Dear Ministry Friends:
Over three years ago, I shared with our Center for Arizona Policy (CAP) board that I knew my season of life as CAP President was drawing to a close. I “knew in my knower” that it was time to pass the baton to a new generation of leadership. We have been planning this succession for years. Now is the time to put the plan into action.
As a valued partner in CAP’s mission, I am blessed to introduce you to the new president of Center for Arizona Policy. After many months of prayer and seeking God’s will, the Board unanimously chose Peter Gentala as the one called by God to lead CAP forward.
Many of you know Peter. Recruited by CAP’s first president, Len Munsil, Peter served as CAP’s Legal Counsel from 2004 to 2008. Peter and I led two marriage amendment campaigns, ambitious legislative agendas, and the leadership transition from Len Munsil to me.
I consider it a high honor and blessing for Peter to follow me. I can’t think of anyone more qualified and suited to lead CAP forward. Peter loves the Lord and lives out a biblically-formed worldview.
Peter brings a wealth of experience, knowledge, and insight to CAP. The years between when he left CAP and now have uniquely prepared him for this moment. He’s served in government, for one of the largest national organizations serving abused children, and most recently represented survivors of abuse and exploitation in court against the companies and institutions that facilitated and benefited from their abuse. Prior to CAP, Peter started his legal career at Alliance Defending Freedom, where he defended Christians who were targeted for living out their commitment to Jesus.
I have no doubt that God has brought the right person to CAP for a time such as this. Peter’s wisdom, talents, experiences, and passion all make him the right person at the right time to lead CAP forward.
While I am leaving CAP, I will work closely with Peter, our CAP Board, and CAP Team to facilitate this transition. I am not leaving for another position. I intend to wait on God to see what He has for me in this next season of life. Over the next few months, I will be available as a behind-the-scenes friend to facilitate any transition needs.
Serving God through His work at Center for Arizona Policy has been a blessing for me. I have had the joy of knowing I was called to this work and this ministry. You all have been an encouragement and blessing. Your prayers mean more to me than I can say.
With a grateful heart,
Cathi
Statement from Greg Fraley
As Chairman of the Center for Arizona Policy Board of Directors, I am pleased to inform you of the exciting leadership transition. Over three years ago, Cathi Herrod began discussing with our board her sense that her season as CAP President was coming to a close, letting us know in May 2022 that now would be the time for her to step aside.
I am pleased to announce that Peter Gentala has been selected as the next CAP President. After over a year of seeking God’s will and interviewing candidates, it became very clear that Peter was the person the Lord has uniquely prepared to lead CAP moving forward.
Peter is no stranger to CAP. In addition to serving as CAP General Counsel from 2004 to 2008, Peter and his wife, Allison, have served as CAP board members since 2017.
Peter’s career has focused on the policy and legal issues we all care most about. He began at Alliance Defending Freedom then, following his CAP tenure, served as the General Counsel of the Arizona House of Representatives. Currently, he’s the Senior Legal Counsel for the National Coalition on Sexual Exploitation.
Due to his current legal caseload, Peter will officially start at CAP on February 10th.
Under Cathi’s leadership, CAP has become a nationally recognized family policy council. By God’s grace, CAP has been effective in standing for the sanctity of human life, marriage, parental rights, and religious freedom.
Cathi will continue to serve as a behind-the-scenes advisor to Peter and the board to provide continuity for the transition.
Thank you for standing with CAP. Please keep us in your prayers as we move forward.
Greg Fraley
Dear Friends of Center for Arizona Policy:
I am so happy and honored to follow Cathi Herrod as CAP’s next president.
I admire Cathi—and I know that admiration is shared throughout our great state. Through the years, she has been a dynamic leader, a redoubtable advocate for the truth, and a compassionate reflection of God’s love. I am also grateful to Cathi for being an inspiring (and patient) mentor to me, as well as a faithful friend.
For our family, this is a sort of homecoming. We have been close to CAP in one capacity or another for over 20 years. We are grateful to CAP’s former president, Len Munsil, who brought me on the CAP team when I was a fledgling attorney and our young family was still getting settled in Arizona. Len and Tracy have been an inspiration and encouragement to Allison and me in countless ways—including that they blazed the exciting trail of life with eight children. From Arizona’s covenant marriage law to its robust support for educational freedom, year-after-year CAP’s work has been a blessing to our family.
I am amazed by what God has accomplished through this organization. By God’s grace, CAP has contributed to over 200 legislative enactments. These laws affirm the priceless value and dignity of every person through every season of life, the abiding importance of families as the foundation of society, and the priority of preserving and exercising our first freedom as Americans—the freedom to worship and follow the God who created and loves us. Of course, CAP’s legislative record is also the achievement of the lawmakers and elected officials who are committed to public service and often make unsung and underappreciated sacrifices. CAP’s policy work just scratches the surface of its influence throughout Arizona for good government and the engagement of Christians in culture for the good of their neighbors.
This is 30 years for Center for Arizona Policy. We will commemorate this important milestone together by celebrating Cathi’s leadership, the committed service of CAP’s team members, and the dedicated and sacrificial efforts of the organization’s donors and volunteers.
There is much more to come! I look forward to sharing more about our plans for the future with you. As my season of leadership begins, please know that my overarching ambition for this organization is to be ready and willing to answer the call of the Lord, to entrust all results in His hands, and to give Him the Glory every step of the way.
With Gratitude and Expectation,
Peter Gentala
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”
-Psalm 115:1