MAY 2017 22 | FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM CHRISTINE BANKING ON A LEADERSHIP LEGACY Christine Nowaczyk is an undeniable mover and shaker in Arizona’s business and nonprofit community – she’s the Senior Vice President and Corporate Banking Executive for Bank of Arizona, President Emeritus of the Association of Corporate Growth-Arizona Chapter and chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Educare Arizona, an early childhood education program that focuses on families struggling with poverty. She’s earned ACG’s highest honor, the Meritorious Service Award, was named one of Arizona Business’ Most Influential Women in Arizona and Phoenix Business Journal has honored her as an Outstanding Women in Business. Her banking career, and her passion for children and education, began over 25 years ago in her home state Michigan. She spent nearly two decades with JP Morgan Chase, including a move to Arizona in 1999. Then, she was offered the opportunity to help start a new venture – Bank of Arizona. “I’d never built anything and it was an opportunity to be entrepreneurial and build a franchise,” she said. “We’re added one person and one account at a time. It’s something I’m fiercely proud of.” While some of her volunteer efforts began as a way for her to represent the bank in the community, she quickly became an individual force in the nonprofit community, especially in the education sphere. {leadership} OFFICE DOORS Jamie Killin | CONTRIBUTING WRITER NOWACZYK

MAY 2017 FRONTDOORSMEDIA .COM | 23 She served as chairwoman of the Board of Directors for Children’s Action Alliance, a council member of the Governor’s P-20 Council of Arizona and a member of the President’s Community Advisory Council for Paradise Valley Community College. Even when she found herself completely outside her professional role as a banker in organizations like the Governor’s P-20 Council of Arizona, she found that her insight, and unique perspective, brought value to the conversation. Her distinctive background and focus on children’s education allowed her to influence the community, take on leadership roles and provoke long-term change. “I feel like I’ve finally made an impact and I’m known as an ambassador for these causes,” she said. “When I started to realize I was spread too thin I narrowed my focus down, and that’s what I encourage folks to do.” She continues to encourage others who are looking to become involved in the community to find a cause that truly matters to them, stay involved and take on leadership roles. OFFICE DOORS CONTINUED Photo credit: Jamie Killin