Aviation Press Releases

October 31, 2011

Phoenix Sky Harbor Names New Community Outreach Manager

Phoenix, AZ -- Valerie Churchwell, whose work includes more than 20 years of corporate and community experience advocating education and economic empowerment, has been named Community Outreach Manager for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Churchwell replaces Johnnie Funderburg, who resigned earlier this year to pursue other professional opportunities. She will be responsible for outreach to promote the identification and use of small, disadvantaged, minority and women-owned subcontractors and businesses for aviation-related activities.

Previously, Churchwell was the Director of Community Affairs for Turner Construction, where she managed the Minority, Women, Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises efforts that included developing processes, programs and polices in support of outreach efforts.

“Valerie has the depth, capacity and experience to lead our business community outreach efforts,” said Carl Newman, Assistant Aviation Director for the City of Phoenix. “We are very fortunate to have someone with her credentials and look forward to some promising, innovative and progressive contributions by Valerie.”

Churchwell has worked for Motorola, Inc., the National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMZ-AZ), Com21, BDM and Newport News Shipbuilding. In addition, Churchwell is president and founder of the Arizona Dream Builder Foundation, which provides scholarships and internships to students who demonstrate a commitment to social justice, leadership and academics.

“Sky Harbor has a stellar reputation locally and nationally for its minority and disadvantaged community outreach efforts and I’m very proud to join this team,” says Churchwell. “This is an exciting time for Sky Harbor, as well as our Deer Valley and Goodyear airports, and I’m eager to be a part of the opportunities that are in our future.”

Find out more information about Airport business opportunities.