Meet Valley Leadership’s New Board President and Leadership
Valley Leadership’s board of directors has elected its board leadership for the next two years.
VL’s board will be led by President Paul Komadina, senior managing director for CBRE; Vice President Koran Hardimon, director of inclusion and diversity for Republic Services; Treasurer Josh Shade, Arizona market president for U.S. Bank; Secretary Nancy Baldwin, executive director and trustee of the Hickey Family Foundation; and At-Large Executive Committee Member Sherry McFadden, director at State Farm.
They will be joined by board members: Erin Hart, COO of Expect More Arizona; John Meza, inspector general for the Arizona Department of Economic Security; and Maria Valenzuela, domestic program director for Esperança. VL also celebrates the service of outgoing board president Michelle McGinty, president of DRA Collective.
“Now is a critical moment in VL’s history – and we have incredible leaders on board to guide us through this exciting time for the organization. These people live the values of VL’s Principles of Doing and will continue to position us to be the place for Arizonans to solve challenges together,” said VL CEO Dave Brown.
Valley Leadership sat down with Komadina to talk about the next two years, his Arizona roots and what drives him to lead:
Valley Leadership: As you think about the next two years, what Principle of Doing best frames your goals for VL and Impact Maker?
Paul Komadina: My hope is to build on the “Team Mindset” Principle of Doing. To have the impact we desire for the community, there is much work still to be done. We cannot do it alone and there are a number of exceptional organizations around Arizona already doing great work. My goal is to find better ways for us to work together to affect the change that is possible. I’ve always believed that we are better together than we are as individuals, and this is the perfect time to ensure that 1 + 1 = 3.
How long have you called Arizona home – and what’s your favorite thing about this community?
PK: I was born and raised in Phoenix and lived here until I graduated for high school. I then lived in San Diego for 17 years before moving back with my family three years ago. The thing I love about this community is its willingness to embrace people who are new that want to get involved to make a difference.
VL: You haven’t experienced a VL program yet – what made you want to engage with VL?
PK: In San Diego I was involved in a similar organization. When I moved back to Phoenix three years ago, I committed to getting involved in an organization that was focused on making systemic change for the betterment of the communities in which we work, live and play. Valley Leadership is that organization. As a result, I called Dave Brown out of the blue and said, “I’m new to town, I want to make a difference, and I would like to get involved.” Here we are three years later!
VL: What drives your engagement in the community?
PK: I was fortunate to attend Brophy College Prep for high school. As a Jesuit school, it taught the Jesuit principles, one of which was, “Men and Women for and with others.” This really hit home with me and has caused me to evaluate how I utilize my gifts and talents to better the communities around me.
VL: This last year tested our resilience and resolve – what’s something you’ve done) to adapt to the needs of the moment?
PK: I think this last year has caused me to lean in with my family, my work and my community even more than before. We can’t take things for granted and we need to stay disciplined to the things that matter to us most. One routine I won’t be giving up anytime soon is taking my young kids to school a few days per week.