Diversity Champions
Diversity Champions are individuals who exemplify the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and who have enriched the community by empowering others. Individuals are nominated by others in the community and selected Diversity Champions are honored each year at the MLK Jr. Community Celebration. Eligible nominees must work, live or volunteer in Scottsdale.
2021 Diversity Champions
Forty-two Diversity Champions have been honored since the program’s 2001 inception.
Dr. Jan Gehler
Dr. Gehler became Scottsdale Community College’s second president following the distinguished career of Dr. Art DeCabooter. She had 21 years in higher education prior to joining the Maricopa County Community College District.
Dr Gehler served the local community of Scottsdale as board member for the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Celebrating Diversity, Scottsdale Training and Rehabilitation Services, and as a member of the Scottsdale Leadership Advisory Committee, Scottsdale Healthcare Advisory Committee and Scottsdale Rotary.
Jan retired in August of 2018 after 10 years of service to Scottsdale Community College.
Chief Alan Rodbell
Chief Alan Rodbell is a police executive with 44 years of experience in law enforcement administration. His most recent 17 years have been spent as the Police Chief of the City of Scottsdale.
Under his leadership, Scottsdale has achieved double digit reductions in crime, making Scottsdale one of the safest cities in Arizona.
Chief Rodbell was appointed by the Governor to two State Boards; the Arizona Police Officer Standards and Training Board, and the Homeland Security, Central Regional Advisory Council.
In 2017, Chief Rodbell was named Police Chief of the Year by the Arizona Chiefs of Police.
Chief Rodbell serves as an Advisory Board member of the East Valley NAACP and a member of the Arizona Black Law Enforcement Employees Association.
The Chief has worked with the Special Olympics throughout his career and with many local organizations such as the Scottsdale Charros, CCD, Health World Education, Horsense, SCC, and Scottsdale Leadership.
Past Diversity Champions
2021
Dr. Jan Gehler
Chief Alan Rodbell
2020
Rosa Casas
Shannon Paloma
Peter Rusin
2019
Sharon Cini
Gary Griggs
2018
Marybell Ramirez-Deeds
André Watkins
2017
Gina Griffiths
Linda Walton
2016
Keiko Conn
Stanna-Michelle Slater
2015
Frances Ann Burruel
Lee and Ray Silverman
2014
Michele Halyard
Tom Henny
Jim and Cindy Hill
2013
Darrell Copp
Christine French
Mary Manross
2012
Wendy Lyons
Carolyn Repp
2011
Helen Gandara
Mary King
2010
Don Logan
Joe Baca
2009
Tina Brown
Lin Ling Lee
2008
Marion Kelly
Graciela Candia
2007
Mark Rothman
2006
Doreen Reinke
Clif McKenzie
2005
James Yiannias
Jamie Leibovitz
2004
Ruben Camacho
Meghan & Manali Ghave
2003
Paul Eppinger
Kathy Hotchner
2002
Art DeCabooter
Norma Saldana
2001
Dick Bowers
John Calvin