May 2025: It is with profound sadness that we announce that the Grand Canyon Institute has lost one of its original founders, George Cunningham. George passed away at the age of 80. His life was a tapestry woven with dedication to public service, love for family, and a passion for community improvement. As Chairman of the Grand Canyon Institute for ten years, he led the way for this centrist nonprofit to pursue critical issues for the State of Arizona and provide unbiased data for its leaders.
George grew up in New Hampshire and was educated at the University of Arizona. George’s early career in public service began as an Army reservist and assistant city manager of South Tucson. His journey continued as he became a respected lobbyist for the University of Arizona and played a crucial role in enhancing the educational environment for students. He was a former member of both the Arizona Senate and House of Representatives and was Governor Rose Mofford’s Chief of Staff and Governor Janet Napolitano’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Finance and Budget. At the University of Arizona, he served as Vice President for Administrative Services. Throughout his career, he focused on fiscal policy, economic expansion and investing in Arizona’s future.
George was respected by his legislative colleagues and businesses, labor, and community leaders as an effective and knowledgeable legislator who worked to build bipartisan coalitions. George has been a driving force for elevating the fiscal and economic implications of policy initiatives and decisions for the benefit of policymakers, the media, and the public. His legacy will live on with the work being done by GCI.
If you would like to make a contribution in George’s memory or in support of his memorial fund please use this donation form.