Mesa, Arizona, USA – August 21, 2026 – Three Arizona State University graduates are working together to ensure College Bound AZ enters its next chapter stronger than ever. Newly elected Board President Tim Palmer, Immediate Past Board President and current Director Caden Gillespie, and Founder and Executive Director Elizabeth Paulus share more than their alma mater—they share a commitment to preserving the organization’s momentum as Paulus prepares to retire in October. Their collaborative leadership reflects the very mission College Bound AZ has championed since 2010: that higher education transforms lives and prepares tomorrow’s leaders.
Each year, College Bound AZ walks alongside students, many the first in their families to pursue higher education, helping them navigate a path that too often feels out of reach. This next chapter positions the organization to serve even more students pursuing college and careers across Arizona.
Succeeding Gillespie as Board President is Tim Palmer, CEO of Maxify Marketing and GoodLife Pizza Company, who brings a strong background in executive leadership, innovation, and organizational growth. “Education is the single most powerful lever we have to change the trajectory of a young person’s life. I’m honored to step into this role and help ensure that even more young people have someone walking alongside them as they pursue their future,” said Tim Palmer.
Founder and Executive Director Elizabeth Paulus, who established College Bound AZ in 2010, has announced her intention to retire in October 2026. Over the past 15+ years, largely as a volunteer leader, Elizabeth Paulus has built the organization into one of Arizona’s most successful first- generation college access programs. “People often ask what I’m most proud of,” remarked Paulus. “It isn’t the scholarships or the numbers. It’s watching students become leaders who return to lift the next generation. That’s how a mission endures,” stated Elizabeth Paulus.
Immediate Past Board President Caden Gillespie is a native-born Arizonan and passionate advocate for education. He has earned four degrees from Arizona State University and is currently pursuing a fifth, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. “When we invest in a student’s education, we don’t just change one life, we elevate families, strengthen communities, and shapethe future of our state,” emphasized Caden Gillespie.
That impact has not gone unnoticed by higher education leaders across Arizona. Candice Copple, Associate Vice President of Educational Outreach and Student Services at Arizona State University, shared her support for the organization’s mission: “College Bound AZ is an essential partner in advancing educational access and student success across Arizona. Their work reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has a clear and supported pathway to higher education,” added Candice Copple.
The leadership transition reflects College Bound AZ’s long-standing partnership with Arizona State University and the organization’s shared commitment to expanding educational opportunity for Arizona students.
About College Bound AZ
Established in 2010, College Bound AZ is a nonprofit dedicated to helping underrepresented students access and succeed in higher education through scholarships, guidance, and support. Serving the Greater Phoenix area, the organization supports approximately 750 students annually on their journey to and through college.College Bound AZ is a registered 501(c)(3) and an Arizona Qualified Charitable Organization, making all donations eligible for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit as allowed by law.
For more information, visit collegeboundaz.org
Media Contact
Company Name: College Bound AZ
Contact Person: Elizabeth Paulus
Email: Send Email
Phone: 602-550-3161
City: Mesa
State: Arizona
Country: United States
Website: https://collegeboundaz.org/
