Orlando Cazarez with Center for the Future of Arizona E14
The Center for the Future of Arizona is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that brings Arizonans together to create a stronger and brighter future for the state. They listen to Arizonans to learn what matters most to them, share trusted data about how Arizona is doing, bring critical issues to public attention, and work with communities and leaders to solve public problems.
They work across the full spectrum of important issue areas and have deep and ongoing work in education, workforce and civic health, recognizing how central these are to a bright and prosperous future for the state of Arizona.
The Arizona We Want is a shared vision of success around what matters most to Arizonans: A world-class education for all, healthy and vibrant communities, rewarding jobs that use all our talents and help our economy thrive, taking care of Arizona’s natural beauty and resources for generations to come, respecting and valuing every individual and championing their success.
Orlando Cazarez is a native of Sinaloa, Mexico and has lived in Arizona since 1988. Orlando is a graduate of Arizona State University WP Carey School of Business with a degree in Computer Information Systems, he also holds a certificate in Energy & Sustainability from ASU and is currently a graduate student at Thunderbird School of Global Management. His past 20 years of professional experience include roles as IBM’s Arizona state & local government client representative, territory sales/trainer at First American Title and prior to joining CFA he held the position of Sr. Director of Business Development at the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Orlando’s recent active roles in the community include serving on the Xico Latinx & Indigenous Art Inc. board and was also an instructor and mentor for the Young Entrepreneur Academy at Phoenix Community College. He served a 5-year Federal Political Coordinator appointment to Congressman Ruben Gallego’s AZ District 7 on real estate policy. Orlando proudly serves in the ARMY National Guard’s 159th Finance Detachment, and is also a graduate of the Hispanic Leadership Institute.
Orlando, his wife Irma and their 3 children, Ethan, Aden & Eliza live in the South Mountain community of Laveen. They enjoy hiking, cycling, camping, and trips to the beach as a family. Orlando’s creativity is expressed through a personal venture titled @CarverMountainShop featuring functional handmade art pieces upcycled out of recycled materials such as license plates and reclaimed wood.
Follow the Center for the Future of Arizona on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About Arizona Good Business
What is good business? What are local businesses doing to build a better Arizona?
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- Centering purpose at the forefront of business
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About Your Host
Thomas Barr is the Executive Director for Local First Arizona, the largest coalition of local businesses in North America. He advocates for a strong local business community that contributes to building vibrancy, equity, and prosperity across the state. A proud Arizona native and graduate of Arizona State University, Thomas leads the business coalition of Local First Arizona by advocating for the economic and cultural benefits provided by building strong local economies.
Thomas steers the strategic direction of LFA’s major programs and initiatives as well as the engagement of over 3000 businesses across Arizona. As Executive Director, Thomas guides a team of statewide senior directors overseeing the execution of LFA’s communication strategy, major initiatives and key partnerships, as well as the collaboration of over 30 staff implementing work in entrepreneurship programs, small business advocacy, local food initiatives, sustainability, urban development and community building. He frequently speaks to groups locally and nationally, presenting the impact of Local First Arizona and the importance of local economy work in building prosperity.
Outside of Local First Arizona, Thomas has participated in volunteering his time to many causes and organizations throughout the Valley including Young Nonprofit Professionals – Phoenix, Equality Arizona, Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, Arizona Commission on the Arts, Heritage Square Foundation and Phoenix Legal Action Network. Additionally, Thomas is a 2018 Phoenix Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, alumni of Arizona Leading for Change, and current participant in Valley Leadership Institute’s 40th cohort.
Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Local First AZ
Local First Arizona is a nonprofit organization that celebrates independent, locally owned businesses. We support, promote and advocate for a strong local business community and raise public awareness of the economic and cultural benefits provided by strong local economies. Local businesses contribute to a sustainable economy for Arizona and build vibrant communities we’re all proud to call home.
