16 Top Leaders 2025: Our list of Valley leaders who are making a real difference!

At the close of each year, we spotlight top leaders who have demonstrated exceptional impact over the past year. This time, we’re profiling 16 leaders across key sectors of our business community. We asked them direct, forward-looking questions to understand what they see ahead for 2026. Each is deeply engaged in growing their organization and our regional economy — shaping policy, managing teams, and driving innovations that move Greater Phoenix business forward.

Every leader responded to the same set of questions about their management style, the effects of recent societal disruptions, what it will take to accelerate economic growth, and how their organization’s next chapter will influence our market.

Their answers are candid, insightful and energizing — a compelling snapshot of leadership in a business landscape that continues to evolve.

MikeBoden Interim Chief Executive Officer OneAZ Credit Union

Fred Bueler Teammate Owner and Vice President CHASSE Building Team

Wendy Cohen President and Chief Executive Officer Kitchell Corporation

Jason J. Coochwytewa Chief Executive Officer Urias Communications

John Fees Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer GradGuard – College Life Protected

James Goodnow Chief Executive Officer Fennemore

Philip Kim Managing Director and Co-Founder Signature Wealth Concepts

Christine Mackay President and Chief Executive Officer Greater Phoenix Economic Council

Sheryl Palmer Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Taylor Morrison

Steve Purves President and Chief Executive Officer Valleywise Health

Brandon Rafi Founder Rafi Law Group

Denise Resnik Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer First Place AZ

Paul Rivers Chief Innovation Officer Phoenix Suns & Phoenix Mercury

Anthony Sharett President Pathward Financial, Inc.

Rick Smith Founder and Chief Executive Officer Axon

Mark Stebbings Chief Executive Officer National Bank of Arizona