Social Venture Partners Arizona Launches Innovative Co-Leadership Model with Three Managing Directors

Strategic restructuring welcomes a triad of leaders bringing complementary expertise to drive impact, growth, and efficiency.

PHOENIX, AZ, UNITED STATES, August 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Social Venture Partners Arizona (SVPAZ) recently announced the launch of a groundbreaking co-leadership venture philanthropy model, appointing three Managing Directors to collectively lead the organization in lieu of the single CEO model typically adopted.

“This is an intentional strategic decision designed to support the long-term sustainability of our organization,” said Sentari Minor, Co-Chair of SVPAZ. “By distributing leadership across three specialized directors, we can deepen partner engagement, expand our philanthropic education, and magnify our impact across the community.”

With more than 130 Partner members and multiple nonprofit Investees, SVPAZ has experienced over 330% growth over the past 6 years. Modeled after venture capital frameworks, the new three-director structure is designed to meet the demands of this rapid expansion while maintaining the agility and mission alignment that has defined the organization’s success.

Meet the Managing Directors
Amy Armstrong: Managing Director, Strategic Growth
Amy will oversee Partnership growth and recruitment, ensuring a healthy, engaged, and diverse network of partners. Her role also encompasses securing funding beyond Partnership dues, including developing creative and diversified revenue sources. With consistent year-over-year growth in programs and grantmaking, a properly resourced and growing Partnership is central to SVPAZ’s present and future success.

Kristen Gowen-MacDonald: Managing Director, Operations
Kristen will oversee all operational, financial, administrative, and event-related functions of the organization. She will focus on internal infrastructure, continuing to build systems, processes, and operational excellence necessary to support SVPAZ’s continued growth and long-term sustainability. Her experience in nonprofit operations and financial management helps ensure the organization remains effective, scalable, and mission-focused.

Heather Walsh: Managing Director, Philanthropic Investment
Heather will provide strategic leadership and oversight of SVPAZ’s philanthropic investment portfolio, ensuring strong outcomes for nonprofit Investees while delivering a meaningful experience for Partner members. She manages the full lifecycle of philanthropic investments and serves as the primary steward of relationships between Partners and nonprofit leaders. By aligning Partner expertise with Investee priorities, Heather ensures investments produce measurable organizational strengthening and sustained community impact.

For more information on Social Venture Partners Arizona, visit svpaz.org.

About Social Venture Partners Arizona
Social Venture Partners Arizona (SVPAZ) is a community of engaged philanthropists, business leaders and changemakers who take a venture capital approach to charitable giving. They provide multi-year funding, capacity-building resources, and strategic guidance to help promising nonprofits strengthen their organizations, expand their impact, and achieve sustainable growth.

SVPAZ also supports Partners to become more informed, strategic, and effective philanthropists through education, hands-on engagement, and shared learning. Through meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community, Partners build camaraderie with one another while working together to address Arizona’s most pressing challenges.

Amy Armstrong
Social Venture Partners
aarmstrong@svpaz.org
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