AZSA Appoints Orlando Cazarez as Chief Executive Officer
Orlando Cazarez brings extensive leadership experience to Arizona Sustainability Alliance
TEMPE, ARIZONA — [OCTOBER, 27, 2022] — Arizona Sustainability Alliance (AZSA) has appointed Orlando Cazarez to the role of Chief Executive Officer. He began working with the organization on October 3rd, 2022.
Cazarez brings extensive leadership experience, a strong nonprofit background, and an affinity for sustainability to his new position with AZSA. Prior to joining our team, Cazarez held leadership roles with the Center for the Future of Arizona, the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and before that in the private sector at IBM and First American Title. Over his 20-year career, Cazarez has developed strategies to convene industry partners, education entities, government, and community-based organizations to advance organizational missions and bring added value in the form of funding and systems change. Additionally, Orlando proudly served in the US Army National Guard and expresses his creativity through a personal venture featuring functional pieces and handmade art made of recycled materials such as license plates and reclaimed wood. Cazarez holds an undergraduate degree from Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business in Computer Information Systems and a Masters in Applied Leadership and Management from Thunderbird School of Global Management with a certificate in Energy & Sustainability.
When asked about what drew him to working in sustainability and with AZSA, Cazarez replied,
“AZSA’s direct impact within our community is what caught my eye from the start. The nature of the work and the passion from staff and volunteers is unmatched, which drives my own interest to be part of this team in bringing a more sustainable future for our state.”
AZSA’s Board of Directors couldn’t be more excited to welcome Orlando Cazarez as Arizona Sustainability Alliance’s new Chief Executive Officer. Stephanie Maloney explained,
“Orlando brings a passion for sustainability, as well as a breadth of experience in both the business and non-profit spheres that will move AZSA forward and expand its successful project-based sustainability solutions in Arizona. In the short time since Orlando started, he has already made an impact in our community and connected with our team and supporters. We are looking forward to seeing AZSA’s programs expand under Orlando’s leadership.”
The AZSA Board would like to thank Michelle Bevins, our Chief Operating Officer, who undertook the role of Interim Executive Director in addition to her work as COO during our search process. Maloney said,
“Michelle’s passion and dedication to improving sustainability in Arizona is evident in all that she does. She not only shares her vision for a more sustainable planet with all who she meets but works hard to live out her beliefs. She worked tirelessly to help expand AZSA’s scope during this transition for which we are profoundly grateful.”
“Each of our actions and inactions impacts our environment, let’s make sure we choose wisely today toward a more sustainable tomorrow.” – Orlando Cazarez
Orlando Cazarez will be speaking at our upcoming Sustainability Celebration on November 5th at the Southeast Regional Library in Gilbert. Tickets, patronships, and sponsorship opportunities are still available.
Arizona Sustainability Alliance was founded in 2017 and has been bringing cutting-edge, project-based sustainability solutions to Arizona for 5 years. This shift in leadership will help shape AZSA’s future as the organization gears up for the next 5 years and beyond working with Arizona communities.
About Arizona Sustainability Alliance
The Arizona Sustainability Alliance (AZSA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit action and advocacy alliance that aims to create and support cutting-edge, project-based sustainability solutions in Arizona through civic engagement, collaboration, and education. AZSA empowers Arizona citizens to work together toward more verdant, equitable, and sustainable communities. More information is available at www.azsustainabilityalliance.com
###
