The People, Projects, and Purpose of Scottsdale Leadership
Release Date: 02/16/2026
Keeping Scottsdale Safe: A Conversation with Chief Joe LeDuc
Scottsdale Vibes
Today’s episode is an important one because we’re diving into public safety, innovation, and what it takes to serve a growing and dynamic city like Scottsdale. I’m honored to be joined by Scottsdale Police Chief Joe Le Duc. As our city continues to expand and host world-class events The Scottsdale Police Department is continually evolving — investing in new technology like license plate readers and speed enforcement cameras, strengthening partnerships, and refining strategies to keep residents and visitors safe. Today, we’ll talk about how technology is being used responsibly...
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Youth Sports Balance with Coach and Mentor Sara Slattery
Scottsdale Vibes
This week , we’re talking about youth sports, parenting, and how to support young athletes without burning them out. From elite competition to healthy balance, Sara Slattery shares expert insight on raising confident, resilient athletes in today’s high-pressure sports world. Today’s episode is one so many parents in our community can relate to. Youth sports have become more competitive than ever, and navigating that world — from training schedules and burnout to college recruiting and NIL opportunities — can feel overwhelming for both kids and parents. Joining me today is Sara...
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McDowell Sonoran Conservancy CEO Angy Shearer
Scottsdale Vibes
Today’s episode is all about one of Scottsdale’s most treasured assets: the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and the people working every day to protect it for future generations. I’m excited to welcome Angy Shearer, the new CEO of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy. Angy is originally from South Bend, Indiana, but has called the Sonoran Desert home for nearly 20 years, with a career deeply rooted in the nonprofit world and philanthropy. After two decades of helping organizations grow through fundraising and community support, she stepped into this role last December — bringing her passion for...
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Inside Scottsdale Art Week: A Global Art Fair in the Sonoran Desert
Scottsdale Vibes
Welcome to the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, I’m Alicia Haygood. This week we’re talking about an exciting cultural event returning to our city this week. Scottsdale Art Week is bringing galleries, artists, and collectors from around the world to WestWorld, and today we’re getting a behind-the-scenes look at what makes this international art fair so special. Scottsdale has long been known as one of the Southwest’s premier arts destinations, from our galleries in Old Town to world-class museums and public art throughout the city. And this week, that reputation takes center stage once...
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Big League Wiffle Ball Returns To Scottsdale
Scottsdale Vibes
This episode is a great example of how Scottsdale continues to be a home for creative, unexpected, and exciting events. I’m joined by Logan Rose from Big League Wiffle Ball, also known as BLW — America’s first professional wiffle ball league. What started as a backyard league during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a national phenomenon with city-based franchises, major tournaments, and even a World Series played at AT&T Stadium. The 2025–2026 season features 10 teams competing across the country, and some of BLW’s biggest moments are happening right here in Scottsdale. This...
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Cactus League President Jeff Meyer on Spring Training 2026
Scottsdale Vibes
This week on the Scottsdale Vibes Podcast, we’re talking baseball, community, and what makes Scottsdale spring training season so special. I’m joined by Jeff Meyer, a longtime community leader and President of the Cactus League Baseball Association, to pull back the curtain on one of Scottsdale’s most iconic traditions. Today’s episode is one I’ve been really looking forward to because it highlights something that truly puts Scottsdale on the national map every single spring: the Cactus League. I’m excited to be joined by Jeff Meyer, a prominent Arizona business leader, longtime...
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The People, Projects, and Purpose of Scottsdale Leadership
Scottsdale Vibes
What does it really take to grow strong leaders who care deeply about Scottsdale and its future? Today, we’re talking about the people, projects, and purpose behind Scottsdale Leadership — and why it continues to shape our city in such a meaningful way. Scottsdale Leadership has been developing and connecting leaders in our city for nearly four decades — and chances are, if you’re involved in the community, you’ve felt its impact in one way or another. From nonprofit boards and city commissions to business leadership and civic engagement, Scottsdale Leadership helps people...
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The Love Issue: Celebrating Scottsdale's 75 Years
Scottsdale Vibes
Welcome to the 250th episode of the scottsdale vibes podcast! And we have another milestone to celebrate, Scottsdale is turning 75 — and the city is celebrating in a big way. Today, we’re talking about the stories, milestones, and moments that shaped Scottsdale into the place we know and love In 2026, the City of Scottsdale will proudly celebrate its 75th anniversary, marking a milestone that honors the people, progress, and spirit that have defined our community since incorporation in 1951. It’s a chance to reflect on where we’ve been, celebrate who we are today, and look...
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Scottsdale Public Safety and the WMPO
Scottsdale Vibes
Each February, Scottsdale becomes the center of the golf world — and behind the scenes, an incredible team is keeping everyone safe. Today, we’re talking with leaders from Scottsdale Fire and Scottsdale Police about what it really takes to support the Waste Management Phoenix Open. The Waste Management Phoenix Open is one of the most iconic events in Scottsdale — drawing massive crowds, international attention, and energy that’s unlike anything else all year. While The Thunderbirds host the tournament, the City of Scottsdale plays a critical role in making sure the entire week...
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Scottsdale's Roots Come Alive With Western Week
Scottsdale Vibes
Scottsdale’s Western roots come alive in a big way each year, and today we’re talking about the traditions that keep that spirit thriving. I’m joined by lifelong Scottsdale resident Raoul Zubia to talk all things Western Week and the iconic Parada del Sol Historic Parade. If you’ve ever lined Scottsdale Road for the Parada del Sol, wandered Old Town during Western Week, or felt that unmistakable Western pride in the air, today’s guest has likely played a role in bringing that experience to life. Raoul Zubia is a lifelong Scottsdale resident, Coronado High School graduate, retired...
info_outlineWhat does it really take to grow strong leaders who care deeply about Scottsdale and its future? Today, we’re talking about the people, projects, and purpose behind Scottsdale Leadership — and why it continues to shape our city in such a meaningful way.
Scottsdale Leadership has been developing and connecting leaders in our city for nearly four decades — and chances are, if you’re involved in the community, you’ve felt its impact in one way or another.
From nonprofit boards and city commissions to business leadership and civic engagement, Scottsdale Leadership helps people better understand the city they live and work in and how they can play a role in shaping its future.
Today, I’m joined by Lee Ann Witt, the Executive Director of Scottsdale Leadership.
I’m especially excited for this conversation because I’m a graduate of Class 39 and currently serve on the Board of Directors as the Class 39 representative — so this program is very close to my heart.
Lee Ann and I are going to talk about what Scottsdale Leadership really is, how it benefits the city, and why it continues to be such a transformational experience for so many people.
For more on Scottsdale Leadership
https://www.scottsdaleleadership.org/
Scottsdale Events!
Founder’s Day Celebration
February 26th at 9:00am
Little Red School House in Scottsdale
This free event recognizes Scottsdale’s founder, Chaplain Winfield Scott, and his wife Helen as champions of education. This is the 116th anniversary of the opening of the Little Red Schoolhouse.
2026 Cactus League Spring Training
Players have already reported to their respective training facilities throughout the valley:
Games start Friday February 19th
Find all the info on stadium and games at Cactus League dot com.
Weekly Events
Scottsdale ArtWalk (Thursdays) Explore galleries in the arts district every Thursday.
Old Town Farmers Market (Saturdays): Fresh produce and local goods at the Scottsdale Civic Center
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA): Art and design exhibits in Old Town.
You can find information for those events at Experience Scottsdale dot com.
https://www.experiencescottsdale.com/