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 Kim Adair, senior vice president at Alerus.
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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Kim Adair, senior vice president, Alerus
Background: Adair is a purpose-driven leader with nearly two decades of experience in the financial industry and a deep passion for serving communities. She is known for her servant leadership approach, leading with integrity and a strong commitment to advocacy, volunteerism and mentoring. Adair is especially dedicated to supporting mission-driven, nonprofit and community-based organizations that address critical needs and create lasting impact. In her professional work as senior vice president of Government & Nonprofit Commercial Banking at Alerus, she partners with clients to deliver strategic financial solutions that promote long-term sustainability and meaningful change.
Advice to younger self: “Trust yourself sooner. Don’t wait for permission to lead or for every box to be checked—your values, instincts and work ethic are enough. Say yes to opportunities that stretch you, invest in relationships and never underestimate the power of leading with empathy and purpose.”
Surprising fact: “I began learning dog training after bringing home a Cane Corso puppy and recognizing the responsibility of owning a powerful working breed. I train with a specialist in working breeds and civil service training and quickly became passionate, eventually mentoring under my trainer. This has become a family pursuit, with my 13-year-old son training alongside me. I fostered and trained a Dutch Shepherd who is now a police dog in California. The experience has strengthened my patience, consistency, communication skills and attention to detail through reading canine cues and behavior.”
