PHOENIX, Ariz., March 20, 2024 – The Arizona Educational Foundation (AEF®) is pleased to announce Heather Todd Horrocks, Attorney at Weiss Brown, and Madeline Winney, CEO and Founder at LEO Foundation USA, will join the AEF Board of Directors.
Heather Todd Horrocks
Heather Todd Horrocks practices at Weiss Brown, PLLC in the fields of data privacy, corporate law, securities, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). As a data privacy attorney, her in-depth understanding of the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of privacy laws and regulations allows her to assist companies in developing comprehensive data protection strategies, ensuring compliance with international and domestic privacy laws. Heather's knowledge extends to advising on data breach response plans, privacy policies, consent mechanisms, and data transfer agreements. In the realm of corporate law and mergers and acquisitions, from business formation and contract negotiation to structuring, negotiating, executing transactions, and helping to guide successful exits, Heather provides guidance on due diligence, contract drafting, regulatory compliance, and post-merger integration. With her understanding of data privacy, corporate law, and M&A, Heather is dedicated to helping businesses traverse the legal landscape, protect their interests, and achieve their strategic goals in an increasingly complex business environment. Outside of the office, Heather enjoys traveling with her family to destinations such as Singapore, Thailand, Brazil, and Argentina.
Madeline Winney
As CEO and Founder of the LEO Foundation USA, previously GCU Scholarship Foundation, Madeline Winney has made a career of serving people and igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy, to make Arizona a stronger community for all. With a heart for education, teachers, and our youth, she has dedicated over 20 years to helping students achieve their educational and career goals through scholarship and leadership opportunities. Madeline strives to build partnerships with the private and public sectors and with community and philanthropic leaders. She utilizes her foundation’s voice to uplift student and teacher’s needs and develops impactful strategies to drive greater access and opportunities across the community. She finds it a privilege and honor to serve in the educational arena and is passionate in making a difference. She also currently serves as Executive Director of Development for the Arizona Basketball Coaches Association raising funds to benefit the annual Section 7 Event at the State farm Stadium and Title I at-risk youth in our community through the Youth Development Academy. She has earned her Bachelor of Science with an emphasis in Psychology and a Master in Business Administration. She assisted in implementing the first advisement center at Scottsdale Community College and taught programs through the Junior League. She has served on numerous boards of directors and committees for Arizona’s nonprofit community and our universities and is honored to be a part of such an esteemed and dedicated organization as AEF. Interestingly, several years ago, Madeline’s granddaughter competed in the Arizona Spelling Bee numerous times. Her granddaughter is now at the University of Chicago as an Astrophysics major.
Both Horrocks and Winney will play an integral role in providing governance and advancing AEF’s work, which began in 1983 when the organization was founded by then Superintendent of Public Instruction, Carolyn Warner.
“Both Heather and Madeline are tremendous leaders. Their unique expertise will continue to help AEF reach over half a million Arizona students and educators each year,” states AEF CEO, Kim Graham.
AEF is most well-known for programs like the Arizona Teacher of the Year®, A+ School of Excellence®, Arizona Spelling Bee, teachSTEM, Our World, and the Take Your Legislator to School programs.
“Serving on the Arizona Educational Foundation Board is such an honor,” states Dr. Pam Roggeman, AEF Board President. “We’re thrilled to welcome Heather and Madeline to the AEF Board.”
Horrocks and Winney’s appointments to the AEF Board are for a two-year term.
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About Arizona Educational Foundation, AEF®
The mission of AEF is to celebrate excellence and cultivate equity in Pre-K-12th grade Arizona public education. This is accomplished through a variety of programs for teachers, administrators, and students. Some programs shine a spotlight on excellence; others provide a stepping stone to help support schools and educators on the road to awesomeness. In addition to the Arizona Teacher of the Year® program, AEF also coordinates the Arizona State Spelling Bee, the A+ School of Excellence® Award, the Principals Leadership Academy of Arizona, teachSTEM, Our World, and Take Your Legislator to School. AEF was founded in 1983, by then State Superintendent of Public Education, Carolyn Warner, who felt a nonprofit needed to be established to champion public education and recognize the great work of public school educators. AEF annually reaches over 500,000 students, teachers and administrators throughout Arizona. For more information visit www.azedfoundation.org, or contact info@azedfoundation.org.
Media Contact:
Terri Bradford, Chief Communications Officer, Arizona Educational Foundation
Mobile: 720-468-3996 | Email: terri@azedfoundation.org