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 Kathy Mills, president and CEO of Donor Network of Arizona.
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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Kathy Mills, president and CEO, Donor Network of Arizona
Background: Mills is president and CEO of Donor Network of Arizona, where she has served for 34 years. A CPA with a master’s degree in healthcare management and business administration from University of Arizona Eller College of Management, she previously served as CFO before becoming CEO. Mills is a past board president of Foundation for Blind Children and was named 2015 Nonprofit CFO of the Year by the Arizona chapter of Financial Executives International. In her first year as CEO, the organization achieved a record number of lives saved and improved through organ and tissue donation.
Advice to younger self: “If I could give my younger self one piece of advice, it would be this: trust that most things work out- often better than you imagined. I spent far too much time worrying about making the perfect decision or anticipating every possible outcome. What I’ve learned, personally and professionally, is that resilience, integrity, and showing up consistently matter more than perfection. Challenges will come, but so will opportunities, growth, and people willing to help you along the way. Have confidence in your ability to navigate what comes next.”
Surprising fact: “A surprising fact about me is that I was painfully shy growing up. As the oldest of three daughters, I was the child who never wanted to raise her hand in class or be the center of attention. People who know me today are usually shocked to hear that because my career has required me to become highly collaborative, visible, and comfortable leading through complexity. It’s a good reminder that growth happens over time- and sometimes the qualities we develop most strongly are the ones that once felt the least natural.”
