
SAHUARITA | GREEN VALLEY
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Elevate SGV Leadership Program
A Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce Initiative
Building Leaders. Strengthening Community. Shaping What’s Next.
Elevate SGV is a Chamber-led leadership development program designed to cultivate informed, connected, and engaged leaders across Green Valley and Sahuarita. Through hands-on learning, local insight, and meaningful relationships, participants gain a deeper understanding of how our community works—and how they can help lead it forward.
Launched in 2025, Elevate SGV was created to invest in people who care about this place and want to play an active role in its future.
Looking Back: The Inaugural Class of 2025
In December 2025, we proudly celebrated the graduation of the first-ever Elevate SGV cohort.
Over four months, participants engaged with leaders from local government, public safety, education, healthcare, nonprofits, industry, and small business. They asked thoughtful questions, explored real challenges facing our region, and built relationships across sectors that don’t often sit in the same room.
What stood out most wasn’t just what they learned—it was how they showed up. With curiosity. With courage. And with a genuine commitment to the communities of Green Valley and Sahuarita.
This graduation marked more than the completion of a program. It marked the beginning of a growing network of leaders who understand their community and are ready to serve it.
The Elevate SGV Experience
Program Goals
- Leadership Development – Strengthening skills, confidence, and perspective for community leadership
- Community Engagement – Deepening understanding of local opportunities and challenges
- Local Governance – Learning how decisions are made and how residents can engage
- Networking & Collaboration – Building lasting relationships across sectors
- Personal Growth – Encouraging both professional and civic development
Who It’s For
- Elevate SGV is open to residents of Green Valley and Sahuarita, including:
- Emerging leaders and young professionals
- Community volunteers
- Local business owners and professionals
- Students and individuals interested in civic engagement
Structure
The program runs for approximately four months and will include the following components:
- Workshops and Seminars Focused on:
- 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:
- Participants are paired with experienced community leaders and professionals for guidance, insight, and real-world perspective.
3. Community Projects:
- Small group projects designed to address local needs and encourage collaborative problem-solving.
4. Networking Events:
- Intentional connection with community leaders, businesses, and fellow participants.
5. Field Trips and Site Visits:
- Behind-the-scenes access to local government offices, businesses, and community organizations.
2025 Program Highlights & Session Topics
Sessions were held from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon and included:
- Leadership & Effective Communication
- Local Government & Regional Growth
- Education Systems & Workforce Development
- Industry & Economic Drivers
- Community Health & Public Safety
- Nonprofits, Food Security & Volunteerism
- Senior Community & Changing Demographics
- Small Business & Media
The program concluded with a graduation ceremony attended by local Town Councils, celebrating participant achievement and community investment.
Leadership & Program Partners
Elevate SGV is made possible through the leadership, insight, and support of community partners across sectors.
Advisory Board & Steering Committee
Representatives from:
- Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce
- Town of Sahuarita
- TRICO
- Caterpillar
- ASARCO
- Sahuarita Unified Schools
- Green Valley News
- Northwest Medical Center
- Bill’s Home Services
- Mighty Underdogs
Host Organizations
Including local food banks, school districts, public safety agencies, healthcare systems, and major employers throughout the region.
Looking Ahead to Elevate SGV 2026
Based on the success of our inaugural year, Elevate SGV is planned as an annual leadership program.
While specific dates and application timelines for 2026 are still being finalized, the program structure and experience will remain largely the same—continuing to offer meaningful access to local leaders, hands-on learning, and cross-sector connection.
Applications for the next cohort are expected to open later in 2026.
Details will be shared through the GVS Chamber website and communications.
Why Elevate SGV Matters
Strong communities don’t happen by accident. They’re built by people who understand their place, care deeply about it, and are willing to step into leadership.
Elevate SGV exists to support that kind of leadership—rooted in knowledge, connection, and service—so Green Valley and Sahuarita continue to grow with intention and strength.
Class of 2025 – Graduates
Casey Anderson
Pioneer Title – Assistant Escrow Officer
Chelsea Hundal
Family Manager / Caregiver
Daryl Finfrock
Southwest Gas – Manager/Customer Service
Elizabeth Kilpatrick
Green Valley News – Circulation Consultant/Staff Photographer
Eric Hawkins
Trico Electric Cooperative, Inc. – COO and General Counsel
Fatima Issa
RTX – Systems Design Engineer
Greg VanAlstine
Santa Rita Fire District – Deputy Chief
Kellie Tonks
Sahuarita Food Bank & CRC – Community Outreach Manager
Kimberlee McNew
United Community Health Center – Chief Operating Officer
Patricia Vargas
ASARCO LLC – Supervisor
Rustyn Sherer
Tucson Electric Power Company – Sr. Key Account Manager
Sam Flores
Action Print & Copy – Supervisor
Shawn Roberts
Caterpillar Inc. – Engineering Manager
Sydney Watts
Freelance Writer/Photographer
Terry Pignato
Green Valley Cooling & Heating – General Manager
Tiffany Ford
The Villas at Green Valley – Marketing Director

