpose-driven leadership. They are the leaders who look at challenges and see opportunity. They are the businesses that find ways to grow while giving back. And they are the innovators who believe progress should benefit entire communities—not just their bottom line.
“These finalists truly embody what it means to be a Champion of Change,” says Amy Lindsey, vice president and publisher of AZ Big Media. “They are visionary leaders who are not only excelling in their industries, but also lifting others up and strengthening the communities where they live and work.”
Across industries such as healthcare, finance, construction, technology, education and nonprofit services, the finalists share a common trait: a relentless drive to make things better. Some are transforming the way healthcare is delivered. Others are creating opportunities for underserved communities, advancing education initiatives, or leading companies that are redefining what innovation looks like in Arizona’s rapidly evolving economy.
What makes the Champions of Change especially inspiring is the diversity of stories behind them. Some finalists are entrepreneurs who built companies from the ground up. Others are leaders within major organizations who are reshaping corporate culture and redefining how businesses connect with their communities. Many are passionate advocates who use their platforms to support philanthropy, workforce development, education and social impact.
“Arizona is filled with remarkable leaders who quietly do extraordinary things every day,” Lindsey says. “Champions of Change gives us the opportunity to spotlight those individuals and organizations whose leadership is making a meaningful difference in our state.”
2026 Champions of Change Awards finalists
The finalists for Az Business magazine’s Champions of Change Awards are visionary leaders and organizations driving meaningful impact through innovation, leadership and a deep commitment to strengthening Arizona’s communities. You can read more in-depth profiles of each category leading up to the Champions of Change Awards, but here are the names of the finalists:
Businesses of the year
AVNET
Axon Enterprise
CHASSE Building Team
Cox Communications
Desert Financial Credit Union
OneAZ Credit Union
National Bank of Arizona
P.B. Bell
Salt River Project (SRP)
Western Alliance Bank
Healthcare leaders of the year
Dr. Dani Cabral, BrainLove
Nora Hannah, Sun Health
Jonae Harrison, Adelante Healthcare
Morgan Haynes, Tribal Health
Todd LaPorte, HonorHealth
Dr. Elizabeth Lopez-Murray, Arizona School of Health Services
Mark Moeremans, Spectrum Medical Care Center
Steven Schnall, Phoenix Children’s Foundation
Daniel Stringer, Total Care Connections
Dr. Michael White, Valleywise Health
Healthcare organization of the year
Barrow Neurological Institute
CenterWell Pharmacy
City of Hope Phoenix
Delta Dental of Arizona
HonorHealth
Mayo Clinic
Molina Healthcare of Arizona
Sun Health Foundation
Tucson Medical Center
Valleywise Health
Large business leaders of the year
Ryan Abbott, Clayco
Susan Anable, Cox Communications
Tim Boothe, Western Alliance Bank
Duerk Brewer, Matthews
Alec Clark, Plexus Worldwide
Barb Kozuh, Delta Dental of Arizona
Joseph La Rue, Sun Health
Jody Sarchett, Marsh McLennan Agency
Daniel Stringer, Total Care Connections
April Tawney, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino
Most innovative companies
Aprio Legal
Arizona Commerce Authority
Arizona State University Health Futures Initiative
Ballet Arizona
BioLab Holdings
Caris Life Sciences
LGE Design Build
Paradox
PCS Forensic
Solari Crisis & Human Services
Nonprofit leaders of the year
Justin Chase, Solari Crisis & Human Services
Tad Gary, Mercy Care
Michael Hughes, A New Leaf
Kim Humphrey, Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL)
Carrie Masters, The Worker
Nancy Padberg, Catholic Education Arizona
Jason Reed, United Food Bank
Tony and Melody Rodarte, Compassion Alliance
Todd Rogers, Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona
Amber Smith, Pipeline Connects
Megan Steckly, Compudopt
Francine Sumner, Kid in the Corner
Michele Thorne, Care 4 the Caregivers
Tracy Thurston, Arizona’s Children Association
Leigh Zydonik, Foothills Foodbank & Resource Center
Nonprofit organizations of the year
AllThrive 365
Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation
Cancer Support Community Arizona
Child Crisis Arizona
Duet: Partners In Health & Aging
Hushabye Nursery
Lexie’s Voice
notMYkid
Rob Dollar Foundation
St. Mary’s Food Bank
The Worker
The Foster Alliance
The Phoenix Symphony
Treasure House
Waste Not
Wildfire
Philanthropic business leaders of the year
Ron Amstutz, Desert Financial
Jeffrey D. Anthony, Wilde Wealth Management Group
Alec Clark, Plexus Worldwide
Mary Fedewa, STORE Capital
Mary Foote, Arizona Office of Economic Opportunity
Diana Gibson, REDW Advisors & CPAs
John Hernandez, Arizona Publice Service (APS)
Kevin Rowe, Lerner & Rowe
Cade Rowley, Sundt Construction
Will Spong, Marsh McLennan Agency Arizona
Philanthropic companies of the year
APS
Arizona Diamondbacks
CHASSE Building Team
Delta Dental of Arizona
Desert Financial Credit Union
Lerner & Rowe
Plexus Worldwide
Rafi Law Group
Salt River Project
Sundt Construction
Business-driven philanthropic organizations of the year
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Foundation
Cox Charities
Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation
Desert Financial Foundation
HonorHealth Foundation
Lerner & Rowe Gives Back
Phillips Law Foundation
Phoenix Children’s Foundation
Rafi’s Hope
USAA Foundation
Small- and medium-size business leaders of the year
Nasser Abujbarah, Phillips Law Group
Daniela Cardim, Ballet Arizona
Dale Cavan, Cavan Commercial
Jenna Ghisolfo, Housing Consultants of America
Diana Gibson, REDW Advisors & CPAs
Mary Hagen, Colossal
Nathan Hunnell, CenterWell Pharmacy
Linus Malefors, Coeus Consulting
Leon Silver, Silver Cain
Kevin Walsh, Quarles & Brady
