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 the complex integration of behavioral health programs and family support services across diverse regional landscapes. By aligning organizational resources with the mission of protecting children, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures sustainable growth and operational excellence. Thurston maintains rigorous standards for clinical outcomes and community engagement, fostering partnerships that expand the reach of essential services. Through constant evaluation of service delivery models, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the impact of agency initiatives. Tracy Thurston drives the long-term financial health and regulatory compliance of the organization, ensuring that every program meets the evolving needs of Arizona families. This leadership role requires balancing immediate crisis intervention with proactive, long-term welfare strategies to maintain the agency's status as a premier provider of behavioral health solutions.

Fred Chaffee, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Arizona's Children Association, architects the expansion of statewide behavioral health infrastructure. Chaffee focuses on the development of innovative foster care and adoption frameworks that address the unique requirements of the Arizona market. By coordinating with the Board and external stakeholders, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary funding and policy support to sustain large-scale welfare operations. Fred Chaffee monitors the efficacy of clinical programs, ensuring that every service aligns with the core mission of the agency. The President & Chief Executive Officer manages the high-level administrative functions that support frontline staff across all 15 counties. Through strategic planning and resource allocation, Chaffee enhances the operational capacity of the organization. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments to provide consistent, high-quality care for children and families, ultimately strengthening the foundation of the entire statewide network.

Sarah Chavez, the Left, President at Arizona's Children Association, directs the specialized outreach and community engagement programs that define the agency's regional presence. Chavez architects strategic initiatives that connect vulnerable populations with essential behavioral health resources across the state. By fostering relationships with local community leaders and government agencies, the Left, President ensures that the organization remains responsive to the specific needs of diverse Arizona communities. Sarah Chavez manages the implementation of public-facing programs, ensuring that every initiative aligns with the agency's long-term welfare goals. The Left, President coordinates with other executive leaders to integrate community feedback into the broader organizational strategy. Through the development of targeted awareness campaigns, Chavez drives the visibility and impact of the agency's mission. This leadership role involves overseeing the execution of regional projects, ensuring that the organization maintains a strong, supportive presence in every county while delivering high-quality care to children and families.

Susan Encinas, the Chief Information Officer at Arizona's Children Association, directs the digital transformation of the agency's behavioral health data systems. Encinas architects secure, scalable cloud infrastructure that supports the complex documentation requirements of statewide child welfare services. By implementing advanced analytics, the Chief Information Officer provides actionable insights that improve clinical decision-making and operational efficiency. Susan Encinas manages the cybersecurity protocols necessary to protect sensitive family information across all 15 Arizona counties. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with other executive leaders to integrate technology into every aspect of service delivery, ensuring seamless communication between regional offices. Through the modernization of internal platforms, Encinas drives the technological agility required to respond to shifting community needs. This leadership role involves overseeing the entire IT lifecycle, from hardware procurement to software development, ensuring that the agency maintains a robust digital environment to support the critical work of protecting children.

Scphr Nichole Wiese, the Chief Administrative Officer at Arizona's Children Association, oversees the internal business processes that sustain the agency's statewide operations. Wiese manages human resources, facilities, and administrative workflows to ensure that frontline staff receive the support necessary for effective child welfare delivery. By streamlining organizational policies, the Chief Administrative Officer enhances operational efficiency and compliance across all 15 Arizona counties. Scphr Nichole Wiese coordinates with the executive team to align administrative functions with the broader mission of behavioral health excellence. The Chief Administrative Officer drives initiatives related to talent acquisition and professional development, fostering a culture of high performance and dedication. Through the optimization of internal systems, Wiese ensures that the agency remains a stable and reliable partner for families in need. This leadership role involves managing the logistical complexities of a large-scale non-profit, ensuring that every administrative decision directly supports the agency's commitment to child safety and family stability.