Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA) is excited to welcome Phillip Scharf as its new Chief Executive Officer. Phillip stepped into the role on April 7, at a pivotal moment for the organization. With the groundbreaking of TCAA's first permanent facility already underway and a growing demand for services across the East Valley, his arrival comes at a time of transformation and opportunity.
Phillip brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in human services and community health. His previous roles include serving as Interim CEO and COO of Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), where he guided the development of a new shelter in north Phoenix, and as COO for the Arizona Alliance for Community Health Centers. Prior to his nonprofit work, Phillip spent over 17 years at Arizona State University, where he focused on housing and student support services.
Despite this impressive resume, Phillip is quick to point out that his path to human services was anything but linear.
“It was more serendipity than purposeful,” he shares. “I’ve always wanted to feel like the work I do has meaning and outcomes. Transitioning from higher education to human services gave me the chance to apply large-scale systems thinking to a field that deeply impacts people’s lives.”
This blend of operational expertise and personal purpose aligns perfectly with TCAA’s mission to eliminate poverty and advance equitable communities. One of the things that drew Phillip to TCAA, he says, was its unique continuum of services.
“What’s exciting about TCAA is its multi-layered approach. We work in shelter, yes, but also in prevention, nutrition, health, and economic mobility. That spectrum means we’re not just responding to crisis—we're helping people avoid crisis altogether. That’s where real impact lives.”
That philosophy—prevention over reaction, upstream solutions over downstream consequences—is at the heart of Phillip's vision for TCAA. He sees the upcoming facility not only as a physical space, but as a transformative platform for engagement, visibility, and long-term community change.
“The new building will allow us to truly showcase the depth of our work,” he explains. “From the market-style food pantry to the commercial kitchen, it reflects the systems of care we’ve built over time. It’s not just about improving space—it’s about building dignity into the experience of receiving support.”
His excitement extends to integrating healthcare more deeply into TCAA's programming. He speaks about the possibility of turning congregate mealtimes into wellness check-ins, where basic health screenings and connections to care can happen in a natural, trusted setting.
“If we can prevent someone from needing an ER visit through a simple check-in, that benefits the individual, and it reduces strain on our systems.”
When asked about his leadership philosophy, Phillip leans into humility.
“The best leaders shine by lifting others up. I want our staff to take credit for the work they do. My job is to support them, get barriers out of their way, and celebrate their success.”
He also emphasizes being visible and present.
“If there's an event, I want to be there, helping unpack boxes or serve food—not because I have to, but because that’s what it means to be part of a community. People respect you more when you show up, not just when you speak up.”
Phillip’s approach is grounded in what he calls “unreasonable hospitality,” a concept from a favorite book of his and now recommends to anyone in service work.
“It means treating people in a profoundly thoughtful way, especially when they least expect it. We may not have unlimited resources, but we can always offer respect, attention, and care. That has lasting impact.”
Looking ahead, Phillip is optimistic and energized.
“TCAA is in a moment of growth and change, and that means we get to be bold. I’m honored to be part of this team and this mission. And I’m ready to listen, learn, and lead as we build what’s next.”
As Phillip steps into this role, he builds upon the legacy of Deborah Arteaga, who retired in April after nine years of dedicated leadership. During her tenure, Deborah shepherded TCAA through a period of remarkable growth and change. She expanded the agency’s reach in response to growing community needs during the COVID-19 pandemic and played a pivotal role in launching TCAA’s first-ever "Building Resilience" Capital and Program Expansion Campaign.
“Deborah’s tenure at TCAA was marked by shepherding our organization through a period of rapid growth, and she guaranteed its future through launching construction of our new headquarters,” said Linda Redman, Co-chair of the Building Resilience Campaign Cabinet. “We are deeply thankful for the nine years Deborah spent strengthening and enriching TCAA.”
Board Chair Deidre Smith added:
“TCAA is thrilled to work with Phillip and deepen TCAA’s commitment to addressing barriers to housing, food security and financial stability in our community.”
With the new facility on the horizon, a broad spectrum of services from food security and housing stability to economic mobility and health, and strong leadership at the helm, TCAA is poised to enter a new era of service and impact.
This moment is not just a transition in leadership. It’s a reaffirmation of TCAA’s mission and a bold step forward.
