Perspectives by Kathryn Royer
With a strong background in organizational leadership and nearly eight years of elected service to the Town of Cave Creek, Vice Mayor Kathryn Royer has earned a reputation as an engaged advocate for community prosperity. Her role as vice mayor allows her to see firsthand how local organizations make an impact—not just in economic development, but in the overall health and vitality of a town.
Firsthand Experience
“I’ve been playing Mahjong at The Holland Center for five years and appreciate the beautiful one-of-a-kind building where, from the lobby windows, is a stunning view of Black Mountain,” Royer shared. “I also think the building is an answer to a problem for a lot of different groups that need a place to commune.”
Building Future Leaders
Royer sees The Holland Center as more than a gathering place—it’s also a training ground for the community’s next generation of leaders
“The Desert Foothills Leadership Academy (DFL) at The Holland Center is a wonderful program for attracting future leaders which we greatly need – especially new faces, younger professionals, and retirees,” she explained. “In addition to a strong core of dedicated and experienced residents who volunteer for the town, we need competent and capable people to fill many roles in the community including nonprofits, Town Council, and Town planning & zoning. With good leaders and a highly functional government, more businesses and people will relocate here. At the Town of Cave Creek, we’ve already had an uptick in committees and task forces. It’s working; we aren’t searching for volunteers like in the past.”
Addressing Critical Challenges
Among DFL’s most important topics is water, an issue that strikes at the heart of Cave Creek’s future. Royer emphasized its urgency:
“This is probably the most important issue and we’re at a critical juncture. We need engineers, lawyers, business & finance people, and astute leaders from the water industry to help make short and long-term decisions. The Leadership Academy is a good place to seek new talent.”
A True Community Center
For Royer, The Holland Center fills a role that many communities rely on government to provide.
“The Holland Center has become pivotal for providing a sense of community to residents in the Desert Foothills. It is conveniently located, beautifully appointed, has plentiful free parking, and produces exceptional programming for people of all ages and interests,” she said.
“Since Cave Creek does not have an official ‘community center’ funded by Town government, The Holland Center is one of the ‘go-to’ facilities for bringing people together to celebrate, remember, support, and collaborate on volunteer projects during holidays and hosting special events. Capturing the spirit of our community through music, arts, social, and intellectual pursuits, The Holland Center unites us and provides us with a sense of belonging, which serves a critical role in the well-being of our community.”
Investing in Prosperity
From personal experiences to civic priorities, Vice Mayor Royer’s perspective underscores what many already know: The Holland Center is more than a building—it is a vital resource for community prosperity.
