Fortune magazine named Anna Maria Chávez one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” citing her vision and creativity in revitalizing the Girl Scout brand for a new century and transforming it into one of the top 10 most innovative nonprofits in the world.
The first woman of color to lead the iconic Girl Scouts of the USA in their 104-year-old history, Anna Maria Chávez is a renowned leadership expert who harnesses the power of technology and her passion for public service to transform organizations, earning her a place in U.S. News and World Report’s “STEM Leadership Hall of Fame” and on Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business” and Fortune’s “Top 50 World Leaders” lists.
Born and raised in rural Arizona to Mexican-American parents who valued education and community, Chavez graduated from Yale University and pursued her law degree at the University of Arizona. She has since been admitted to the Bar of the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, the Arizona Supreme Court, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
After holding numerous posts in President Clinton’s administration, Chávez returned to Arizona to serve then-Governor Janet Napolitano as deputy chief of staff for urban relations and community development. In that role, she created the Arizona Division of Aging and Adult Services.
Chávez later served as CEO of the National Council on Aging and Executive Director and CEO of the National School Boards Association. She currently serves as CEO of Arizona Community Foundation, where she oversees efforts to bring donors, nonprofits, governments and businesses together to solve problems and invest in their communities.
Passionate about teaching the value of leadership, teamwork, and the importance of risks and failure, Anna Maria Chávez provides keen insights that inspire organizations to lead authentically, work collaboratively, and make a positive impact on the world.
