2025 Unite + Transform AZ Conference

Ben Hays is a Manager with Your Part-time Controller, LLC (YPTC) in the Arizona and New Mexico market. YPTC is an outsourced accounting consulting firm specializing in accounting for non-profit organizations.   Ben is a purposeful and passionate professional accountant who combines over 25 years of experience from Big 4 firms, regional establishments, and successful self-employment ventures in public accounting, tax consulting, and accounting consulting for both profit-oriented and nonprofit organizations. His expertise includes strategic planning, delivering the story behind the numbers to executives, board members, and stakeholders to enable effective decision making, and optimizing processes and procedures. Ben’s exceptional background offers a diverse fusion of accounting, taxation, budgeting, strategic planning, reporting, and nonprofit industry expertise.    Ben is driven by a profound passion for delivering accounting services that serve a higher purpose. He takes pleasure in leveraging his accounting expertise to support nonprofits in advancing their mission, empowering communities, and fostering positive change in the world.

Deanna Peterson, CPA, joined YPTC in 2019, where she leads the Phoenix market and serves clients in Arizona and New Mexico. Before leading the market, Deanna spent two years as a Client Manager and about one year as an Associate at the firm. Deanna earned both Bacher of Arts in Accounting and Master of Professional Accounting Degrees from the University of Washington. She has over 20 years of accounting experience from a blend of Big 4 Accounting, nonprofit controllership, and nonprofit accounting consulting capacities. She is a frequent trainer and presenter, most recently for various nonprofit leadership conferences, such as AZ Impact for Good, Northern Arizona Nonprofit Leadership Summit, and United Way Western Regional Conference.

Photo by Jaron Quach

Amy O’Sullivan, CFRE is a native of Northern California, but she has called Phoenix home for the past 25 years. She holds a B.A. in Organizational Communication from Arizona State University and is a Certified Fundraising Executive. Amy has worked as a professional fundraiser since 2008 and currently serves as the Senior Director of Mission Advancement for AllThrive 365 (formerly known as FSL), the fifth largest healthcare nonprofit in the Valley. She has held various fundraising leadership positions at notable institutions such as Xavier College Preparatory and Ryan House. Her commitment to the field of fundraising is underscored by her longstanding and active membership in the Greater Arizona Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, where she served as Chapter President in 2023. Amy is dedicated to building a culture of philanthropy that fuels community impact across Arizona. When not dedicated to her professional pursuits, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and quality time with friends and family.

Bethany Eggleston is the principal and founder of Resilience United Consulting, where she helps nonprofits stop scrambling for raffle baskets and start building real, lasting partnerships with corporate supporters. With more than 20 years of nonprofit fundraising experience—and 15 years in business-to-business corporate sales—Bethany brings a rare blend of mission-minded heart and bottom-line strategy. She has built and transformed some of the most successful corporate relations programs in Arizona, securing millions in meaningful, multi-year gifts that align brand goals with community impact. Her approach is anything but transactional—she focuses on authentic connections, mutual value, and partnerships that last longer than one gala. Bethany is also known for translating corporate jargon into nonprofit action (and vice versa) without losing the plot—or the donor. She works with organizations across sectors to create custom campaigns, unlock new funding streams, and strengthen their relationships with donors. When she’s not demystifying fundraising, she’s probably using humor to survive a budget meeting, passionately advocating for kids and families, or reminding a nonprofit that yes, they do have something valuable to offer their donors.

Chloe is a queer, gender nonconforming cis woman who identifies and neurodivergent, able-bodied, middle-class, and a reluctant Pisces. As a Latina grantmaker, Chloe holds a wealth of knowledge regarding national and regional philanthropy which has pushed WFSA to do grantmaking differently. She has been working in the nonprofit sector for over 15 years pushing organizations from traditional "best practices” to community-centric ways of working.  Chloe is WFSA’s Director of Grantee Partnerships and provides our team, board, and grantee partners with tangible and thoughtful ways to engage community and decenter white supremacy culture. Chloe grew up in Athens, Georgia and now resides in Phoenix, Arizona and is a legal US citizen.

Tyra is a biracial, middle-class, able-bodied, cis woman and suspicious Gemini grantmaker that has been working in the nonprofit sector for five (5) years with FORGE being her first introduction to grantmaking. Because she is a new nonprofit professional, she provides valuable questions to our team and continually asks the why and how and if it can be changed to make things more accessible. Tyra deeply values relationship which has proved to be an asset for WFSA’s team in connecting with organizations and grantee partners. Tyra grew up in Milledgeville, Georgia and resides in Tucson, Arizona as WFSA’s Grants and Operations Manager and is a legal US citizen.

Hanan Robinson have been with Build Love Advocacy Center / Black Lives Matter Phoenix Metro since 2019. She is a 3rd generation organizer, with an emphasis on Healing Justice. 

She joined BLMPM in 2019 to explore community organizing with an emphasis on collective healing, joy and rest practices for Black folks. In 2022 she was hired to support with development/grant writing and as of 2024, was voted in along with another team member to serve as Co-director of the organization as a whole. 

Katia Jones has been a steadfast presence at the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) since June 2021, initially joining as a vital member of the Development team. With a rich background spanning over 20 years in development and donor relations, Katia played an instrumental role in driving WFSA's impact statewide. Her dedication has been unwavering, leading to her promotion to the position of Chief Executive Officer, effective March 2024. 

In her previous role as VP of Community Mobilization, Katia's hallmark was her enduring commitment to transparency and her ability to foster genuine connections throughout Arizona. She prides herself on nurturing authentic relationships and practicing Community-Centric Fundraising within WFSA’s Giving Collective and beyond. 

Katia holds a bachelor's in psychology from the University of Georgia and an MBA from the esteemed W.P. Carey School at Arizona State University, reflecting her commitment to personal and professional growth. Her passion for community engagement extends beyond her professional life, as evidenced by her active involvement as a board member for the Fiesta Sports Foundation and her longstanding membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She remains a dedicated alumna of the University of Georgia as the President of the Phoenix chapter and continues to support and volunteer for various other community groups. 

Katia enjoys quality time with her loved ones, including her husband and two kids. Whether exploring new local spots in Arizona, cheering on sports teams, or engaging in lively discussions with her cherished, live-in elders, Katia's loyalty to her family and her community shines through in every aspect of her life. As she completes her first year in the CEO position, Katia is driving the vision of WFSA with commitment to community and authentic connection to create a better Arizona for women and girls of all identities.  

Christine M. Thompson is an experienced leader in the nonprofit and government sectors, with a passion for civic engagement. She currently serves as Director of Arizona Together for Impact, a statewide initiative to support collaboration and partnerships among nonprofit organizations. She brings extensive experience in organizational leadership, public policy development, charitable giving program advancement, and community outreach.

Christine previously served as the CEO of Expect More Arizona, a statewide education advocacy nonprofit that built impactful coalitions with deep cross-sector collaboration. She has held executive and senior positions at the Arizona State Board of Education, Arizona Board of Regents, and State Bar of Arizona. Her background also includes work in legislative advocacy, communications, development and alumni relations, and nonprofit management.

Having moved to Arizona when she was five, Christine is committed to strengthening Arizona communities. She was elected to the Madison Elementary School District Governing Board in 2022. Her longstanding involvement in community organizations includes leadership roles with the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership Flinn-Brown Fellows Council, the University of Arizona Law College Association Board, Arizona K-12 Center, Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education, Kids Voting Arizona, and Soroptimist International of Phoenix. She also served the State as a gubernatorial appointee to the Arizona Board of Regents.

A proud product of Arizona’s public education system, she attended K-12 in Arizona’s Mesa Public Schools and received her BA and JD from the University of Arizona. Christine, her husband, and their twins live in Phoenix.

Hilary Van Alsburg serves as the Executive Director at Children’s Museum Tucson|Oro Valley, where interactive accessible learning is the core mission. She holds a Juris Doctorate degree from University of Arizona College of Law and a BA in Sociology from Northern Arizona University, as well as having earned state certification as a K-12 educator. Hilary serves on the board of directors of the Association of Children’s Museums, Visit Tucson, and Downtown Tucson Partnership. Hilary served as a fellow with the Public Voices OpEd Project and was honored as the Association of Fundraising Professionals Fundraising Executive of the Year for Southern Arizona. A native Arizonan, Hilary is active in community organizations focused on education, serving on committees including the United Way of Southern Arizona’s First Focus on Kids and the Institute of Museum and Library Services Information Literacy Initiative. In her role as Executive Director at the Children’s Museum, she is leading the organization through a period of growth with a $15million expansion to allow the Museum to continue serving as a trusted educational resource for future generations.

With more than fifteen years' experience in program
development and nonprofit management, Jaclyn Pederson's
broad knowledge of programming in the public and social
sectors includes strategic initiative design, fund development,
special events, grant writing, healthcare systems, healthcare
innovation, and community engagement. A system thinker and
positive team builder, she uses transformational leadership
principals to develop energized and efficient workgroups that
influence significant organizational and systemic change for
all affected by pediatric feeding disorder -such as the effort to
create a stand-alone diagnosis code for PFD. Named in the
2017 Class of 40 under 40 by the Phoenix Business Journal,
Jaclyn was elevated to the CEO position at Feeding Matters in
2020 after working for nearly 8 years to advance the system of
care for children with PFD. Jaclyn serves as past president of
the YNPN Phoenix Board of Directors and is a current member
and chair of the Program Committee of the ASU Lodestar
Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation's
Leadership Council.

Patrick McWhortor is CEO of Arizona Citizens for the Arts, an arts and is also President of Lead for Change, his consulting firm with a vision to help all leaders be the change they want to see in the world. Patrick serves nonprofit organizations in the role of professional interim executive. McWhortor has played this role for organizations ranging from small nonprofits to national organizations.

A long-time change agent, Patrick has been involved in nonprofits and public affairs in Arizona for nearly four decades. He was founding President and CEO of the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits (now Arizona Impact for Good) for ten years. Patrick launched the Alliance and grew it into a 1,000-member, $1.3 million organization. Patrick’s other background in the nonprofit community includes leadership at The Cosanti Foundation, McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, NPower Arizona, Data Network for Human Services, and serving on many nonprofit boards of directors. He is past Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Council of Nonprofits and teaches philanthropy, nonprofit, public policy and political science courses at Arizona State University.

Patrick, a 2011 Flinn-Brown Civic Leadership Academy Fellow and a 2004 graduate of Valley Leadership, earned both a B.A. in political science and M.P.A. in public administration from Arizona State University. An Arizona resident for more than 40 years, he and his wife live in Cave Creek.

Connie Phillips has spent her career in Nonprofit organizations. She received her Masters Degree in Social Work, with a concentration in Administration, from Arizona State University after earning her Bachelor’s degree from Grand Canyon University. Connie has held leadership positions in the fields of mental health, child welfare, homelessness, domestic violence, senior services, and refugee resettlement. She has been active in community initiatives and coalitions and plays an active role in advocacy at the local, state, and federal levels. Connie spent 19 years as the Executive Director at Phoenix-based Sojourner Center, growing that organization to the largest domestic violence program in the United States. Leaving Sojourner, she was Vice President of the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, before taking her current position as President and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest in February 2015. Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest serves vulnerable people across 4 Arizona counties. Connie lives in Peoria with her husband of 44 years. She has 2 grown sons, both musicians.

Francisca Gil is a dedicated professional who serves refugees as the Community Integration Program Manager at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest. She is a mother of two young adults, and is a Venezuelan American. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Arizona State University and a Master of Science in Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Grand Canyon University. Francisca has a well-established reputation as a social and political activist for the cause of democracy and inclusion. Throughout her career, she has worked with vulnerable populations, and her experience spans several critical areas including Early Intervention, Foster Care, and Crisis Stabilization for teenagers experiencing suicidal ideation. Francisca has also been involved in adoption proceedings within the state of Arizona and has provided training and certification for resource parents. In addition to her work on these fields, she has contributed to the Best In Class Project at Virginia Commonwealth University, research aimed at supporting children at risk of emotional behavioral disorders in school settings. Her advocacy extends to the political arena, where she has actively worked to protect voting rights in Arizona through various political campaigns.

Francisca has also co-authored a book “Paul’s Hopscotch: A labyrinth of reflections about Venezuela” in Spanish and English. This book delves into the Venezuelan political and humanitarian crisis that has caused 8 million people to be displaced globally. In this book the authors urge other nations to cherish and uphold democracy and freedom, highlighting the fragile nature of these ideals.

Jay Eberle has spent her career working closely with individuals in social services roles, including foster youth, men and women navigating the criminal justice system, women in recovery, domestic violence survivors, and supporting individuals with mental health needs. In her current role she enjoys working for an organization deeply committed to advocating for equity and systemic change. Her work is grounded in a strong passion for helping others gain the skills and confidence to thrive and flourish, and advocating for communities impacted by complex social issues. Outside of work, she’s the mom to a 4 year old budding comedian, a poet, a paddleboard enthusiast, and an adrenaline junkie.

Emily Soccorsy is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and brand strategist who isn’t afraid to ask bold, soul-level questions to uncover what makes brands — and the people behind them — truly unique. With over 20 years of experience in branding, strategic communication, marketing, and journalism, she helps purpose-driven leaders articulate their essence through brand language that is evocative, emotional, and deeply human. Her work has helped shape the messaging of organizations like Verizon, ASPCA, YMCA, and Shopbop/Amazon, with clients going on to secure venture capital, deliver TEDx talks, publish books, launch social movements, and grow their brands and businesses with clarity and confidence. Emily is the co-author of Rooting Up: Essays on Modern Branding, holds a master’s degree in nonfiction writing, and is a former journalist and publisher. She currently serves on the boards of Rosie’s House: A Music Academy for Children, W Source Scottsdale, and Ellivate Alliance – organizations supporting the arts, acc

Doris is a Results-driven CPA with a passion for serving and supporting the non-profit community. I have 25+ years of non-profit leadership experience in finance, operations, and strategic business management. I enjoy helping organizations grow their mission through optimization of financial performance to ensure long-term sustainability.

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As a Partner and Technology & Data Solutions Leader, Geniene is passionate about helping clients envision and realize the possibilities of utilizing data and technology to transform and elevate the finance function and their organizations. Whether it’s facilitating a conversation about data, understanding challenges around existing processes and financial accounting systems, or helping design and lead the implementation of the chosen software solution, she will be working alongside you and your team through the entire process. Geniene has a Bachelor of Science in Business, Accounting, University of Minnesota – Carlson School of Management, a Masters of Business Administration, University of Saint Thomas, is a CPA and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor.

Jennifer W. Perry serves as the Vice President, Regional Impact for the Arizona Community Foundation, leading the foundation’s network of six regional offices throughout Arizona and managing a fund portfolio exceeding $200 million. A Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) with an M.B.A. from Simmons Graduate School of Management and a B.A. from Syracuse University, Jennifer has dedicated her career to the nonprofit sector. Her expertise is evident in her ability to help nonprofits build their development programs from the ground up, a skill honed through roles such as Executive Director of Camp Soaring Eagle, Development Director for the Ross School (overseeing an international development team), Director of Development for the Verde Valley Sanctuary, and Director of Development of the Sedona Public Library. Prior to her nonprofit work, Jennifer's career included owning and operating a high-tech industrial automation distributorship. Her combination of business management, marketing expertise, and charitable gift planning represents a unique and highly effective skill set in the fundraising profession. Actively engaged in community leadership, Jennifer is the former Chairwoman of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau Board of Directors and a former Board member of Verde Valley First Books and the Northern Arizona Council of Governments.

Doniesha “Nesha” Higgins is a nationally recognized youth advocate, nonprofit leader, and community strategist based in Tempe, Arizona. As the Founder and CEO of Melabiz Community Hub, Nesha leads innovative programs that support underserved youth through healing, mentorship, mental health services, and workforce development. Her work is rooted in lived experience and fueled by a deep commitment to equity and empowerment. Nesha has been honored with multiple awards for her leadership and impact, including Business Woman of the Year in 2024. She regularly collaborates with system partners, grassroots organizers, and behavioral health professionals to reimagine what support looks like for young people navigating trauma, poverty, and systemic barriers. In addition to leading Melabiz, Nesha actively partners with other emerging and established nonprofit organizations, offering mentorship, capacity-building support, and joint programming to expand collective impact. Through Melabiz and beyond, Nesha continues to build spaces where youth can feel seen, supported, and ready to lead.

Dylan Wilder Quinn (they/them) envisions a world where we heal from trauma faster than we create new wounds. They are the founder of Trans Intimate: Support Beyond Pronouns and Bathrooms, an organization that offers peer mentorship, facilitates support groups, and provides trainings rooted in lived experience and social justice. As a social worker, Dylan integrates healing from interpersonal trauma with addressing the systemic impacts of transphobia, homophobia, racism, ableism, classism, and other intersecting forms of oppression. Their work centers the survival and thriving of Two-Spirit and LGBTQ communities.

Greg Taylor is Regional Vice President of Community Affairs at Arizona Complete Health, where he leads corporate social responsibility and community health initiatives across the state. With a deep commitment to Arizona’s social service safety net, Greg has helped direct nearly $40 million to community-based organizations and serves on several local and regional boards. He’s been recognized nationally for his leadership and dedication to improving outcomes for children, families, and vulnerable adults.

Juan Salas is Director of Operations and Accounting for Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona (TAPAZ). He oversees fiscally sponsored projects, helping to build their organizational capacity and providing full fiscal and operations services to groups whose missions are focused broadly on health and healthy communities in Arizona.

Prior to TAPAZ, Juan worked for private, public, and government entities where he supervised Operations, Accounting, Finance, and International Business across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He has experience with complex projects, implementing process improvements, mitigating risks, negotiating scope, tracking, and reporting project changes to leadership and boards of directors.

Being born and raised in Mexico impacted Juan, creating deep sensitivity towards community service. One of Juan’s biggest strengths is the fact that he is bilingual and bicultural. He holds an undergraduate degree in Public Accounting from the University of Sonora and a master’s degree in Finance and Economic Engineering from Universidad LaSalle del Noroeste.

Kelsey Otten serves as Assistant Director for Partner Engagement, providing support for Vitalyst’s capacity building and grants portfolio, as well as working closely with fiscally sponsored projects under TAPAZ.

Before moving to Arizona to work with the Vitalyst & TAPAZ team, Kelsey gained professional experience in substance use disorder prevention, intervention, and recovery, working in an Opioid Treatment Program in Cincinnati, OH, and prior to that, working with students in recovery at the University of Kentucky.

Kelsey earned her Master of Public Health degree from Western Kentucky University. She also holds bachelor’s degrees in English and history and an associate’s degree in psychology from Thomas More College.

When not at work, she enjoys exploring Arizona through new hikes and coffee shops. She also loves writing, reading, and spending time with her daughter.

Melissa Erickson, CFRE, is the Executive Director of The Funding Studio, a nonprofit organization in Arizona exclusively focused on providing fiscal sponsorship for arts and innovation projects. As an expert in the emerging nonprofit sector of fiscal sponsorship, Melissa leads The Funding Studio in empowering filmmakers, artists, and social entrepreneurs to secure philanthropic funding for projects that tell regional stories and drive positive change. Dedicated to building the arts and innovation sector, Melissa works to expand philanthropic support in underserved regions across the U.S. With over a decade of experience in strategic fundraising, she is a sought-after speaker and podcast guest, sharing her expertise on how to align visionary projects with sustainable funding models. Learn more at thefundingstudio.org.

With more than 20 years of nonprofit experience, Justin leads a talented philanthropic resource development and communications team.    Since 2016, he has been connecting our community of supporters with the mission and vision of Child Crisis Arizona. As Vice President of Development and Communications, Justin oversees the agency’s philanthropic and marketing efforts. His passion for the agency’s mission is shown through his efforts in expanding our impact by ensuring a sustainable future through philanthropic giving.    Justin holds a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management from Northern Arizona University and earned his Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) certificate in 2019. For leisure, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and two kids while cheering on all Arizona sports teams, especially the Phoenix Suns!

Kent Burbank, LMSW Founder and CEO, Kent Burbank Consulting and Coaching LLC Kent Burbank is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience advancing human services, community engagement, and organizational effectiveness across the nonprofit and governmental sectors. As the Founder and CEO of Kent Burbank Consulting and Coaching LLC, he specializes in strategic planning, board development, capacity building, team leadership, and organizational change.  Kent’s professional journey includes leadership roles such as Director of Constituent Engagement for the Arizona Governor’s Office, Director of Victim Services for the Pima County Attorney’s Office, Executive Director of Wingspan (Southern Arizona’s LGBTQ+ Community Center), and full-time faculty in the Social Services Department at Pima Community College. In these roles, Kent has overseen complex programs, supervised multidisciplinary teams, led community initiatives, and supported organizational transformation.  A Licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Executive Coach, Kent holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Chicago and a Master of Divinity from Meadville/Lombard Theological School. His educational and professional path reflects a lifelong commitment to social justice, inclusive leadership, and public service.  In addition to his executive roles, Kent has served in volunteer leadership capacities with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, the Arizona Coalition for Victim Services, the Southern Arizona Hate Crimes Task Force, and the LGBTQ+ Alliance Fund. Through his consulting and coaching practice, Kent partners with leaders, teams, and organizations to foster healthy individuals, successful leaders, and thriving organizations.

Rose Snyder is the Director of the Center for Healthy Nonprofit at the Community Foundation for Southern Arizona. She is a certified governance consultant, an accomplished leadership and organizational development consultant and a certified executive coach. She has over 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector cultivating talent, developing leaders, and teaching governance best practices. Rose specializes in helping organizations achieve their mission by cultivating high performing teams. She understands high performance and the importance of “team” from spending 30 years in the Olympic sports world. Rose is passionate about empowering the next generation of nonprofit leaders to become high performing teams that lead with authenticity, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset.

20250508 - Kim Joyce - Scottsdale, Ariz.
Image is fully model released. Model releases are on file with ASU Media Relations & Strategic Communications.
Kim Joyce, grant writer, CEO of Kim Joyce & Associates and ASU alumna with a bachelor’s degree in English, poses for a photo in the courtyard of her business complex in Scottsdale on May 8, 2025. Joyce is an ASU alum with a bachelor’s degree in English. (Photo by Samantha Chow/Arizona State University)

Kim Joyce, GPC, is Founder and CEO of Kim Joyce & Associates, Arizona's largest grant writing firm. She's one of only 23 Grant Professional Certified professionals in Arizona. KJA has helped secure over $439 million in grant awards for clients nationwide. As a GPA Approved Trainer and award-winning business leader, Kim is passionate about grants and grant compliance - grants are her superpower. Outside of work, Kim enjoys time with her husband, four children, and granddaughter.

Lucie Robinson is an award-winning organizational transformation expert with over 15 years of experience driving strategic change across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. She has spearheaded billion-dollar M&A integrations, tripled the size of national charities, orchestrated large-scale public health campaigns in underserved communities, managed multi-million-dollar economic recovery programs, and led marketing campaigns for NGOs and social enterprises. Her ability to build high-performing teams and deliver sustainable outcomes has earned her both national industry and humanitarian awards.  As the founder of Team Sparx, Lucie’s mission is simple: make leadership and team development easier - no jargon, no guesswork, no prep. Under her guidance, Team Sparx offers ready-to-go resources and team-building kits designed to help managers in corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations foster trust, boost motivation, and sustain momentum without requiring advanced leadership credentials.  Lucie’s energetic, direct, human-centered approach has powered transformation initiatives at Amazon, supported the largest behavioral science trials for public benefit, and guided nonprofit boards through governance and impact strategy workshops. She is passionate about helping managers in resource-constrained environments maintain mission focus and team cohesion.  Whether presenting at global conferences or leading intimate workshops, Lucie empowers people leaders to do their best work, together. Her blend of real-world experience, behavioral science insight, and practical tools makes her an ideal speaker for AZ Impact for Good events.

Mark P. Martz, PhD, MPA, is Founder and CEO, Martz & Associates. Before launching Martz & Associates full-time, Mark served as the Executive Director of Axiom Community of Recovery, a nonprofit organization providing long term recovery services and support to individuals transitioning from a substance use disorder treatment environment back to community. Prior to this role, Mark spent 3.8 years as Director of the Arizona Center for Tobacco Cessation housed in the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health at the University of Arizona. In this position, Dr. Martz oversaw Arizona’s tobacco quitline, tobacco education and referral development programs via the Center’s Training Institute, research and evaluation activities, and public-private partnership initiatives.  From 2013-2018, Mark served at the Arizona Department of Health Services, providing support to the state agency in a variety of roles including as a policy consultant and Office Chief for Tobacco Prevention and Cessation. Mark received his master’s in public administration from Wichita State University in 2007 and doctorate in public administration and policy from Arizona State University in 2013. Dr. Martz’s professional and research interests focus on developing, implementing, and analyzing individual behavior change and system-level interventions that improve health and well-being. When away from work, Mark enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering, trail running, open water swimming, and meandering through art galleries.

Sunny Wight is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mindfulness First, an Arizona nonprofit that has impacted over 500K people with mental health education in the past 10 years. Mindfulness First has a special focus on supporting children, teachers and parents in K-12 settings. Sunny is a passionate mental health advocate and trainer, with extensive lived and professional experience in this area.

Patti Almirez-Taglianetti serves as Director of Annual Giving & Communications at Mindfulness First, where she champions mental health education for Arizona's youth. With nearly 30 years in nonprofit leadership, Patti has raised millions for organizations including Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, Easterseals Hawaii, Assets School, and Kapiolani Children's Miracle Network.

Patti brings a unique perspective that blends strategic fundraising expertise with personal wellness knowledge. As a certified life coach, wellness counselor, and holistic energy healer with over two decades of experience, she understands both the operational and transformational aspects of community change. She believes mindfulness practices are among the most empowering tools we can share with young people to serve them throughout their entire lifetime.

As Partnership Director, Rhett helps schools and youth organizations find the Playworks service that best fits their needs for creating safe and healthy play environments. He began his journey with Playworks in 2012 as a teacher at the first Arizona school to partner with the organization. Inspired by the impact of safe and healthy play, he joined the Playworks team the following year and has served in multiple roles, including Program Coordinator, Site Coordinator, and Pro Trainer. Rhett holds a degree in Multicultural/Multilingual Elementary Education from Arizona State University. Outside of work, he enjoys sipping lattes at local coffee shops and unwinding with yoga.

As Partnership Director, Rhett helps schools and youth organizations find the Playworks service that best fits their needs for creating safe and healthy play environments. He began his journey with Playworks in 2012 as a teacher at the first Arizona school to partner with the organization. Inspired by the impact of safe and healthy play, he joined the Playworks team the following year and has served in multiple roles, including Program Coordinator, Site Coordinator, and Pro Trainer. Rhett holds a degree in Multicultural/Multilingual Elementary Education from Arizona State University. Outside of work, he enjoys sipping lattes at local coffee shops and unwinding with yoga.

Briana has a decade of experience teaching and training both children and adults, including four years dedicated to Playworks and over six years with respected organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and Camp Kesem.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Parks and Recreation from Northern Arizona University in 2018 (Go Lumberjacks!).  She is a trusted leader in creating positive, playful learning environments across Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Georgia.  Beyond her professional endeavors, Briana embraces play through crafting clay jewelry for art fairs and markets, singing karaoke, dancing, and game nights with friends.  She looks forward to meeting and playing with you!

Ryan Frederick is a seasoned entrepreneur, author, speaker, and investor, renowned for his expertise at the intersection of technology and its profound effects on global economics, politics, labor, and society. As a Principal at Transform Labs, a technology advising firm, Ryan leverages his extensive background technology and business strategy to assist organizations in navigating the complexities of a new era of immense technical automation. With a career that began in software development, Ryan possesses a unique blend of technical proficiency and business insight. This combination has enabled him to successfully establish and expand multiple companies, providing him with firsthand experience in the challenges and opportunities presented by technological innovation. His entrepreneurial journey has also led him to become an active angel investor and a mentor to startups and corporate innovation leaders, further solidifying his role as a catalyst for technological advancement in the business world.  Ryan is the author of two influential books: "The Founder's Manual: A Guidebook for Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur," which offers insights into product creation and company building, and "Sell Naked: And Other Advice for Growing and Managing Services Firms," focusing on strategies for service-based businesses. As a thought leader and speaker, Ryan frequently shares his perspectives on how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, are reshaping various facets of society. In his writings, he discusses the macro-level changes driven by AI, including its impact on economic models, labor dynamics, and geopolitical stability. Ryan emphasizes that the rapid adoption of AI and automation necessitates a reevaluation of traditional economic structures and poses both challenges and opportunities for global societies. Beyond his professional endeavors, Ryan is committed to workforce development and social impact. He founded i.c.stars, a non-profit program dedicated to training under-employed adults in digital skills, demonstrating his dedication to bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth in the tech industry. Ryan's deep understanding of the interplay between technology and societal structures, combined with his practical experience in business and innovation, positions him as a compelling speaker on the transformative effects of technology on global economics, politics, labor, and society.

Angie Harmon is the Social Responsibility and Community Engagement Manager, North America for Freeport-McMoRan and is based in Phoenix, Arizona at the company’s corporate headquarters. Angie works in partnership with a team of incredible individuals whose consistent and transparent engagement with community stakeholders enables Freeport’s license to operate. Angie supports Freeport’s investment in community-related programs and initiatives across the US, aligning the company’s philanthropic outreach with overall corporate goals. She was appointed to Arizona’s Rural Business Development Advisory Committee and supports Freeport’s engagement with SME. She has a BA in political science as well as her MBA. Angie and her husband have two sons and live in Scottsdale, AZ.

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With extensive experience in community engagement and educational outreach, Anita Tarango has dedicated over two decades to fostering partnerships and supporting underrepresented communities. Holding a Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame and a Certificate in Corporate Citizen Management from Boston College, Anita currently serves as the Manager of Community Engagement Strategy – Corporate Giving at Salt River Project (SRP), overseeing a $5.1 million budget awarded to over 300 non-profit organizations throughout Arizona. She has previously held significant roles at SRP and Arizona State University, where she developed and expanded partnerships, led large-scale events, and supported underrepresented students. Anita brings exceptional relationship management and critical thinking skills to every project, continuing to make a significant impact in the community through dedicated service and strategic leadership.

Colleen Iuliucci is the Arizona Community Foundation’s Regional Director, serving southeast Arizona. In her role, she serves the Gila Valley and Cochise regions, focusing on sustainable asset development, donor and community engagement, professional advisor outreach, and volunteer development across southeast Arizona.

With over a decade of experience in nonprofit development, Colleen has worked with both national and local organizations, most recently with the Arizona Land and Water Trust in Tucson. She is an active member and former board member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Southern Arizona Chapter, and a member of the Planned Giving Roundtable, Southern Arizona Chapter. Colleen is also a graduate of the American Express Leadership Academy at ASU Lodestar Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies from Belmont University and is a certified yoga instructor.

Mikenzie Lindsey is a Senior Corporate Giving Specialist at Arizona Public Service (APS), focusing on supporting rural communities across the state. With over a decade of experience at APS, Mikenzie has developed a robust expertise in corporate philanthropy and community engagement. She excels at building meaningful partnerships through nonprofit collaborations and supporting the APS Community Impact Grants.

As the program manager for the APS Supply My Class Teacher Program and the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation’s First Responders Grant Partnership, Mikenzie plays a pivotal role in shaping initiatives that create lasting, positive change. Her dedication to community impact and her leadership in program management make her an invaluable asset to both APS and the broader community.

Mikenzie joined APS in 2014. Her work across different departments such as environmental, regulatory, rates, state compliance, public affairs, and community affairs gives her a broad understanding of both the operational and community aspects of the company. She earned an associate’s degree in business from Paradise Valley Community College, and her bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Arizona State University.

Stephanie Skryzowski is a visionary Chief Financial Officer who helps nonprofit leaders better understand and use their numbers to make smart decisions to grow their bottom line and their impact. She is the Founder and CEO of 100 Degrees Consulting which provides financial strategy and bookkeeping services to nonprofits around the globe. Stephanie delivers advice on nonprofit leadership, strategic budgeting, cash flow management, financial reporting and analysis, and more. Her podcast, The Prosperous Nonprofit, and online course, Master Your Nonprofit Numbers, help nonprofit leaders build thriving nonprofit organizations, strong and healthy teams, and a sustainable and profitable bottom line. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from New York University, focusing on nonprofit management and finance, and when she is not crunching numbers, Stephanie is exploring the world with her husband and two young daughters.

With over 15 years of experience navigating organizational change across nonprofit and private sectors, Torrey began her nonprofit career as an Executive Assistant at Price Charities, where she was instrumental in establishing the City Heights Partnership for Children, a cross-sector collective impact initiative. The Partnership transitioned to United Way of San Diego County, where Torrey excelled in various roles, fostering cross-sector collaboration and building strategic partnerships with community, program, policy, and systems leaders – locally, statewide, and nationally. As Director, Strategic Initiatives, Torrey served at the intersection of United Way’s Community Impact, CSR, and Development work. Her earlier experience includes administrative and business development roles for one of the nation’s leading law firms, Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani. After 9 years with United Way, Torrey joined Blair Search Partners in 2022 as Director of Operations, becoming Managing Director in 2024 – overseeing daily operations, organizational development, market growth, marketing, client and community engagement. Torrey is a member of LEAD San Diego, served on Make-A-Wish San Diego’s Emerging Leaders Council and United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council, and volunteers with the National Marine Mammal Foundation. She holds a BA from CSU San Marcos and an MA in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of San Diego. Recognized as San Diego’s 40 Next Top Business Leaders Under 40 and a San Diego Business Women of the Year finalist, Torrey cherishes her diverse heritage, including Native Hawaiian, Chinese, Italian, and Native American roots. Her middle name, Kahupoohala, signifies her role as “guardian of the family way.”

Trevor has over 20 years of experience in executive search, recruiting, and workforce development. He began his career with Manpower, a global provider of recruiting and HR solutions, and was based in Sydney for 5 years. He returned to the US for graduate school and rejoined Manpower in San Diego. After several years as a Business Development Manager, he shifted focus and built the company’s workforce development and executive search practices, working with nonprofits to develop training and job placement programs for underserved communities. He secured public and private funding for these initiatives, alongside offering executive search and recruiting expertise. In 2016, he leveraged this experience to launch Blair Search Partners, specializing in search engagements for nonprofits and public agencies. Today, the firm manages 40-50 search engagements annually, reaching clients and candidates across the US. BSP’s work spans almost every area of the sector, including philanthropy, human services, education, professional associations, and the arts. Trevor’s community engagement includes current and former board and committee positions with LEAD San Diego (immediate past chair), Zero8hundred (immediate past chair), Catalyst of San Diego & Imperial Counties, and AFP San Diego. He serves on the executive committee of the Network of Nonprofit Search Consultants, a national association focused on advancing best practices in nonprofit search. An avid endurance athlete, Trevor has completed over 200 triathlons globally, including 10 Ironmans and 3 Boston Marathons. He holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania (summa cum laude), and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Wayne has been with CLA since August 2015 specializing in assurance, tax, consulting, and other opportunities facing nonprofit organizations and has engagement signing authority over specific engagements. Wayne has more than 25 years of diversified audit, accounting, and tax experience with nonprofit organizations, state and local governments, mortgage banking, utility cooperatives, third-party administrators, and closely held businesses. His nonprofit and governmental accounting experience includes conducting audits in compliance with Uniform Guidance and the preparation of the Form 990. He also has extensive experience with auditing Arizona school districts and charter schools, U.S. Department of Education, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Department of Agriculture, and various other federal and state grant award programs.

Jackie is a principal in the regulated industries group, focusing her time on serving nonprofit clients. Jackie’s primary background is in audit and accounting, but she has spent a significant amount of time consulting on issues affecting nonprofits. Jackie has more than 25 years of public accounting experience. She has extensive experience serving a wide variety of clients of all sizes, from large, complex national organizations to local religious organizations. Jackie also serves as an audit and accounting instructor internally for CLA, training staff on accounting and auditing changes and other topics affecting nonprofits. She has also taught at a number of seminars on various topics, including sessions on upcoming FASB reporting standards changes for nonprofits, financial reporting for church business administrators, and best practices for documenting nonprofit compensation.