Education Forward Arizona Announces 2026 Luminary Award Honoree

Education Forward Arizona will honor Sybil Francis, Ph.D., Chair, President & CEO of Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA), with the 2026 Luminary Award at this year’s “An InspirED Evening” celebration on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn.

The Luminary Award honors a visionary leader whose bold ideas, enduring influence, and unwavering commitment have sparked transformative progress in Arizona. For more than two decades, Dr. Francis has passionately advocated for bringing the voices of Arizonans to the center of decision-making about Arizona’s future. Through her leadership of CFA, she has advanced The Arizona We Want—a vision rooted in Arizonans’ shared public values and aspirations that has united leaders, communities, and organizations around a stronger future for the state. CFA has become a trusted source of information and one of Arizona’s leading catalysts for positive change and statewide impact.

Since co-founding the organization in 2002, Dr. Francis has helped turn the vision of The Arizona We Want into meaningful progress for the state. Under her leadership, CFA has earned its reputation as a “do-tank” putting the priorities of Arizonans into action. Recognizing that education is one of the most important drivers of Arizona’s future, Dr. Francis has made improving educational outcomes a cornerstone of that work.

Dr. Francis has led CFA in driving major shifts in how Arizona educators, policymakers, and community leaders approach education design for student success. Through Move on When Ready, Arizona Personalized Learning Network, and other initiatives, she has helped shift policy and practice away from a one-size-fits-all model and toward a more personalized approach that recognizes the unique strengths, needs, and potential of every student.

Another hallmark of Dr. Francis’s leadership has been her commitment to data-informed decision-making and action. Grounded in the belief that meaningful progress begins with a shared understanding of where Arizona stands, CFA takes a data-based approach to everything it does. Notably, CFA partnered with Education Forward Arizona to develop the Arizona Education Progress Meter–the state’s leading framework for measuring progress across the education continuum– which has helped provide trusted data to inform decision-making, guide action, and improve outcomes for Arizona students.

“Sybil Francis has helped Arizona think bigger about what is possible for our students, families, communities, and future,” said Rich Nickel, President and CEO of Education Forward Arizona. “Her influence can be seen across Arizona—in the way leaders and communities have come together around The Arizona We Want and in the lasting impact of the work she has guided. Education remains one of the most important examples of that impact, helping create opportunity for individuals, families, communities, and our state.”

“I am deeply honored to receive the Luminary Award. Arizona’s future depends on our ability to come together around our shared hopes and dreams and make those a reality for future generations,” said Dr. Francis. “I have been privileged to work alongside extraordinary partners, including Education Forward Arizona, who are committed to creating opportunity, strengthening communities, and building the Arizona we want for all who call this state home.”

Prior to leading CFA, Dr. Francis served in a variety of national leadership roles, including as a senior policy director in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she helped shape energy, environmental, and national security policy. She later served in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, where she focused on national research policy for the national laboratories and universities. Throughout her career, she has advanced public policy and leadership initiatives that strengthen communities and expand opportunity.

The Luminary Award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on education and opportunity in Arizona. Previous honorees include Paul J. Luna of Helios Education Foundation; Jeff Guldner of Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and Arizona Public Service Company; Benito Almanza, Bank of America, and Tracy Bame of Freeport McMoRan Foundation.

Proceeds from “An InspirED Evening” support Education Forward Arizona’s work to advocate for and act on education improvements that advance the quality of life for all Arizonans. To attend the event, contact [email protected] or visit educationforwardarizona.org.