We have transition news to share at Children’s Action Alliance. This summer, January Contreras, current Executive Director, will transition out of her role after leading Arizona’s longstanding children’s advocacy organization since 2023.

“At a time when children in Arizona especially need champions, it has been an incredible privilege to lead the Children’s Action Alliance legacy of defending and advancing policy that makes children healthier, safer, and more economically secure,” said January Contreras. “If state and federal budgets and policies were committed to the stability and success of children, it would be a stronger and more just future for all of us. I am proud and grateful to work towards this future with Children’s Action Alliance, and I know that the talented staff and committed board of directors will continue the important work to realize this vision. In the months ahead, I am glad to have plenty of time to share thanks with partners, funders, and this organization’s dedicated community of supporters.”

January’s legacy includes the launch of the Families First Forum and the State of Kids Community Convening Road Show. She played an instrumental role in strengthening outreach to rural Arizona communities, supporting young people who have transitioned out of the foster care system through the Opportunity Passport program, and leading passionate colleagues to inform and mobilize a diverse and large network of stakeholders while engaging against federal cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). During her tenure, the Children’s Action Alliance team continued its tradition of relentlessly advocating for children at the State Capitol, built the Changemakers parent leadership and advocacy program, raised the highest amount of funds from individual donors and the annual leadership awards event since 2020, and launched the largest Opportunity Passport cohort since before the pandemic.

“January’s deep executive leadership and policy record have served our organization in incredibly important ways, and her genuine dedication to Arizona’s children and families has truly strengthened Children’s Action Alliance’s ability to deliver our mission,” said David Higuera, Board Chair of Children’s Action Alliance. “While we will miss January’s leadership, we appreciate the ways she fortified our infrastructure, advocacy, and on-the-ground community engagement. Most of all, she assembled a team of passionate and knowledgeable staff who will carry out this important mission into the future.”

Children’s Action Alliance Board of Directors is launching a comprehensive search for a new Executive Director. This search will be led by The Duffy Group. While January looks forward to exploring new projects and professional interests, she remains fully committed to supporting the mission-driven work of CAA until the torch is passed to a new leader. She will continue to serve in her role with the same level of commitment through June 5 to support a smooth and thoughtful transition.

For more information or to apply to serve as the Executive Director, please contact The Duffy Group:

Colleen Neese
Practice Leader, Non-Profits
602-802-8329
cneese@duffygroup.com

Beth Christensen
Executive Recruiter
602-612-5586
bchristensen@duffygroup.com

Children’s Action Alliance is deeply committed to its mission of advancing an Arizona where all children and families.

As we close a challenging advocacy year, we are filled with hope and gratitude. This year we had the opportunity to connect, learn, and share throughout Arizona while meeting with incredible community leaders, advocates, and policy makers.

From community gatherings on kinship caregiving and child care, to the State of Kids Roadshow and Families First Forum, to webinars on federal funding cuts, what remained true across all our efforts and connections is the commitment and passion that continues among Arizonans to support children and families.

We extend our gratitude to our incredible community partners, funders, and each individual who continues to support our work. It means the world to us to be in this work together.

Together, we will continue to build an Arizona where all children and families thrive.

We hope that the upcoming year brings you moments of rest, joy, and hope.

Today, as we celebrate Arizona’s Statehood Day, we’re reminded of the decisions and policies that have shaped our communities over the past years—and the critical role we all play in shaping the path ahead. 

Please join Children's Action Alliance for a webinar briefing on state and federal policy. With proposals at both the state and federal level that can greatly affect Arizona’s families, communities, and economy, it is important to stay informed and engaged. 

Join us to learn the latest about state legislation and federal proposals impacting children and families, including AHCCCS/Medicaid, SNAP, and more. 

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (MST)

Virtual Webinar