[Phoenix, AZ] — Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona (BBBSAZ) is proud to announce the appointment of Debbie Castillo-Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective today. Debbie has successfully served as BBBSAZ’s Interim CEO since April 2025, providing steady leadership, strategic direction, and a deep commitment to the agency’s mission during this transition period. In her permanent role, she will continue guiding the organization into its next chapter of growth, impact, and innovation.
Debbie Castillo-Smith has been part of the BBBSAZ team since September 2000 and has served in a variety of roles throughout her tenure, including working directly with matches, recruiting volunteers, and facilitating trainings for volunteers, parents/guardians, and staff. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s in Family Studies and Nonprofit Leadership and Management. Debbie completed the Generation Next Nonprofit Leadership Academy, graduated from the Arizona State University Leadership Institute (Go Class 5!), and was honored as a Sun Devil 100 in 2024.
Her passion for mentorship is deeply personal. Debbie has been matched with five incredible Little Sisters over the years and strongly believes in the life-changing power of supportive, consistent relationships.
“I couldn’t be more excited that Debbie Castillo-Smith has been selected as the next CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona,” said Matt Manoogian, Board Chair. “Debbie has dedicated 25 years of service to our community through BBBS and truly lives and breathes this mission. She’s been a Big Sister five times and continues to mentor her current Little Sister in our site-based program. Debbie is already making a tremendous impact, and I can’t wait to see all she accomplishes in this new role.”
Debbie shared, “I want to extend my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve as the next CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona. I am deeply honored by your confidence in me and grateful for the trust you have placed in my leadership. I am committed to leading with transparency, accountability, and heart as we build on our momentum and move BBBSAZ into its next chapter of growth and impact.”
ABOUT BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL ARIZONA:
For 70 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona has operated under the belief that, inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer-supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), ages six through 18. We develop positive relationships that have a direct and lasting effect on the lives of young people. For more information, contact BBBSAZ at 602-264-BIGS or visit www.bbbsaz.org.
