NALA was formed in 2004 by a small group of committed Flagstaff-area business leaders, the Flagstaff Forty, as a mechanism for discussing, studying, and, where appropriate, addressing critical needs of our community and state. In 2015 the organization broadened its outreach and took its current name.
Our members are the CEOs, presidents, and directors of major Flagstaff companies, educational institutions, and not-for-profit organizations, along with individuals with a demonstrated ability to make significant contributions to Flagstaff, Northern Arizona, Coconino County, and the state.
Each year, members identify a short list of critical issues and work with other organizations to achieve those goals. On issues of statewide importance, NALA works closely with its sister organizations, Greater Phoenix Leadership and the Southern Arizona Leadership Council.
Our members lead the institutions that anchor Northern Arizona's economy, from higher education and healthcare to science, manufacturing, construction, and hospitality, along with the nonprofits and cultural organizations that shape the region's quality of life.
See who's in the room: Members directory →
Representative member organizations. Logos are the property of their owners.
Roughly ten members meetings a year, each planned and hosted by one of the standing committees, so the agenda goes deep on a single issue with the people closest to it presenting.
Meetings rotate through member institutions and landmark venues across the region, a working tour of Northern Arizona's assets, not a conference room habit.
NALA meets annually with Greater Phoenix Leadership and the Southern Arizona Leadership Council at the Arizona CEO Summit, aligning the state's three regional CEO councils on shared priorities.
William MorrisonManaging Partner, ChFC, Benefit & Financial Strategies LLC
Rich BowenGM & SVP, Genterra Group
Brandon KavanaghPartner, Mangum, Wall, Stoops & Warden PLLC
David EngelthalerDirector, TGen North
Mary KershawExecutive Director & CEO, Museum of Northern Arizona
Eric A. HeiserPresident & CEO, Coconino Community College
Tim DodtSenior Director, Alliance Bank of Arizona
Steve PeruFormer County Manager, Coconino County
Jim CorningFounder & CEO, Novakinetics Aerosystems & Kinetic Defense
Joined NALA in December 2015. Executive in Residence at Northern Arizona University's W.A. Franke College of Business and Director of the T Paul Thomas Center for Nonprofit Entrepreneurship. A serial entrepreneur with nearly three decades leading technology companies globally, he has raised over $130 million in venture capital and managed multiple business acquisitions and IPOs. NAU 1983 graduate; assistant professor teaching international business, nonprofit entrepreneurship, and management.
NALA meets across Northern Arizona, hosted by the members and institutions that make up the alliance.
Four of the five candidates for City Council joined NALA members for a question-and-answer session, giving attendees a closer look at each candidate's priorities and positions. All four candidates stayed on for a wine reception, continuing the conversation in a more informal setting. Hosted by Mary Kershaw and organized by Steve Peru and the Government Affairs committee.
Two hundred members of GPL, NALA, and SALC came together for the tenth annual CEO Summit, with twelve NALA members attending, the most ever. The program featured Taiwan's ambassador to the United States on the impact of the partnership for Arizona and the country, the Arizona Board of Regents on the challenges facing higher education and the changes needed, and a forum with both candidates for Arizona Governor. NALA's own Bill Morrison introduced Governor Katie Hobbs with flair and humor.
Twenty-eight members gathered at the South Rim for a dinner with Mayor Vail and Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Keable, followed the next morning by a tour of the newly renovated Lookout Studio hosted by Jon Hansen. Organized with Bonnie Baker of the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
