Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
Welcomes New Vice President

PHOENIX— Michelle Bolton joins the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce this month as its new Vice President, Public Affairs and Economic Development.

Bolton, who has been Arizona State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) for the last 10 years, fills the void created when Todd Sanders became the GPCC’s President & CEO. In her new role, she will spearhead the Chamber’s efforts as the “voice of business” for its 3,400 business members with government officials at the local, county, state and federal levels.

“The relationship between the Valley’s business community and the state legislature is crucial, perhaps now more than ever,” Sanders remarked. “Michelle brings outstanding credentials, with years of advocacy experience in the public policy arena, a deep understanding of the issues that impact business and the ability to build strong coalitions. She will be an excellent addition to our staff and an asset to our members at the Capitol.”

"The opportunity to serve the membership of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is not only a high honor, but also is a chance to build on the experience I bring over from my previous 15 years of association, advocacy and political work. I'm humbled and deeply thankful for the faith the Chamber has placed in me."

As NFIB’s Arizona State Director, Bolton served as the main conduit between the organization’s 10,000 small business members and lawmakers, state agencies and the community through lobbying, public testimony, speeches and media opportunities. She also worked with legislators, state agencies and stakeholders to craft meaningful legislation in critical areas such as health care, regulatory reform and unemployment insurance reform.

Her career in legislative affairs also includes grassroots efforts on behalf of the American Land Title Association, strategy, fundraising and media planning for the Associated Builders and Contractors, two years as Government Affairs Director for the Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh (Pa.) and a year as an aide to US Representative (and later Senator) Rick Santorum.

Bolton is a graduate of Arizona State University and is currently working on her Masters in Business Administration from the University of Arizona.

About the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

Representing 3,400 businesses across Metropolitan Phoenix, the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce is Arizona’s oldest and largest Chamber. The Chamber supports the growth and development of business by offering networking and marketing opportunities, money-saving programs and a voice in government, keeping its members informed, connected and prosperous.

The Chamber enhances members’ success by promoting economic development, entrepreneurship and a connection to the community with local chapters in Anthem, Deer Valley and South Mountain/Laveen.

New Chief Development Officer hired
to head up fundraising efforts

Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Arizona welcomes Lisa Goin, CFRE

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona is proud to announce that Lisa Goin, CFRE, has been hired as the new Chief Development Officer. Lisa most recently served as the Development Director for the Arizona Humane Society where she was responsible to oversee all areas of fundraising and marketing, including major gifts, direct mail, grants, special events, and the public relations for $8.5 million of an $11.5 million annual operating budget. Lisa has also served in fundraising for PetSmart Charities and the Arizona Animal Welfare League.

For the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lisa Goin will be sharing the powerful story about this international children’s charity that was founded in Arizona in 1980, and will be charged with raising nearly $4 million in private funding from our community during the organization’s 30th anniversary in 2010. Lisa will also work alongside CEO, Robin Dunn, and the Make-A-Wish board of directors, to institute a planned giving program for sustainable long-term growth, with a goal of granting the wishes of all of the 500 eligible children in Arizona each year by 2014.

About the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Arizona

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Most people are unaware that Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Arizona is a hometown sensation! The Foundation started in Arizona in 1980 with a young boy’s dream of becoming a police officer and is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world. The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Arizona grants 250 wishes annually, with an average cost of $7,000 to fulfill a wish. For more information, visit www.wishaz.org and discover how you can share the power of a wish®.