SAHUARITA | GREEN VALLEY

 LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Elevate SGV Leadership Program

A Green Valley Sahuarita Chamber of Commerce Initiative


Register Here Today for the 2026 Program


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:

  1. 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.

Program Schedule – Tentative (sessions will be on Tuesday mornings and run from 9:00 am - 12:00 noon)

  • Application Deadline July 24, 2026
  • Aug 4: Orientation and Introduction to Leadership (Sahuarita Town Hall)
  • Aug 18: History & Culture of Our Community (Sahuarita Public Library)
  • Sept 1: Education System (SUSD District Office)
  • Sept. 15: Community Health/Safety (UCHC TED Center)
  • Sept 29: Understanding Local Government (tbd)
  • Oct 6: The Non-Profit Scene (Sahuarita Food Bank & Community Resource Center)
  • Oct 20: Industrial Community (tbd)
  • Nov 10: Economic Development / Water (tbd)
  • Dec 1: Media & Small Business Community (tbd)
  • Dec 8: Graduation – Sahuarita Town Hall  (5-7:30 pm)

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.

You can register for this year's cohort HERE.


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.


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.


“Joining Elevate SGV was one of the most meaningful decisions I've made as a community member. Over four months, I sat across from local government officials, healthcare leaders, educators, and small business owners, people I never would have connected with otherwise. I left every session with a clearer picture of how our region actually works and a stronger sense of how my role in the fire department shapes it. This program doesn't just teach you about your community, it made me genuinely invested in its future. If you care about the future of Green Valley and Sahuarita, Elevate SGV is where that commitment grows into action”.

Greg VanAlstine, Deputy Chief, Santa Rita Fire District


Throughout the program, I gained meaningful leadership insights and a clearer picture of both the challenges and opportunities facing our region. I was inspired by the commitment to service, collaboration, and teamwork that helps our community thrive. The behind-the-scenes access to local organizations, businesses, and leaders gave me a better understanding of how everything connects within the community. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to become more engaged in the Sahuarita and Green Valley area. I especially encourage employees of local businesses and organizations who market to, serve, or partner with our community to participate. It’s an outstanding opportunity for both personal and professional growth, and you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the partnerships and leadership that strengthen our community every single day.

  Sydney Watts, Freelance Writer/Photographer


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