Center for the Future of Arizona Honors 2025 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards Recipients

Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) announced the 2025 recipients of the Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards during a ceremony held at the Arizona City and County Management Association (ACMA) summer conference in Tucson. These awards, presented annually, spotlight the invaluable work of Arizona’s civil servants, fostering appreciation for their role in solving problems, strengthening institutions, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

This year’s recipients include Rosa Inchausti, City Manager, City of Tempe; Lisa Garcia, Town Clerk, Town of Florence; Matthew Gurney, Public Works Director, City of Bisbee; and Shannon Anderson, Senior Deputy City Manager, City of Flagstaff.

“The Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards celebrate the public servants who are critical to Arizona’s continued success,” said Dr. Sybil Francis, CFA Chair, President & CEO. “Their work is the backbone of effective governance and community well-being. By honoring their dedication and impact, we hope others are inspired to elevate the value of public service in building The Arizona We Want.”

The Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards, named after the Community Outreach Director whose life was taken in a mass shooting in 2011 at a “Congress on Your Corner” event, are a collaborative effort between CFA, the Zimmerman family, and ACMA highlighting the contributions nonelected public servants make to the communities they serve.

The 2025 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards by Category

Rosa Inchausti, City Manager, City of Tempe and Lisa Garcia, Town Clerk, Town of Florence were recognized with the Community Builder award which recognizes public servants in large and small cities and towns who advance community pride and connection. Both Rosa and Lisa exemplify transformative local leadership built on decades of public service. As Tempe’s first female City Manager, Rosa has driven innovation and equity across city operations, leading efforts in public health, data-driven governance, and anti-discrimination policy. In Florence, Lisa has spent nearly 30 years advancing transparent, community-focused government, championing civic engagement, and creating leadership pathways for residents and youth.

Matthew Gurney, Public Works Director, City of Bisbee, was honored with the Emerging Leader award which recognizes early-stage public servants committed to improving civic health and community connections for their constituents. Matthew has dedicated his career to serving the City of Bisbee. He oversees essential services and infrastructure while leading high-impact projects like the revitalization of Camp Naco and the rebuilding of City Hall—preserving local history and strengthening community resilience.

Shannon Anderson, Senior Deputy City Manager, City of Flagstaff was honored with the Civic Leader award which recognizes extraordinary public servants who have spent much of their careers supporting Arizona communities. Since 2006, Anderson has helped drive operational excellence and strengthen city services in Flagstaff through a people-first approach. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to public service, cross-department collaboration, and enhanced quality of life for the Flagstaff community.

Learn more about the honorees

Public servants who are eligible for the awards include those who are employed by cities and towns, counties, special districts, agencies of the executive and legislative branches of state government, tribal governments, and personal staff working for members of Arizona’s congressional delegation.

All award nominees are judged on their qualities and achievements related to:

• How they have changed the way government works to serve the public interest
• Their ability to take risks and inspire others
• Their impact on connecting Arizonans to civic life
• Improving the health of their community
• New ideas to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance the delivery of public services
• Legacy contributions of lasting significance

This year’s independent volunteer selection committee asked to determine the 2025 recipients, included: Amanda Aguirre, Former State Senator and Regional Council for Border Health President and CEO; Evelyn Casuga, Central Arizona College Governing Board Member; Lisa Atkins, Former Arizona State Land Commissioner; Holly Figueroa, BCBSAZ Health Choice Tribal Liaison; Mignonne Hollis, ED, Arizona Regional Economic Development Foundation Executive Director; Jan Lesher, Pima County Manager; Alexa Lucchese, Cox Communications Southern Arizona Government Affairs Manager, ; Steve Peru, Coconino County Manager; Marilyn Rodriguez, Creosote Partners Partner; Paul Senseman, Policy Development Group Principal; Rosemary Ybarra-Hernandez, AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute, Inc. CEO; and Gabe Zimmerman’s parents Ross Zimmerman, Beyond Foundation President, and Emily Nottingham, Retired City of Tucson Administrator.