Mark Molinaro, Ed.D., CEC

Executive Director & Professor, School of Hotel & Restaurant Management, Northern Arizona University

Redefining the intersection of hospitality and strategy, Dr. Molinaro pairs academic depth with real-world culinary expertise. He led the Summit's discussion on how hospitality can fuel Arizona's next wave of creative and economic growth.

Chef Mercer Mohr

Corporate Chef, Restaurateur & Founder, Mercer's Kitchen Restaurant Group

A Culinary Institute of America graduate, Mercer built his career with Hyatt Hotels and the Four Seasons San Francisco, earning “San Francisco Chef of the Year” and “National Hotel Chef of the Year.” He founded Mercer's Kitchen after selling his Wild Thyme Restaurant Group in 2015.

Christopher McGahey

Director of Hospitality, Cliff Castle Casino

A seasoned hospitality executive at Cliff Castle Casino Hotel — one of the Verde Valley's largest employers — Christopher oversees guest experience strategy, food & beverage, lodging, and facility amenities with a focus on operational excellence.

Brett Labit

Co-Founder & President, Creative Gateways Art Galleries

A Sedona-based entrepreneur and community-builder, Brett is also creator and Chief Empowerment Officer at TribeUp — combining art, business, and relationships to cultivate meaningful connections and empower communities to live purposefully.

Steve Segner

Owner & Operator, El Portal Sedona Hotel

The visionary behind El Portal Sedona Hotel, the boutique inn he and his wife Connie opened in 2003. Under Steve's leadership, El Portal earned a 2024 MICHELIN Key — an elite recognition held by only a handful of Arizona properties — and a 2025 Arizona Travel Award for boutique hospitality.

Todd Sanders

President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce

Leading the Greater Phoenix Chamber since 2009, Todd has championed business growth, workforce development, and public policy driving long-term prosperity. At the Summit, he spotlighted how collaboration between Sedona and the Phoenix tech corridor can amplify statewide innovation.

Katie Pettinger, MBA

Chief Innovation Officer, NSF Futures Engine in the Southwest, ASU

Katie leads commercialization and investment strategies advancing sustainable water, energy, and air solutions across the Southwest. A startup founder and former university commercialization manager, she has guided numerous early-stage ventures and federal innovation programs.

Mary Chicoine, MSA, MS

Executive Director, Verde Valley Community Development Organization

A collaborative leader building resilient, sustainable communities across Northern Arizona, Mary leads initiatives that strengthen regional alliances and economic vitality. A two-time Notre Dame graduate, she is also founder of Momentum Catalysts, supporting mission-driven leaders.

Mimi Maher

Owner, BCT Sedona · Secretary, Sedona-Oak Creek USD Educational Foundation

An entrepreneur, artist, and community advocate, Mimi provides long-term, below-market rentals for local families, teachers, first responders, and service professionals through BCT Sedona. She was recognized by the Rotary Club of Sedona for her leadership in housing and community philanthropy.

Carlos Alfaro

Founder, Arizona Talks

A director, nonprofit executive, and founder of Arizona Talks, Carlos fosters civic dialogue and bipartisan understanding across the state — showing how thoughtful governance and collaboration can drive sustainable growth while preserving the landscapes that define Arizona's identity.