Arizona School for the Arts announced the appointment of David Lujan as its new Executive Director, effective February 2025. Lujan, who currently serves as the Director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS), will step away from this position at the end of January and into this key leadership role in mid-February. This is a planned transition with ASA’s long-time Head of School, Leah Fregulia, who will continue to work alongside Lujan through the end of the 2024-2025 school year to ensure a smooth and collaborative handover.
Lujan brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in educational leadership as founding Chief Administrator of ASU Prep Academy and serving as a school board member for the Phoenix Union High School District from 2002-2010.
As Director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety, Lujan brings over 20 years of leadership in child welfare, safety, and education. From co-founding Defenders of Children to securing $800 million in annual public education funding as CEO of Children’s Action Alliance, he has been a steadfast advocate for policies that protect vulnerable children and strengthen families across Arizona. His extensive background in organizational leadership and his passion for creating positive opportunities for youth make him ideally suited to guide ASA in its continued growth and success.
“We are excited to welcome David Lujan to the Arizona School for the Arts community,” said Dr. Heidi Jannenga, Board President of ASA. “David’s commitment to empowering young people, along with his vast leadership experience, will be invaluable as we continue to elevate ASA as a top institution for both academic and artistic excellence. We are grateful that David will partner closely with Leah Fregulia during the transition, ensuring continuity and a seamless shift in leadership.”
Leah Fregulia, who was a founding member and has been at the helm of ASA for 17 years, has played a critical role in the school’s growth and success, leading the charge in building ASA’s renowned educational and performing arts programs. Fregulia’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping ASA’s reputation as a beacon of artistic excellence, academic rigor, and community involvement. Leah Fregulia expressed her support saying, “I am thrilled that David will be leading ASA into the future with the same dedication, vision, and integrity upon which he has built his distinguished career.”
“I am truly honored to join Arizona School for the Arts as Executive Director,” said David Lujan. “I’ve long admired ASA’s commitment to developing the next generation of creative leaders through an exemplary educational experience. I look forward to working with Leah Fregulia and the talented faculty, staff, and engaged community to remain a place where young people can grow both as artists and scholars.”
Arizona School for the Arts is renowned for its exceptional educational and performing arts programs, which provide students in grades 5–12 with an integrated curriculum that nurtures both academic achievement and artistic talent. With specialized training in music, theatre, and dance, ASA graduates are admitted to top colleges and universities throughout the nation. ASA maintains an A rating from the Arizona Department of Education and is highly ranked among the best schools by U.S. News & World Report. ASA’s programs emphasize collaboration, leadership, and critical thinking, preparing students for success in higher education, professional careers, and beyond.
As Executive Director, Lujan will work to ensure that the school’s vision continues to thrive, expanding opportunities for students and reinforcing ASA’s role as a leader in arts education in Arizona.
ASA’s commitment to providing access to high-quality arts education aligns with Lujan’s vision for inclusive, transformative learning experiences. His leadership, alongside ASA’s dedicated leadership team and principal, helps continue ASA’s tradition of fostering creativity, academic excellence, and community engagement.
