Good Business
When Liz McCusker took the helm in 1997, Tu Nidito Children and Family Services was operating on a shoestring budget with a single program serving just three families. Today, the organization reaches more than 800 children and their families each year, with six distinct programs and an array of ancillary services including in-home and group support for seriously ill and grieving children.


Leadership
McCusker’s “can-do” attitude is reflected in her multi-faceted role at the organization, where she serves as accountant, human resources director, chief fundraiser, CEO and spokesperson. She has fostered a shared commitment among her staff and volunteers to help families find hope during times of devastating loss. Her dedication and leadership have significantly increased Tu Nidito’s visibility and garnered considerable funding, most recently securing more than $650,000 to purchase the organization’s existing property and build its new “Angel’s Nest.” McCusker has succeeded in establishing Tu Nidito as a preeminent Tucson charity recognized for its integrity and quality service.

Mission
To provide emotional, educational, social and spiritual support to children and families dealing with serious illness and death.

Good Business
Within a year of joining Teach For America (TFA), Andrea Stouder doubled the size of the Phoenix office and was on track to more than double the funding budget by year’s end, effectively kicking off the national organization's aggressive five-year growth campaign. Stouder's skills in strategic planning, financial management, staff recruitment and development, and marketing have allowed the organization to positively impact almost 13,000 children in disadvantaged schools throughout the Phoenix area. Through her tireless efforts and pro bono lobbying support, Stouder has also pushed through the first ever successful state funding bill in the 16-year history of the organization.

Leadership
Combining business savvy and personal charm, Andrea Stouder has mobilized a lean staff of seven to transform the Phoenix office into a model for success for the national organization. Her office reached its yearly goal for funding in only six months and has the highest staff and corps satisfaction in the nation.

Mission
Eliminate educational inequity by enlisting the nation's most promising future leaders in a national teacher corps reaching underserved children in the lowest income communities.

Good Business

Terry Huertaz has leveraged MADD New Mexico from a floundering garage-based nonprofit into a credible, professional organization with ten full-time employees and thousands of volunteers overseeing dozens of programs. Her decisive leadership, coupled with strategic planning, fiscal responsibility and community outreach, has enabled the organization to serve more than 7,800 families during her tenure. Through her efforts the organization has become a dynamic leader in the fight against drunk driving and has been instrumental in the passage of DWI state legislation.

Leadership
Huertaz has recruited a talented and devoted staff and formed a distinguished advisory board of Albuquerque's most influential citizens. She has established key relationships with district attorneys, judges, school officials, law enforcement and government officials. Because of these vital collaborations, MADD is enjoying unprecedented access to the state's courts, schools and legislative sessions.

Mission
Stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.

Good Business
Since founding The Giving Tree 18 years ago, Wright has mobilized an all-volunteer staff to provide food, clothing, service referrals and case management to more than 100 children and adults every month. Her marketing skills have sparked an array of new programs, including a residence for homeless children, a summer feeding program and a program that helps unemployed prepare for and secure living-wage jobs. Despite a lack of public funding, she has leveraged her fundraising talents to enlist the private donations needed to fulfill the organization's mission.

Leadership
Wright has been described as a role model of leadership, with an innate ability to inspire and manage her volunteer staff. In the past two years, she has implemented motivational workshops that have helped reduce staff turnover by 10%. Her steadfast vision and dedication to helping the needy and homeless serve as a daily reminder to her workers that they can make a tangible difference in the lives of everyone they touch.

Mission
Support and improve the quality of life for children, family, elderly, and disabled individuals. Provide help for the homeless and needy, and offer a special home for homeless children.

Good Business
Combining the brain of a businessman and the heart of a humanitarian, Ron Adelson has transformed AASK from an organization nearing financial crisis to an organization with an operating budget of more than $4 million. He nurtured his vision of AASK by balancing a mission-driven focus on improved services for families with good business practices, including a focus on strategic planning, financial analysis, fiscal responsibility, increasing efficiency and diversifying revenue stream.

Leadership
A hands-on leader, Adelson nurtures the vision of AASK by motivating board members, 48 full-time employees, donors, partnering agencies and organizations, and families to embrace the mutual goal of improved social welfare for Arizona’s children. He underscores the importance of every staff member’s role in executing the mission and incorporates their input into operations.

Mission
Build and strengthen families for the children in Arizona’s child welfare system. Find and support loving homes for Arizona’s children with special needs through comprehensive adoption and foster-care services and support.