Michael Jones
President and CEO, Delta Dental of Arizona
Michael Jones, who joined Delta Dental of Arizona as president and CEO in 2021 while simultaneously taking on the role of president of the Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation, works quickly, strategically, and deliberately.
Though at the helm of Arizona’s leading dental benefits provider less than a year, he is already building on the organization’s stellar reputation and championing initiatives for at-risk populations.
Jones recently announced 29 local nonprofits as Delta Dental of Arizona Foundation grant recipients. The grants, totaling over $750,000, increase access to dental care among underserved children, pregnant women, and seniors. He also announced a partnership with Arizona PBS to expand oral health education to children in rural communities.
“Our mission is to improve the lives of Arizonans by promoting and providing optimal oral health,” says Jones. “Without focused, intentional effort to support those within our community without access to affordable, preventative dental care and education, we cannot achieve this goal."—Alison Bailin Batz
Chef Scott Conant
Chef, Cookbook Author, and TV Personality
Chef Scott Conant not only helms restaurants Mora Italian in Phoenix, The Americano in Scottsdale, and Cellaio at Resorts World Catskills in New York, but he’s published four cookbooks, is a recurring judge on the Food Network’s Chopped, a frequent co-host on the Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay, a judge on Tournament of Champions, and is the former host of the Food Network’s Chopped Sweets and Best Baker in America.
Still, the achievement he’s most proud of is, “Hands-down, becoming a father is the best thing I’ve ever done," he says.
He’s opening a second location of The Americano in Atlanta, and other ventures are in the works, as well.
“I didn’t come from a lot, so overcoming obstacles or things that are perceived as barriers have become my best motivators,” he says. “I love this quote from Bob Dylan: 'Never think you’ve arrived, always be in a constant state of becoming.' I’m constantly thinking of how I can better myself, better my life for my family and my team members, and continuing to evolve and grow.”—Michelle Glicksman
Clayton Wolfe
Realtor, Pilot
Clayton Wolfe isn’t just a realtor and a pilot. He’s also a former farmer, a Scottsdale 20/30 Club member, and a mountaineer currently in pursuit of the Explorers Grand Slam—an adventurer’s challenge to reach the North Pole, the South Pole, and all the Seven Summits.
In April, he used that love of climbing to help those less fortunate. He sold $100 Golden Everest Tokens (which made the trek up Everest with him and then were mailed back) and raffle tickets, with all sales benefiting the Scottsdale 20/30 Club and local children’s charities it supports. He raised more than $14,000.
To train, he spent seven years climbing mountains all over the world, ice-climbing, tackling avalanche training courses, doing weighted hikes, and months sleeping in an altitude tent.
“I hope I inspire people to venture outdoors more, or better yet, experience the mountains firsthand. It’s life-changing,” he says.—Michelle Glicksman