Three prominent community leaders will address this question at Flagstaff Leadership Program’s annual “Why Flagstaff” event. A recurring theme during the FLP recruitment process is the outstanding quality of life that attracted applicants to the area. This is an opportunity for FLP alumni, community members and potential applicants for next year’s class to hear the personal stories of local leaders, learn more about the FLP program, and experience a little slice of the Leadership Education Day format.

FLP is honored to host this year’s speakers:

• Wayne Ranney is a geologic educator, author and lecturer who works on numerous outdoor expeditions in Grand Canyon, the Southwest, and around the world. In fact, he responded to FLP’s invitation while on an expedition in Antarctica and Tierra del Fuego!  Wayne is well-known for his geology-themed river trips and his guided hikes in Grand Canyon. He has completed over 100 river trips and 400 hikes in the canyon. He is the author of ten books, including several award-winners, which reveal the wonders of our Southwestern landscape. Wayne is a member of the FLP Class of 2005.

• Shelley Watkins’ career in broadcasting began in Flagstaff in the late 1980’s. After graduating from NAU, she spent more than a decade working at Channel 2 - Flagstaff's NBC Affiliate - as reporter, news director, and ultimately, general manager. After more news media experience in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Phoenix, she returned to Flagstaff joining KNAU Arizona Public Radio in 2007 and serves as General Manager. When not working, Shelly enjoys writing, creating metal art and jewelry, refurbishing old houses, and spending time with family and friends.

• Kevin Schindler is the historian at Lowell Observatory and an active member of the Flagstaff history and science communities, having served in leadership roles for the Flagstaff Corral of Westerners International, Flagstaff Festival of Science, as well as on the Flagstaff Leadership Program board. He has played a leading role in organizing the current Lunar Legacy, an 18-month-long celebration of Flagstaff’s scientific role in the Apollo Moon missions. Kevin’s writing can be enjoyed in a variety of publications including his astronomy column, “View from Mars Hill” for the Arizona Daily Sun, and five books. He was recently recognized with an Arizona Humanities 2019 Friend of the Humanities Award, and is nominated for a 2019 Excellence in Community Impact Viola Award.

The Flagstaff Leadership Program, honored as the Arizona Daily Sun 2014 “Organization of the Year,” is a non-profit organization dedicated to leadership development within our community. FLP brings together leaders from business, government and the nonprofit sector who share their commitment to Flagstaff. The program selects an annual class of 25 applicants who meet monthly to learn about diverse aspects of Flagstaff and connect with community leaders. FLP’s alumni number over 600, including non-profit board members, past and present city and county leaders, and a current member of Congress.

Applications for the FLP 2019-2020 class are due April 5, 2019. http://www.flagstaffleadershipprogram.com/