As Scottsdale celebrates its 75th birthday, there’s no better moment to reflect on the people who have helped shape the city’s past, present, and future. For our Love Local issue, Scottsdale City Lifestyle sat down with several of our top leaders, visionaries, and community champions—from longtime public servants and cultural stewards to business icons and creative entrepreneurs—each offering a personal perspective on how Scottsdale has evolved and what continues to make it extraordinary. Their stories reveal a city defined not just by growth and glamour, but by deep civic pride, philanthropy, creativity, and an enduring commitment to community.
Lisa Borowsky
Mayor, City of Scottsdale
What is the biggest change you've seen in Scottsdale over the years?
I grew up here, so I’ve seen Scottsdale transform from a quiet desert town into a vibrant, world-class city. What stands out to me is how we’ve managed that growth while keeping our sense of community and natural beauty intact. Every time I walk through Old Town or visit the Preserve, I’m reminded of how important it is to protect what makes Scottsdale special.
What is the one contribution to the city that you're most proud of?
I’m most proud of creating the Citizen Budget Review Commission. It was important to me that residents have a real voice in how we allocate resources and prioritize spending. Growing up here, I learned that Scottsdale thrives when government and community work hand in hand. This commission ensures transparency and accountability, and it reflects my belief that the best ideas often come from the people who call Scottsdale home.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I have been known to risk my life to save a stray animal, having done so numerous times. But surprisingly, I suffer from a fish phobia!
Craig Jackson
Chairman & CEO, Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
What is the biggest change you've seen in Scottsdale over the years?
My family and I have been in Scottsdale since the 1960s, and for over five decades, I’ve seen Scottsdale evolve from a quiet Western town into a sophisticated urban center with a diversified economy, significant population growth, and a thriving tourism industry. I am extremely proud that the Barrett-Jackson auction has been a key driver in this transformation. It’s been a privilege to work with the city to expand WestWorld and see the auction evolve into a world-renowned automotive lifestyle event that attracts international visitors, supports the local economy, and helps cement the city's reputation as a luxury destination.
What is the one contribution to the city that you're most proud of?
Our company has a long history of giving back to the community, and I am incredibly proud that Barrett-Jackson’s legacy began with a philanthropic vision. Before we officially became an auction house in 1971, my parents—Nellie and Russ Jackson—and Tom Barrett held a charity car show in the late 1960s called the Fiesta de los Autos Elegantes. What started as a modest fundraiser to buy books for Scottsdale’s new library and support the local arts center proved so successful that it paved the way for our very first collector car auction. Today, we honor that history by auctioning charity cars at every event, a tradition that has allowed us to raise over $164 million to date for various nonprofit organizations.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
People might be surprised to know that I still get my hands dirty. Restoring a lot of my own personal cars isn't just a hobby; it's my passion and like therapy to me. I love performing the metal work and painting the cars. I've restored dozens of cars, including unique Shelby prototypes like Little Red and the Green Hornet, as well as my 1948 Delahaye that scored 100 points at the Classic Car Club of America Grand Classic. I even had the privilege of learning pinstriping skills from the legendary Von Dutch himself, back in the day.
Sam Kathryn Campana
Former Mayor/City Councilmember, City of Scottsdale
Walk N About Scottsdale, Owner/Tour Guide
What is the biggest change you've seen in Scottsdale over the years?
To quote Mayor Bill Jenkins, “Everyone thinks Scottsdale was at its finest the day they moved here!” But change has made us better, stronger. Citizens gathered together, through six votes, and saved almost one-third of our city—the McDowell Mountains and the Sonoran Desert they’re nestled in. We were the last Valley city with a freeway—a glorious public art concrete canvas! Welcome to The West’s Most Western Town—and change!
What is the one contribution to the city that you're most proud of?
My children! Political capital is useless unless you spend it! Dino DeConcini and Ron Warner shared that with me when I was a young professional—and I've lived that credo. If there's an issue I can help resolve, a project that needs a boost, a friend who needs an advocate, I want to spend that political capital and assist. My children saw that (maybe suffered some for it), but Cassidy and Katie have led their lives to do the same in Scottsdale, the Valley, and Arizona; even Richie and Melissa in their Irish community. I'm most proud of them!
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
No surprises here—my life has been an open book! I recently moved to Scottsdale House, where my wedding reception was 50-plus years ago! Just a few blocks from the modest apartment my high school BFF and I rented when we moved here from rural Idaho. And now, literally only a few doors from where I lived during my time on council and as mayor. I love Scottsdale—and crafted a small-town life here. A rich, rewarding, even exciting life with my extended family in our Most Livable City. Also, I now lead tours in Downtown Scottsdale.
Erik A. Moses
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Fiesta Sports Foundation
What is the biggest change you've seen in Scottsdale over the years?
In my three years living in Arizona, the main change I have noticed is in the way Scottsdale is actively positioning itself to potential visitors. Between the city and the great team at Experience Scottsdale, it’s clear that Scottsdale is seeking to be a vacation destination for families and couples, and not simply a bachelor/bachelorette party destination. I also see those of us involved in the hospitality industry being more intentional about attracting sporting events, sports tourism, and entertainment events that appeal to our local community, in addition to visitors.
What is the one contribution to the city that you're most proud of?
The Fiesta Sports Foundation has had a successful 20-year partnership with the City of Scottsdale that started when our administrative offices moved from Tempe to the Scottsdale Waterfront. We are proud of the contributions our Foundation has made over that time to bolster the hospitality and tourism industry in Scottsdale by housing our Fiesta Bowl and Rate Bowl teams in Scottsdale and promoting Scottsdale to fans across the country. In addition, the Fiesta Bowl Museum in the Scottsdale Waterfront—free of charge to visitors—has become a popular spot for college football fans and tourists alike.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
Before accepting this job, I was a bigger fan of college basketball than college football, probably because I’m an alum of the University of North Carolina, which has traditionally had a top basketball program but not a consistently successful football program.
Dennis Robbins
Executive Director, Scottsdale Charros
What is the biggest change you've seen in Scottsdale over the years?
Scottsdale has changed in many ways over the years, some for the better, some not. On the positive side, Scottsdale offers a lifestyle and community for all ages, and everyone is welcome. On the negative side, the traffic can be suffocating.
What is the one contribution to the city that you're most proud of?
I am most thankful for the opportunity to serve as the executive director of the Scottsdale Charros. I have a hand in the Charros’ long-term impact in Scottsdale, from small donations to a nonprofit that provides wigs for children fighting cancer to scholarships for future teachers in the Scottsdale Unified School District. The Charros’ impact on the community is vast and deep.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I was a DJ in college. I loved listening to and playing the popular music of the day. It let me stretch creatively, be a little weird, and nobody seemed to care!
Natalie Marsh
Director of Learning & Innovation, Scottsdale Arts
What is the biggest change you've seen in Scottsdale over the years?
When I first moved to Scottsdale 10 years ago, it was generally accepted that summers were slower because it wasn’t tourist season. Our programming tended to focus only on schools or visitors. However, now we have workshops and programs happening every month of the year, thanks to our city’s population growth and the need for creative activities for our year-round residents.
What is the one contribution to the city that you're most proud of?
It’s hard to pick a favorite, but I’m particularly proud of the Scottsdale Family ArtsFest! On March 6 and 7, we will host our fourth consecutive year of this event in collaboration with Scottsdale Unified School District. It’s a two-day festival of family and artful fun for everyone at the Scottsdale Civic Center, with student performances, art exhibitions, and activities from artists and community partners. It's a fabulous way to showcase our creative community.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I am a puzzle geek. I once had a 550-day Wordle streak, I can finish the Sunday New York Times crossword puzzle in 30 minutes, and a 1,000-piece puzzle usually takes over my dining room table.
Shantelle Girard
Founder and CEO, Rancher Hat Bar
What is the biggest change you've seen in Scottsdale over the years?
Scottsdale has grown into a true destination city. While it has always had beauty and character, there’s been a noticeable shift toward elevated experiences, trendy restaurants, higher expectations, and a stronger appreciation for quality and originality. It’s exciting to see the city embrace both growth and creativity while still maintaining its unique personality and Western heritage.
What is the one contribution to the city that you're most proud of?
I’m most proud of helping elevate the retail experience in Scottsdale by introducing something that feels both personal and memorable. Creating moments that bring people together—whether through celebrations, corporate gatherings, or community events—and seeing those experiences become part of someone’s lasting memory is incredibly rewarding. Rancher has also increased tourism so much for the city; we have thousands of people who come to Scottsdale for Rancher and turn it into a trip that helps the Valley's tourism. They will dine at restaurants, stay at local resorts, and indulge in shopping around the city. We are very proud of that.
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
People are often surprised to learn how much intention and structure goes into everything I do. While the brand feels fun and effortless on the outside, there’s a strong foundation of planning, discipline, and attention to detail behind everything I do.