🏆 SAVMA Awards 2026 Governance Honoree: Katie Maxwell
Strong governance changes lives.
Katie Maxwell proves that every day.
The Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association (SAVMA) is proud to honor Katie Maxwell as the 2026 Exceptional Governance Volunteer Award Honoree. Katie’s leadership shows how thoughtful board service can strengthen organizations and expand opportunity across Southern Arizona.
Leading With Purpose at Youth On Their Own
Katie has served on the Board of Directors at Youth On Their Own (YOTO) for more than three years and currently serves as Board President. During that time, her steady leadership has helped YOTO support more than 1,600 youth experiencing homelessness each year.
As an accounting professor, Katie brings clarity and confidence to board decision-making. She strengthens financial understanding across the board and helps fellow volunteers fulfill their fiduciary responsibilities with care and integrity. Her guidance ensures YOTO remains strong, transparent, and accountable.
Building Boards That Reflect Community
Katie’s impact goes beyond numbers. As past chair of the Governance Committee, she helped shape a board that reflects the community’s diversity and the lived experiences of YOTO’s youth. She also helped transition YOTO to a more effective committee structure.
New committees now focus on advocacy, board education, and systems-level change. These shifts help board members stay informed, connected, and responsive. They also ensure decisions are grounded in the real challenges facing youth today.
Inspiring Others to Lead and Serve
Katie gives more than 10 volunteer hours each month, far exceeding board expectations. She supports campus projects, bundles donated supplies, and represents YOTO at community events. Just as important, she brings others with her.
She encourages fellow board members to volunteer in creative ways and publicly celebrates their efforts. She even inspired her daughter to lead a campus note-writing campaign, sending messages of hope to YOTO youth.
Governance That Delivers Results
Under Katie’s leadership, YOTO saw measurable gains. School attendance reached an all-time high. Graduation rates climbed to 93%. More youth stay engaged, supported, and on track to succeed.
These outcomes show what effective governance can achieve. They also reflect SAVMA’s belief that volunteer leaders play a critical role in building strong, resilient organizations.
Congratulations, Katie!
Katie Maxwell embodies the spirit of volunteer governance. She leads with humility, shows up consistently, and inspires others to do the same. SAVMA is honored to recognize her service and celebrate her lasting impact on Southern Arizona.
Youth On Their Own is a member of SAVMA and is committed to upholding ethical practices in volunteer engagement.