BY TOM EVANS I t can be tough to spot a sea change. Sometimes the world shifts subtly; other times, with force. But it always shifts. The Valley’s nonprofit community is no different, particularly during times of uncertainty. And given the region’s relative youth as a major metro area, many of those who were at the forefront of shaping our community’s growth are now transitioning into other phases of life. But the civic sector adapts — and, most importantly, learns. Over the past few years, Arizona’s nonprofit and philanthropic landscape has experienced a period of leadership changes. Several of the state’s most influential foundations — including the Arizona Community Foundation, Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation, Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust and others — have installed new CEOs or presidents, as have numerous Arizona nonprofits. These transitions often mark more than routine personnel changes — they reflect a broader shift in leadership across the state’s civic sector. What’s emerging is not just turnover, but a generational handoff — one defined by formal training, broader representation and a more intentional approach to civic leadership. Robert Ashcraft, the executive director of the Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation at Arizona State University, has seen a lot in his time working with Valley nonprofits. He said there’s a wave of leadership change underway, but it’s not unlike what he’s seen in the past. “I’ve been at this a while,” he said. “There have been A diverse generation of highly trained leaders is stepping up to redefine Arizona’s philanthropic future FRONTDOORS MAGAZINE | 41 The New Guard NEXT DOORS