Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 20, 2025. Today, meet Lisa Simpson, senior vice president of the Arizona Media Association.
From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, the Most Influential Women in Arizona were selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026 will be honored at a celebratory dinner on Aug. 20, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The Spotlight Award Sponsor for the Most Influential Women of 2026 is CORE Construction, the Special Gift Sponsor is Tarbell’s, the VIP Sponsor is GCON, the VIP Reception Sponsor is Cullum Homes, the Cover Photo Shoot Sponsor is Greenberg Traurig, the Beverage Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial, the Valet Sponsor in Stevens-Leinweber, the Floral Sponsor is PCL Construction, the Dessert Sponsor is SottoPelle and Tutera Medical, the 360 Photo Booth Sponsor is Clayco, the Step-and -Repeat Sponsor is Morris Hall, the Digital Sponsor is Desert Diamond Casinos, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone.
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Lisa Simpson, senior vice president, Arizona Media Association
Background: Simpson was instrumental in the 2023 innovation that led to the creation of the Arizona Media Association, a first-of-its-kind organization representing nearly 400 media brands across TV, radio, print, and digital platforms. Formerly Executive Director of the Arizona Newspapers Association, she partnered with the Arizona Broadcasters Association to unify Arizona’s media industry. As Senior Vice President, Lisa actively lobbies to protect press freedoms, engages with congressional leaders in Washington, DC, and oversees major initiatives including the Arizona Debates series.
Advice to younger self: “If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: be brave, take the risk, and stop second‑guessing yourself. Trust your instincts and don’t make decisions based on what others think you should do. And one practical note—stick with physical fitness. Your future self will thank you for the strength, confidence, and resilience it brings.”
Surprising fact: “A surprising fact about me? I am a full‑on geek and proudly so. I love science fiction and fantasy. Comic Con? I’m there. A new Star Trek movie? First in line. I even named one of my dogs Seven of Nine (if you know, you know). My current obsession is Warhammer 40K: building and painting tiny armies, then spending hours locked in epic tabletop battles.”
