For over 26 years, Catholic Education Arizona has provided critical tuition scholarships to thousands of students in the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools each year. This nonprofit has grown from $16.8 million to $25.8 million since 2020 and has also experienced state-wide recognition from numerous awards. What drives this organization’s achievement?
This nonprofit’s achievement is built on the dedication and vision of its leadership team, including Deb Preach, the organization’s Chief Operating Officer. Deb plays a pivotal role in helping families access and fund their Catholic education. “Working for Catholic Education Arizona allows me to work with individual and corporate taxpayers to help make educational dreams become realities for thousands of students and their families,” Deb said.
Changing Lives One Scholarship at a Time
“Quality education changes the trajectory of a child’s life, their family, and their community. What else could excite you more about coming to work each day?” Deb remarked.
Through AZ Individual and Corporate tax credits, planned gifts, and donations, Catholic Education Arizona funds scholarships for underserved children. “Access to the education that best meets each child’s unique needs is a right, not a privilege only for those who can afford an out-of-pocket obligation,” Deb said.
Awards and Recognition
Catholic Education Arizona earned the Phoenix Business Journal’s #2 Best Places to Work and #6 ranking among the Largest Phoenix-area Nonprofit Organizations in the Culture/Education sector. It was also an honoree of the Arizona Corporate Excellence Award. Deb was named Private School Staff Member of the Year and a finalist for the ATHENA Award.
Catholic Education Arizona believes every family should have access to the best-fit education for their children. The Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools results:
- 99% graduation rate
- 96% matriculation to higher education, trade school, or enter military service
- 1000s of hours of community service conducted annually
Passion for Servant Leadership
Beyond her responsibilities at Catholic Education Arizona, Deb is also deeply committed to serving the wider Arizona community. As a Board Member for both the Catholic Youth Athletic Association (CYAA) and the Foundation for Senior Living (FSL) where Deb serves as the Chair of the External Committee, making a better Arizona for our youth and aging community is fulfilling. “The pleasure of serving on the FSL Board has brought my passion for servant leadership full circle,” said Deb. “The majority of my adult life has been in service to children, and now I am honored to also help those in need age independently and with dignity.”
Before her time at Catholic Education Arizona, Deb spent 25 years in Finance and Admissions within the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools, gaining a deep understanding of the needs of students and families. In addition to her financial expertise, Deb’s leadership was evident during her 15 years as the Girls Athletic Director for the Catholic Youth Athletic Association (CYAA), where she fostered teamwork, discipline, and character development in young athletes. Her unique combination of administrative and leadership skills continues to drive her commitment to transforming lives through education and service.
Since 1998, Catholic Education Arizona has raised $363 million and provided over 157,000 scholarships to families attending Catholic schools in the Diocese of Phoenix. Through tax credits, planned gifts, and donations, Catholic Education Arizona is changing lives one scholarship at a time. Visit ceaz.org or call (602) 218-6542 to learn more.
Catholic Education Arizona is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization and has never accepted gifts designated for individuals. Per state law, a school tuition organization cannot award, restrict or reserve scholarships solely on the basis of donor recommendation. A taxpayer may not claim a tax credit if the taxpayer agrees to swap donations with another taxpayer to benefit either taxpayer’s own dependent.
