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SCF’s Smith honored as Arizona Chamber’s ‘Transformational Leader’

The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry recognized SCF Arizona President & CEO Don Smith for his vision for positive change in public policy by awarding him its Transformational Leader Award for 2010.

Under Smith’s 10–year leadership, the 85–year–old State Compensation Fund was transformed into SCF Arizona, the state’s largest Arizona–based insurance company. Smith took on all aspects of the corporate entity and changed every part of the company.

“This award is not mine alone, but it really is a collective achievement,” Smith said. “Transformation means major change, and leadership is the ability to inspire others to action. It is really others who demonstrate the courage and faith to venture into the unknown.”

Smith began by transforming the culture of the company from one based on the state employment model to one based in a modern, visionary corporation designed to meet the needs of its 35,000 business policyholders.

Smith also fundamentally changed the way SCF Arizona does business by updating outmoded computer systems as well as changing from a general services company responding to questions and concerns to a customer–facing company working to anticipate future customer needs.

Because of Smith’s stewardship, SCF has increased the quality and rapidity of service delivery while keeping customers’ workers’ compensation insurance costs among the lowest in the nation. At the same time, he has elevated SCF’s public image and focused on corporate responsibility by increasing SCF’s reputation and its support for the business and civic communities.

Smith’s vision sparked the creation of a wholly new company that can compete in the private marketplace and can deliver products and services in a timely and high–quality fashion, destined to meet the needs of Arizona’s business community now and in the future.

In accepting the honor, Smith said the award “honors my Board of Directors for believing in, and supporting the vision I presented to it.”

He added, “It honors the management team and professional staff at my company, SCF Arizona, who was committed to the vision, and who executed our plans so well. It honors the community leaders who saw fit to choose me for this recognition, and it honors my family, especially my wife Dorothea, who has believed in me through our 35 years of marriage.”

The Arizona Chamber’s Transformational Leader Award is given each year to a business leader who inspires business and industry and enriches the future for Arizona.

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