Arizona Advocacy Network

Executive Director: Linda Brown

Linda brings a wealth of creativity and experience from years as a marketing and programming executive at Discovery Channel. Since moving to Arizona in 1999, she has served as Deputy Director of the Clean Elections Institute and worked in Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood of Central and Northern Arizona. She was a founding board member of AzAN. Linda was honored by the Arizona Hispanic Community Forum with an Award for Service in Defense of the Community, acknowledging AzAN's leadership on immigrant and Latino rights. She has served in many leadership positions including Vice President of the Arizona Hispanic Community Forum and Vice President of the Somos America/We Are America Coalition.

Sam Wercinski

A leader in grassroots organizing who has worked with communities across Arizona, Sam is convinced that voters want elected officials accountable through competitive electoral districts and public campaigns independent of big money special interests. His drive to help create good government reflects in his work at AzAN and the passion he brings to the organization. His motto, Promoting Mutual Respect sets the tone for interacting with allies and opponents. Sam's ability to create positive relationships leads to shared success as demonstrated while serving on Governor Janet Napolitano's cabinet.

Sam is an Air Force veteran (USAFA '84 - Go Falcons!), a former business owner and has run for public office. He has served on community boards such as Habitat for Humanity and SW Center for HIV/AIDS and still supports many organizations today. For more about Sam, join his circle of friends at Facebook.com/sam.wercinski.

AzAN Mourns the Loss of Our Most Dedicated Volunteer

Cheryl Hunter Schmidt

Died on May 8, 2010 from a hospital-acquired infection following surgery. Her beloved son Robin was at her side. The eldest of four children, she received her bachelor's degree from ASU. Cheryl was a valiant fighter in human rights struggles and ardent activist for Native American and Hispanic rights. A member of the Gila River Indian Community, Cheryl co-founded the Gila River Urban Members Association and the Native American Community Organizing Project. She was one of the first recipients of the Maricopa County Democratic Party Diversity Award. Cheryl was a peaceful warrior--an inspiration to all whose lives she touched, and a role model for anyone who felt discouraged because the obstacles before them seemed insurmountable. When diabetes took away her sight Cheryl switched to public transportation without complaint. When the disease ravaged her kidneys, Cheryl gracefully worked dialysis into her packed schedule. Fearless about speaking truth to power, she was always ready to stand up for the oppressed and vulnerable. On any given day she could be found testifying before the legislature, city council or board of supervisors or spending hours on the phone organizing others to take action--even from her hospital bed. She was an example of dedication for all of us who become too complacent, apathetic, or disinterested to take action in the face of injustice. Although we will miss her as a friend and a sister "en la Causa," the memory of her remarkable strength and easy laugh will carry us forward. Cheryl is survived by her son Robin Schmidt, brother Gerald Hunter, and sisters Jennifer Hunter and Shannon Hunter. (She was predeceased by daughter Summer Schmidt.) Services Friday, May 14th at 6:00pm at Central Presbyterian Church, 37 E Indian School Rd. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Robin Schmidt Scholarship Fund c/o Arizona Advocacy Network, 1616 E. Indian School Road, Suite 340, Phoenix, AZ 85016.