Arizona Awards Honor 48 Regional Leaders in 2026

Phoenix Magazine has announced its 2026 Great 48 list, a collection of individuals recognized for their contributions to the state. The group includes athletes, educators, artists, and business owners. The publication describes these people as those raising the bar in their respective fields. The list spans the state, featuring residents from Phoenix, Tucson, Flagstaff, and other cities.

The Food and Beverage category includes several high-profile figures. John Acosta, 32, currently runs operations for Phantom Fox Beer Company and Chupacabra Taproom. He started his career as a dishwasher at Saddle Mountain Brewing Company in Goodyear. Acosta later worked as a bar manager, assistant general manager, and marketing director. He also designed a logo for an Arizona Firefighter’s Foundation event. That design was worn by the D-backs and helped sell more than 100,000 T-shirts.

Rochelle Daniel, 41, received a recommended rating from the Michelin Guide this past summer. Her Flagstaff restaurant, Atria, earned the distinction when judges visited Arizona for the first time. Daniel stated that the rating lights a fire under her to get a star. She is working on new projects, including Pompette Bistro and a speakeasy called Little Rich Girl. Evelia Davis, 56, also received a Michelin Guide selection. Her restaurant Latha serves diaspora soul food in Downtown Phoenix. Davis explained that the foodways traveled with people from Africa to the Americas. She has a PhD in business administration.

Zach O’Haire, 44, serves as the beverage director for Pretty Decent Concepts. He works with establishments like Filthy Martini and Carry On. His 2026 projects include Roman God of Fire in Tempe, a collaboration with chef Scott Conant. O’Haire said he loves taking care of people and showing them a good time. He grew up wanting to be a record producer. His last book read was The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin.

The Law and Government category features Kate Brophy McGee, 71, who serves as a Maricopa County supervisor. She previously served in the Arizona Legislature. McGee said government is about what you manage to accomplish for the common good. She will help channel the county’s grit and determination. Jimmy Cerracchio, 51, is the president of the Downtown Mesa Association. He said people will see what is happening on Main Street and want to be part of it. Jessica Mefford-Miller, 45, is the CEO of Valley Metro. The American Public Transportation Association named her system the best in its class, beating out 30 other agencies. She is currently seeking her doctorate in geography.

Nasser Abujbarah, 43, is the managing attorney of Phillips Law Group. He oversees 167 attorneys. Abujbarah said he touches every part of the firm, from legal operations to finance. He has achieved numerous seven-figure results. Terry Goddard, 70, is a former four-term mayor. He led an effort to create Phoenix city council districts in the early 1980s. He was honored by the Arizona Preservation Foundation for his work on the Monroe Street Abbey project.

The Creatives category includes Fausto Fernandez, 50, who created the Terrazzo floor at the Phoenix Sky Train Station. Fernandez suffered a stroke in early 2025 and is recovering in his studio. He said the way he paints right now will be a little different. Dolan Ellis, 91, is the Official State Balladeer. He has written more than 300 songs over 60 years. He recently authored a memoir titled Adventures of a Balladeer. James Payne, 55, assumed the reins at the School of Ballet Arizona last year. He began his training in Phoenix and took his first paying dance job at age 15. He retired from the stage in 2001.

The list highlights the diverse backgrounds of the honorees. Acosta was born in San Diego. Davis was born in Louisiana. O’Haire is a Tucson transplant. McGee is a Bisbee native. Cerracchio is a Phoenix native. Mefford-Miller is an Illinois native. Abujbarah is an ASU law graduate. Goddard is a Tucson native. Fernandez grew up in Ciudad Juarez. Ellis was born on a Kansas farm. Payne was born in Camp Pendleton.