2023 Proposed Leadership

The 2023 proposed leadership slate of officers and directors are on the agenda for the February 16, 2023 meeting of the general membership. At the annual meeting in 2023 the vote for officers was postponed for additional recruitment efforts. All things considered, a heroic effort was made in 2022 to complete this task onetime. 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 and executive roles. 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 (This Could Be You)

Caitlyn Keefe (Treasurer): Caitlyn is an accounting student at The University of Arizona. In addition, she works as an accountant at the James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona. She moved to Tucson in December 2021 from Gurnee, Illinois to pursue her accounting degree and to get out of the cold! Her dog, Mickey, came with her and they enjoy hiking and outdoor activities. They love getting to know the area and the people residing here. Caitlyn is excited to get more involved in the nonprofit sector and to learn more about volunteerism through SAVMA.

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. She served on the SAVMA Board in past, holding positions of Membership Committee Chair, President Elect, and President.

Jill retired in April of 2022. She is an avid reader, likes to craft, is a reality tv junky, and has been known to marathon watch shows.

Directors 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. She is also a 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 translating well to my recent career move to the nonprofit sector at United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona. I bring 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. Her experience includes: overseeing various volunteer programs, implementing new programs, outreach, event planning, public speaking, and training. At the present time, Gina is a Service Enterprise Trainer, and she is active on two nonprofit boards. She has a small side hustle, crafting business. When she’s not working, Gina enjoys time outdoors with her 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. This subsequently turned into a love for Tucson and desire to continue serving her community. Following the obtainment of her master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Arizona, Micaela returned to the Community Food Bank, where she serves as the Volunteer Coordinator.

Vacant: Room for you! (by-laws allow up to 13 directors)