News & Events Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Lattie Coor, CFA Founding Chair Emeritus

Honoring the Life and Legacy of Dr. Lattie Coor, CFA Founding Chair Emeritus

Posted on July 17, 2026 • Category: News Release

Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) mourns the passing of Dr. Lattie Coor, our esteemed Co-Founder and Founding Chair Emeritus. A visionary leader and public servant, Lattie left an indelible mark on our organization and on the state he loved.

Lattie passed away on July 16, 2026, at the age of 89, and his spirit will continue to inspire and shape CFA’s work into the future.

Following his tenure as the 15th President of Arizona State University, Lattie wanted to continue giving back to the state he loved. He partnered with Dr. Sybil Francis in 2002 to launch CFA, an organization that embodies a bold vision for a bright future for Arizona and an unwavering commitment to the common good. Lattie was committed to building what he dubbed a “do tank,” a moniker that captures the organization's commitment to action and impact. CFA carries on his legacy in advancing a positive and hopeful vision for Arizona, based in research, collaboration and actions to advance the shared interests of the people who live here.

“Lattie was a visionary,” said Dr. Sybil Francis, CFA Chair, President & CEO. “He believed in Arizona’s potential and made it his mission to turn good ideas grounded in data and research into real outcomes and impact for Arizonans. It has been an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to work side by side with him for so many years and to have called him a friend.”

A native Arizonan, Lattie had a deep love for his home state, its natural beauty and the people of Arizona. No one was a stranger to him, and he was widely admired and loved across the state. His connection to Arizona came to be expressed through The Arizona We Want, an aspirational vision informed by what matters most to Arizonans. That vision inspires CFA’s work today, driven by the approach Lattie championed: collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and an unwavering belief in Arizona.

Lattie’s impact was felt by countless individuals across Arizona. The following reflections from longtime colleagues, collaborators, and board members offer a glimpse into the leadership, character, and vision that defined his life and work.

“Lattie had a remarkable blend of vision, humility, and purpose. Helping Lattie get Center for the Future of Arizona off the ground remains one of the efforts of which I’m most proud to have been a part. His belief in Arizona’s potential continues to guide the state forward.”
– Don Budinger, Founding Director and Chair of the Rodel Foundation and founding donor of CFA

01 of 09

“Lattie’s legacy is everywhere around us in public policy, in education, and in leadership that’s centered on listening first. His impact will be felt far beyond his time here.”<
– George Dean, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Urban League and founding CFA Board Member

02 of 09

“Lattie had a rare gift for connecting with people. He saw the humanity in everyone, and that’s what allowed him to bring people together to build a better Arizona.”
– Paul J. Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation and CFA Board Member since 2005

03 of 09

“Lattie’s values were unwavering: service, inclusion, and the common good. He combined a deep belief in community with a steadfast insistence on being guided by data, facts, and truth. That combination made change possible.”
– Ruth McGregor, Former Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice and CFA Board Member since 2009

04 of 09

“Lattie led with integrity and a deep respect for all Arizonans. He had an extraordinary ability to build trust across communities, especially in moments when leadership required both conviction and compassion. He set a powerful example for all of us who care about Arizona’s future.”
– José A. Cárdenas, Senior University Advisor and Special Counsel at ASU and former CFA Board Member

05 of 09

“Lattie was a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. He taught us all what thoughtful leadership looks like and how to serve with heart.”
– Bill Post, Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Pinnacle West Capital Corporation (Ret.) and CFA Board Member 2009-2024

06 of 09

“Lattie shaped the very character of this organization. His leadership challenged CFA to imagine and then work toward a future where every Arizonan thrives.”
– Ron Shoopman, former member of the Arizona Board of Regents, Director of Special Projects for the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, and CFA Board Member since 2017

07 of 09

“Lattie’s love for Arizona and its people came through in everything he did. His leadership gave voice to what unites us and helped turn a shared vision into a powerful force for the future.”
– Donald A. Smith Jr., retired President and CEO of CopperPoint Mutual and CFA Board Member 2016-2023

08 of 09

“Lattie was a visionary. He believed in Arizona’s potential and made it his mission to turn good ideas grounded in data and research into real outcomes and impact for Arizonans. It has been an honor and a privilege to have had the opportunity to work side by side with him for so many years and to have called him a friend.”
– Sybil Francis, Ph.D., CFA Co-founder, Chair, President & CEO

09 of 09

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Learn more about Dr. Coor’s extraordinary life and lasting impact in his memoir, Growing Up in Arizona, published in 2024. In it, he reflected on his deep-rooted connection to the state, his journey in public service, and the values that shaped a lifetime of leadership.