Stephen Flaaen Joins Valley Leadership

We are very excited to welcome Stephen Flaaen to the Valley Leadership team as our new Director, Tech-Based Initiatives. A longtime Impact Maker volunteer, VL alum, and our 2025 Impact Maker of the Year, Stephen brings a deep commitment to service and systems-level change across Arizona. In this new role, he’ll focus on identifying opportunities where technology can be used to help solve some of our state’s biggest challenges.

With a wide range of professional experience and a passion for purpose-driven work, Stephen is ready to help move Arizona forward. We sat down with him to learn more about what drew him to this work, what he hopes to accomplish, and how VL has shaped his leadership journey. Keep reading to learn more about Stephen and what he has in store for his new role.

VL: What drew you to join the Valley Leadership team in your new role as VL’s Director, Tech-Based Initiatives?

SF: After volunteering with Impact Maker for the past 5 years, I realized that I needed a job where I had the ability to do meaningful work for the city and state where we live. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a diverse set of work experiences throughout my career, but there’s always been a gap between what I’m passionate about and what I actually do for a living. I’m really excited to join VL as I think this role fits that need.

VL: What is a goal you hope to accomplish in your new role?

SF: My number one goal is to find instances where problems facing Arizona can be solved by or substantially reduced through the use of technology. Technology can be complex, confusing, and unwelcoming, but with the careful application of the correct technology, I think we can use technology as a force multiplier.

VL: How has your experience as a VL alum shaped your leadership journey?

SF: It has strengthened my belief that people are fundamentally good, and that when given the opportunity people will do the right thing. Through VL I’ve connected with people across the state working to solve the biggest and most difficult problems, and after nearly every conversation I walk away thinking that by working together there is nothing we can’t solve.

VL: What does being named Impact Maker of the Year mean to you?

SF: It meant the world. To be recognized for my contributions to Impact Maker was such a humbling experience. I’m a small part of this organization of rockstars and felt like the award is not just a spotlight on me, but on the team and the transformative work we’ve been able to do.

VL: What Principle of Doing do you resonate with most right now?

SF: Building Trust! I’m normally a Drive To Do guy, but with lots of new people to meet across the state, I want others to know I’m in this work for the right reasons and want to help them as much as possible.

VL: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

SF: I am an avid practitioner of yoga. I’ve been practicing yoga since the start of 2020 and I try to make it to a class a couple of times a week. There’s something about being intentional with one’s breathing and movement that really connects with me.

VL: What do you love most about living, working, and playing in Arizona?

SF: Without question: the people. Arizonans are generous and friendly, not something that every state can say! We look out for each other and strive to make a better life for ourselves and the others around us. This is a special place to live and I’m lucky to be here.