Arizona's Children Association Executive and Leadership Team

Tracy Thurston, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Arizona's Children Association, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest statewide child welfare agency. Thurston manages high-level partnerships with state stakeholders to expand behavioral health access across all 15 Arizona counties. By aligning organizational resources with long-term welfare goals, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the sustainability of critical community programs. Tracy Thurston maintains rigorous oversight of agency-wide compliance and fiscal health, fostering an environment of operational excellence. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine service delivery models for children and families. Through proactive advocacy and resource allocation, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of protecting youth. Ultimately, Thurston secures the necessary support to maintain the agency's status as a premier provider of comprehensive behavioral health and welfare services throughout the region.

Fred Chaffee, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Arizona's Children Association, architects the internal operational frameworks that support statewide child welfare initiatives. Chaffee focuses on the integration of behavioral health services into existing community support structures to maximize impact across diverse Arizona populations. The President & Chief Executive Officer monitors performance metrics to ensure that every program meets stringent quality standards for care. Fred Chaffee coordinates with executive leadership to streamline administrative processes, allowing for greater focus on direct client support. This role requires constant evaluation of market needs to adapt service offerings in real-time. By optimizing internal workflows, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances the efficiency of the entire agency. Ultimately, Chaffee strengthens the organizational foundation, ensuring that the mission of providing comprehensive welfare services remains effective and scalable across the entire state of Arizona.

Nichole Wiese, the Chief Operating Officer at Arizona's Children Association, executes the daily management of statewide behavioral health and child welfare programs. Wiese oversees the logistical coordination of services across all 15 Arizona counties, ensuring that resources reach families in need efficiently. The Chief Operating Officer monitors program performance and staff deployment to maintain high standards of care throughout the agency. Nichole Wiese collaborates with clinical directors to refine service delivery models, focusing on measurable outcomes for children and youth. This leadership role involves constant interaction with regional managers to address operational challenges and improve service accessibility. By optimizing the deployment of personnel and assets, the Chief Operating Officer drives the agency's mission forward. Ultimately, Wiese ensures that the operational capacity of the organization remains robust, supporting the long-term health and safety of the communities served by the agency.

Sarah Chavez, the Left, President at Arizona's Children Association, directs the specialized outreach and community engagement initiatives that support the agency's behavioral health mission. Chavez manages relationships with local partners and stakeholders to broaden the reach of child welfare services across the state. The Left, President coordinates public awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of comprehensive behavioral health support for Arizona families. Sarah Chavez works closely with the executive team to align community-facing programs with the broader strategic goals of the organization. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of regional needs to ensure that services remain relevant and accessible. By fostering strong community ties, the Left, President enhances the agency's ability to provide critical support to vulnerable populations. Ultimately, Chavez drives the growth of the agency's footprint, ensuring that the mission of protecting children remains a central focus for all statewide stakeholders.

Susan Encinas, the Chief Information Officer at Arizona's Children Association, directs the digital infrastructure required to support comprehensive child welfare and behavioral health operations. Encinas manages the secure storage and analysis of sensitive client data across all 15 Arizona counties, ensuring full regulatory compliance. The Chief Information Officer implements advanced technology solutions that streamline case management for social workers and clinical staff. Susan Encinas oversees the integration of telehealth platforms to expand access to behavioral health services in remote regions. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with other executives to align technical capabilities with the agency's strategic welfare goals. By modernizing internal systems, the Chief Information Officer improves the speed and accuracy of service delivery. Ultimately, Encinas provides the technological backbone necessary for the agency to maintain its position as a leader in statewide child welfare and behavioral health support.