MEDIA CONTACT:
Lindsay Hansen
PR Consultant
(C): 480.205.6195
lindsay@ldhconsulting.net
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 5, 2025
The Greater Phoenix Chamber (the Chamber) has appointed seven new members to its Valley Young Professionals (VYP) Board of Directors. VYP, a program of the Greater Phoenix Chamber, is for Valley-area professionals under 40 and aims to create the next generation of Phoenix leaders by connecting, informing, and educating its members on important issues facing the local community.
The VYP Board oversees VYP programming, including identifying relevant content, impactful speakers, new event venues, and community partnerships.
New board members will begin their terms on July 1st, 2025. The seven young professionals joining the VYP Board this year are:
- Rex Bartlett, Senior Associate, Policy and Government Affairs, Molera Alvarez
- Rachelle Giles, Vice President, Local Government Relations, Goodman Schwartz Public Affairs
- Brian Hennesy, Chief Operations Officer, Opus Valley
- Kaitlyn Neff, Senior Policy Analyst, Salt River Project
- Michael Pissos, Community Relations Coordinator, Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego
- Sasha Simmons, Brand Evangelism, Axon
- Kelsie Sebreros, Marketing Manager, Clear Channel Outdoor
Now in its 15th year, the VYP Board of Directors manages a strong program to retain and attract young professionals to the Greater Phoenix area by connecting them to the community.
“The Greater Phoenix Chamber’s Valley Young Professionals Program serves as a driving force for progress and achievement, bolstering the region’s workforce development and talent retention,” remarked Todd Sanders, president and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber. “We take pride in welcoming these influential individuals to the VYP Board, empowering the forthcoming wave of leaders and steering us toward fresh horizons. We chart a path towards collective growth and prosperity by furnishing significant avenues for Greater Phoenix’s young talents to explore our community, forge connections, and enhance their leadership prowess.”
The new board members will bring unique and diverse perspectives that will help carry out the VYP mission to build lasting relationships, establish professional development opportunities, and act as a catalyst for change in the community.
“With the induction of our new board, we are set to infuse fresh energy and innovative ideas into our mission of cultivating the next generation of leaders,” said Marcus Benally, Audit Manager at REDW and the incoming VYP Board Chair. “These exceptional individuals bring diverse expertise and a shared passion for community engagement, positioning VYP to continue its impactful journey of empowering our young professionals here in the Valley.”
For more information about Valley Young Professionals, visit www.phoenixchamber.com/vyp
or contact Torie Hayes at thayes@phoenixchamber.com
About the Greater Phoenix Chamber
Representing businesses across the Greater Phoenix region, the Greater Phoenix Chamber catalyzes regional prosperity with forward-thinking public policy, intentional economic growth, and diverse, prepared talent. The Chamber pursues this mission by collaborating with business, political, and community leaders to grow the regional talent pool, create a regional approach to economic development, and drive a pro-Arizona agenda.
FOLLOW ONLINE:
@phxchamber
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Learn more:
www.phoenixchamber.com
info@phoenixchamber.com
602.495.2195