Anna María Chávez, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, on Philanthropy and Building a Culture of Giving Across Arizona
- Admin
- Oct 12
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 13
Anna María Chávez, President and CEO of the Arizona Community Foundation, shares an inspiring look into how one of America’s leading statewide community foundations is redefining philanthropy, partnership and social impact in Arizona and beyond.
In this powerful conversation, Anna María discusses how the Arizona Community Foundation brings together individuals, corporations and nonprofits to drive meaningful change in education, affordable housing and environmental innovation. She explains how philanthropy can start as early as childhood and how anyone, from Girl Scouts to global CEOs, can play a role in building stronger, more equitable communities.
Listeners will gain insights into:
The unique statewide model of the Arizona Community Foundation and its $1.6B in managed assets.
Why community foundations serve as neutral conveners that unite government, business and civil society.
Arizona’s role as a living laboratory for environmental innovation.
How bold, risk-taking philanthropy can unlock catalytic solutions to complex social challenges.
Anna María also reflects on her own remarkable journey and why she believes the future of philanthropy lies in creativity, collaboration and community-driven leadership.
About Anna María Chávez
Anna María Chávez joined the Arizona Community Foundation as President & CEO in February 2023. Chávez brings over 25 years of experience in education, government, technology, and nonprofit organizational leadership and management to the role. Born and raised in the small town of Eloy, Arizona to Mexican-American parents, she learned at an early age the importance of being a leader in her local community. Her desire to transform the world through servant leadership led her to Yale University, before pursuing a juris doctorate at the University of Arizona.
She held numerous posts in President Bill Clinton’s administration, and later returned to Arizona to serve Governors Jane Hull and Janet Napolitano. Her success led to her appointment as the CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA and CEO of the National School Boards Association. Prior to ACF, Chávez served as the Chief Impact Officer of EdTech company Encantos. In 2016, she was recognized as one of the World’s 50 Greatest Leaders by Fortune Magazine and in 2021 was named one of the top 50 over 50 Women Leaders by Forbes Magazine.