At the February 16, 2023 meeting the following slate of officers and directors will be proposed to the general membership. At the annual meeting in 2023 the vote for officers was postponed for additional recruitment efforts. Nominations may be made from the floor at that time, or by submitting interest to SAVMA email. A simple majority of members present may vote on the slate. Members may submit a proxy no less than 24 hours before the election.
Officers:
Jennifer Lohse (President): Jennifer has served in the nonprofit sector for more than 25 years in a variety of leadership positions. She holds a Certified Nonprofit Professional credential from the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (formerly American Humanics). As the Vice President and External Relations of the “Tucson Foundations,” she works with more than 50 grantees annually administering $3 million to the local community. Volunteer Management is near and dear to Jennifer’s heart and she is proud to support the community in a SAVMA governance role.
(President-Elect): Vacant
Caitlyn Keefe (Treasurer): I am an accounting student at The University of Arizona. In addition, I work as an accountant at the James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. I moved to Tucson in December 2021 from Gurnee, Illinois to pursue my accounting degree and to get out of the cold! My dog, Mickey, came with me and we have enjoyed all the hiking and outdoor activities available here. I have loved getting to know the area and the people residing here. I do not have much experience in the non profit industry, but am excited to get more involved. I look forward to contributing to this organization and getting to know more about Tucson and the volunteer organizations here.
Jill LaBrie (Secretary): Jill LaBrie had 38 years’ experience working with delinquent youth with the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections, as well as foster children through the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program at the Pima County Juvenile Court Center. At least 15 of those years have involved recruiting, training and supervising volunteers. Jill retired in April of 2022
Jill has also served on the SAVMA Board in past holding positions of Membership Committee Chair, President Elect, and President. Jill is an avid reader, likes to craft, is a reality tv junky, and has been known to binge watch shows.
Members at Large (Leading on Committees or Serving on Committees)
Cydne Bolton: Cydne has called Tucson home for over 40 years. She is currently a Learning Center Coordinator for Literacy Connects, and considers herself to be a lifelong learner and educator. Her positions in elementary education, logistics, juvenile corrections, and adult basic education have all focused on teaching and training. Cydne is a graduate from the Tacheria Interfaith School of Spiritual Direction and the African American Leadership Institute of Southern Arizona. She serves as Board Secretary for The Learning Community for Loss, Grief and Transition as well as Board Member for the African American Legacy Fund. Cydne is the proud auntie of several nieces and nephews, some biological and some chosen.
Stephanie Goetz: Originally from the Midwest, I have found my happy place in the desert of the Southwest. I love to travel and discover new places, meeting the people that make their communities special. When it’s not too hot, I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, sand volleyball, reading a book by the pool, and taking care of our animals on the ranch. I have over a decade of experience in the food & beverage industry, most of that time spent in the world of craft beer. The lessons learned from that time are being translated to my recent career move to the non-profit sector at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, bringing people together to build a stronger community.
Gina Hansen: Gina Hansen is the Volunteer Resource Manager at Habitat for Humanity Tucson. She has over 10 years’ experience in all aspects of volunteer engagement overseeing various volunteer programs, implementing new programs, outreach, event planning, public speaking, and training. Gina is a Service Enterprise Trainer, active on two nonprofit boards, has a small crafting business aka side hustle, and when she’s not working, she enjoys time outdoors and with family and friends!
Micaela Varela: Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. She moved to Tucson for a post college volunteer program with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in 2017. She served as a volunteer with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona for a year, which quickly turned into a love for Tucson and desire to continue serving her community. After earning her master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Arizona, Micaela returned to the Community Food Bank, where she currently serves as the Volunteer Coordinator.