Your Leadership Team
President Ben Leuschner
Ben has been with the Department for almost 28 years, over 20 of those as a supervisor. He worked in nearly every precinct, as well as in investigations and, yes, even PSB.
He has been a member of the PPSLA Executive Board since 2013 and in that time he has seen the damage that can be caused by an ineffective union and a lack of competent representation. He has been a PPSLA representative for almost 9 years and, now that he has been elected President, he is committed to providing outstanding representation to PPSLA members and ensuring that PPSLA is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs to its members.
Vice President Brian Thatcher
Brian has been on the department for 14 years during which time he has worked in the Black Mountain, Cactus Park, Desert Horizon, Maryvale, and South Mountain Precincts. He also helps out at the academy. He began working with PPSLA in order to help make the organization more responsive, transparent, and accountable to its members. He seeks to be an advocate for all members but also to give a voice to those who are closer to the beginning of their careers than the end. He is also active as a discipline and grievance representative working to ensure our rights.
Treasurer Brian Coudret
Brian ran for the PPSLA board because he believes there has historically been a lack of representation on substantive issues that affect sergeants and lieutenants in the long term. Brian was recently promoted to lieutenant. Previous to that, he worked as a field training sergeant, as well as in robbery and homicide. Prior to his re-election, he served as an appointed Trustee. Brian's goal is to bring a voice to the PPSLA members, like himself, that will be working for this department for several years to come. He wants this Executive Board to truly represent the needs of the entire membership and he is focused on the need to improve communication with all of our members. Better communication both directions means all of the membership can get what it truly wants out of the organization.
Secretary Daren Wunderle
Daren was appointed to the PPSLA Executive Board in March of 2019. He has been with the Department for almost 20 years, over 10 of those as a supervisor. He has served in the Maryvale and Desert Horizon Precincts, the PSB Investigations Unit, and currently serves in the PSB Inspections Unit.
In 2016, Daren was appointed to serve on the Arizona PSPRS Defined Contribution Committee, the City of Phoenix Health Care Task Force, and the City Manager’s Advance Phoenix Team. Daren seeks to continually improve our members work environment and benefits through engagement, collaboration, innovation, and education.
Trustee Mark Schweikert
Mark serves as a patrol lieutenant in the 700 precinct. He is dedicated to member services, and provides continuity on the PPSLA Board, as he previously served as the Secretary. Mark assists with Member Services, Representation and other areas that impact PPSLA and its membership.
Trustee Brad Huskisson
After 28 years, Brad recently entered the DROP program. As a Sergeant, he worked in the Maryvale and Cactus Park Precincts in a patrol capacity. He also worked in NET and is currently assigned to the Street Crimes Squad. Brad's character and integrity will provide PPSLA members with the best representation as he works toward bringing the focus of PPSLA back onto its membership and their needs.
Trustee Nick Jimenez
Nick is a sergeant in the Family Investigations Bureau. He was appointed to the Board after the elections. He is deeply committed to listening to the needs of Membership, and looks forward to working for the interests of each and every PPSLA Member.