SAHUARITA | GREEN VALLEY

 LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Elevate SGV Leadership Program

2025


Charter

Elevate SGV is a Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce-led initiative designed to cultivate and enhance the leadership of community members, empowering them to impact the community's growth and development positively. This program will focus on community engagement, governance, and personal development, particularly emphasizing the unique business and community needs within Sahuarita and Green Valley, AZ. 

Goals

  • Leadership: Providing knowledge and understanding to enhance community leadership.
  • Community Engagement: Learning about the community and its opportunities.
  • Local Governance: Providing insights into the functioning of local governance and its role in community development.
  • Networking and Collaboration: Growing a network of individuals with a shared commitment to our community’s success.
  • Personal Growth: Encouraging personal and professional development.

Target Audience

The program is open to all Sahuarita and Green Valley residents, including:

  • Emerging leaders and young professionals
  • Community volunteers
  • Local business owners
  • Students and youth interested in civic engagement

Structure

The program will run for four months and will include the following components:

  1. Workshops and Seminars:
  • Leadership Development: Topics such as effective communication and community leadership needs.
  • Local Government 101: Understanding the structure, roles, and responsibilities.
  • Community Engagement: Techniques for engaging with community members and encouraging participation.

   2. Mentorship Program:

  • Pairing participants with experienced community leaders and town officials.
  • Regular check-ins and guidance on personal and professional development.

  3. Community Projects:

  • Participants will work in teams to develop and implement community improvement projects.
  • Projects will address specific local issues and contribute to the town's development.

  4. Networking Events:

  • Opportunities to connect with local leaders, business owners, and other community members.
  • Regular social events to build relationships and foster collaboration.

  5. Field Trips and Site Visits:

  • Visits to local government offices, businesses, and community organizations.
  • Hands-on learning experiences to understand the practical aspects of community leadership.

Application Process (Currently Closed for 2025)

Interested participants can apply online through the GVS Chamber Website. The application will include:

  • A personal statement outlining their interest in the program.
  • A resume highlighting relevant experience and community involvement.
  • Two letters of recommendation from community members or local leaders.


FEE: One-time contribution of $435. Scholarships are available if needed.

 Program Schedule (Sessions will run 9:00 am - 12:00 noon)

  • Interviews: Aug 13-20
  • Aug 27: Orientation and Introduction to Leadership - Rose Snyder (Owner, Rose Snyder Consulting) and Brian Heithoff (CEO, Trico Electric Cooperative). Topic of effective communication and what leadership is for our communities.
  • Sept 9: Understanding Local Government - Shane Dille (Manager, Town of Sahuarita),Debbie Kenyon (President, Green Valley Council). Understanding the structure, roles, responsibilities, and growth challenges.
  • Sept 16: Education System - Manny Valenzuela (Superintendent, Sahuarita Unified School District) and Roxana Rico (Superintendent, Continental School District). Vision of the future of education, challenges, and growth.
  • Sept 30: Industrial Community - James Stewart (Director ESG, Grupo Mexico - ASARCO), Tina Czerwinski (Proving Grounds Manager, Caterpillar Inc.), and Matt Smogor (Social Performance Manager, Freeport-McMoRan). Mining in our community, environmental, growth, and government.
  • Oct 14: Community Health/Safety - Brett Lee (Chief Administrative Officer, Northwest Healthcare), John Noland (Chief of Police, Sahuarita Police Department) and Chuck Wunder (Fire Chief, Santa Rita Fire District). How our community is currently served, current challenges, and growth challenges.
  • Oct 28: Community Food Bank/Non-Profits - Joyce Finkelstein (Program Manager, Green Valley Sahuarita Volunteer Clearing House), Natalie Ream (Outreach Event Coordinator, Community Food Bank - Green Valley/Amado), and Carlos Valles (Executive Director, Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center). Community growth needs, volunteer engagement, and enabling leadership-driven communities.
  • Nov 11: Senior Community - Joni Condit (President & CEO, La Posada Green Valley) and Joyce Finkelstein (Program Mgr., Green Valley Sahuarita Volunteer Clearing House). Diversity of our communities' growth, changing needs, and strengthening our community.
  • Nov 25: Small Business Community - Randy Graf (President & CEO, Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce), Ryan Bennett (Co-Owner, Bill's Home Service Company), and Dru Sanchez (Publisher, Green Valley News & Sahuarita Sun). Business demographics, family-owned businesses, and community leadership, growth opportunities, and challenges.
  • Dec 9: Graduation - Town Councils SGV


Leadership & Program Partners

Advisory Board

  • Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce – Randy Graf
  • Town of Sahuarita – Shane Dille
  • TRICO – Brian Heithoff
  • Caterpillar – Tina Czerwinski
  • Sahuarita Unified Schools – Manny Valenzuela
  • La Posada – Joni Condit
  • Green Valley News – Dru Sanchez
  • Northwest Medical Center – Brett Lee
  • ASARCO – James Stewart
  • Bill’s Home Services – Ryan Bennett


Steering Committee

  • Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce – Randy Graf
  • TRICO – Brian Heithoff
  • Caterpillar – Tina Czerwinski
  • Green Valley News – Dru Sanchez
  • ASARCO – James Stewart
  • Sahuarita Unified Schools – Manny Valenzuela
  • Bill’s Home Services – Ryan Bennett
  • Mighty Underdogs – Donna Hover Ojeda
  • Town of Sahuarita – Shane Dille


Host Organizations

  • Sahuarita Food Bank – Carlos Viga
  • Green Valley Food Bank – Ray Agular
  • Green Valley Council – Debbie Kenyon
  • Continental School District – Roxana Rico
  • Sahuarita Police Department
  • Santa Rita Fire District
  • Green Valley Volunteers – Joyce Finkelstein
  • Freeport-McMoRan – Matt Smogor


Conclusion

The Elevate SGV Leadership Program brings together emerging and established leaders, businesses, educators, and civic organizations to strengthen the future of our community. By developing informed, connected, and compassionate leaders, we ensure the continued growth and vitality of the Green Valley and Sahuarita region.