National Urban League Mourns Phoenix Affiliate CEO George Dean
NEW YORK (September 8, 2026) — National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial issued the following statement in response to the death of Greater Phoenix Urban League President and CEO George Dean:
"George Dean's decades of leadership, service, and unwavering commitment to equity transformed lives and strengthened communities across Arizona and throughout the Urban League Movement.
"George was a devoted servant leader who spent more than three decades leading the Greater Phoenix Urban League and more than 25 years as an Urban League executive. He served as President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Urban League beginning in 1992, after previously leading Urban League affiliates in Sacramento, California, and Omaha, Nebraska. Throughout his tenure, he guided the organization with fiscal accountability, community responsiveness, and a steadfast commitment to expanding opportunity for underserved communities.
"Under George's leadership, the Greater Phoenix Urban League became a powerful force for economic empowerment, workforce development, educational opportunity, housing access, and civil rights advocacy. He championed initiatives that connected people to employment, training, homeownership resources, and educational opportunities, while ensuring that the League remained a trusted voice for justice and inclusion.
"Those of us who had the privilege to work alongside George knew him as a principled advocate, a thoughtful strategist, and a passionate believer in the power of community. He understood that lasting change requires persistence, partnership, and an unshakable faith in people's potential. His work opened doors for countless individuals and families, and his legacy will continue through the lives he touched and the institution he helped strengthen.
"On behalf of the National Urban League, our Board of Trustees, staff, and affiliate movement, we extend our deepest condolences to George's family, friends, colleagues, the Board and staff of the Greater Phoenix Urban League, and all those who were inspired by his leadership.
"We honor George Dean's life of service, celebrate his extraordinary contributions to the Urban League Movement, and give thanks for a legacy that will endure for generations."