The White Tank Mountains Conservancy (WTMC) recently hosted an intimate luncheon at the Verrado Grille, bringing together regional leaders and conservationists to celebrate the vision and dedication of its co-founders, Jackie A. Meck and Todd Hornback. The private gathering honored two impactful community leaders and officially launched the Hornback & Meck Legacy Society, a new initiative to secure the non-profit organization’s long-term future through planned estate giving.
The luncheon celebrated the Conservancy's history, established in 2014 to strike a balance between the West Valley’s explosive development and the thoughtful stewardship of its natural resources. As co-founders, Meck, the former Mayor of Buckeye, and Hornback, CEO of Cohere Life, Inc. and former executive director with DMB Associates, have been instrumental in inspiring support and collaborations that protect wildlife corridors and promote responsible growth.
“Today is about recognizing the foundation that Mayor Meck and Todd built, which has allowed us to grow into a vital voice for the region,” said Sharma Torrens, Executive Director of the WTMC. “The launch of our Legacy Society ensures that their vision and the values they champion will continue to be at the heart of the Conservancy’s work for generations to come.”
The Legacy Society provides supporters with a structured path to include the Conservancy in their estate planning, offering a sustainable financial framework to support the organization’s mission.
Event attendees included Buckeye Mayor Eric Orsborn, Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo, Youngtown Mayor Michael LeVault and Councilmember Kathryn French, plus members of the WTMC Board of Directors, including Buckeye Councilmember Clay Goodman, Howard Hughes (Phoenix) President Charley Freericks, and WESTMARC President/CEO Sintra Hoffman. Clif Yoder of the West Valley Regional Chamber and Doug Bredow of the Rotary Club of Verrado were in attendance, along with members of the Hornback and Meck families. “Mayor and Todd’s vision for the WTMC has profoundly impacted the West Valley by leveraging open space to drive long-term value for the region. They’ve certainly inspired my family to embrace a meaningful role in protecting the mountains we call home,” said Orsborn.
Email info@wtmconservancy.org to learn more about the WTMC’s Hornback & Meck Legacy Society.
About the White Tank Mountains Conservancy
In partnership with municipalities, conservationists, and developers, the WTMC is a nonprofit organization that strives to conserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the West Valley’s premier natural landmark. The Conservancy protects critical wildlife corridors and fosters a sustainable balance between responsible regional development and the stewardship of our desert ecosystems. Learn more about WTMC at www.WTMConservancy.org.
