Tempe, Ariz., October 16, 2025 – Following a nationwide search, the Maricopa Community Colleges have selected Julie Dunnigan to serve as the next President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF). Ms. Dunnigan will replace former Foundation President & CEO Brian Spicker, who retired in May, and Judy Sanchez, who is currently serving in an interim capacity and will return to her role as Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
“On behalf of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, I am pleased to welcome Ms. Dunnigan as our new President and CEO,” said Caroline Lynch, MCCF Board Chair. “Dedicated to enriching the lives and educational experience of the students attending the 10 Maricopa Community Colleges, the Foundation awarded more than 5,680 scholarships during the 2023-24 fiscal year, along with raising more than $17 million in donations,” noted Ms. Lynch. “In recent years, fundraising efforts have increased our assets by 41%,” continued Ms. Lynch. “We are excited to partner with Ms. Dunnigan to continue to make postsecondary education accessible and affordable.”
Meet MCCF’s New President & CEO
Ms. Dunnigan brings more than 15 years of nonprofit leadership experience, having held executive positions in both the U.S. and Canada. In her most recent role, Ms. Dunnigan served as the CEO of Cancer Support Community Arizona (CSCAZ), an organization dedicated to the social and emotional support of individuals impacted by cancer. Before joining CSCAZ, she was the Executive Director and Vice President of Philanthropy for Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona’s Foundation.
“The Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation’s focus on educational equity, workforce development, and community transformation reflects the heart of why I’ve dedicated my career to this work,” said Ms. Dunnigan. “I am deeply grateful to the Chancellor and the Foundation’s Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve in this role, and honored to join such an exceptional team of passionate professionals who are transforming lives through education.”
Her extensive nonprofit tenure includes positions with the Canadian Olympic Foundation and the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. Committed to fostering innovation and resilience, Ms. Dunnigan has led organizations in workforce development, healthcare, philanthropy, and community development. In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Dunnigan currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Arizona Junior Rowing, Inc., sits on the University of Arizona Cancer Center’s Community Advisory Board, and has volunteered with dozens of local charities, further reflecting her passion for strengthening communities through hands-on involvement.
“The Foundation has a rich history of impacting the lives of students and the communities we serve; in fact, their efforts have supported nearly 80,000 learners over time,” said Dr. Steven R. Gonzales, Maricopa Community Colleges Chancellor. “I look forward to the work ahead, as Ms. Dunnigan and the Foundation team find new ways to build upon philanthropic efforts in order to serve our students in the ways that matter most.”
Why It Matters
Founded in 1997, MCCF provides life-changing resources for students attending one of the system’s 10 colleges. Through local, regional, and national partnerships, MCCF strategically designs opportunities for learners, helping create meaningful access to postsecondary education. This year, MCCF ranked 29th on the Phoenix Business Journal’s list of the largest Phoenix-area cultural-education nonprofit organizations.
“Together, we will continue advancing the Chancellor’s vision of a future-ready, technology-forward system that drives lasting impact for our students, our workforce, and our community,” continued Ms. Dunnigan.
In the ever-changing philanthropic landscape, MCCF has emerged as a leader in higher education fundraising, adopting new approaches to create long-lasting impact. In 2024, MCCF launched EmpowerED for Student Success, a three-year fundraising initiative aimed at raising $20 million to support Maricopa Community Colleges’ bachelor’s degree programs, basic needs funds, workforce development, and college promise programs. This Fall, MCCF unveiled the Maricopa Promise Program, designed to support learners of all backgrounds, including nontraditional students. Ms. Dunnigan joins MCCF at a time when the philanthropic team continues to flourish, working to diversify fundraising efforts, increase brand awareness, and strengthen alumni engagement.
Ms. Dunnigan will assume her new position on Monday, November 24, 2025.
