1. Flinn-Brown
Civic Leadership
Academy
Spring 2013
an initiative to develop future
state-level leaders for arizona
Program and Application Information

2. Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy
T he flinn-brown civic leadership academy is the flagship program of the
Arizona Center for Civic Leadership. The Academy was created to help prepare and support
Arizona’s future state-level civic leaders who wish to serve – whether full-time or part-time,
paid or unpaid – as a member of a state board, commission, or advisory council; an elected
official; a state government executive; or a policy advisor. Throughout the Academy,
participants develop a better understanding of Arizona’s most pressing public-policy
issues, as well as the skills required to take the next steps into
state-level civic leadership.
Now recruiting for its fifth session, the Flinn-Brown Civic
Leadership Academy is seeking a cohort of approximately 25
Arizonans that will continue to represent an array of perspectives,
life experiences, leadership roles, employment backgrounds,
and geographic locations. Previous Academy Fellows have
converged for the Academy from Kykotsmovi, Flagstaff, Jerome,
Cottonwood, Goodyear, Mesa, Tempe, Phoenix, Vail, Tucson,
Safford, and other cities and towns in
between. Fellows are also current and up
and coming leaders in Arizona’s business, There is no better
industry, nonprofit, education, and public comprehensive statewide
sectors. For many, the Academy provides leadership training than
Civic leadership, as used in the support critical to pursuing civic
the Flinn-Brown Academy.
this statewide program, is the leadership in tandem with established,
Not only does it make you
capacity to identify, analyze, demanding careers. For others, the Academy
and address issues through a better leader, but you
is an introduction to state-level service as
the collaborative efforts of exchange ideas with the
a full-time occupation or encore career.
citizens, private, public, and The program is not intended for those who most significant current
nonprofit organizations. are already state-level elected officials or and future policy makers
paid staff members of a political party. impacting Arizona’s future.
It teaches proactive leader-
There is no charge for participation in the Academy. Events take ship, using substance and
place at the Flinn Foundation in Phoenix. Standard transportation
policy know how to advance
and lodging expenses are covered for Fellows who live outside of
the cause we call Arizona.”
Maricopa County.
brad vynalek
fall 2011 fellow
partner,
quarles & brady llp
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3. The Academy’s components include:
l A series of 12 day-long seminars over approximately a three- As issues become
month period. Timely topics, pertinent policy and political increasingly complicated,
analysis, a range of perspectives, and learning from leaders are it is critical to make a
hallmarks of the Flinn-Brown seminars. Upon completion of the concerted effort to educate
seminars, Fellows have a significantly greater understanding and enable our future
of Arizona’s major public-policy issues; an appreciation of the
state leaders on the multi-
complexity state policymakers face; and greater resources for
dimensional challenges
political analysis and other critical skills. The Academy includes
they will surely need to
a small-team project to analyze a public-policy issue and provide
face and overcome.”
recommendations that consider real-world implications.
l Development of a personal plan for state-level civic leadership. sarah brown smallhouse
Fellows are expected to pursue activities which will support thomas r. brown
achievement of their goals for state-level involvement. foundations
l Formal advising over a period of about six months. Fellows are
matched with a public or private-sector advisor to develop, and
begin to implement, their individual civic-leadership plan.
l Follow-up support for state-level civic leadership. From further learning about public
policy to networking and special events with state and national leaders, Fellows have
ongoing support from the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership.
Throughout the Academy, the focus is continually on developing as a state-level civic leader.
The Flinn Foundation, the Thomas R. Brown Foundations, and the Fellows of the Flinn-Brown
Civic Leadership Academy all make substantial investments in the experience and in the future.
The Academy’s success will be measured by the efforts and accomplishments of its Fellows over
time and by the support provided to individuals through learning, connections, and convening.
Academy Seminar Content
The seminars bring public-policy knowledge and real-world experience together. The 12 day-
long seminars cover timely, critical Arizona issues. The seminar series starts with an overview
of public-policy development, state government, and the influences shaping politics and policy.
The series concludes with the Fellows presenting their policy projects and considering their next
steps in civic leadership. The topic areas have included: state government; Arizona’s fiscal
system and budget; the economy, growth, and jobs; higher education; K-12 education; water;
media and ethics; health systems; human services; transportation and
infrastructure; and migration, immigration, and the border. Elected
and appointed officials, agency heads, scholars, and practitioners who
have dealt directly with public-policy issues provide most of the content.
Seminars include facts and figures, different perspectives about the
problems and solutions, and consideration of how solutions are developed
and implemented. Fellows participate in numerous discussions and group
activities. Supplementing the face-to-face learning, Fellows are asked to
read materials before each seminar.
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4. Application and Selection Process
The Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy is seeking Fellows from all parts of the state,
walks of life, perspectives, and employment sectors, including business, industry,
education, nonprofit, and government. The ideal candidate combines a strong employment
record, notable experience in business, community, civic,
or church activities, and a firm commitment to state-level
actions to increase quality of life throughout Arizona.
The strongest applicant…
l Possesses a keen desire to be a state-level civic
leader in Arizona, such as a member of a state board,
commission, or advisory council; a state elected
official; a state government leader; or a policy advisor.
Service in these capacities may be full-time or part-
time, paid or unpaid.
l Is committed to civic involvement personally and to
encouraging civic engagement among Arizonans.
l Has a significant interest in state-level public-policy
issues, analysis, and solutions.
It would have taken me
l Shows interest in and has the capacity to consider years to learn what was
different perspectives and make fact-driven decisions presented in such a
for the common good.
concentrated time frame.
l Exhibits the ability to be an effective leader, as seen I wholeheartedly recommend
in a combination of current or past work experience, this program to anyone
business, volunteer, school, or church activities, civic who is considering a
activities, issue advocacy, or local elected office. position at the state level.
l Has taken other preparatory steps to becoming a civic I also urge our current
leader, such as participation in a local or regional policy makers in Arizona
leadership-training program. to utilize the talent, network,
and knowledge of the
The deadline for applications is November 16, 2012. Fellows who were immersed
Applications are available at www.azcivicleadership.org. in this unique offering
from the Flinn and Brown
foundations.”
bonnie sneed
spring 2012 fellow
president,
scottsdale unified
school district
governing board
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5. academy application requirements
To be considered for the Academy, you must complete an online application, provide a
current resume, and supply letters of endorsement from two Arizonans. The application
asks for examples of your leadership experience and community involvement. It also
includes three essay questions. The essays explore leadership experience and Arizona
public-policy decisions and issues.
Letters of endorsement may be submitted via email to Nancy Welch
at nwelch@flinn.org or sent through the mail to the address below. Arizona will face stark
They should be submitted separately from your application. You will constraints as it emerges
receive an electronic confirmation at the email address you provide from the Great Recession,
in your application once we receive your letters of endorsement. but within these limits
resides a unique chance
The endorsement letters should each cover:
to make a Great Restart.
l how long the endorser has known the applicant; This is Arizona’s chance
l why the applicant meets the ideal candidate profile; and to decide what kind of
state it will be.”
l any other information that will help the Selection Committee
to consider the applicant.
jack b. jewett
flinn foundation
Please address endorsement letters to:
Nancy Welch, Vice President, Arizona Center for Civic Leadership,
Flinn Foundation, 1802 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85004
critical application information
Please note that you should complete the application in one sitting. The information may not
“save” if you leave and come back to the site. Applicants are urged to prepare the essays in
a word-processing program and then “cut” and “paste” the text into the Flinn-Brown Civic
Leadership Academy application.
The online application process is not complete until you have finished the application,
uploaded your resume, and clicked “Submit” at the end of the form. Once you click “Submit,”
you will not be able to change any responses. We will send you a confirmation email within
24 hours during the business week confirming we received your application.
If you do not receive a confirmation email within that time, or if any other
technical issues or concerns arise, please contact Emily Rajakovich at
602-744-6828 or erajakovich@flinn.org. We will also send you a confirmation
email when we receive your letters of endorsement, as they are submitted
separately from your online application. Applicants are responsible for
ensuring they have provided all of the information required.
The selection process is highly competitive with more applications from
well-qualified applicants than the approximately 25 Academy positions
available. Those not selected for one class are encouraged to apply for
future sessions. Some current Fellows were repeat applicants.
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6. academy selection process
A multi-step, confidential process ensures careful, objective consideration of applicants.
Each stage of the process is important.
l A five-member Selection Committee, comprised
of high-profile Arizona leaders, is developed for
each process. They are mindful of the composition
of Arizona’s population along with the similarities
and differences among the state’s communities
and institutions. Emphasis is put on selecting
not just strong individuals, but also a significant
cohort of Arizonans so that each person learns
from others and the group.
l Initial review yields a group of candidates who
are invited for interviews with the Selection
Committee. class of spring 2011
l The Selection Committee makes recommenda-
tions to the Leadership Council for the Arizona
Center for Civic Leadership.
l The Leadership Council reviews the Selection
Committee’s recommendations and makes the
final selection decisions.
class of fall 2011
From a tribal perspective,
the Academy has provided
me with valuable insight
into how important it is for
the public, tribal and state
governments to proactively
work together on resolving
issues affecting us all.”
norman honie
fall 2011 fellow class of spring 2012
director, office of mining
and mineral resources
the hopi tribe
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7. Spring 2013 Academy Schedule
The anticipated dates for the Spring 2013 Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy are noted
below. Dates are subject to minor changes. Final dates will be shared at the interview stage.
SESSION 1 FRIDAY, MARCH 8
SESSION 2 SATURDAY, MARCH 9
SESSION 3 FRIDAY, MARCH 22
SESSION 4 SATURDAY, MARCH 23
SESSION 5 FRIDAY, APRIL 5
SESSION 6 SATURDAY, APRIL 6
SESSION 7 FRIDAY, APRIL 12
SESSION 8 SATURDAY, APRIL 13
SESSION 9 FRIDAY, APRIL 19
SESSION 10 FRIDAY, MAY 3
SESSION 11 SATURDAY, MAY 4
SESSION 12 FRIDAY, MAY 10 The entirety of my
involvement with the
Meetings will be held from about 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Breakfast and Academy – the sessions,
lunch are provided. Special evening events are held at the beginning
the content, the guidance
and end of the seminars and may include Fellows’ guests and others.
and advising, the wealth
The Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy is designed for Fellows of information, and of
to expand their knowledge and leadership skills session by session. course the Fellows –
Each seminar builds on the others from first to last. Thus, attendance proved to be incredibly
at each day is vital to gaining the program’s benefits. The expectation elucidating and in many ways
of 100% attendance is an essential part of Fellows’ commitment. At the personally transformative.
same time, the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership understands that I feel as though this
Fellows occasionally may have important professional commitments experience has prepared me
that simply cannot be moved. Although rare, one absence may be
for my next civic leadership
excused depending on the circumstances. If excused, Fellows will be
role and instilled in me
required to make up the session during the following Academy.
additional key tools and
Spring Application Deadline: November 16, 2012 knowledge as I continue
forward on my path through
public service.”
Fall 2013 Academy
The Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy is an
david longoria
ongoing initiative, with two sessions held annually.
spring 2012 fellow
The application process for the Fall 2013 cohort will executive assistant to the
open in March 2013. See www.azcivicleadership.org pima county administrator;
for updates about the Fall class and subscribe governing board member,
to the free e-newsletter. pima county community
college district
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8. The Flinn Foundation and The Thomas R. Brown
Foundations created the Arizona Center for Civic
Leadership in 2010 to strengthen civic leadership
in Arizona, particularly at the state level.
arizona center
for civic leadership
supporting future collaborating promoting civic
state- level leaders for impact engagement
FLINN-BROWN CIVIC LEADERSHIP ARIZONA CIVIC LEADERSHIP OUTREACH AND COMMUNICATION
ACADEMY An intensive program COLLABORATIVE A statewide An effort to help build civic
to help expand the cadre of future resource and convener for leadership, engagement, and
state-level leaders with the skills, organizations interested and strong communities.
knowledge, and commitment to involved in strengthening
address Arizona’s long-term issues. civic leadership.
See www.azcivicleadership.org for more information and to sign up for Civic Leadership News, the Center’s e-newsletter.
The Flinn Foundation was established by Dr. and Mrs. Robert S. Flinn in 1965
with the mission of improving the quality of life in Arizona. The Phoenix-based
nonprofit philanthropic endowment supports the advancement of Arizona’s
bioscience sector, the Flinn Scholars Program, and arts and culture, in addition
to an emerging initiative to strengthen civic leadership in Arizona. flinn.org
The Thomas R. Brown Foundations are dedicated to raising the quality of life for
present and future generations through expanded understanding and application
of economic principles in private and public decision making. The foundations,
based in Tucson, are also dedicated to advancing solutions to community problems
through strategic grants, research, and policy analysis. brownfoundations.org
direct inquiries to: Emily Rajakovich Arizona Center for Civic Leadership erajakovich@flinn.org
Program Manager 1802 North Central Avenue 602-744-6828
Phoenix, AZ 85004
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