West Valley Magazine’s November Mover, Robert Handy
Posted on 22. Nov, 2011 by trish in West Valley 24
Robert Handy lives in Phoenix with his Wife, Jennifer and two daughters, Caitlyn (19) and Madalyne (17). In 2008 he oversaw the construction of the new Estrella Mountain police precinct. In addition, he also oversaw the re-drawing of all of the police precinct boundaries, meeting with dozens of neighborhood and community groups throughout the City of Phoenix.
Handy is currently President of Arizona Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates: a 350 member professional development organization for local law enforcement leaders. He is also the creator and Director of Arizona Leadership Education and Development Academy (ALEAD) which is a youth leadership program held every summer for youth from all over Arizona. The development of the ALEAD is one of the projects he is particularly proud to have been a part of. Handy was the founding director and has been very involved since its inception. The idea started with a brainstorming session on where to put some of the professional organization’s community service resources. From the original idea, a week long in-residence youth academy was developed in Flagstaff for teenage kids from across Arizona. The program was fully funded by the ALEAD so students did not have to pay. It was a life changing experience for some of the kids who attended. ALEAD just completed their third year and are already preparing for the summer of 2012.
Handy serves a variety of community organizations in Maryvale: Maryvale YMCA, Maryvale Revitalization Corporation, Maryvale Association of Churches, McDowell Corridor Community Alliance His favorite cause is The 100 Club of Arizona. They provide assistance to the families of public safety officials who are killed or injured in the line of duty, providing dozens of scholarships and money for safety equipment to cash strapped police and fire departments.
When asked how the West Valley has affected him, Handy responded, “I believe the West Valley has helped keep me grounded and keep life in perspective. The diversity and richness of the community combined with the commitment and character of the people I have met in the West Valley are truly amazing. It is my hope that in some small way I help to improve the quality of life for those who live in the West Valley. The most significant challenge I face at work is the erosion of personal values. Much of the negative side of police work stems from the erosion of basic values. We constantly deal with people who have lost the most basic respect for themselves and others. The current recession is the most significant issue facing the West Valley. The dramatic slow down of business and residential relocation and development threatens the future prosperity of the West Valley. Public safety is the most basic need for future development. The area must continue to see decreasing crime rates and an increased quality of life in order to be successful. The men and women of the Maryvale Precinct work tirelessly everyday to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors.”
Years in West Valley: 17
Who are and have been some of your mentors? I have been very fortunate to have had many terrific leaders at the Phoenix Police Department who have provided mentorship to me over the years.
Favorite quote: “I find that the harder I work, the more luck I have” Thomas Jefferson
Who in history would you most like to have dinner with? Ronald Regan
What’s your favorite book? All of Tom Clancy’s novels.
What’s your favorite musical group? U2
What you miss most? Being young
What’s your biggest inspiration and why? My daughters, because they talented, driven, and destined for great things.
What do you know about life that you wish you had known 10 to 20 years ago? Life goes way too fast, children grow up way too soon, and you should never stop learning.
What is your favorite place/feature in the West Valley? The variety of sporting venues.
Most coveted: Maryvale Ballpark
Most overrated virtue: Patience
What would your super power be? Batman
Describe yourself as a child: Always dirty and full of mischief.
What keeps you up at night? Worrying about the safety of the men and women who patrol our streets.
One phrase you wish people wouldn’t say, or would say more: I wish people would not say somebody “got lucky” when they achieve success.
What’s your favorite food? Mexican food
What is your biggest pet peeve? Mediocrity
What would you choose to do, career wise, if you weren’t in your current career? Lawyer
What would you do if you won the lottery? Retire and become a rancher.
What do you do during lunchtime? Eat too much.
Greatest Extravagance: Hunting and fishing trips.
Tell us something about you that perhaps the average person wouldn’t know? I grew up in Phoenix and graduated form both U of A and ASU.
What originally drew you to the West Valley? I grew up in what was the west valley at the time. I returned as an adult with my family because we enjoy the amenities of the West Valley and the casual working class atmosphere.
How did you get into your current career field? I got a “C” in biology in college and began looking for an easier vocation.
What drives you? Meeting new people and taking on new challenges.
What are your goals (career, personal or for the West Valley)? I would like to be able to be in a position with regard to time and finances to assist my children when they are ready they start their families.
What is the secret to your success? A supportive wife and family.
What would you recommend to people looking to make a difference in the West Valley? Get involved! There are so many organizations and opportunities to make a difference, just do it!
Who was an influence in your life/career, and how did they affect what you do? My parents who have physically worked hard their entire lives were a tremendous influence on my career. They taught me a strong work ethic and low tolerance for laziness.
