Angel Luis Acosta Carrasquillo
STEM Teacher, Skyline Gila River
Growing up in Puerto Rico, Angel Luis Acosta Carrasquillo experienced the strength of community as well as the limitations that can sometimes be placed on access to opportunity. He came to realize the kind of impact one person can have by showing up consistently and intentionally.
As an educator and STEM leader at Skyline Gila River, Carrasquillo works with students and their families from the Gila River Indian Community. He implements a multitiered, differentiated instructional model that challenges and supports all students in mathematics. His work has contributed to a significant increase in college application participation from 11% to 54% within one year, with all students he directly supported successfully securing a post-secondary pathway.
“My work extends beyond the classroom through STEM education, college readiness, leadership development, and supporting families. One of the most powerful moments is seeing a student get accepted into college,
especially when they didn’t believe it was possible for them.”
He holds advanced degrees in STEM education and is currently pursuing a doctorate in computer science education, and speaks English, Spanish, and French.
Adam Benedetti
President, Chandler Youth Baseball
An Arizona native and proud product of Chandler Unified School District, Chandler isn’t just where Adam Benedetti grew up, it is where he has chosen to build a life for himself and his family. As an extremely shy kid, sports played a major role in helping him find his voice and confidence. He understands the profound impact sports can have on a young person's life, and he leverages his experiences to create positive change within our community.
“It’s meaningful to now stand on the same fields where I once quietly followed coaches and now lead as a coach, mentor, and president. It’s been a full-circle journey that reminds me how powerful community and mentorship can be. Leadership, to me, isn’t about titles, it’s about showing up, following through, and doing what’s best, even when it’s not the easiest path.”
His impact extends far beyond the baseball diamond.
“If there’s a field, court, or sideline in Chandler, there’s a good chance I’m there. Giving back isn’t something I schedule; it’s part of our family’s everyday life.”
Jovanni Cedeño
COO, Liv Well Behavioral Health
Jovanni Cedeño is passionate about supporting families experiencing poverty, providing tangible resources and hope through initiatives in partnership with local Title 1 schools. He is an inspiring example of what it means to serve a community with humility, compassion, heart, and unwavering dedication by creating opportunities for those experiencing low-income hardships so they can thrive.
His background is what inspired him to give back.
“I was raised by a single mother, and we experienced poverty in the inner city of Chicago, housing instability, and time in shelters. Growing up, I saw how easy it was for people in my community to lose hope and feel trapped by their environment. I wanted to be an example that circumstances do not define your future and to inspire others like me to believe that change is possible.”
A nominator writes, “Cedeño has been especially instrumental in mentoring young students, building strong relationships, and guiding them toward positive choices and future success. He has a unique ability to connect with them and help them see their potential, develop confidence, and stay focused on their goals, providing not only support, but also accountability and inspiration.”
Neil Cutler
Co-Founder, Chandler Business Alliance
Neil Cutler has never stopped staying involved in Chandler’s nonprofit community. He prefers to work with organizations that facilitate working with numerous charities that are Chandler-based. He’s co-founder and current board member of the Chandler Business Alliance, pending vice chair of Sun Lakes Rotary, ACP Boys Basketball Booster president, and past board member of Fans Across America, to name a few.
As a small business owner himself, Cutler was inspired to make a difference in the community after seeing a need for small business owners to have an easily accessible avenue toward local nonprofits in a way that would also be beneficial to their business.
“It’s an honor to put service before self.”
Cutler has proven to be a visionary leader committed to service and bringing people together for the greater good, making him highly deserving of recognition.
Something you may not know?
“I ran Dragway race cars with my father when I was young and have the ability to complete most auto repairs myself!”
Randy Gonzalez
Sr. Account Executive, Cisco
A third-generation Arizona native, Chandler is truly home for Randy Gonzalez. Shaped by his grandfather and family, helping those in need became a part of his fabric early on.
Serving on the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Mercy Gilbert Corporate Development board, Gonzalez is responsible for securing corporate partnerships that generate donations to fund the hospital, clinics, and general services for our Chandler and East Valley communities. He is also team captain at St. Mary’s Food Bank, pre-packing food boxes for those in need in our community.
“This work highlights how the necessity of food can be overlooked by us all who are blessed not to encounter these worries.
“My strongest character trait is the ability to manage diversity. As a special needs autism dad, I must be able to juggle all that life presents as people are counting on me.”
He’s especially proud that he and his wife, Michele, continue to successfully be a team in managing all the challenges a special needs child can bring to a family.
Justin Hamilton
Lead Pastor, Legacy Church
Three years ago, Justin Hamilton, along with his wife Delicia, started Legacy Church in the Chandler YMCA. Upon entering the new 22,000-square-foot facility, you will see, “In Chandler As It Is In Heaven.”
“That’s not a slogan, it’s a daily conviction that drives how we serve, lead, and show up for people in this city.”
The Church has invested tens of thousands of dollars into local nonprofits and organizations, supporting family-focused initiatives in the community. “Giving back isn’t just about one-time efforts; it’s about consistently building people and creating environments that have a lasting effect.”
Founder of Amplify Communication Coaching, Hamilton works with community leaders to enhance their impact. He has also authored Get Your Ship Together, an e-course designed to help readers navigate life and relationships.
Something you may not know?
“Growing up, I was a part of a classical boys choir in California and played violin. It allowed me to travel the world and experience a variety of cultures and settings. I truly believe that faith, music, and art are the most powerful tools for connecting people together.”
Bo Jenkins
Battalion Chief, Chandler Fire Department
Bo Jenkins is extremely grateful to have served a city he loves for 15 years and has held many roles in the Chandler Fire Department as a firefighter, engineer, captain, and recently promoted battalion chief. He was also recognized as the department’s 2025 Firefighter of the Year.
He also serves as president of the department’s nonprofit, Chandler Firefighter Charities, raising money and assets throughout the year to help provide support for Chandler citizens in need, often on their worst days.
“Historically, our support has been reactionary after a crisis. Through our members donating funds directly from their paychecks to fundraising events, we’ve been able to be more proactive. To be able to provide support beyond our call to service is extremely gratifying. I’m surrounded by people who truly care about others and go above and beyond to make a difference in our community, both on and off duty.”
Something you may not know? He and his wife, Sarah, were high school sweethearts.
Mark “Zzeek” Pectol
Co-Owner, Zzeeks Pizza
Zzeek, along with his wife, Jody, own five retail pizza stores in the East Valley. It has also become truly a family affair now that both of their sons have joined them in the business.
It is often said that no one gives back to the community more than they do. It can be a local charity, animal rescue and shelters, local school, or an individual in need of a hand up.
“Wherever there is a need, we try to help. We do fundraising for the elementary schools and sponsor almost all of the high school programs.”
The Kids Pizza Camps are one of their favorite things to do to engage local kids in what they do every day.
“We teach them our recipes, we let them take orders on the computers, make some dough, and share with them about our special ovens and how we bake pizzas. They make their own pizza with their own hands. It’s rewarding to see them come back several years later, asking for a job.”
His wife adds, “He works harder than anyone I know. Daily, he tries to make this world a better place.”
Preston Pierce
Commander C-26, Chandler Police Department
As a commander in operational support, Preston Pierce helps develop, train, and produce quality police officers who impact our community daily.
His inspiration came early in life through his mother, pastor, mentors, and community leaders who invested their time and energy to ensure he was focused on making a positive difference.
Throughout his career, Pierce has received recognition for his performance and leadership, including SWAT Operator of the Year and multiple Meritorious Service and Unit Citation awards. Outside of work, he is actively involved in Chandler, serving on the advisory board for the Chandler/Gilbert YMCA, where he co-chairs the Community Engagement Committee, and volunteers on his church’s safety and security team for the past 18 years. His nominator writes, “His career progression, leadership responsibilities, and sustained community involvement make him an obvious choice for the Men of Chandler.”
Something you may not know?
“I traveled to Fiji for two weeks and worked with an organization called Homes of Hope, who rescue women and children from sex trafficking.”
Brad Taylor
Co-Founder, Lily’s Pad
Lily’s Pad came to life in the mind of Brad Taylor, whose 3-year-old daughter, Lily, was diagnosed with high-risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) in December of 2017.
For months after a long hospital stay, Taylor and his wife, Peggy, struggled to keep their daughter happy and busy as she was confined to their home and couldn’t return to preschool for almost a year. The once social butterfly had become shy, scared, and terrified of noise and crowds.
Lily's Pad was created as the missing piece in the treatment plan for young, immunocompromised patients. The 5,200-square-foot facility was designed as a “hyperclean” space that minimizes the risk of infection while maximizing the many rewards of play for these children and their families. “We partner with Banner and Phoenix Children’s Hospital to help bring kids undergoing medical treatment the gift of play. It’s the first of its kind in the country as far as we can tell, and I’d like to open a second one.”
Darius Turner
Student Success Coordinator, Skyline Gila River School
While winning is rewarding, Darius Turner’s true passion is mentoring young people and helping them grow into confident, disciplined individuals, impacting students both academically and personally.
As a coach, he has guided Skyline to a total of four state championship titles in football and basketball. As an educator, he is committed to meeting the immediate needs of his students. Whether it is providing food, clothing, transportation, or tutoring, he assists those who may not have the resources or support systems they need to succeed.
Turner also loves volunteering for the I RISE Foundation, which helps our youth study and compete in robotics and STEM research in community schools throughout the Chandler area.
In May of 2026, he transitioned from a career in education to pursue his lifelong goal of working in law enforcement by joining the Chandler Police Department as a recruit police officer. This decision reflects his continued commitment to serving others and making a positive impact on the community. While he is leaving the field of education, his purpose remains the same—to serve, protect, and uplift those around him.
Steven Turner
Asst. Director Development Services, City of Chandler
Steven Turner was born and raised in Chandler and feels serving the community that shaped him, both personally and professionally, has been one of the most fulfilling decisions he has made in his life.
“It feels like a full-circle moment—giving back to the place and the people who helped raise me and taught me what community really means.”
His grandfather, Elmo Turner, was his biggest inspiration.
“He lived his life with the simple but powerful belief that if you want to make the world a better place, you start by strengthening your own family and your own community.”
Personally, whether it is to oversee the teenage youth program at his church, or ministering to widows, or helping coordinate efforts to feed the homeless through Chandler’s iHELP program, or volunteering at For Our City Day events, Turner feels it’s an incredible privilege to serve to make Chandler an even better place to live.
Professionally, whether working on high-level city initiatives or managing the complexities of developmental services, he brings a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach that builds trust and moves projects forward.
Cars courtesy Covenant Hot Rod Association, CovenantHotRod.com