About Us
Who We Are
Founded in 1980, Greater Tucson Leadership (GTL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that has been developing leaders and strengthening the Tucson community for more than four decades. What began as the Leadership Tucson program under the Tucson Metro Chamber has grown into a fully independent organization offering leadership education, community development, and civic engagement programs for adults and youth across the region.
Each year, GTL hosts a flagship leadership class where participants deepen their knowledge of our region, engage with critical community issues, and build the skills and relationships to lead. We create space for honest discussion and problem-solving, cultivate appreciation for differing perspectives, and inspire leadership at every level of community. Our alumni network — thousands strong — remains the cornerstone of GTL's success, with ongoing professional development, engagement opportunities, and events that keep graduates connected and contributing long after their class year.
Our History
1980 — Leadership Tucson program established by the Tucson Metro Chamber.
2000 — Establishes 501(c)(3) status.
2003 — The organization changes its name to Greater Tucson Leadership.
2012 — GTL establishes a partnership with the Tucson Metro Chamber and adopts the Man and Woman of the Year and Founders Award Gala.
2016 — GTL hires its first full-time director.
2019 — GTL hires a second full-time staff member.
2020 — GTL launches the Civic & Political Leadership Academy (CPLA), in partnership with former Mayor Jonathan Rothschild.
2021 — GTL becomes a fully independent organization and hires a third full-time staff member.
2022 — GTL starts the Tucson Youth Leadership Academy (TYLA) in partnership with the Pima County Superintendent's Office.
2023 — GTL launches the Leader of the Month initiative.
2024 — TYLA earns Qualified Charitable Organization (QCO) status.
2025 — Inaugural CAMP GTL Alumni Retreat program.
Meet Our Staff
GTL is led by a dynamic staff of experienced nonprofit professionals with a demonstrated history of working in community development.
Justin Lukasewicz, Chief Executive Officer
Justin Lukasewicz joined GTL as the growing organization’s first dedicated program manager in January 2021, with a focus on improving access to and diversification of the organization’s programs through multiple initiatives. In addition to working to continue to build and refine both Lead Tucson and the Civic and Political Leadership Academy curriculum, Justin was instrumental in the launch of GTL’s Tucson Youth Leadership Academy in 2021. A graduate of the 2020 Lead Tucson class, Justin was honored to be named GTL’s Chief Executive Officer in April of 2022, where he is committed to living out his passion for leadership development, recognizing people through their strengths, and working to create a stronger Tucson community as GTL’s CEO.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Justin earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Misericordia University. He moved to Tucson in 2006 to get his Master’s degree in Higher Education from the University of Arizona, and in the process, fell in love with the desert and the City of Tucson. Justin worked in large public universities for over a decade in various roles within Residence Life, where he managed student groups and the training and development of more than 500 students and staff annually.
When Justin isn’t driving growth and new initiatives for GTL, you can catch him performing and teaching improv comedy at the Fourth Avenue District’s Tucson Improv Movement, where Justin is the owner and executive producer.
Connect with Justin: [email protected]
LinkedIn
Jamie Leon-Guerrero, Development Director
Jamie joined Greater Tucson Leadership in August 2022, bringing her fundraising and marketing expertise to revamp sponsorship packages and boost support, helping raise more than $1 million for GTL's programs to date. With a Social Media Marketing Specialization from Northwestern University and a Basic Social Services Certificate from Pima Community College, she's increased fundraising through innovative strategies, including building GTL's development program from scratch. An alumna of Lead Tucson and Civic and Political Leadership Academy, Class of 2023, Jamie leverages her strengths in Restorative, Discipline, Analytical, Communication, and Activator. Recognized with the 2016 Pima County Attorney's "Voice of Courage" Award, a nomination for the 2020 National Crime Victims' Service "Special Courage" Award, and Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona's 90 Women Honored recognition, Jamie is a frequent speaker on both fundraising and victim advocacy. She has presented fundraising sessions for Greater Tucson Leadership and shared fundraising insights at AFP ICON, while also speaking alongside the Arizona Department of Corrections at correctional, victim services, and law enforcement conferences. She serves on the Pima Foundation's Finance Committee, is a board member with the Southern Arizona Volunteer Management Association (SAVMA), and is the past Vice Chair of the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona's Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Fund, in addition to her advisory board role at Camp Cooper and membership with The Junior League of Tucson. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, dancing, and spending time with her two dogs, daughter, and grandchildren in Guam.
Connect with Jamie: [email protected]
LinkedIn
Meet Our Board
GTL is governed by a board of community leaders with a vested interest in building strong leaders in our region. Some members are graduates of the GTL class; others are community partners who support our mission. Our Governing Board guides our strategic direction and stewards the sustainability of the organization to keep us relevant and healthy.
