By Myra Richman

The 57th Annual Man & Woman of the Year Luncheon honored two of the Valley's most deserving notables for 2005: Betsey Bayless and Dr. Lattie Coor. The annual luncheon took place April 19th at the Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa.

Betsey Bayless, a third generation Arizonan, has spent her life in Phoenix. She served as Director of the Arizona Department of Administration, Acting Director of the Arizona Department of Revenue and Assistant Director of the Arizona Board of Regents. She was appointed to the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors in 1989, elected for two terms. She served as Arizona Secretary of State from 1997 through 2002. Returning to state government for a second time, she became Director of the Arizona Department of Administration.

Bayless was hired as the first Chief Executive Officer for the Maricopa Integrated Health System in 2005. She has shown exemplary leadership on numerous boards and commissions.

Dr. Lattie F. Coor is currently serving as President-Emeritus, Professor and Ernest W. McFarland Chair in Leadership and Public Policy in the School of Public Affairs at Arizona State University. When Dr. Coor left the ASU Presidency, he founded the Center for the Future of Arizona, which he calls a 'do tank' committed to advancing issues of significance to Arizona's future. He serves as their Chairman and CEO.

As the 15th President of ASU from 1990 to 2002, Dr. Coor helped grow the University to multiple campuses with his strong commitment to diversity, research and economic development. His administration launched a major capital campaign raising more than $560 million--the largest in its history.

Coor, a strong family man (married to his longtime friend and fellow hiker Elva), was born in Phoenix and raised in Avondale. He graduated with high honors from Northern Arizona University in 1958, pursued graduate studies in Political Science at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, earned a master's degree in Political Science and then a Ph.D. He served as University Vice Chancellor at Washington Unviersity and President of the University of Vermont.

"It's hard to imagine two more remarkable and deserving community servant leaders than Dr. Lattie Coor and Betsey Bayless," said Scott Jacobson, Executive Director of Valley Leadership. "Their generosities of spirit, unflappable, quiet styles and steadfast determination have left an indelible imprint on the course of Arizona's history."

Proceeds from the luncheon will benefit Valley Leadership programs and scholarships for the Leadership Institute and Valley Teen Leadership.

Founded in 1979, Valley Leadership's mission is "to enhance the abilities of individuals to serve and strengthen our communities."

For more information, visit www.valleyleadership.com or call 602-952-6760.