White Tank Mountains Conservancy Named Non-Profit Leader of the Year BUCKEYE – Leadership West has named Mayor Jackie Meck, Todd Hornback and Les Meyers “Non-Profit Leader of the Year” recognizing their work establishing the White Tank Mountains Conservancy at their annual awards gala earlier this month. The West Valley Leadership awards also recognized the Business Leader of the Year, Civic Leader of the Year, as well as Alumnus of the Year. Meck, Hornback, and Meyers have worked tirelessly over the last year to bring an important conservation organization to the west valley – White Tank Mountains Conservancy – a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the fragile landscape and ecosystems of the White Tank Mountains that are a beautiful and valuable asset to Verrado®, the city of Buckeye, and beyond. The award recognizes their personal involvement in the formation and leadership of this organization, including establishing the nonprofit status for the organization; recruiting municipal, nonprofit and private partnerships, including stewards to serve on the board of directors and to lead five steering committees; raising $250,000 in pledged funding; orchestrating a logo and website; finding teams of volunteers to support the organization; and creating a mutually beneficial sponsorship with Experience Matters to promote Verrado and the Conservancy during their annual awards luncheon showcasing the organization to over 500 attendees. Mayor Jackie Meck serves as the Vice-Chair of the originating board members of the White Tank Mountains Conservancy and has worked tirelessly to protect open space throughout Buckeye. About the White Tanks Conservancy The White Tank Mountains in the West Valley of Phoenix are among the best conserved natural areas in the metropolitan region. Lying along the Western edge of the urban environment, the White Tank Mountains stand in the path of continued growth in one of the nation’s fastest growing communities. The mountains are also the site of two regional parks, the White Tank Mountain Regional Park, managed by the Maricopa County Parks Department; and Skyline Regional Park, managed by the City of Buckeye. The White Tank Mountains Conservancy is dedicated to preserving these mountains that are home to unique natural and cultural resources including mule deer, mountain lions, javelina, and petroglyphs. About Leadership West Leadership West cultivates leadership capital for the West Valley and prepares those leaders to affect positive change in Arizona. Its diverse membership believes that intelligent, active engagement in public affairs is the true measure of citizenship and the foundation for our community. |