Management Team
Dedicated Leaders Delivering Program Results.
Merl Waschler, President & CEO He currently serves as a board member of several organizations including Greater Phoenix Leadership, Arizona State University’s College of Public Programs, Arizona Grantmakers Forum and the Rodel Charitable Foundation of Arizona. Merl is a member of several United Way Worldwide committees including the National Professional Council, Finance and Audit Committee and the Investment and Pension Committee and leads several taskforces addressing system-wide technology and organizational development. Merl is a graduate of Penn State University and holds degree in finance and accounting and is certified public accountant.
Merl is president and chief executive officer of Valley of the Sun United Way. He guides the strategic direction of the $70 million nonprofit organization to address the health and human service needs of Maricopa County. Under his leadership, United Way leverages the expertise and passion of donors, volunteers and staff to support programs and create long-term solutions that ensure children and youth succeed, increase the financial stability of individuals and families and end hunger and homelessness. Prior to joining United Way, Merl held a variety of finance and accounting positions in the for-profit and government sectors, beginning his career in Washington D.C. with Arthur Andersen & Co.
Katherine Cecala, Chief Operating Officer
Katherine leads the strategic business operations for Valley of the Sun United Way including finance, administration, technology and human resources. In this role, she also oversees the implementation of organizational business strategies. Prior to joining United Way, Katherine served in various leadership positions at Mayo Clinic including serving as Director of Patient Financial Services where she directed all aspects of the medical service revenue cycle. Katherine holds a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, a Masters in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech University and a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Management Engineering from Louisiana State University. Katherine is a committed community volunteer and has served as chair for Valley of the Sun United Way’s community investment process, a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. She also volunteers her talents and time with Valley Leadership, Children’s Museum of Phoenix and Mountain Park Health Center.
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Nancy Dean, Senior Vice President of Resource Development Nancy directs all aspects of organizational fundraising for Valley of the Sun United Way, including the annual workplace campaign, major gifts, endowment and planned giving programs. Prior to joining United Way, Nancy served as President and CEO of the Arizona Foundation for Women where she led diverse business and fundraising strategies to meet the critical needs facing Arizona women and families. She was previously the Chief Operating Officer for the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter, where she also oversaw emergency response programs including transportation for victims of domestic violence. Nancy also served on senior development teams at the University of Nevada, Reno and Arizona State University. Nancy is an active member of the community and serves on the Governor’s Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women, ASU’s Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management Leadership Council, and is a founding member of the A.T. Still University Women’s Wellness Program, among others. She holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in humanities from the University of California, Irvine. |
| Renee Farnell, Executive Assistant to the President Renee oversees administration work for the office of the President and Senior Management Team at Valley of the Sun Unite Way. In addition, Renee acts as staff liaison to the 50 member Board of Directors, and is responsible for coordinating all meetings and events involving the Board, Executive Committee and Nominating Committee. Renee also co-facilitates the organization’s administrative support staff team and administers Valley of the Sun United Way’s Balanced Scorecard work. Prior to joining Valley of the Sun United Way, Renee was the Executive Assistant to the President at Big Brothers Big Sisters and also served as Program Associate at the Department of Commerce for the State of Arizona. |
| John Hogg, Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications John directs all facets of brand stewardship for Valley of the Sun United Way. He oversees a diverse mix of marketing and communications functions including advertising, marketing and public relations. With nearly a decade of brand strategy expertise, his energetic leadership and creative thinking continues to strengthen United Way’s brand position. John previously served as the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Arizona Lottery where he created various marketing campaigns focused on the general and multicultural markets. He has also been featured as a panelist and guest speaker at notable industry conferences. John was a member of Valley Leadership Class 31 and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in marketing from Arizona State University. |
| Brian Spicker, Senior Vice President of Community Impact Brian oversees the investment of dollars into the community and the development of initiatives work at Valley of the Sun United Way. He has served in the Health and Human Services sector for more than 30 years. Prior to joining United Way in April of 2002, Brian led Body Positive, Inc., an HIV Research and Resource Center for six years. Brian also served as the Director of Development for an abuse prevention organization raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for violence prevention and support. Brian has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. Early in his career, he championed the development of the first set of state funded group homes for the developmentally disabled. Brian is very active in the community, currently serving as a member of the St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center’s Finance Committee and Board of Directors, a long-time member of the Maricopa County Board of Health, an Advisory Board Member of the ASU Center for Nonprofit Leadership and Management, and a long-time member of Arizona Grantmakers Forum’s Program Committee. |
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Events
09.22.10 | Project Connect 9-22-10
Valley of the Sun United Way is taking action with solutions that address the root causes of homelessness.
10.21.10 | Project Connect - October
Valley of the Sun United Way is taking action with solutions that address the root causes of homelessness.
