Phoenix, December 2, 2025
The Arizona Burn Foundation has announced the appointment of Bridget Doherty as interim CEO, effective December 16, 2025. This leadership transition occurs as Rex Albright retires after seven years. The foundation, established in 1967, is dedicated to supporting burn survivors and promoting burn prevention education throughout Arizona. Bridget’s experience as Chief Development Officer positions her well to continue the organization’s mission of community engagement and resilience for burn survivors.
Phoenix, Arizona – In a pivotal leadership transition, the Arizona Burn Foundation has named Bridget Doherty, currently serving as Chief Development Officer, as interim CEO, effective December 16, 2025. This change comes as Rex Albright retires after a commendable seven-year tenure, during which he made significant strides in enhancing the foundation’s impact and operational reach.
The Arizona Burn Foundation, established in 1967, plays a crucial role in assisting burn survivors and their families throughout Arizona. This non-profit organization dedicates itself to a holistic approach to care, providing educational resources, emotional support, financial assistance, and leadership development programs aimed at improving the quality of life for those affected by burn injuries. The foundation also emphasizes the importance of burn prevention education, reflecting a proactive approach to health and safety within the community.
Leadership Transition and its Implications
Bridget Doherty’s appointment as interim CEO is expected to usher in a new chapter for the Arizona Burn Foundation. Her tenure as Chief Development Officer has equipped her with a robust understanding of the foundation’s mission and the needs of burn survivors. Under her leadership, the organization aims to continue its trajectory of growth and community engagement, fostering resilience among burn survivors while reinforcing its commitment to education and prevention.
This leadership change comes at a time when the foundation is also evolving in its governance structure. In November 2025, Ashley Hower, Chief Marketing Officer at Plexus Worldwide, was appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors. Hower’s extensive involvement with the foundation for over a decade positions her to effectively steer its mission forward, driving visibility and deeper community impact.
Foundation’s Commitment to Support and Education
The Arizona Burn Foundation’s overarching mission focuses on improving the quality of life for burn survivors and fostering a culture of burn prevention education across Arizona. The initiative’s comprehensive approach includes providing emotional support and financial assistance, which is crucial for survivors and their families in navigating the challenges following a burn incident.
The organizational emphasis on leadership development programs reflects a commitment to not only aiding individual survivors but also empowering them to become advocates within their own communities. This multifaceted strategy supports both personal recovery and communal growth, highlighting the foundation’s role as a pillar of support in Arizona.
The Impact of Local Leadership on Growth
As Phoenix continues to grow, the importance of strong, innovative leadership within non-profit organizations cannot be overstated. The Arizona Burn Foundation’s changes in leadership are emblematic of a broader trend where local organizations pivot to enhance their service delivery and community support. Fostering entrepreneurial innovation within the non-profit sector can lead to increased resources, improved service delivery, and heightened community engagement.
In a state known for its entrepreneurial spirit, such transitions can stimulate further collaboration among businesses, local governments, and non-profit organizations. By creating a supportive network, Arizona’s initiatives can thrive, benefiting all residents and promoting economic stability.
Conclusion
The Arizona Burn Foundation stands at a transformative juncture as it welcomes Bridget Doherty as interim CEO and Ashley Hower as Board Chair. These leadership shifts represent a vital opportunity to enhance support for burn survivors and advance burn prevention initiatives throughout Arizona. Community engagement and local leadership will play crucial roles in redefining the foundation’s mission in the coming years, emphasizing the importance of resilience and support for those faced with the challenges of recovery.
Supporting local organizations such as the Arizona Burn Foundation is essential for fostering economic growth and improving the quality of life in our communities. Residents are encouraged to engage with the foundation’s initiatives, supporting burn survivors by raising awareness, donating resources, and participating in upcoming events.
- Who is the new interim CEO of the Arizona Burn Foundation?
- Bridget Doherty, the current Chief Development Officer, will assume the role of interim CEO on December 16, 2025.
- Who is retiring from the Arizona Burn Foundation?
- Rex Albright is retiring after a seven-year tenure as CEO.
- What is the mission of the Arizona Burn Foundation?
- The foundation aims to improve the quality of life for burn survivors and promote burn prevention education across Arizona.
- Who was recently appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors?
- Ashley Hower, Chief Marketing Officer at Plexus Worldwide, was appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors in November 2025.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Interim CEO | Bridget Doherty, effective December 16, 2025 |
| Outgoing CEO | Rex Albright, retiring after seven years |
| Board Chair Appointment | Ashley Hower, appointed in November 2025 |
| Foundation’s Mission | Support burn survivors and promote burn prevention education in Arizona |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Join the Fight Against Parkinson’s at the Phoenix Run/Walk
Arizona Diamondbacks Face Roster Challenges After World Series
Arizona Diamondbacks Hire J.R. House as New Coach
Local Construction Firm in Kannapolis Plans Expansion
1975 Sun Devil Football Team and Jeff Ayres Inducted into ASU Hall of Fame
Arizona Food Trucks Shine Despite Recent Accident
New Passenger Rail Service Planned for Phoenix to Tucson
Luguentz Dort Earns NBA First Team All-Defense Honors
Arizona Senate Approves Bill to Support Diamondbacks’ Future
Arizona State Baseball Secures Series Win Over Utah
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
