GEORGE ROZSA GOLF CLASSIC - Key Persons
For many years, Alexis Richards has been a philanthropist and volunteer in the Valley including within our hospitals. Dignity Health holds a special place in her family's hearts after her grandfather served over 40 years, so it was a natural next step for Alexis to join our Board. With her fundraising and personal experience in health care, we know she will be a great asset for the Board.
Job Titles:
- Support Group Leader & Parent Education
I am the mother of four beautiful children. Our second child, and only son, Beckett Lee, was born still at 37 weeks in September 2012. After our loss, I searched for groups specific to this type of loss, and found nothing relevant in my area. I sought the advice of a dear friend, and fellow bereaved parent. Her understanding and empathy got me through those early months. In return, I have dedicated myself to helping other parents navigate the ebb and flow of their grief. I believe Beckett has provided many blessings, including pointing me in the direction to help other families through their loss. Since 2012, I have worked to advocate for parents of infant loss, spoken at remembrance ceremonies, participated in fundraisers, and provided community education. I am also a founding member and co-facilitator of Heaven's Hummingbirds.
I was born and raised in Alaska, and moved to Arizona in 2004. My husband, Nick, and I are privileged to be raising three amazing girls, my sunshine and two rainbows: Harper, Remy, and Scarlett. I am also a former educator. In my "spare" time, I visit our assisted living home, co-lead a MOPS group, run a book club, co-facilitate a mom group, snap photos, see as many movies as possible, and speak as openly and honestly about my sweet Beckett as possible. I feel a kin to my fellow bereaved parents, and remember, honor, and cherish them always.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Foundation Staff Member
- Philanthropy Manager, Annual Giving
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Philanthropy for Common
Charles "Charlie" Guida serves as Vice President of Philanthropy for CommonSpirit Health's Southwest Division. Most recently he served as Chief Philanthropy Officer for St. Rose Dominican Health Foundation in Nevada and as interim President for Dignity Health Foundation- East Valley in Arizona.
Charlie has led several highly successful development programs, which include exceeding goals of more than $250 million for comprehensive capital campaigns. He has in-depth experience in board recruitment and management, leading fundraising teams, and securing major gifts. Charlie's fundraising experience spans hospitals, academic medicine and higher education, and includes leadership roles at Lifespan/Rhode Island Hospital, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Clark University, and Villanova University.
Charlie holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications and a Master of Business Administration from Villanova University. He belongs to several professional organizations, including the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. An active member of the CommonSpirit Philanthropy Advisory Council, Charlie previously served as the council's chair. He was also a member of the CommonSpirit Health Post-Pandemic COVID-19 Philanthropy Task Force and the Dignity Health Foundation By-laws Task Force.
Job Titles:
- Foundation Staff Member
- Vice President of Philanthropy, Southwest Division
Charlie joined Dignity Health in 2007 and has nearly 40 years of experience in philanthropy and fundraising. Charlie is responsible for developing and implementing ongoing, comprehensive fundraising strategies and operations in support of, and in collaboration with, the foundations of Dignity Health facilities in Arizona and Nevada. While growing financial and public relations support for the division's hospitals, programs, and services, Charlie ensures efficiencies and leverages resources across the service area.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Philanthropy, Southwest Division
Job Titles:
- Philanthropy Manager Operations & Board Liaison
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board Officers Team
- Vice Chair Real Estate Broker / Infinity and Associates Real Estate
A Valley resident for almost two decades, Cory Whyte looks forward to giving back to the community in which he lives, works and cares deeply about. Day to day, Cory is a self-employed business owner with 17 years of experience in the real estate industry, focusing on helping others obtain their dream of home ownership. Welcome aboard, Cory.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Chief of Pediatric Hospitalist Medicine / Zion Medical Group
Dr. Terry J. Happel - an iconic physician leader, friend, husband, father and grandfather - passed away on July 15, 2022 surrounded by loving family and friends. Dr. Happel served Dignity Health for more than 40 years, most recently serving as Chief Medical Officer for Chandler Regional Medical Center, a position he retired from in 2016. During his tenure, he also served as Surgery Department Chair and President of the Medical Staff, and pioneered or championed many areas of excellence for Dignity Health East Valley - including Heart, Intensive Care and Stroke Programming, a Cancer Center, Palliative Care and expansions of Norton Thoracic Institute and Barrow Neurological Institute into our market. Dr. Happel played a critical role in growing a small, neighborhood community hospital into the industry-leading Chandler Regional Medical Center, as well as advocating for the construction of Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and outpatient facilities throughout the East Valley.
Dr. Happel was incredibly intellectual and was astute at selecting the right path, with the right people, at the right time. He focused on quality at a high level, and his presence inspired many physicians and staff members who were lucky enough to work with him. Dr. Happel was smart, funny, engaging and unafraid to speak his mind. He enjoyed tremendous respect and appreciation from friends and colleagues. He was highly principled, and could always be counted on to do the right thing. A consummate servant leader, Dr. Happel focused not on personal success, but on being a person of high moral character and value. We at Dignity Health are all grateful for his numerous contributions in life, and for the legacy which we celebrate in his passing.
Dr. Happel's family has been overwhelmed by the care and outpouring of love and condolences. Although deeply saddened by the loss, the family has been lifted up and moved to hear stories and sentiments about their dad/grandfather. Friends and family are encouraged to send cards, letters and remembrances to Dana Tate (Dr. Happel's daughter) at the address listed below.
For those interested in making a monetary donation in Dr. Happel's memory, the family will be directing donations to our East Valley Foundation. Gifts will be designated towards the endowment that his granddaughter, Alexis, and her husband, Garrett Richards, founded in his name. Physicians interested in making a gift may also choose to give to the Foundation's Dr. Terry Happel Physician Giving Society.
Dr. Happel's celebration of life is planned for late October. More information on the celebration will be made available as details are confirmed.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Foundation Staff Member
- Philanthropy Director
Job Titles:
- Operations & Partnerships
My first baby, Paige, joined the Lord just 6 days after she was born. When we were in the hospital facing this unbearable pain, my husband, Rob and I so desperately wanted to talk with someone who had been through it too, but when we asked, we were told that there was no one. We had wonderful doctors, nurses and social workers who provided us sympathy, but none had been through what we were facing. What we needed was empathy. And that is at the heart of Heaven's Hummingbirds. In this time, we also experienced God's infinite love, comfort, and provision. God saves in suffering, and through Paige, my husband and I found faith, hope and peace.
I am currently an Executive HR Talent Consultant and owner of LTP Advantage, a firm that inspires companies and employees to passionately engage in their work to create big and meaningful impact in the world. I have 2 more beautiful girls here with my husband of 10 years, Rob. I help drive the initiatives operationally in partnership with each team member, and support alliances and program strategy. Serving others by lighting the path has been my greatest honor...and I feel so blessed that God has called me to this ministry to provide empathy and look into the eyes of other bereaved parents to say, "you are not alone."
Job Titles:
- Dental Director
- Dentist to Educator, Heather Schneider
From dental assistant to dentist to educator, Heather Schneider has been involved in clinical dentistry for more than 20 years. Heather is extremely passionate about her field and working towards integrating medicine and dentistry to make positive changes for our community. We look forward to her contributions.
Job Titles:
- Tekline Electrical Services, LLC
I have never been shy to talk about my son, Bowen, and this openness carved the path for starting Heaven's Hummingbirds. After being released from the hospital with empty arms, we returned home. The grief was overwhelming, but we felt God's presence and from that day on, our lives were inundated with hummingbirds. Everywhere that we seemed to go, they were there. The hummingbirds provided a peace to us in our grieving. We felt God's presence in those beautiful creatures as if reminding us that just because our son was gone, he most certainly was not lost. He is with Jesus and we would see him again.
I am currently an entrepreneur and owner of Ananda Salon and Skin Center in Chandler. I also have 3 daughters here on earth that I am raising with my husband of 11 years, Brian. I believe that God has placed me here in this place and time to serve this ministry. Other than being a co-founder of the support group, Heaven's Hummingbirds, I also love fundraising and promoting this ministry.
Jimmie Daniels has determination and willpower. He is an amazing example of stroke recovery using the post-stroke programs offered by Dignity Health's Neuro Wellness Programs in the East Valley.
Jimmie Daniels had a sudden stroke 4 years ago, going immediately by ambulance to Mercy Gilbert Medical Center where he was evaluated for stroke, treated by protocol, then air lifted to the renown Barrow Neurological Center for more intensive care, lasting a week. It took another month as a patient at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital East Valley before he could come home to outpatient care. It took an additional 2 years before Jimmie joined Dignity Health post-stroke programs such as a support group, the "Ringers of Hope" chimes choir, and the summer camp experience. This may not seem like much, yet his efforts and these programs improved his breathing capacity so Jimmie no longer needs to pause to catch his breath between sentences. He can carry on a conversation comfortably with a strong voice, and his concentration has greatly improved.
Possibly even more amazing, Jimmie says he can now move forward, backward and lateral. He turns around with ease, and with much-improved balance. He even improved his reaction time, after regularly attending Dignity Health dancing classes with Shawn Nerdahl of Arizona Ballroom Champions.
Jimmie participated in the inaugural fundraiser last fall - Dignity Health's Dancing for Stroke - where he enjoyed giving back to the people and the NeuroWellness programs that have given him so much.
Job Titles:
- Wealth Management Advisor
Job Titles:
- Philanthropist
- Secretary, Women 's Council Chair
Job Titles:
- Chief
- Foundation Staff Member
- Officer
- President
- Vice President
- Foundation President
- Vice President of Philanthropy
Julie Alvarado serves as the Vice President and Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Dignity Health Foundation - East Valley. Julie is responsible for overseeing the foundation; developing and implementing an annual fundraising plan that meets the ongoing needs of the organization; and comprehensive fundraising and developmental operations. Julie serves as the senior major gifts and planned giving officer, regularly meeting with donors and prospects to create and foster relationships, and ensuring that the organization has the funds for its highest priorities.
Julie joined the Dignity Health team in 2009 and is a mission-driven leader and seasoned fundraiser who has been devoted to growing and enhancing Dignity Health - East Valley programs and services for the past several years.
During her tenure, she has served in leadership roles for the East Valley, St. Joseph's, and Barrow Foundations. Since fall 2011, Julie served as Director of Philanthropy for Dignity Health Foundation - East Valley. As such, Julie managed the day-to-day operations and budgets of the foundation, cultivated philanthropic relationships, coordinated board development, and overseen the transfer of funds and grants for hospital use. Julie has played a critical role in the foundation raising a record $11.5 million last fiscal year, and she recently completed a fundraising effort that allowed Dignity Health - East Valley to fully fund a new ECMO program.
Before joining Dignity Health, Julie was Director of Community and University Engagement for Arizona State University; she served as Manager of Communications and public affairs for General Dynamics C4 Systems. Julie holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and communications from Arizona State University and a Master of Arts in educational leadership from Ottawa University. Julie and her husband, John, are extremely active in community service and have volunteered for several organizations, including the Aris Foundation, YMCA, Raising Special Kids Arizona, and the Arizona Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents. They adopted two of their four children and became involved in several behavioral health, foster and adoptive care organizations. They enjoy sports, camping and outdoor activities with their teenager, Jaxon, and three active grandsons.
Not only is Kara Schrader an avid volunteer, but she also has a tenured career as a restructuring and lending paralegal for more than 25 years. Kara believes in the concept that humankindness heals and she looks forward to serving her community with this Board. We are honored to have her.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Director
- Foundation Staff Member
- Philanthropy Director, Grants & Communication
Job Titles:
- Foundation Staff Member
- Philanthropy Specialist
- Specialist
Lisa Ceballos is a seasoned marketing and relationship professional with more than 25 years of experience, including a decade of experience as an educator with students of all ages. Her career began with a focus on sales and marketing. However, her passion for community service evolved her professional work into corporate and nonprofit
Job Titles:
- President / Chandler Regional and Mercy Gilbert Medical Centers
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Foundation Staff Member
- Leader
- Manager Philanthropy, Strategy and Development
Michelle Gross-Panico is a proven leader in community health program development with over 15 years of experience in innovating health care delivery models, project management, and program evaluation.
Previously, Michelle held leadership roles with Dignity Health Community Health department, United Healthcare Community Plan, and AT Still University. Michelle earned a Doctor of Health Sciences with an Emphasis in Global Health from Nova Southeastern University and a Master of Administration with an Emphasis in Health Promotion from Northern Arizona University.
Responsibilities at Dignity Health have included leading staff and programs that increase access to health care, developing clinical programs, quality improvement, process efficiencies, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with internal and external partners. Her prior clinical background makes her perfect for contributing to the work of the Dignity Health East Valley Foundation to develop clinical programs that are gift and grant funded. In a contracted role as Manager Philanthropy, Strategy and Development, Michelle will create and execute growth and development plans for health equity and social justice initiatives.
For her work, Michelle was the recipient of the Commitment to Underserved People Award from the Arizona Public Health Association's, Most Innovative Oral Health Best Practice from the Institute for Medicaid Innovation, and Outstanding Achievement award from the Arizona Dental Hygienists' Association. Michelle and her husband, Dan, are active in the community including supporting Live Love, Arizona Humane Society, and Feed My Starving Children. They enjoy hiking and kayaking together in northern Arizona.
A native Arizonan, University of Arizona graduate and a retired professional athlete, Reggie Gilbert brings to the table experience in community engagement, fundraising and public relations. He is currently a realtor and he welcomes the opportunity to give back and build relationships as a member of our Board. We are lucky to have him on our team.
Job Titles:
- First International Trust & Bank
Job Titles:
- Principal / Co - Owner / Rise48 Equity
Job Titles:
- Meridian Property Company
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board Officers Team
- Chairman / Senior Vice President, Healthcare Banking
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President / Northern Trust Company