Wendy Anderton

August 3, 1965 - August 13, 2022

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Wendy Anderton. Wendy served as the Executive Director of Global Ties Arizona from 2016 to 2021, and remained active with the organization from 2021 until present. Under Wendy's leadership, hundreds of industry professionals selected for the U.S. Department of State's International Visitor Leadership Program engaged with their Arizona counterparts to exchange best practices, promote peace between nations, and advance U.S. foreign policy goals.

Wendy's passion for public diplomacy was apparent to all who knew her. She truly had a gift with people, especially those from other cultures. She was an exemplary citizen diplomat and embodied the Global Ties Arizona mission of connecting the world "one handshake at a time."

Wendy made each inbound delegation feel truly at home in Arizona, and took special care to curate meaningful memories that will surely last visitors a lifetime. She regularly opened her home and her heart to strangers that departed as friends. Wendy's bold and boisterous personality served as a bright spot in any day. Her energy was magnetic and memorable. Her creativity and passion were boundless. Her love for her family, friends, and for animals was immeasurable.

Hosting visitors from Kosovo in 2019

Advocating for international exchange on Capitol Hill

Wendy and her wife, Heather, have continued to support Global Ties Arizona

We are grateful to Wendy for her service and dedication to citizen diplomacy, and for the legacy she left at Global Ties Arizona. She will be deeply missed by members of the local and national Global Ties community and by so many around the world.

Our thoughts are with all who knew her and loved her.

We extend our sincere condolences to her beloved wife, Heather, and to her family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 20th from 1:00-4:00 pm in Tempe, Arizona to honor and remember Wendy.

Please contact us for additional information or for ways to support.

With GTAZ staff, board members & volunteers in October 2021

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Staff, & the entire Global Ties Community