Scottsdale Leadership Announces 2025 Spirit of Community Leadership Award Recipients

Scottsdale Leadership has proudly announced the recipients of its 2025 Spirit of Community Leadership Awards, recognizing individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service within the community.

 

The awards and their respective honorees are as follows:

 

Drinkwater Leadership Award – Kathy Wills

 

A Scottsdale native, Ms. Wills serves as the managing director at MidFirst Bank. With over 30 years of professional and civic leadership, she has played pivotal roles in organizations such as Scottsdale Arts, guiding them through significant transitions. Currently, she is the president-elect and governance chair of the Coronado Foundation for the Future. Additionally, Ms. Wills is dedicated to community education, teaching financial literacy workshops through Live and Learn and mentoring students in the Coronado Promise program.

 

Hodges Alumni Achievement Award – Denny Brown

 

Mr. Brown, a sponsorship consultant with Scottsdale Community Partners, is celebrated for his unwavering commitment to service, mentorship, and community collaboration. His efforts have been instrumental in providing essential resources to residents in need. Known for his humility and ability to unite people, Mr. Brown continues to inspire through his leadership and dedication to the community.

 

Bill Jenkins Youth Leadership Award – Karina Koppikar

 

A student at Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, Ms. Koppikar, is honored for her leadership in youth empowerment, education, and mental health advocacy. She has developed programs that connect students with mentors, promote inclusivity, and foster personal growth, making a significant impact on her peers and the broader community.

 

Frances Young Trailblazer Award – Pastor Jackie Parks

 

Pastor Parks, the lead pastor of South Scottsdale Presbyterian Church, is recognized for founding Community House, a day relief center serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Through partnerships with the City of Scottsdale and local nonprofits, she has established a network of services offering meals, showers, workforce development, and healthcare, addressing critical needs within the community.

 

Lee Ann Witt, executive director of Scottsdale Leadership, remarked, "Herb Drinkwater, Frank Hodges, Bill Jenkins, and Frances Young would be proud to see their legacy continued by honoring these community members for their passion, commitment, and leadership. It is our privilege to honor these elite leaders, both past and present."

 

All four award recipients will be recognized at the Spirit of Community Awards Luncheon, presented by Scottsdale Leadership on December 12, 2025, at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.