By Shi Bradley, Colton Cagle, Sara Crocker, Jessica Dunham, Brenna Gauchat, Marilyn Hawkes, Jason Keil, Leah LeMoine, Madeline Nguyen, Craig Outhier, Robrt L. Pela, Madison Rutherford
Original Photography by Camerawerks
Introducing the Great 48 class of 2023.
We think you’ll agree: They’re a dynamic group of Phoenicians.
Our Process
In Spring 2023, we solicited our subscribers and social media followers to nominate superlative Valley dwellers in the realms of business, sports, the arts, media, philanthropy, politics, et al.
Criteria:
1. Candidates must live at least part of the year in Maricopa County.
2. Candidates must demonstrate “brilliance or exceptional accomplishment in their field.”
3. Candidates must avail themselves to a brief interview/questionnaire.
* PHOENIX editors culled their favorites and added their own nominees, ranking their favorites in several broad fields (e.g. law/politics, the arts, etc.). A final list of Great 48 inductees was drawn up (actually slightly more than 48, since we grouped some colleagues into collective “spots”). Enjoy getting to know them. We did.
Great 48 Data
Over the course of interviewing our inductees, we collected basic, standardized information about their origins, education and backgrounds. Before we meet them, let’s crunch the data.
