July 2026

Today, we celebrate the non-elected public servants who often work behind the scenes to solve problems and build stronger, more connected communities across Arizona.

Meet the 2026 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award honorees. From managing cities and protecting our water resources to expanding access to lifelong learning and strengthening local government, their leadership keeps communities across Arizona running and makes a lasting impact every day.

The Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Awards are made possible through the support of partners and sponsors who share a commitment to strengthening Arizona communities. We are grateful for this year's Community Sponsor, Cox Communications, who, for nearly a decade, has helped elevate the importance of public service and ensure the contributions of Arizona's non-elected public servants are recognized and celebrated each year.

We honor the life and legacy of Dr. Lattie Coor, CFA's Co-Founder and Founding Chair Emeritus.

A tireless advocate for the people of Arizona, Lattie shaped our organization and our state through his visionary leadership, ability to bring people together, and lifelong commitment to public service.

As part of CFA's Arizona Pathways to Prosperity initiative, we're continuing to adapt and expand internship experiences that meet the unique needs of rural communities — connecting students to meaningful career exploration and real-world experiences that may not otherwise be available close to home. This summer, high school students in rural regions across Arizona participated in paid virtual and in-person internships funded through the Department of Labor's Workforce Pathways for Youth Grant.

Many Arizonans already have the skills to qualify for better-paying careers, they just don't know it. At the same time, employers are struggling to find qualified workers because talent is often overlooked when hiring focuses more on resumes and previous job titles than skills.

Through Phoenix Jobs That Mobilize, CFA is bringing together employers, educators, and workforce leaders to better connect people's skills with in-demand careers. Discover how this initiative is helping more Arizonans access economic opportunities while giving employers new ways to find the talent they need.

What happens when students see a clear connection between school and their future? Through the Career Connected Pathways project, CFA’s Arizona Pathways to Prosperity initiative spent six years leading educators, students, and communities to redesign career exploration experiences that make learning more relevant while preparing students for life after graduation. The result: learning that feels more meaningful, students who are more invested in their education and future, and innovative approaches that schools across Arizona can adopt.

At Cactus High School, students took the lead in creating their own Field Trip Framework and Career Coaching programs, including Disney Imagination Workshops, that connected classroom learning to their interests, aspirations, and career goals. As a new school year begins, discover how putting students in the driver's seat can transform college and career readiness across Arizona.

Congratulations to CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis on being named Education Forward Arizona's 2026 Luminary Award honoree. This recognition reflects Sybil's visionary leadership, her commitment to bringing Arizonans together around shared public values, and her lasting impact on our state's future. Join us to celebrate Dr. Francis at An InspirED Evening, Education Forward Arizona’s annual benefit and awards dinner taking place on October 21 in Scottsdale.

As debates over election policy continue, one voice matters most: Arizonans. In her latest op-ed, CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis highlights that as Arizona considers changes to its election system, voters have identified what they believe makes a good election.