Superior Mayor Mila Besich awarded 2026 Rural Hero Award

Mila Besich, mayor of the Town of Superior, was awarded the Arizona Center for Rural Leadership's 2026 Rural Hero Award during Project CENTRL's Class 34 graduation ceremony held June 5 in Flagstaff.

The Arizona Center for Rural Leadership works to strengthen Arizona's rural communities through leadership development, civic engagement and regional collaboration. 

The Rural Hero Award recognizes individuals whose work has created lasting positive impacts across rural Arizona.

"I am truly humbled to receive this honor," said Mayor Besich. "This recognition is bestowed not only to me, but to the residents, volunteers, business owners, educators, nonprofit leaders and community partners who continue to invest their time, talent and heart into Superior and rural Arizona. Our communities are resilient, creative and full of possibility."

In accepting the award, Mayor Besich reflected on the strength of rural communities and the importance of continued investment in their future.

"Rural Arizona does not need pity. Rural Arizona needs partnership," she said. "Our communities are not places of the past. We are places of possibility."

For Mayor Besich, the award serves as both an honor and a reminder of the work still ahead.

"I will continue to advocate, collaborate and champion solutions for Superior and for rural communities across Arizona — all of which deserve to be seen, heard and supported," she said.