Tucson, AZ - United Way Young Leaders Society (YLS) announced its 2008 Young Leader of the Year, Jason Ott, Community Relations State Director of Citi, at the YLS Sunset Show – Leadership Live event on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. The Young Leader of the Year Award was established to recognize an individual who is a community leader and exemplifies United Way YLS through a commitment to connect, serve and lead in Southern Arizona. 

Ott was nominated for the award by Randy McDonald, Arizona Chief State Officer for Citi. Ott was selected among finalists by a committee of well-know community leaders including Hon. Chev. Ronald A. Wilson, Chief Magistrate of South Tucson City Court; Christine J. Olson, Chairman and CEO of S.W. Jack Drilling Company; Allan Norville, Founder, GJX and Sole Proprietor of President Financial Associates; and, Larry Finuf, Regional President, Greater Arizona Wells Fargo Bank.  “Using his positive influence, Jason was able to bring people together from different companies and philanthropic backgrounds from across Tucson to join YLS and make a positive and lasting impact throughout the community,” stated Randy McDonald, Tucson campus Site President for Citi. “Jason’s vision, dedication and expertise are a true asset to Tucson and distinguish him as a truly worthy recipient of this year’s Young Leader of the Year Award.”   

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona’s Young Leaders Society (YLS) is made up of individuals or couples, in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s who invest a philanthropic gift of $500 or more annually to United Way and its partner agencies. YLS is an organization of passionate young professionals who are actively seeking ways to connect, serve and lead in an effort to make a positive and lasting impact throughout our community.

 For more information about YLS, please contact Julie Wolfe Beadle at (520) 903.9000 ext. 275 or youngleaders@unitedwaytucson.org.