Board of Directors
President
Kevin Kaplan
VP of Marketing & Technology
Long Realty Company
Kevin Kaplan is the Vice President of Marketing and Technology at Long Realty Company, southern Arizona’s leading real estate company and a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Since joining Long Realty in 2008, Kevin has been recognized as an industry leader and innovator. Kevin has over 19 years of experience in the real estate industry in marketing, technology and business management. Kevin is a Board Director for the MLS of Southern Arizona, a Board Director and President for the Cascade Foundation of Southern Arizona, and a Board Director and President-Elect for Greater Tucson Leadership.
President-Elect
Kelle Maslyn
Director of Community Relations
Arizona State University
Kelle Maslyn is executive director of community & municipal relations for the Office of Government & Community Engagement in Arizona State University’s Tucson office where she promotes ASU’s relationships and interactions with key business groups, elected officials and decision makers in cities and towns across Pima County. She also focuses on Sun Corridor megaregion initiatives linking the Phoenix and Tucson metropolitan areas. She serves on the board of directors of Sun Corridor, Inc., the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce, Greater Tucson Leadership and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson. In addition she participates on the Tucson Chamber’s Public Affairs Council, the Pima Association of Governments Economic Vitality Committee, DM50 and the Regional Transportation Authority citizen’s commission. Kelle also works closely with the Southern Arizona Leadership Council and the Oro Valley, Marana and Tucson Hispanic chambers of commerce.
Secretary
Romi Wittman
Organizational Leadership Program
University of Arizona
A long-time Tucsonan, Romi has more than 20 years’ experience in marketing and communications management. Her experience includes marketing strategy, consumer outreach, internal and external communications, public and media relations, digital marketing and market research. She holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from the University of Arizona as well as an MBA from Eller Graduate School of Management. As a freelance writer, Romi contributes frequently to a variety of local publications, including Biz Tucson and Tucson Lifestyle Home & Garden. She was a technology columnist for the Tucson Citizen for 11 years. Romi is active in the Tucson community and currently serves not only on the board of the Greater Tucson Leadership Program but also Southern Arizona Beagle Rescue.
Immediate Past President
Jennifer Chenault
Sales Executive
Lovitt & Touche
Jennifer comes to Lovitt & Touché with more than 15 years of successful organizational management experience within the Higher Education Industry. She is passionate about helping businesses succeed through problem solving, navigating risk management and organizational strategy. She has extensive experience in training, development, human resources and operations. Jennifer is focused on community development and has a strong belief in supporting the local community. She currently serves the National Association of Women in Construction as Vice President, Arizona Technology Council as Ambassador, SHRM as Membership Committee member and Casa de la Luz Foundation as Board Member. She is dually licensed in property and casualty as well as life and health insurance. A lifelong learner, she holds a Masters Degree in Organizational Management, and loves to help businesses solve their problems with a specialized team approach. Jennifer establishes long-term relationships built on trust. On a personal note, Jennifer is a former Bostonian, a food and wine aficionado, “Mama Bear” to two “cubs,” and a blackjack table warmer!
Director
Kathleen Brown
Founder/Principal
Brown + Associates LLC
Kathleen Brown is the principal at Brown + Associates, LLC, a virtual marketing, communications, PR, and events group based in Tucson, Arizona. A Colorado native, Brown has 25 years of experience driving communications initiatives in software/technology, environmental health and safety, veterinary medicine, higher education, nonprofits, and law enforcement/public safety. For the last 16 years she’s focused on driving marketing, business development, and legislative initiatives related to the use of substance abuse monitoring technologies on criminal offenders, and she is a subject matter expert on criminal justice reform, drunk driving, and the intersection of alcohol misuse and crime. She has served for five years on the board of directors for the Public Relations Society of America and was a member of the Greater Tucson Leadership graduating class of 2017. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from the University of Arizona (Go Wildcats!), with minors in Journalism and Music Education.
Director
Ben Casey
Administrative Attorney
Pascua Yaqui Judicial Branch
As the Administrative Attorney, Mr. Casey is responsible for the day to day operations of the Judicial Branch of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe. This includes all aspects of the court’s fiscal administration, case flow management, technology and systems administration and supervision of all Court divisions (Clerks, Security, Bailiffs, Probation & Pretrial Services). Mr. Casey acts as the intergovernmental liasion to other branches of tribal and non-tribal governmental agencies and divisions in order to promote collaboration and integration of systems while maintaining the integrity of the Court as a separate but equal branch of government. He is also responsible for the management of the Pascua Yaqui Bar and is the lead instructor for the Judicial Branch’s attorney and lay advocate certification program as well as the Judicial Branch online certification course. Mr. Casey also works with the Citizen Diplomacy Alliance in conjunction with the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Program to host monthly comparative justice forums with foreign leaders, specialists and scholars from around the world. Prior to working for the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, Mr. Casey was both a Partner and an Associate at law firms where he provided general and special consultation services to Indian Tribes and Tribal agencies.
Director
Jason Cook
Event Coordinator
Tucson Metro Chamber
Director
Isaac Figueroa
Director of Real Estate & Development
BFL Construction
Isaac Figueroa currently serves as the Director of Real Estate and Development at BFL Ventures, the real estate development and investment arm of BFL Construction, a subsidiary of JV Driver. In his role he serves as the designated broker for the company and manages all in house leasing and sales. He also sources and manages investment and development projects which includes managing the construction, deal and capital structure. In the community Isaac is heavily involved in several organizations including Urban Land Institute (ULI), The Jewish Federation of Southern Arizona, Greater Tucson Leadership Class of 2017, Men’s Active 20/30 Club, is an Honorary Commander for the United States Airforce and is a board member for Greater Tucson Leadership and Imago Dei Middle School. Isaac enjoys outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, camping, rafting, skiing and golfing. He also enjoys CrossFit, weight training and boxing/MMA.
Director
Mark Hokeness
Director of Program Management
Raytheon Missile Systems
Dr. Mark Hokeness has a broad background in Aerospace and Defense spanning 34 years with Hughes Helicopters, McDonnell Douglas and Raytheon. He is well versed in operations execution and program leadership. Mark is the Raytheon Missile Systems Program Director for Excalibur guided projectile programs. He manages product development, engineering services, business development, and production execution. At Raytheon Aircraft Company Mark led the King Air turbo-prop and Premier I jet programs with responsibility for product development, FAA certification, assembly operations, flight test, and customer delivery. These products included special military derivate aircraft and international sales. He also served as program manager for the activation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) using SAP R/3 for Raytheon Aircraft. While at McDonnell Douglas, Mark held positions in program management and operations leadership for the Advanced Cruise Missile and Apache helicopter programs. Dr. Hokeness holds an undergraduate degree in Industrial Studies from San Diego State University, a master’s degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and a doctorial degree in Management from the University of Phoenix. Mark is certified as a Raytheon level two Program Manager. He is an active pilot holding an Airline Transport Pilot License and is a Certified Flight Instructor.
Director
Amanda Iverson
COO/Partner
Pinnacle Plan Design
Amanda Iverson is a partner at Pinnacle and the firm’s chief operating officer. Amanda is responsible for managing the firm’s internal operations including accounting, human resources, growth strategy, and efficiency analysis. Amanda speaks nationally on topics related to firm management. Amanda has published several articles in the Journal of Pension Benefits, a leading industry publication. Amanda is a Board Member for the Greater Tucson Leadership organization and on the Leadership Council for the American Society of Pension Plan Professionals & Actuaries (ASPPA). Amanda is a programming committee member for Society for Human Resource Management – Greater Tucson (SHRM-GT) and involved with several other professional organizations such as Financial Executives & Affiliates of Tucson (FEAT) and the National Institute of Pension Administrators (NIPA).
Director
Brendan Lyons
Executive Director
LOOK! Save a Life
Brendan Lyons serves as the Executive Director of LOOK! Save A Life. He is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) at the University of Arizona, where he serves as the President of the Public Affairs Student Association for the School of Government and Public Policy. In addition, he volunteers his time an Honorary Commander at Davis-Monthan AFB and for the Red Shoe Society with the Ronald McDonald House. Brendan has served Southern Arizona as a Firefighter/EMT. In 2013, he became a trauma survivor while bicycling on his day off; he was struck from behind by a distracted motorist at 45mph. Since then, Lyons has worked tirelessly with local elected officials to get the recent “hands-free” ordinances passed for the Town of Oro Valley, Pima County and the City of Tucson. He continues to advocate for the passage of a statewide law. Brendan has been named “Hometown Hero” by Davis Monthan Air Force Base and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, honored as one of Tucson’s 40 Under 40, has been named “Dedication-Recipient” and “Man-of-the-Year” for El Tour de Tucson and continues to be a stand-out in this community.
Director
Karen Mattull
COO of Internal Operations
BeachFleischman PC
Karen Mattull is the Chief Operating Officer, Internal Operations for BeachFleischman PC. She is responsible for the strategic alignment of Human Resources functions within the firm’s overall mission and culture. Additionally, she is responsible for the daily operations of the firm including billing, collections, and administration. Through national, regional and local speaking engagements Karen regularly provides expert commentary and specializes in issues related to employee relations, workplace culture, recruiting, wellness, HR compliance, training and organizational development. Karen has also been published in national and local media outlets on human resources topics, issues and trends that impact employers and employees alike. Karen has a master’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and her bachelor’s degree in Business Management. She also holds her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) and Society for Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certifications.
Director
Jennifer Turner
Development Director
NPH USA
Falling in love with service as a volunteer, Jennifer Turner realized early on where her passion lies. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Jennifer has worked in philanthropy with a variety of organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club and Easter Seals. Her expertise spans board development, donor stewardship, major gifts, project management and diversification of revenue. With passion driving her focus, Jennifer served in the Peace Corps in ’98 and recently accepted a position with NPH USA ~ Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos as a Development Officer combining both her love for international impact and philanthropy. Jennifer is a 2013 graduate of the GTL program, has continued to actively volunteer and is honored to join the Board of Directors.
Director
Lindsay Welch
Vice President, Community Relations and Business Development
Crest Insurance Group
Lindsay Welch is the Vice President of Community Relations and Business Development for Crest Insurance Group. Lindsay is responsible for Crest’s philanthropic involvement and brand awareness and the strategic initiative behind these partnerships. A Texas-native, turned Tucson resident, Lindsay also serves as CEO of her strategic development and sales consulting firm, Autus Strategies, where she was named as the 2018 Woman of Influence – Outstanding Entrepreneur by Tucson Local Media and Inside Tucson Business. Welch’s former roles include School Administrator, non-profit Executive Director, Chief Business Development Director and CEO. Lindsay attended University of Phoenix and received a BS Marketing in 2012. Lindsay is a fierce advocate of empowering business, military, women, and youth as a veteran’s wife and mother of three. Her community support includes: Greater Tucson Leadership (GTL) Board of Directors, Chair – GTL Alumni Committee, member – Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce’s Emerging Leader’s Council (ELC) and ELC President elect. She has also served as Mentor to three participants of Social Venture Partners Fast Pitch competitors and a Senior Exit Project Mentor in Vail USD. Welch was named as a 2017 4o Under 40 Recipient and even danced as a local celebrity for the Diaper Bank of Southern Arizona’s Dancing with Our Stars 2018 winning both Judges Choice and Audience Choice in the Foxtrot. Lindsay’s passion to collaborate and create makes her one of the best innovators and change agents in the business community.
