Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE) and Rural Arizona Action Announce Leadership Transition and Welcome Natali Fierros as Executive Director

PHOENIX – Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE) and Rural Arizona Action announced today a leadership transition as the organization enters its next phase of growth and impact across rural communities in Arizona. 

After six years of building two strong organizations focused on serving rural communities in Arizona, Co-Founder Pablo Correa will transition from his role as Executive Director into a new position as Director of Strategic Initiatives, where he will focus on long-term sustainability, strategic investments, and expanding partnerships to support the future of the organization. 

“The moment is deeply personal to me,” said Correa. “I’ve had the privilege of witnessing this organization grow from a vision into a trusted, statewide presence rooted in rural communities. As our work continues to expand, so does the responsibility to ensure it is sustained and built for the long-term. This transition allows me to focus on that.”

In his new role, Correa will lead efforts to strengthen RAZE and Rural Arizona Action’s long-term sustainability, support special funding initiatives, and deepen collaboration with organizations, local businesses, and community leaders across rural Arizona to bring support and economic growth to our rural towns. 

“I’m not going anywhere,” Correa added. “I remain fully committed to this work and to the communities we serve. I’m proud of what we've built together and confident in where we’re headed.” 

As part of this transition, Natali Fierros returned to RAZE and Rural Arizona Action as Executive Director on April 6. 

Fierros, a co-founder of the organization, brings extensive leadership experience and a deep understanding of rural Arizona communities. She returns to the organizations after leading at the statewide level, bringing a strengthened skill set and strategic perspective to guide RAZE and Rural Arizona Action forward. 

“I’m honored to step into this role at a moment when the work in rural Arizona is both urgent and full of possibility. Rural Arizona Engagement and Rural Arizona Action have built something real– an organization grounded in trust, relationships, and community voice,” said Fierros. “I’m excited to build on that foundation and continue investing in long-term infrastructure that ensures rural communities are not just included, but leading the way in shaping Arizona’s future.”

This leadership transition is part of the strategic evolution and continuity plan for the organization's programs, campaigns and partnerships. Both RAZE and Rural Arizona Action have grown into trusted organizations addressing critical issues, including civic engagement, environmental stewardship, immigration and community wellbeing in rural Arizona. 

With this transition, the organizations are looking forward to continued growth, expanded capacity and partnerships as well as long-term impact. 

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