Arizona Burn Foundation Announces Retirement of CEO Rex Albright, Welcomes Interim Leadership

The Arizona Burn Foundation (ABF), a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of burn survivors and their families, announces the retirement of its respected Chief Executive Officer, Rex Albright, effective Tuesday, December 16, 2025. After seven years of visionary leadership, Albright will step down, leaving a legacy of growth, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the burn community.

During Albright’s tenure, he led the organization through key milestones, including:

• Expanding statewide survivor support with a Tucson satellite office and increasing the annual budget from $900,000 to $2 million to strengthen direct emotional support services and financial assistance for survivors and families.
• Building strategic partnerships with the American Red Cross, Arizona Commission for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing, and local fire departments to expand ABF’s Community Smoke Alarm Program statewide and introduced specialized alarms for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, advancing inclusive fire prevention.
• Launching a refreshed brand identity that reflects ABF’s evolving mission and commitment to survivor-centered care, statewide impact, and community resilience.
• Increasing tailored camps and retreats from one to five, including Camp Nurture for families with children aged 0-6, Camp Thrive for young adults aged 18-25, Camp Hope for adults aged 26 and above and Camp Connection for couples.

These milestones reflect ABF’s growth as a recognized leader in burn aftercare, a distinction that earned ABF recognition as a vital strength in the Arizona Burn Center’s verification report for its integrated, family-centered care and garnered national attention for its role in holistic burn response and recovery. The organization was also named a finalist in the Phoenix Business Journal’s 2025 Healthcare Heroes Awards.

“Rex’s vision placed survivors and their families at the center of everything we do,” said Ashley Hower, Chair of the Board of Directors. “Under his leadership, we expanded programs, extended our reach beyond Arizona, and built partnerships aimed at creating a model that could scale nationally. We are deeply grateful for his commitment to those we serve.”

To ensure continuity, the Board has appointed Bridget Doherty as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Bridget currently serves as ABF’s Chief Development Officer and has 20 years of nonprofit leadership and fundraising experience. She will oversee day-to-day operations and guide the organization through this transition.

“I have seen firsthand the lifesaving and life-changing impact of ABF,” said Doherty. “Survivors and their journey with ABF inspire me every day, and I am honored to carry forward ABF’s mission while ensuring stability and continued progress.”

Join us in celebrating Rex’s incredible career and welcoming our very own Bridget Doherty as the Interim CEO of the Arizona Burn Foundation.