News & Updates
May 13, 2026
News: Announcing ABEC’s Transition to Education Forward Arizona
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
We are writing jointly to share important news about the next chapter of the Arizona Business & Education Coalition (ABEC) and its longstanding work at the intersection of education and the economy.
ABEC and Education Forward Arizona have entered into an asset transfer agreement under which Education Forward Arizona will become the aligned successor to ABEC’s mission and programming, with closing anticipated by the end of June. This transition is a deliberate, mission-driven step designed to ensure that ABEC’s 24-year legacy not only continues but gains additional reach and long-term sustainability through Education Forward Arizona’s statewide platform, governance structure, and operational capacity.
ABEC has brought business and education leaders together around shared goals for Arizona’s students and the state’s future. As ABEC’s board considered the organization’s next phase, it sought a partner that could honor this history while expanding the work in service of the creation of a stronger education-to-workforce ecosystem for Arizona.
From ABEC’s perspective, this is very much a “passing of the torch” to a trusted partner whose mission and approach are closely aligned. ABEC’s focus on connecting business and education leaders to develop and advocate for solutions to grow Arizona’s economy in ways that serve both students and employers will continue and be elevated through Education Forward Arizona’s work, including an emphasis on early career awareness, postsecondary attainment, and talent development for the state.
“ABEC has spent more than two decades proving what is possible when business and education leaders work side by side for students and the state,” said Tracey Lopeman, Maricopa Unified School District Superintendent and ABEC board member. “By passing the torch to Education Forward Arizona, we are ensuring that this legacy and our efforts to build an education-to-workforce ecosystem will continue to expand for the benefit of students and employers alike.”
“As a business leader and ABEC board chair, I know our state’s long-term economic health depends on a strong talent pipeline and on business and education working together to build it,” said Vispi Karanjia, chair of the ABEC board. “Our board chose Education Forward Arizona as the right partner to carry ABEC’s mission forward because they share our values, have the capacity to scale this work, and deeply respect the relationships ABEC has built with school districts and employers across Arizona.”
Education Forward Arizona views this agreement as a natural extension of its work to align education, workforce, and economic goals—from early learning through K-12 education and on through postsecondary success and into the labor market. The organization will build on ABEC’s relationships with superintendents, districts, and business leaders by creating new opportunities for engagement, advice, and collaboration as the work evolves.
“Building a strong bridge between Arizona’s education and business communities is central to Education Forward Arizona’s strategic direction,” said Ron Butler, chair of the organization’s board of directors. “Business and education leaders must work together to improve outcomes for students and ensure that every learner in our state is aware of, and prepared for the high‑wage, high‑skill jobs that drive Arizona’s economy. This agreement is a natural extension of both ABEC’s and Education Forward Arizona’s missions to advance that shared goal.”
It is important to underscore that this transition is not a merger or takeover. Rather, it is an intentional asset transfer between two mission-aligned organizations, designed to continue and amplify ABEC’s work through a partner with shared values, complementary strengths, and the infrastructure to support long-term impact.
What this means for you as a valued partner:
- You can expect continuity in the core ideas and relationships that have defined ABEC’s work, alongside new opportunities to engage through Education Forward Arizona.
- ABEC’s legacy of bringing business and education leaders together will be carried forward and made more visible through Education Forward Arizona’s communications, advocacy, and convening.
- Over the coming weeks, you will receive additional information about opportunities to learn more, ask questions, and help shape this next phase of work, including dedicated touchpoints for ABEC members and close partners.
We are grateful for your partnership and your commitment to Arizona’s students, communities, and economy. ABEC and Education Forward Arizona are working together to ensure that this transition positions the business–education coalition work you have supported for greater scale, stability, and impact in the years ahead. Tracey Benson, ABEC President & CEO, will serve as an advisor to Education Forward Arizona throughout the transition.
With appreciation,
Tracey Benson, President & CEO
Arizona Business & Education Coalition (ABEC)
Rich Nickel, President & CEO
Education Forward Arizona
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