Strengthening Our Team to Amplify Impact
CFA is pleased to announce the recent promotions of two team members, Heather Thornton and Mel Baca. These advancements reflect our commitment to expanding our capacity and enhancing our ability to drive impactful change throughout Arizona.
Heather Thornton Promoted to Senior Director, Strategic Marketing & Communications
Heather Thornton has been promoted to Senior Director, Strategic Marketing & Communications. “Since joining CFA, Heather has brought CFA’s marketing and communications to new heights, crucially supporting and amplifying the impact of our entire organization. In doing so, marketing and communications have become an important force for advancing The Arizona We Want, for altering the dominant narrative around negativity and division, and for creating a positive agenda for change,” said CFA Chair, President & CEO Dr. Sybil Francis.
Heather will continue leading CFA’s communications strategy, overseeing brand and reputation management, and crafting messages that align with and support CFA’s mission, vision, and goals. Her responsibilities include the strategic direction, program oversight, and operational management of CFA’s marketing and communications in close partnership with the organization’s executive leadership. This promotion ensures that CFA’s voice will continue to inspire and mobilize, driving meaningful change across Arizona.
Mel Baca Promoted to Project Manager, Senior
CFA has also promoted Mel Baca to Project Manager, Senior. Mel has demonstrated exceptional leadership in managing the Arizona Pathways to Prosperity initiative’s Educational Innovation Research (EIR) project. Her efforts have been vital to the early success of this major federal research initiative, designed to increase high school student interest and enrollment in early college STEM pathways through innovative systems-oriented solutions.
In her new role, Mel will continue to oversee this critically important research project, ensuring that all students in Arizona have the opportunity to realize their full potential. Her dedication to educational innovation and equity will significantly contribute to our organization's capacity to create positive change statewide.