Arizona's Children Association Executive and Leadership Team

Fred Chaffee, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Arizona's Children Association, directs the overarching strategic vision for the largest statewide child welfare agency. Chaffee manages the expansion of behavioral health programs across all 15 Arizona counties, ensuring that service delivery meets the complex needs of vulnerable populations. By aligning organizational resources with long-term mission goals, the President & Chief Executive Officer fosters partnerships with state stakeholders to secure sustainable funding streams. Fred Chaffee maintains rigorous oversight of operational performance, driving efficiency within the agency to maximize the impact of social services. Through consistent engagement with the Board, the President & Chief Executive Officer shapes policies that prioritize child safety and family stability. This leadership role requires constant adaptation to shifting regulatory landscapes, ensuring that the agency remains a cornerstone of support for communities throughout the region while maintaining high standards of care and professional excellence.

Tracy Thurston, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Arizona's Children Association, focuses on the internal operational scaling and clinical quality assurance of the agency. Thurston oversees the integration of behavioral health initiatives, ensuring that clinical outcomes align with the comprehensive welfare mission. By optimizing internal workflows, the President & Chief Executive Officer enhances the capacity of regional teams to deliver high-quality care across diverse Arizona communities. Tracy Thurston collaborates with executive leadership to refine service models, driving innovation in how the agency addresses child welfare challenges. This role involves managing complex administrative structures to support frontline staff, thereby improving the overall effectiveness of the organization. Through meticulous attention to operational metrics, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the agency maintains its status as a premier provider of behavioral health services, consistently meeting the evolving needs of families while upholding the highest standards of organizational integrity and service delivery.

Sarah Chavez, the Left, President at Arizona's Children Association, directs the external relations and community engagement strategies that bolster the agency's statewide presence. Chavez manages the development of public-private partnerships, ensuring that the organization maintains strong ties with community leaders and stakeholders across all 15 Arizona counties. By championing the mission of comprehensive child welfare, the Left, President drives awareness and support for behavioral health initiatives. Sarah Chavez coordinates with the executive leadership team to align outreach efforts with the broader organizational goals, fostering a culture of advocacy and service. This role involves navigating complex social landscapes to secure resources that directly benefit the families served by the agency. Through consistent communication and strategic networking, the Left, President ensures that the organization remains a trusted partner in the community, effectively addressing the critical needs of children while promoting long-term stability and growth for the entire agency.

Susan Encinas, the Chief Information Officer at Arizona's Children Association, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support statewide behavioral health and child welfare operations. Encinas manages the secure implementation of electronic health records, ensuring that data integrity remains a priority for clinical teams across all 15 Arizona counties. By modernizing information systems, the Chief Information Officer drives operational efficiency, allowing staff to focus on direct service delivery rather than administrative burdens. Susan Encinas collaborates with the executive team to leverage data analytics for identifying service gaps and improving program outcomes. This leadership role involves protecting sensitive client information through robust cybersecurity protocols, maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations. Through the strategic deployment of technology, the Chief Information Officer enables the agency to scale its impact, ensuring that digital tools effectively support the mission of providing comprehensive care to children and families throughout the entire state.