For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Media Contact:
Susan McPherson, McPLNP@mcpstrategies.com
Leadership Now Project Presents Stephen Richer with The 2025 Annual Leadership Award
New York, NY –Leadership Now Project, an organization of centrist business leaders, is proud to present Stephen Richer with its 2025 Annual Leadership Award, honoring his principled stand in defense of free and fair elections during his tenure as Maricopa County Recorder. Richer received the award at Leadership Now’s Annual Member Meeting on June 2, 2025, at Hearst Tower in New York City.
As Recorder of Maricopa County—one of the nation’s largest and most politically significant jurisdictions—from 2021 to 2025, Richer oversaw voter registration, early voting, and public recordings. Amid extraordinary political pressure, he stood firm in rejecting false claims of election fraud, upholding the rule of law, and ensuring the legitimacy of Arizona’s elections.
“Stephen exemplifies the courage and leadership that are necessary for upholding our democracy,” shared Leadership Now CEO Daniella Ballou-Aares. “At a time when truth was under siege, he stood firm in defense of facts, transparency, and the rule of law. His commitment to nonpartisan election administration, despite relentless efforts to undermine public trust, embodies the spirit of the Leadership Now Award.”
“I’m honored to receive the Leadership Now Award,” said Richer. “This recognition isn’t about heroics—it’s about doing the job the way it’s supposed to be done: following the law, telling the truth, and respecting voters. Our elections work because people across the political spectrum stand up for the rules, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular. I’d like to dedicate this award to the many public servants, some of whom never make the news, who help keep our election system fair and functional.”
The award was presented by John Fees, a founding member of Leadership Now’s Arizona chapter, who emphasized Richer’s leadership as a model for others. “This is a defining moment. Defending democracy requires all of us—especially those with the resources and networks to make a difference—to take risks, speak up, and lead,” said Fees.
The Annual Leadership Award presentation was part of a day of programming at Leadership Now’s Annual Meeting, which included remarks from North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, Senators John Hickenlooper and Ruben Gallego, Harvard Professor Deepak Malhotra, and former DHS Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Neumann. Sessions explored the risks facing our institutions and the role of leaders across sectors in shaping a resilient future.
About the Leadership Now Award
Since 2018, Leadership Now has honored individuals who demonstrate courageous leadership and a commitment to the rule of law—often at significant personal or professional cost. The Annual Leadership Award recognizes those who put country over party and stand firm in moments that test institutional independence and public trust. Leadership Now is proud to celebrate leaders from across the political spectrum who embody these values and contribute to a more resilient democracy. Previous honorees include former U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth and former Philadelphia City Commissioner Al Schmidt.
About Leadership Now Project
Leadership Now Project is a membership organization of business leaders committed to protecting democracy as a foundation for a thriving economy and political stability. Leadership Now Project takes action—investing in leaders, influencing policy, responding to risks, and partnering to drive solutions. Leadership Now’s membership is national, with members in 25+ states and chapters in 8, drawing on extensive business and alumni networks to drive local and national impact.