Governor's Council on Faith and Community Initiatives

This morning was the quarterly meeting of Governor's Council on Faith and Community Initiatives. I was pleased to find out that I was appointed to the Council for the second time and will have the opportunity to continue serving with an outstanding group people, devoted to the needs of Arizonans. The Council was more strictly vetted this year and held to only 19 members across the state so I was surprised and quite privileged to have been re-appointed.

I am especially excited this year as I have the honor of serving as the co-chair of the State's first International Initiative Committee. I will be working with the esteemed Dr. C.T. Wright in an effort to enhance the effectiveness of Arizona based NGO's. Dr. Wright has worked in International relations and Philanthropic ventures for many years and is highly regarded in the international community for his work.

Over the past few years of working with the Governor's office on particular projects I have developed a dear friendship with Jannah Scott, her Policy Advisor on Faith and Community Affairs. She is one of the most outstanding women I have ever met. A woman of great character and intellect. I have felt privileged, to say the least to associate with her and continue to learn from her leadership and council. I am especially honored to call her a friend. I think her very presence in the Governor's office has had a tremendously positive impact on the State of Arizona. It is also a testament of the focus of the Governor to reach out to those in need, even if you were to disagree with other of her policies, I can assure you Governor Napolitano has a sincere compassion for vulnerable populations and is passionate about providing opportunities for them to lift themselves out of despair and become self-sustaining.

On another note, I want to let anyone out there who is interested know about the third annual Golden Rule Awards Banquet. The recipient of this years most prestigious award, The Darl Anderson golden Rule Award, is none other than T. Dennis Barney. I can attest to his living this principle to the fullest. He is one of the kindest and most generous humans I have ever known. I see first how he gives of his time, talent and resources to help many many many people in various ways. It will be a great night to see him honored for his efforts. Anyone interested in attending the event can get tickets through the Arizona Interfaith Movement at Interfaitharizona.com. Aside from Dennis being honored this is always a fantastic event!