Executive Committee
Finance, Governance, Scholarships, IDEA
The Executive Committee is composed of the Chapter President, President Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and Past President. It provides leadership and oversight to ensure the long-term health and success of the organization. The committee is responsible for assessing and maintaining the chapter’s financial stability, including budgeting, financial planning, and monitoring fiscal performance in alignment with nonprofit best practices. It ensures effective governance by upholding the organization’s bylaws, supporting board development, and guiding strategic decision-making. The committee also fosters a culture of inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) across all chapter activities and membership engagement. It oversees scholarship opportunities, establishing fair and transparent processes to support professional development and participation in AFP programs. Through these responsibilities, the Executive Committee upholds accountability, inclusivity, and sustainability as the foundation of the chapter’s mission and operations.
Member Relations Committee
Education, Membership, Hospitality, Career Support, CFRE, Mentoring
The Member Relations Committee strengthens the value and experience of membership by fostering connection, professional growth, and engagement across all levels of the chapter. It plans and delivers high-quality educational programs and professional development opportunities, including monthly meetings and workshops that address current trends in philanthropy. The committee promotes membership growth and retention through outreach, communication, and peer engagement while supporting members pursuing CFRE certification with resources and study opportunities. It also cultivates mentoring relationships that connect emerging professionals with experienced fundraisers to encourage shared learning and career advancement. Through these efforts, the committee ensures that every member experiences belonging, support, and professional enrichment within the AFP community.
Interested in joining the Member Relations Committee? Contact Chair Jenny Carrillo at jenny@do-good-better.com.
External Relations Committee
Communications, Government Relations, Community Relations, Sponsorships
The External Relations Committee builds and strengthens the chapter’s presence and partnerships within the broader community. It develops and implements communication strategies that highlight the impact of philanthropy and the work of AFP Southern Arizona through newsletters, social media, and public relations. The committee monitors and shares updates on government policies affecting fundraising and the nonprofit sector, serving as a resource for members on advocacy and ethical standards. It also manages relationships with community partners and sponsors, creating mutually beneficial collaborations that support chapter programs and events. Through these responsibilities, the committee advances public understanding of philanthropy and enhances the chapter’s visibility, credibility, and community impact.
Interested in joining the External Relations Committee? Contact Chair Sarah Osborne at sarah@childrensmuseumtucson.org.
National Philanthropy Day Committee
The National Philanthropy Day Committee leads the planning and execution of the chapter’s signature annual event, which celebrates the power of philanthropy and honors individuals, organizations, and businesses that make a meaningful difference in Southern Arizona. The committee oversees all aspects of the event, including nominations, sponsorships, logistics, publicity, and program design. In addition to producing a high-quality celebration, the committee ensures that the event reflects the values of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and serves as a key fundraiser for the chapter. Through careful coordination and community engagement, National Philanthropy Day showcases the spirit of giving that strengthens and inspires the local nonprofit sector.
Interested in joining NPD Committee? Contact Co-Chairs Brittany Smith at bsmith@yoto.org or Deanna Dillard at d.dillard@patronatosanxavier.org.
Statewide Conference 2027 Committee
The Statewide Conference 2027 Committee is responsible for organizing and delivering the Arizona statewide AFP conference hosted by the Southern Arizona Chapter. This committee oversees every element of the conference, including program development, speaker recruitment, sponsorships, marketing, and logistics. It collaborates with AFP chapters across Arizona to ensure broad participation and relevance to professionals at all career stages. The committee’s work promotes learning, networking, and innovation within the fundraising community, while positioning the Tucson chapter as a leader in professional development and sector advancement.
Interested in joining Statewide Conference Committee? Contact Chair Ethan Smith Cox at ethan@loftcinema.org.