Arizona's Children Association Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Arizona's Children Association has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, and executive leadership.

Driven by a commitment to child welfare, Arizona's Children Association provides comprehensive behavioral health services across all 15 Arizona counties, impacting countless lives since its founding in 1912.

Leadership Roles at Arizona's Children Association

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Fred Chaffee
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tracy Thurston
  • Left, President - Sarah Chavez
  • Chief Information Officer - Susan Encinas
  • Fred Chaffee - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Fred Chaffee, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Arizona's Children Association, directs the overarching strategy and operational execution for the state's largest child welfare and behavioral health non-profit. Chaffee's leadership ensures the agency's mission to protect and support vulnerable children and families is consistently advanced across all 15 Arizona counties. This executive role involves setting the long-term vision, fostering key partnerships with community stakeholders, and driving financial sustainability to expand critical services. Overseeing the entire organization, Fred Chaffee champions innovation in service delivery, adapting programs to meet the evolving needs of Arizona's youth and families. The President & Chief Executive Officer position demands a deep understanding of public policy, non-profit management, and the complex challenges within the child welfare system, all of which Chaffee navigates to maintain the agency's impactful reach and operational excellence.
    Fred Chaffee

    Tracy Thurston - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Tracy Thurston, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Arizona's Children Association, spearheads the strategic direction and comprehensive operational management of the organization. Thurston's executive mandate focuses on advancing the agency's mission to serve children and families statewide, ensuring the delivery of vital behavioral health and child welfare services across Arizona. This leadership position involves cultivating strategic alliances, guiding organizational growth, and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources to maximize impact. Overseeing all facets of the enterprise, Tracy Thurston drives initiatives aimed at enhancing service quality and expanding the agency's reach into underserved communities. The President & Chief Executive Officer role requires a profound commitment to the well-being of children and a keen ability to navigate the complexities of non-profit governance and service provision, all critical to Arizona's Children Association's continued success.

    Sarah Chavez - Left, President

    Sarah Chavez, the Left, President at Arizona's Children Association, directs critical executive functions and strategic initiatives that advance the agency's core mission. Chavez's leadership ensures the seamless execution of programs designed to support child welfare and behavioral health services across Arizona's diverse communities. This senior role involves overseeing key operational areas, fostering interdepartmental collaboration, and driving strategic planning to enhance the agency's statewide impact. Guiding the organization's efforts, Sarah Chavez focuses on strengthening service delivery models and ensuring that Arizona's Children Association remains at the forefront of child advocacy and support. The Left, President position requires a comprehensive understanding of non-profit operations and a dedicated commitment to improving the lives of children and families throughout the state.

    Susan Encinas - Chief Information Officer

    Susan Encinas, the Chief Information Officer at Arizona's Children Association, architects and manages the agency's entire technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Encinas's role is critical in ensuring that robust, secure, and efficient information systems support the delivery of comprehensive child welfare and behavioral health services across Arizona. This executive function involves overseeing all IT operations, including data management, cybersecurity, software development, and technology adoption to enhance operational effectiveness. Driving technological innovation, Susan Encinas ensures that Arizona's Children Association leverages cutting-edge solutions to better serve its clients and manage its extensive network of locations. The Chief Information Officer position demands a forward-thinking approach to technology, aligning IT capabilities with the organization's mission to protect and empower children and families throughout the state.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Arizona's Children Association Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Arizona's Children Association?
    Arizona's Children Association is led by Fred Chaffee (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tracy Thurston (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Sarah Chavez (Left, President).
    Who is part of Arizona's Children Association’s executive team?
    The executive team of Arizona's Children Association includes leaders such as Fred Chaffee (President & Chief Executive Officer), Tracy Thurston (President & Chief Executive Officer), Sarah Chavez (Left, President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Arizona's Children Association have?
    Arizona's Children Association has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Arizona's Children Association’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Arizona's Children Association includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Left, President, Chief Information Officer.