Commitment to Community:

A review of Mr. Phillip A. Austin’s background reveals a history of not only membership in, but active involvement on behalf of a variety of governmental and private organizations which serve the community and, specifically the East Valley.  These activities include, but are not limited to, the following list:

 

A. Albert D. Austin Jr. Memorial Fund,
1970 - Present
    • Established and manages scholarship foundation in honor of brother killed in Vietnam conflict; has provided over forty scholarships to local low income students to attend Mesa Community College.

 

B. Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board;  
Executive Director, 1980 - 1993

    • In this position, scheduled meetings, set the agenda for and managed the activities of a 7 member state government board.

 

C. Maricopa County Board of Health;
Member, 1983 – 1987*

 

D. Maricopa County Hospital Board;
Member, 1991 – 1992*

 

E. Boy Scouts of America, Mesa Pack Troop 159

  • Den Leader, 1986 – 1989
  • Assistant Troop Leader, 1989 – 1994

 

F. Word of Grace Governing Board, Mesa, AZ

  • Member, 2005 – Present
      • Chair,  Local Outreach Strategic Planning Committee

 

G. Congressman John McCain’s Citizens Advisory Committee;  
1982 – 1984

 

H. Albert D. Austin Mariachi Academy (Mariachi Viva);
Founder and Member of Board of Directors, 1997 – Present

  • Recruits and trains at risk students to perform as youth mariachi group.

 

I. Paz de Cristo;  
Volunteer, 1996 – 1999

  • Provided free legal consultations to indigents during dinner hours once a week

 

J. Mesa Community College Commission On Excellence;
Member, 2004 – Present

 

K. Mesa Foundation for Educational Excellence;
Member, 1994 - 1997  

  • Raised funds for MPS students and school activities

 

L. Mesa Association of Hispanic Citizens (MAHC)

Member, 1987 – 1991

President, 1991 – Present

As  President and Board Member of MAHC, Mr. Austin achieved the following:

  • Raised and distributed $40,000 in college scholarship for low income students;
  • Established a Mesa Small/Minority Business Center to provide assistance for those starting or growing small businesses in Mesa;
  • Initiated and managed 6 annual Mesa Latino Town Halls;
  • Hosted 3 Small Business Annual Symposiums to assist small business economic development; and,
  • Promoted equal opportunity for local governments and school districts.

 

M. Multicultural Coalition for Social and Economic Justice;
Founding Member, 2003-2004

 

N.   A. T. Still University Development Board;
Member, 2004 – Present

  • Raised monies for dental school activities.

 

O. Mesa/East Valley Alliance for Civic Engagement (MEVACE);
Founding Member, 2006 – Present 

  • Promotes voting and involvement in electoral process.

 

P. Mesa General Hospital;
Governing Board Member, March, 2006 – Present

 

Q. University of Arizona/Arizona State University
Medical School, Phoenix;
Citizen Advisory Committee Member, May 2007 – Present

 

R. ACORN/SOMOS AMERICA; 
Volunteer, February, 2007 - Present

  • Provided legal consultation to permanent residents applying for U. S. citizenship.  February 2007 – Present

S. Mesa Community College Presidential Selection Committee;
Member, Spring, 2007

 

T. Arizona Direct; 
Member, May, 2007 – Present

  • Committee to continue cargo opportunities at Phoenix Gateway Airport.

 

*Approximate dates.