Arizona's Children Association Executive and Leadership Team

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, 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, 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, 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.