Leadership Overview
Arizona's Children Association has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, and operations.
Driven by a commitment to child welfare, Arizona's Children Association provides comprehensive behavioral health and child welfare services across all 15 Arizona counties, impacting countless lives through dedicated support and advocacy.
Driven by a commitment to child welfare, Arizona's Children Association provides comprehensive behavioral health and child welfare services across all 15 Arizona counties, impacting countless lives through dedicated support and advocacy.
Leadership Roles at Arizona's Children Association
Tracy Thurston - President & Chief Executive Officer
Tracy Thurston, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Arizona's Children Association, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. Thurston oversees all divisions, ensuring alignment with the agency's mission to provide comprehensive child welfare and behavioral health services statewide. This leadership role involves driving growth and sustainability across all 15 Arizona counties, managing key stakeholder relationships, and championing the organization's impact on vulnerable children and families. By setting strategic priorities and fostering a culture of excellence, Tracy Thurston ensures Arizona's Children Association effectively addresses critical community needs and expands its reach. The focus remains on enhancing service delivery models and securing resources to support long-term organizational objectives and community well-being.
Fred Chaffee - President & Chief Executive Officer
Fred Chaffee, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Arizona's Children Association, guides the strategic direction and operational framework of the state's largest child welfare and behavioral health agency. Chaffee's leadership ensures the effective delivery of services across all 15 Arizona counties, focusing on innovation and expansion of programs that support children and families. This executive position involves cultivating partnerships with community stakeholders, government agencies, and donors to advance the organization's mission. Fred Chaffee drives initiatives aimed at improving organizational efficiency and maximizing the impact of services provided. The role demands a deep understanding of the non-profit sector and a commitment to fostering a supportive environment for both clients and staff, ultimately strengthening the agency's capacity to serve Arizona's most vulnerable populations.

Sarah Chavez - Left, President
Sarah Chavez, the Left, President at Arizona's Children Association, spearheads key initiatives and operational oversight within the organization. Chavez focuses on driving program effectiveness and ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality child welfare and behavioral health services across Arizona. This leadership position involves collaborating with executive peers to refine strategic objectives and enhance the agency's capacity to meet the evolving needs of children and families. Sarah Chavez plays a vital part in fostering strong relationships with community partners and internal teams, promoting a unified approach to service provision. The executive's work supports the expansion of services and the optimization of resource allocation, ensuring Arizona's Children Association maintains its position as a leading statewide support agency.
Susan Encinas - Chief Information Officer
Susan Encinas, the Chief Information Officer at Arizona's Children Association, architects and manages the agency's technology infrastructure and digital strategy. Encinas oversees the implementation and maintenance of all information systems, ensuring data security, operational efficiency, and seamless connectivity across all locations in Arizona. This critical role involves leveraging technology to enhance service delivery, support data-driven decision-making, and streamline administrative processes. Susan Encinas drives innovation in IT solutions, aligning technological advancements with the organization's mission to provide comprehensive child welfare and behavioral health services. The CIO's responsibilities include managing IT budgets, leading the technology team, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, thereby empowering Arizona's Children Association to effectively serve its constituents statewide.
Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations
Founded in 1967 and headquartered in New York City, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is a nonprofit company that provides solutions for environmental problems. The organization protects the environmental rights of people, including access to clean air and water, healthy and nourishing food, and flourishing ecosystems.
Company Leadership
BA

The National Trust for Historic Preservation operates as a privately funded nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing historic preservation across the United States. Through strategic advocacy, technical expertise, and direct intervention, the organization works to protect and revitalize buildings, neighborhoods, and cultural landscapes that embody the nation's architectural and historical heritage. The organization's work spans multiple dimensions of preservation practice. It provides grant funding, technical assistance, and educational resources to communities, property owners, and preservation professionals seeking to protect historic structures and districts. The National Trust operates a portfolio of historic properties that serve as models for adaptive reuse and restoration, demonstrating practical approaches to maintaining cultural assets while meeting contemporary needs. Through these properties and broader initiatives, the organization generates knowledge about effective preservation strategies and shares this expertise with stakeholders nationwide. Beyond direct preservation work, the National Trust functions as a policy advocate and thought leader in the field. It engages with federal, state, and local governments to shape preservation policy, tax incentives, and regulatory frameworks that support heritage conservation.
Company Leadership
KB
TM
ES
Cornerstones of Care is a nonprofit organization dedicated to partnering with children and families to foster safe and healthy communities through trauma-informed care. They offer a range of services including youth and family support, family preservation, functional family therapy, and foster care and adoption services. With over 150 years of experience, their impact extends across Kansas and Missouri, providing support in various settings such as homes, schools, and community centers. Their mission is to create lasting positive change for those affected by trauma.
Company Leadership
.jpg?mw=129&mh=180&sh=8c5fb)
SS
BakerRipley was founded in 1907 and is a charitable organization in Texas and hosts a network of multiple services sites that helps people every year. BakerRipley fulfills their mission to bring resources and education to their community. BakerRipley is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Company Leadership KB
VH
RH