Meet Austin Jack, the New AF-Phoenix Chapter Leader

America’s Future Foundation is excited to welcome our new AF-Phoenix chapter leader, Austin Jack. Austin is an experienced business and non-profit consultant for organizations throughout the state of Arizona and the Eastern European nation of Montenegro. He has worked in various industries including: public policy, international diplomacy, behavioral health, anti-human trafficking, and political campaigning and fundraising. He is president and CEO to Jack Development Strategies, LLC, founder of Mindful U, INC., and director of development at the Goldwater Institute.

Get to know more about Austin!

What do you enjoy about your career path so far and why?
I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with so many non-profit and political organizations throughout the Valley as both a consultant and employee. My consulting firm has grown tremendously in the past three years, and I am really looking forward to expanding the capabilities of my firm while managing the Goldwater Institute’s fundraising team simultaneously. What I love most about my path is I have been able to take many risks – both in business and as a professional. Having the opportunity to create new companies and non-profit organizations allows me to learn more about how bureaucratic government agencies are when it comes to tax paying Arizonans attempting to earn an honest living. I graduated from Arizona State University in three years in order to pursue my career faster. I actually quit my 9-5 job the day of graduation to start my own firm, and today, that remains the best decision I have made in my career thus far. What I enjoy most in all of this is forging strong relationships with other think tanks, charities, and advocates for freedom who really believe in leading with principles both in life and in business.

How long have you been in Phoenix, and what brought you there?
My undergraduate degree brought me to Phoenix. I have lived here since 2012 when I enrolled in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Arizona State University.

What has been your history with AF?
I first heard about AF-Chicago and met with the chairman of their board for lunch who really inspired me to join this group of young professionals. After meeting more members of AF, I knew I had to start a group in Phoenix to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the freedom movement.

What helpful skills do you hold that people could ask you for advice about?
-Political campaign management
-Fundraising both domestically and internationally
-Business and non-profit development

What are you most excited about for the Chapter Leader role?
To work with ambassadors for change in our state–leaders who have had similar paths as those young people who are just beginning theirs–and to develop new relationships with like minded individuals who believe in free markets and reject crony capitalism.

Tell us about your first event.
Our launch event will be on August 15 from 5:30-7:30 at Angel’s Trumpet Brewery, where we will continue to host our events throughout the year. Glenn Hamer, president and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Karrin Taylor Robson, from the Arizona Board of Regents and president at Arizona Strategies, will be joining us to discuss their journey in business and building a reputation as a principled leader in Arizona. This discussion will empower attendees to start their own businesses and to continue in their existing career paths as dedicated freedom fighters and ambassadors for positive change in Arizona’s business and non-profit environment. We want to cultivate Arizona’s next generation of leaders and equip them with the skills necessary to do so. Our speakers for this event are highly regarded and respected professionals throughout the state and our country just as well.

Book recommendations?
Cornerstone of Liberty: Property Rights in 21st Century America by Timothy and Christina Sandefur

Coffee Order?
Vanilla latte

Favorite places to travel?
Sedona, Arizona, and Mykonos, Greece. Both are exceptionally beautiful.

What is on your “Top 5 Fun Things To Do in Phoenix” list?
-Hiking Camelback Mountain
-The Arizona Party Bike
-Drinks at the downtown Phoenix speakeasy “Bitter and Twisted”
-Exploring the Papago Mountains
-Tubing with friends down the Salt River – when its not too HOT!