City of Phoenix - Local Board Members

Karen Carter

Chief of Staff, Terros Health

Karen Carter is responsible for being a stabilizing force for Terros in the never-ending quest of making Arizona a more equitable place. She also serves as the Chief of Staff to the Terros Health President and CEO, is a member of the Executive Leadership Team, and Liaison to Terros Health’s Board of Directors. Karen has over 25 years of administrative experience mostly in health care and a Bachelor’s Degree in business education from Southwest Baptist University and an MBA from Grand Canyon University.

Karen represents Business (Healthcare).

Drew Trojanowski

President and CEO, Southwest Mission Accelaration Center

The Honorable Drew Trojanowski is the President and CEO of the Southwest Mission Acceleration Center (MAC), where he drives mission-driven innovation and fosters collaborations across entrepreneurs, academia, industry, and national security networks. Previously, his public service career included roles as a Presidentially Commissioned Officer and Senior Advisor in the White House, Military Legislative Assistant to Senator John McCain, Assistant Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Arizona State University (ASU), and a decade of service as a U.S. Army scout/sniper with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. A dedicated advocate for defense and veteran issues, he played a key role in crafting and implementing the MISSION Act, transforming VA healthcare. Trojanowski holds a degree in Sustainability & Biochemistry from ASU and has been recognized as a 40 under 40 honoree by the Phoenix Business Journal. He lives in Phoenix with his wife, Samantha, and their four children.

Alison Rapping

CEO, Arouet Foundation

Alison Rapping is the CEO of the Arouet Foundation, where she leads efforts to support, mentor, and train women impacted by the justice system. She is also the President of Alison Rapping and Associates, a strategy consulting firm serving community benefit organizations across the United States and Africa. With over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Alison is a recognized leader, specializing in board development, fundraising, advocacy, and program design. Her work empowers nonprofits and community collaborations to be innovative, effective, and well-resourced, fostering lasting impact in the communities they serve.

Wallin Gustin

State Program Manager, AZ DES - Workforce Solutions Administration

Wallin Gustin is currently one of four State Program Managers for the Workforce Solutions Administration. Prior to this position, He was the State Business Services Manager for the Employer Engagement Administration. He has been with the Arizona Department of Economic Security since September 1994, serving the at-need population of Arizona. Since 2013, he has worked statewide to help employers and job seekers connect and promote economic growth.        He obtained his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Oregon and his Master of Science degree from Walden University.  He was inducted into the National Honor Society of Psychology for his work on the effects of poverty on adolescent development while at Walden University.  Over the last thirteen years, through persistent inquiry, he has become one of the leading resources regarding the use of the Arizona Job Connection system of record, as well as the data derived from it. One of his passions is to ensure that everyone who wants to learn can freely access his knowledge and experience. He grew up in the northwest, raised by a single mother, and with his family, faced economic challenges and hardship. Throughout these life experiences, he learned that sometimes people need some help, but that they are no less valuable for it. This perspective enabled him to respect people regardless of their circumstances and ultimately led to his career with the Department of Economic Security.  Wallin represents Title III.

Daniel Barajas

Chief Officer for Workforce & Economic Development Strategy, Maricopa County Community Colleges

Daniel has over twenty five years of experience working in post-secondary education within the community college system. He has held many positions within both the academic and student affairs areas, with years of service as Dean of Academics and Career and Technical Education, prior to his current role.

Daniel has a passion for marrying educational opportunity and solutions to industry and community need. Daniel has served on many councils and boards during his career. This is exemplified in his past role as the President for the Arizona Occupational Administrators Council, and current roles as:

• Board member for the Phoenix Business & Workforce Board;
• the Arizona Chamber of Commerce: Arizona Manufacturing Council Member;
• Greater Phoenix Economic Council Board of Directors Member; and
• Arizona’s Office of Economic Opportunity: Workforce Data Task Force Member among his many engagements

Daniel has enjoyed representing education to many industry partners during his time in education developing academic products and services to meet industry needs.

Daniel represents Higher Education.

Kaaren-Lyn Graves

Executive Director, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Kaaren-Lyn Graves is the Executive Director of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s - Capital Readiness Program. In her role she oversees business development services for business owners located in Arizona, Nevada, the Navajo Nation, Southern California, and beyond. Ms. Graves has proudly served in the public and private sectors for more than thirty (30) years. She remains passionate about helping entrepreneurs and business owners alike grow their business through education, timely resources, and consulting services.

Ms. Graves is a natural and respected leader with a robust background working in political environments, including serving as the Project Manager and Data Content Manager on a Health & Human Services Initiative on a former Arizona Governor’s initiative. Ms. Graves also developed financial forecasting documents resulting in awarded grants, general funds, and monetary awards ranging from $935 thousand dollars to more than $4 million dollars per year.

Ms. Graves is a business owner and has created documents consisting of grant proposals, resumes, capability statements, business plans, responses to solicitations, and marketing documents for her clients, including a political sub-division, a chamber of commerce, students, business owners, and military servicepersons located in the United States, Afghanistan, Dubai, and Germany.

Kaaren-Lyn represents Economic Development.

Jesus Love

Executive Director, Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa

Jesús Love is the Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Maricopa County, a community based 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization that provides free educational services to adults who desire to learn to read, obtain the High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma, or communicate in English. Upon graduating from Georgetown University, Jesús returned to Mexico where he worked for two large commercial banks, supervising emerging markets and managing international operations. At the advent of the .com boom, Jesús moved to Tucson where he co-founded an e-investment firm servicing foreign national clientele desiring to trade in the U.S. financial markets. He left this successful venture and moved to Phoenix and joined US Bank helping with the expansion from four to sixty-seven branches during his thirteen-year tenure. He lives in Phoenix with his wife Andrea and their teenagers Isabel and Ian. Jesús has always held a deep sense of community and has been involved in educational and philanthropic organizations which currently include Ss. Simon & Jude Cathedral, Phoenix Conservatory of Music, St. Mary’s High School, the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board, and the Georgetown University Alumni Admissions. Jesus represents Adult Education and Literacy (Title II).

Meghan McGilvra

Director of Partnerships, Year Up Arizona

Meghan McGilvra currently serves as the Director of Partnerships at Year Up United, where she works to close the Opportunity Divide by building pathways to economic mobility through cross-sector partnerships and national initiatives. Meghan brings over 20 years of experience in nonprofits, focused on workforce development, youth systems, and employer engagement.

Her work centers on redesigning traditional models to align education, workforce, and government systems around the needs and strengths of Opportunity Youth. Meghan’s background includes deep experience in Department of Labor contracts, WIOA policy, social work, pipeline management, and regional systems change—giving her a unique perspective on how to drive scalable impact.

A Master’s Level Social Worker, Meghan has served on numerous task forces and advisory groups focused on workforce equity, youth development, and educational access. She is committed to confronting inequities in education and hiring practices that disproportionately impact underrepresented talent.

Meghan is the mother of two daughters and enjoys a quieter pace with her husband and family when offline. She proudly represents Youth Serving Organizations (Workforce Representation) and continues to advocate for inclusive, employer-informed solutions that expand access to opportunity.

Meghan represents Youth Serving Organizations (Workforce Representation).

Dean Scheinert

Executive Director, Justa Center

Dean Scheinert is Executive Director at Justa Center, a local non-profit that provides life-sustaining resources, services, and support to assist homeless seniors on their path to housing and supportive services to help prevent a return to homelessness. Prior to his current role, Dean was the COO at St. Joseph the Worker and had executive fundraising responsibilities with the Musical Instrument Museum and Western Spirit: Scottsdale’s Museum of the West. Dean’s transition to non-profit leadership in 2016 came on the heels of a 35-year career year as a senior banker, portfolio manager, and asset management entrepreneur in New York and Phoenix. Dean serves as a Trustee on the $22 billion Public Safety Personnel Retirement System Board where he chairs the Administration Committee and is a member of the Investment Committee. Additional current community activities include Board Chair of the Museum of Arizona Artists. Dean earned his Chartered Financial Analyst designation from the CFA Institute, MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and BA from Tufts University.

Dean represents Labor (Workforce).

Lorraine Field

Chief People Officer, Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (SQL)

Lorraine Field is the Chief People Officer for Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (SQL), a joint venture between Quest Diagnostics (a Fortune 500 company) and Banner Health (the largest non-secular health delivery system in the US), and Laboratory Sciences of Arizona (LSA) LLC. LSA provides oversight and strategic direction for more than 30 hospital, rapid response, and commercial laboratories that support Banner Health Hospitals, Academic Medical Centers, and Cancer Centers across the state of Arizona and five western states (California, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, and Wyoming). Together, SQL and LSA make up one of the largest integrated laboratory networks in the nation, with more than 3,800 employees in Arizona.

After obtaining her Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Virginia Tech, Field began her 35-year Human Resources career with American Express and moved to the healthcare industry in 2002 as the head of Human Resources for TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

Starting at SQL/LSA in 2014, Field has been instrumental in leading her Human Resources team to implement various leadership and employee programs, including the organization’s recognition and tuition assistance programs and a multi-track Leadership Journey that explores skills in common language, emotional intelligence, and situational leadership. These programs are focused on increasing employee engagement and retention while helping grow leaders throughout the organization.

She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Fresh Start Women’s Foundation. As the past Chair of the Board of Directors with Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, she also continues her service with the organization as a member of the Finance Committee.

Lorraine represents Business.

Ginger Lane

Customer Ambassador, Lumen/Communications Workers of America

Ginger Lane is an advocate for workers' rights, serving as a dedicated member of the Communications Workers of America (CWA) since 2000. In recognition of her unwavering commitment to the cause, Ginger was honored with the esteemed 2019 AZ AFL-CIO Volunteer of the Year Award. As a passionate union activist, Ginger has fought tirelessly for workers' rights, advocating for fair treatment and better conditions. Ginger's advocacy extends beyond her union work, as she also plays a crucial role in facilitating training for CWA members. Ginger provides invaluable knowledge through workshops such as Reversing Runaway Inequality, Political Bootcamp, and Mobilization. By empowering members with essential tools and strategies, Ginger actively contributes to their growth and success. In addition to her involvement in labor activism, Ginger has been an active participant in the recovery community since 1994, embodying the spirit of service, unity and support. Her continuous dedication has offered numerous individuals guidance and encouragement on their path to recovery. Furthermore, Ginger has made significant contributions to the diverse community's growth and effectiveness by participating in the planning and implementation of international conventions and helping develop guidelines and literature. Furthermore, Ginger has pursued personal and professional growth through various courses offered by Landmark Worldwide. Having completed The Curriculum for Living, Ginger has honed her communication skills, expanded her self-expression, and developed strong leadership abilities. With a background encompassing union activism, training facilitation, community service, and personal growth, Ginger Lane stands committed to empowering others and effecting positive change. Ginger represents Registered Apprenticeship Programs (Workforce).

Kristin Emery

Director, State and Local Government Affairs, Microsoft

Kristin Emery is the Director of State and Local Government Affairs for Microsoft, responsible for local and state advocacy for states across the nation, ranging from Arizona to Florida. Alongside her national duties, Kristin plays a key role in directing the company's bipartisan engagement with state attorneys general, governors, legislators, and multiple women's political organizations.

Prior to joining Microsoft, Kristin was a Partner with the BGR Group, a DC-based, bipartisan government affairs firm, and is a former state government senior staff member. She possesses extensive experience at both the state and national levels, having served as Director of Policy and Legislation for then-Attorney General Mike DeWine in Ohio. Additionally, she has accumulated many years of expertise collaborating with multistate policy organizations. Kristin previously led state and local government affairs for national trade groups such as the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) and NAPEO.

Prior to her national career, Kristin graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a minor in Geography, and her Master of Arts degree in Political Science (American Politics). She remains engaged in several national and D.C.-based organizations. Kristin previously served as the Co-Chair of the Women in Government Relations (WGR)’s Tech, Telecomm & IP Taskforce; currently serves as an Ambassador on the Youth Leaders Council (YLC) for the Millennial Action Project (MAP), where she advises their team on state legislative policies and engagement; and was a previous James Madison’s Montpelier’s Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution’s Emerging Millennial Fellow. In 2021, Kristin was named one of The Advocacy Association’s Top 21 in 2021 advocacy professionals. In 2021 and 2022, Kristin was a featured guest on the podcasts, Influential She and Friends and Fellow Citizens where she outlined her role as a woman in government relations. In 2022, Kristin was named one of the Maverick PAC’s Future 40 winners. In Arizona, Kristin currently serves on the Arizona Attorney General’s Business Advisory Council and is a Board Member of the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development. In April 2025, Kristin served on an all-women’s panel on AI in the Workforce at the Phoenix Global Forum. Outside of her work with Microsoft, Kristin is a published author of a children’s book entitled Edison Goes to Washington and is a Board Member for the Nevada Ballet Theatre (NBT).

Claudia Reilly

Americas HR Director, Avnet

Claudia Reilly is a dynamic HR leader with a strong record of excellence across diverse human resources functions, including but not limited to hiring, recruitment branding, HR system selection and optimization, employee relations, global mobility and immigration, succession planning and development, and change management. Highly skilled in crafting and executing both immediate and long-range strategies, Claudia excels in managing daily operations and ensuring rigorous HR compliance, such as Affirmative Action Plans (AAP) and OFCCP regulations. With a wealth of experience leading the design and rollout of major projects and initiatives, she thrives in fast-paced environments that value innovation and operational efficiency. Renowned for building high-performing teams and nurturing a culture of continuous improvement, Claudia is dedicated to aligning people strategies with organizational goals to achieve sustainable growth, employee engagement, and lasting value.

Claudia represents Business.

Patrick Fitzhugh, Chair

Regional Site Director, USAA

Patrick (Fitz) Fitzhugh is the Regional Site Director for USAA, where he supports the development and execution of regional strategies and supports 4,000 local employees while forging connections with the local community. His broad role includes the responsibilities of employee engagement, community development, public relations, sponsorships, DE&I, business continuation and crisis management. His leadership abilities are deeply rooted in his military background in the United States Air Force. During his time in the USAF, he excelled as an elite Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape (SERE) Specialist from 2003 to 2007. He then dedicated his expertise to the Department of Defense, Department of the Army, and Joint Personnel Recovery Agency, becoming a Subject Matter Expert in rescuing aircrew and soldiers in perilous situations. Patrick represents Business (Advanced Business Services).

Brandon Ramsey, Vice-Chair

Vice President of Growth & Strategy, BestCompaniesAZ

Brandon Ramsey serves as Vice President of Growth and Strategy at BestCompaniesAZ, where he leads efforts to elevate Arizona’s top employers through innovative branding, talent engagement, and community impact strategies. A graduate of Kent State University, Brandon’s career spans leadership roles at MidFirst Bank, Microsoft, Insight, and the Phoenix Community Alliance. He is deeply passionate about advancing workforce opportunities across Arizona which aligns directly with his mission at BestCompaniesAZ to connect employers, educators, and community partners in building pathways for talent to thrive. Brandon also serves as Vice Chair of the City of Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board and is an active member of the West Valley Mavericks, where he continues to champion collaboration that strengthens Arizona’s workforce and communities.

Brandon represents Business (Advanced Business Services).

Samuel Wolo Jr., Chair Emeritus

Regional Plant Leader, W.L. Gore & Associates

Samuel N. Wolo, Jr., M.A. is a seasoned corporate human resources and business operations leader, currently serving as Regional Plant Leader at W. L. Gore & Associates. His career spans multiple industries, including aviation, healthcare, bottling, energy services, technology, and material sciences.

Samuel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Dillard University in New Orleans, Louisiana, and a Master’s degree in International Relations from Howard University in Washington, D.C.

He joined the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board in 2022 and recently completed his term as Board Chair for the 2023–2025 term. He now serves as Chair Emeritus. In addition, he is a member of the United Way Corporate Social Responsibility Advisory Board.

Samuel is a 2013 alumnus of the Valley Leadership Institute in Phoenix, Arizona, and a 2022 graduate of the McKinsey Academy Black Executive Leadership Program.

He lives in Phoenix with his wife, Toya, and their two daughters, Cydnie and Kyndal.

Samuel represents the advanced manufacturing sector on the Board.

Jason Schaffner

Director of Business Development, Redbarre

Jason C. Schaffner works as the director of business development for Redbarre Media and is a seasoned professional with a rich background in the film industry, making him an ideal candidate to contribute to the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board. With a passion for driving economic growth and fostering talent within the state, Schaffner brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in the following areas:

• Film Production Expertise: With over two decades of experience in film production, Schaffner has played pivotal roles in bringing numerous projects to fruition. His comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of film production, from pre-production planning to post-production execution, positions him as an asset in shaping strategies for the local film industry's growth.
• Workforce Development Advocacy: Schaffner is actively driving workforce development initiatives within the Arizona film community. Recognizing the importance of nurturing local talent, he has been focused on programs aimed at providing aspiring filmmakers with the skills and resources needed to thrive in the industry. His commitment to building a robust workforce aligns seamlessly with the objectives of the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board.
• Collaborative Industry Engagement: As a respected figure in the Arizona film scene, Schaffner has established strong collaborations with industry stakeholders, government agencies, and educational institutions. His ability to forge meaningful partnerships has contributed to the growth and sustainability of the local film ecosystem.
• Economic Impact Advocacy: Schaffner has been a vocal advocate for recognizing the economic impact of the film industry in Arizona. His efforts have focused on highlighting the job creation, tourism, and revenue generation associated with a thriving film sector, aligning with the goals of the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board.
• Community Involvement: Beyond his professional endeavors, Schaffner is actively engaged in community initiatives. He understands the interconnectedness of a thriving film industry with the overall well-being of the community, and he is committed to ensuring that the benefits of the industry reach diverse segments of the population.

In conclusion, Jason C. Schaffner's extensive experience in the Arizona film industry, coupled with his commitment to workforce development and community engagement, make him an exemplary candidate for the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board. His vision and leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success of the local business and workforce landscape. Jason is serving on the Phoenix Business and Workforce Development Board in a business seat.

Pearl Chang Esau

Founder & CEO, Shan Strategies

Pearl Chang Esau is a nationally recognized leader for improving education and workforce outcomes. A former teacher and executive with Teach For America, she has dedicated her career to driving educational progress and system-wide improvement. As CEO of Expect More Arizona, Pearl successfully led initiatives to raise Arizona’s academic standards and build partnerships between government, industry, and education to strengthen pathways from early childhood through the workforce.

Her achievements include co-founding the Arizona Education Progress Meter, a tool to track key metrics for academic progress, and co-creating Achieve 60AZ, a statewide effort to ensure 60% of Arizonans earn a degree or credential by 2030. Pearl also led statewide outreach for Proposition 123, which secured $3.5 billion for K-12 schools and received widespread bipartisan support.

Appointed by three Arizona governors to education and workforce leadership roles, Pearl currently serves on the boards of the City of Phoenix Workforce, Teach For America, Aliento Education Fund, and ASU Morrison Institute for Public Policy. Among many honors, she has received the US Chamber of Commerce’s A Profile in Change, the Arizona Republic’s Top Arizonans to Watch, Arizona Business Magazine’s Top 5 Under 35 Most Influential Women in Arizona, and the Greater Phoenix Chamber Athena Award.

Pearl holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Policy, and Spanish from UCLA, and a Master’s in International Business with a focus on Digital Transformation from the Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU. Her work continues to expand opportunities for learners, ensuring they are prepared to thrive in an economy shaped by rapid technological advancements.

Neda Boyce

Principal, Bioscience High School

A passionate advocate for innovative STEM education, Neda Boyce serves as Principal of Bioscience High School, where she has led the school to maintain its prestigious 'A' rating while fostering an environment of educational excellence and innovation. With her experience in educational leadership, Neda Boyce has consistently demonstrated the ability to design and implement transformative learning experiences that prepare students for future success.

Boyce also serves as a Board Member of the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools. As a board member, Boyce works alongside leaders from top STEM institutions to establish program benchmarks, shape educational policy, and guide strategic initiatives.

Prior to her current role as Principal, Ms. Boyce served as an Academy Principal at South Mountain High School, developing industry partnerships, and implementing innovative instructional strategies.

Neda Boyce remains committed to reimagining traditional school structures through innovative program design and creating high-quality learning environments that empower all students to excel while inspiring educators to transform their teaching practice.

Neda represents K-12 Education.

Christian Bearden

Consultant, Ironworkers Local 75

Christian Bearden is the political consultant for Ironworkers Local 75 which has represented and trained the highly-skilled ironworkers needed to build our state since 1910. Christian has been representing workers since his time at James E. Rogers College of Law where he was a member of the Workers’ Rights Clinic advocating on behalf of low-income workers as they tried to recover their unpaid wages. Since graduating in 2016, Christian has opened his own consulting firm that specializes in representing Arizona workers in their fight for better wages and working conditions. In his off time, you can find Christian with his wife and two young daughters cheering for one of our local sports teams somewhere in the Valley.

Christian represents Labor.

Scott Holman

Vice President, Human Resources, Amkor Technology Arizona, Inc.

Scott Holman is Vice President of Human Resources at Amkor Technology Arizona (ATA). With over 35 years of experience, He’s held executive roles at TSMC Arizona, where he led all HR functions, and at Micron as the Global Human Resources Director. He also spent 22 years at Intel in beginning in the operations, but primarily in human resources. Scott is a passionate leader known for his strong track record in developing global organizations.

He excels in strategic planning, workforce planning, and organizational effectiveness, and is adept at building and developing global teams. Scott is a proven leader with exceptional communication skills, capable of influencing key stakeholders. He is recognized for developing employees, optimizing talent, and fostering high morale and engagement. His expertise lies in creating high-performance, collaborative cultures that enhance workforce performance.

Scott is a Veteran of the United States Air Force and holds a master’s degree in management from Webster University.

Scott represents Business (HR).

Mavrick Knoles

President, Legacy EV

Mavrick, co-founder of Legacy EV, is a trailblazer in the development of a global electric vehicle (EV) workforce. He has helped to craft state, national, and global electric vehicle workforce policies and initiatives. In 2022, he was honored at the White House for his contributions to building the talent pipeline in America for next-generation jobs. He was also a 2023 SEMA 35 Under 35 award winner. Additionally, he founded and is the Board Director for the Electric Vehicle Standards Council, the leading electric vehicle standardization organization.

Mavrick represents Business.