Valley Leadership announces Tom Ambrose and Ambassador Barbara Barrett as the organization’s 2012 Man & Woman of the Year. The pair will be honored for their distinguished service to the community at an awards luncheon in March.
Ambrose is well known in the greater Phoenix Metropolitan area as a community leader for nearly four decades. He joined the management team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) as Executive Director in June, 2010. Prior to that, Ambrose spent 37 years with the Phoenix Suns working in public relations, marketing, advertising and foundation management roles. For 17 years, he was the executive director of Phoenix Suns Charities.
Under his leadership, the Phoenix Suns Charities grew from a good idea in 1988, to a high impact community grant-maker by raising and distributing over nine millions dollars in grants and scholarships over the years
“Tom’s commitment to our community has impacted dozens of organizations across the Valley,” said Jerry Lewkowitz, co-chair of this year’s Selection Committee. “The nonprofit landscape is filled with landmarks to his efforts.”
Barbara Barrett is President and CEO of Triple Creek Guest Ranch, perennially ranked among the top hotels in the world. Until November 2012, she was also Interim President of Thunderbird School of Global Management, the world’s #1 school for international management. Previously, she was Ambassador to Finland, Senior Advisor to the U.S. Mission to the United Nations, CEO of the American Management Association, a Fellow teaching Leadership at Harvard and Chairman of the U.S. Advisory Commission on Public Diplomacy.
“Starting with her participation in Valley Leadership Class I, Barbara has proven her commitment to our community over many years of leadership,” Sue Glawe, Selection Committee co-chair, said. “Her list of accomplishments is a shining example for our community.”
Ambrose and Barrett join a prestigious list of past Man and Woman of the Year award recipients spanning 63 years. U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater was honored as the inaugural Man of the Year and most recently Sue Glawe and Jerry Lewkowitz were recognized as the 2012 recipients.
The newest inductees will be formally recognized at a luncheon on March 21, 2013, at the Arizona Biltmore. For more information or to purchase seats or sponsorships, call the Valley Leadership office at (602) 952-6760.
