In 1996, Liz Archuleta was the first Latino elected to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. She served District 2 for her 25 years.
Archuleta then joined the Biden Harris administration in 2021 as director of the Office of External and Intergovernmental Affairs. Now, using her relationship building and leadership skills, she was appointed as President and CEO this spring to lead the United Way of Northern Arizona.
Archuleta is a fourth generation Arizona and longtime leader in the region.
United Way in Northern Arizona (UWNA) itself has deep roots in Flagstaff. In 1967, 35 business and community leaders met at the Monte Vista Hotel to form the United Fund for the City. It’s a way to consolidate philanthropic funds and support local charities in need. In his first year, the United Fund for the City raised his $60,000. The money will be awarded to support 11 Flagstaff charities.
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In the 1970s, United Fund for the City expanded its reach to include donor and recipient organizations in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Today, UWNA is united way worldwideis a global charity serving more than 48 million people each year in 95% of the U.S. community and 37 countries and territories. United Way’s global mission is to connect people and build strong and equitable communities.
Archuleta said that while leading UWNA, he hopes to inspire new and current donors and volunteers to expand the organization’s role as an agent of change.
She has been involved with UWNA since the 1990s. Archuleta has served as Chairman of the Board and has led the annual fundraising and capital campaigns. She chaired United Way’s Summit Society, a cohort of community investors who donate $500 or more annually to improve lives and promote equity in northern Arizona. Archuleta also spearheaded a fundraiser to help kinder camp, A program designed to prepare preschoolers for a successful transition to kindergarten.
Archuleta succeeds Carol Dykes, who is retiring as president and CEO after 24 years with the organization.
“Liz has always been an integral part of United Way and a key partner as we work to step up and create lasting, positive change for our communities,” Dykes said. I couldn’t leave this organization in better hands.”
Archuleta will assume leadership in April.
Sierra Ferguson can be reached at sierra.ferguson@lee.net.
