Susan is the Director of Volunteers for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services Arizona Bar Foundation and engages volunteers to assist with the legal services and Law-Related Education programs administered by the Foundation. Her credentials include Certified Volunteer Administrator and Non-Profit Administration.   She has been with the Foundation since 1996, and her background covers over 25 years of working with non-profit organizations, including volunteer administration, training, victim assistance, and serving on various Board of Directors, including MADD and Sojourner Center.

“Being in community with some of the most generous and caring individuals I know is the reason my passion centers around volunteer engagement.  I LOVE my job and the people it brings into my life on a daily basis.  Together we make a difference in the lives of those we touch!

I am the mother of twin daughters and find such joy being a grandmother to my “snuggle puppy” grandson!”  –Susan

Treasurer and Enrollment Specialist

Susan will help us keep track of our spending and membership registrations.  Have questions about your membership, or how to make a tax-deductible donation?  Reach out to susan@avacaaz.org

My name is Annette Sutfin, and I am the Volunteer Engagement Manager at Southwest Human Development. I have been with my current organization for more than 13 years and have a masters from ASU in Nonprofit Leadership and Management. I’ve been an AVACA member since I started developing the Volunteer Engagement Program at Southwest Human Development five years ago. Since starting in my current role, I’ve developed a number of community connections, and I have learned a lot about the unique needs of both the nonprofit sector and volunteer administrators. In addition, I have a number of connections with Arizona State University’s College of Public Programs, and I think I could bring in some new speakers with interesting perspectives on our work. Information on volunteer administration skills is important, but so are other skills related to nonprofit work, such as how to ask for a raise, how to take the next step in your career and how to find new and innovative ways to share your impact.

Professional Development – Informational Meetings Speaker Coordinator

Annette will help coordinate when and where our Lunch and Learn Meetings will be held, including working to make sure we have fun and interesting speakers to hear from.  Do you know someone that would like to share their knowledge with us?  Share their contact information with annette@avacaaz.org

My name is Max Light-Pacheco and I have been the volunteer coordinator, events at the Arizona Center For Nature Conservation (ACNC/Phoenix Zoo) for one and a half years. During my time at ACNC I have started a book club for our volunteer program with the goal of increasing scientific literacy and critical analysis skills regarding conservation issues. The program is a little over six months old and has developed a following in our volunteer program. I will be presenting on the program at the Association of Zoos and Aquarium’s (AZA) annual conference in New Orleans in September.

Professional Development – Book Club and Website Specialist

Max will help coordinate our Book Club Meetings, including guiding our discussions over lunch.  Is there a book that you think we might enjoy reading and discussion in the future? Any ideas for the website? Send your suggestions to max@avacaaz.org

I am currently the volunteer coordinator for Mission of Mercy, a nonprofit providing free primary healthcare to the uninsured across the Valley. Prior to MOM, I spent six years with Make-A-Wish Arizona as a Wish Manager, where I planned over 500 wishes for children with critical illnesses.

In 2010-2011 I served on the AVACA Board while working as the volunteer coordinator at Free Arts for Abused Children of Arizona. I was the PR Chair and even designed the “puzzle piece” AVACA logo!

I currently run a small consulting firm where I manage the Facebook/Twitter pages for a few local businesses, so I feel I would be well equipped to handle the AVACA Facebook page, as well.

I have 2 daughters, 2 foster sons, a Wheaten Terrier, and I love sushi, art, and sports

Membership – Communications Specialist and Public Relations – Facebook & LinkedIn Specialist

Shoshana will keep our Facebook page and LinkedIn page up to date, adding information as suggested.  Have suggestions?  Send them to shoshana@avacaaz.org

I am a Volunteer Recruiter at Food for the Hungry, currently managing the volunteer recruitment and retention process, including training, scheduling, coordinating volunteer events and educating volunteers about the different administrative projects relating to the facilitation of addressing the effects of human poverty.

I have a professional background in the nonprofit arena with extensive experience in community relations, volunteer recruitment, and coordination. This knowledge, combined with numerous years of administrative duties when working as a Community Relations Coordinator at Scottsdale Ranch Community Association and an Executive Assistant for Food for the Hungry, has equipped me with solid practical skills and a deep understanding of working with volunteers.

As an extroverted and personable communicator with a proven track record, my focus on building strong professional relationships has been an asset throughout my career. Leadership, people centric nature, and eagerness to please have afforded my excellent decision-making skills.

During my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, arena football games and managing a small event management business.

Professional Development – Event Coordinator

Barbara will be on the lookout for places to share what AVACA is all about.  If you have a location we can share fliers, or a contact we can email, send it to barbara@avacaaz.org