Sharon Orlopp, Chair

Greg Gilstrap, Vice Chair

Larry Vering, Treasurer

Daniel Esparza, Secretary

Joseph E. La Rue

President

Michael Barnes

Roslyn Beckwith

Mary Cavanaugh-Marsh

Jane Ceasor

Shirley Frizell

Cornelius D. Haskell (Neal), Ex-Officio, Sun Health Services Vice Chair

Stan Holm

Irene H. Kovala, Ed.D., Ex-Officio, Sun Health Services Chair

Lew Lancaster

Deborah Lazear

Alison McGonagle

Joan Smith, Sun Health Foundation, Immediate Past Chair

Terry Smith, J.D.

Sandra Solomon

Sandra Stephenson

Jesse Young

Sharon Orlopp, Chair

After spending 30+ years in Fortune 500 companies in senior executive roles in HR and Diversity and Inclusion, she is now an inspirational speaker, book reviewer, and author. Sharon is the founder of Orlopp Enterprise. She co-authored the book Standing Up After Saigon, which is a memoir about Thuhang Tran, who contracted polio as a toddler and crawled on the floor for 17 years. She is currently working on two other book projects which are memoirs. She also consults on HR projects and speaks on HR-related issues, diversity, inclusion, and leadership.

In addition to Sun Health, Sharon has served on the Board of The Harwood Institute since 2015 and is currently the treasurer. She has sat on the Advisory Board at the University of Denver for the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences division. Sharon serves as an Advisory Board Member for Blugin, a tech startup focused on disruptive HR software to better match candidates and job openings. Finally, at Patheer, Sharon was an Advisor for this tech startup focused on HR software.

Greg Gilstrap, Vice Chair

Greg W. Gilstrap started his career as a broadcast and print journalist. In Topeka, Kansas, he was Director of Tourism for the State of Kansas. Moving to Arizona in 1993 became a partner in two highly successful Arizona tourism industry publishing and strategic planning firms. He also served as the Arizona Cabinet Secretary for Tourism. Greg is currently a member of the Arizona Tourism Industry’s Hall of Fame.

As a guest professor, Greg has taught at Arizona State University and New York University. In addition to Sun Health, he previously served on advisory boards for Temple University, Northern Arizona University, and the Arizona Humanities Council. Greg was the previous president of the Arizona Tourism Alliance (now a part of the influential Arizona Lodging and Tourism Association). He has delivered keynote addresses and served on panel discussions in approximately 20 states. Greg is the publisher of the photography and travel blog mygrandpadude.com, and he previously published photoremedy.me for those suffering from chronic pain. He had Screen Actor’s Guild speaking lines in the 1988 American crime drama film that starred Matt Dillon and Andrew McCarthy. In addition to the charitable organizations, Greg is currently the President of the Order of Malta, Phoenix Auxiliary. The International Order of Malta has served the poor and sick for more than 900 years. Greg has also taught (and participated in) Bible studies in a number of Phoenix-area Catholic Churches for more than 25 years, and was the fundraising chairman for the building of a new church for St. Patrick’s Parish in Scottsdale.

Greg loves to focus on his three children and seven grandchildren with his wife of 41 years (Mary). They decided long ago to dedicate a great portion of their lives to serving their faith and local communities. As new Sun City West residents, Sun Health offers the perfect opportunity to continue their tradition. Sun Health’s drive and commitment to helping West Valley residents live longer, healthier and more purposeful lives fulfills an incredible community need.

Larry Vering, Treasurer

Larry H. Vering is a Certified Public Accountant with more than 55 years of experience.  He has worked in public accounting, ISO registration, beef production, real estate, and manufacturing, with a particular focus on projections, measurement, and estimating systems. He’s been a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants since 1967 and earned the premier Chartered Global Management Accountant credential in 2012 for his advanced proficiency in finance, operations, strategy, and management.

An avid mentor, advisor, and volunteer, Larry has served with nearly a dozen organizations in Missouri, Michigan, and Arizona, but feels especially fortunate to take part in Sun Health’s contributions to the community. The organization has had a profound impact on him, and his family, throughout their more than two decades living in Arizona. He currently serves as Sun Health Foundation Treasurer.

Daniel Esparza, Secretary

Daniel J. Esparza was born in Oxnard, California, but grew up in Peoria, Arizona. He is an attorney at Lincoln & Wenk, PLLC and is admitted to practice in Arizona state courts and in the United States District Court for Arizona. His practice areas include estate planning, guardianships/conservatorships, and probate administration/litigation.

Throughout his career, he has had a wide variety of experiences, but two highlights include successfully removing trustees for improper conduct, having a will declared void for undue influence, and negotiating the withdrawal of an alleged will drafted in Mexico.

In addition to his service with the Sun Health Board of Trustees, Daniel serves on the Sun Health Council of Professional Advisors, as well as the advisory board at St. John Paul II Catholic High School. He also served as an Officer with the Knights of Columbus (Council 12144), as council Advocate and as Chancellor.

Joseph E. La Rue

Joe La Rue is the president and CEO of Sun Health, a local nonprofit organization that champions healthy living, research and superior health care through community partnerships. Prior to his position as CEO, Joe was Sun Health’s Executive Vice President.

 

Before joining Sun Health in 2005, Joe practiced law in the Sun Cities area for 16 years with an emphasis in real estate, finance, development and health care, working closely with Sun Health. Since 1988, Joe has served in many elected and appointed positions including the Peoria City Council, WESTMARC, Arizona State Transportation Board, Maricopa Association of Governments, Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Maricopa County Transportation Board and other Peoria and City of Surprise committees.
In 2012, Joe was appointed to the Arizona State Transportation Board to represent Maricopa County, and still serves as Vice Chairman of the Board. La Rue is also a member of the WESTMARC Board of Directors. Previously, he was a member of the Maricopa County Transportation Advisory Board, representing District 4. From 1997 to 2001, La Rue was on the Peoria City Council.

 

In 2012, Joe was appointed to the Arizona State Transportation Board to represent Maricopa County, and still serves as Vice Chairman of the Board. La Rue is also a member of the WESTMARC Board of Directors. Previously, he was a member of the Maricopa County Transportation Advisory Board, representing District 4. From 1997 to 2001, La Rue was on the Peoria City Council.

 

Joe received a Bachelor of Science degree in business in 1985 and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in 1988. Joe has lived in Maricopa County for approximately 40 years and currently resides in Peoria with his wife Suzy. They have five daughters and three grandchildren.

 

Michael Barnes

Michael Barnes grew up in Sacramento, CA and Beaverton, OR. He is a graduate of the Cannon Trust School at Pepperdine University. A passionate mentor and volunteer, Michael was a founding board member of HelpNow! Advocacy, as well as a member of the Professional Advisory Committee for Junior Achievement in Southern Oregon. However, he has called Arizona’s West Valley home since 2008.

He has more than two decades of experience in wealth advisory and currently works as a Sr Trust Advisor at the Northern Trust Company’s Scottsdale office. With expertise in the areas of trust and estate administration and relationship development, Michael specializes in complex trust and estate plans designed to meet the unique goals of high-net-worth individuals, business owners, and wealthy families.

After experiencing firsthand the various resources and peace of mind that Sun Health provides, Michael is proud to be affiliated with an organization that champions better health and wellness and looks forward to continuing the leadership and legacy of the board members before him.

Roslyn Beckwith

Roslyn Beckwith was born in Greenville, Mississippi and grew up in an Air Force family. As a military family, she moved frequently and lived in Alabama, Texas, Hawaii and Alaska – to name a few. As a young adult, Roslyn settled in Washington state. She focused on accounting and soon began working for a prominent local CPA firm in Bellevue as their bookkeeper. After six years at the firm, she started her own bookkeeping service that lasted 22 years, simultaneously working full-time in the dental industry.

While working at the CPA firm, Roslyn became involved in the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and Bellevue Business & Professional Women’s Organization, where she was elected to be their Young Career Woman. She was also selected to be on the State Audit Committee for the Washington Federation of Business and Professional Women.  Roslyn also made time two days a week after work to spend time preparing children for Special Olympics.

While continuing to grow her bookkeeping business and full-time management in the dental field, Roslyn purchased her first rental home in 1994 and became a property manager, which she is still involved today with several rental homes. Roslyn moved to Arizona nine years ago after visiting a friend for a weekend. She met her husband, Ken, six years ago on a local golf course and married in April 2023.

Today, you will find Roslyn either on the pickleball court, tennis court or golf course.  She had retired over a year ago but missed serving in the healthcare industry and was able to return to her position part time as Doctor Administrator at her previous employer, Burns Dentistry. Her inherent quality to serve others continues to best be satisfied in the healthcare capacity.  Roslyn enjoys volunteering at her church as well as the Armed Forces support group and local food bank. She is currently a Board of Trustees member for the Sun Health Foundation.

Mary Cavanaugh-Marsh

Mary Cavanaugh-Marsh began her financial services career with a large bank. In 1993, she transitioned to a national brokerage firm and became a financial advisor in 1994. Mary currently works for Edward Jones as a financial advisor since 2009. She provides highly personalized services for all aspects of the financial business to meet her clients’ unique goals and needs.

Mary has been active in the local community for many years. She is a member of the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce, a board member of the Litchfield Elementary School District Educational Foundation and is an active Rotarian and past Rotary president.

Mary is also a member of the Edward Jones Grassroots Task Force, which is dedicated to making the voice of the individual investor heard on Capitol Hill. The task force is comprised of financial advisors and branch office administrators from all 50 states. Its representatives serve as a constituent resource for elected officials and staff to ensure they are well-informed on legislative and regulatory issues impacting individual investors.

For Sun Health, Mary serves on the Governance Committee, Events Committee and the La Loma Committee.

Jane Ceasor

Roslyn Beckwith was born in Greenville, Mississippi and grew up in an Air Force family. As a military family, she moved frequently and lived in Alabama, Texas, Hawaii and Alaska – to name a few. As a young adult, Roslyn settled in Washington state. She focused on accounting and soon began working for a prominent local CPA firm in Bellevue as their bookkeeper. After six years at the firm, she started her own bookkeeping service that lasted 22 years, simultaneously working full-time in the dental industry.

Jane has been active in the community, serving on the Sun City Area Community Council in its early years, since 1984 – the group that launched most all of Sun City’s programs for seniors. Jane also served for several years as a board member and secretary to the board for Benevilla (formerly Interfaith Services).

Shirley Frizell

Shirley Frizell was born and raised in Kansas City and received her bachelors in science in Biology from Baker University. She is a registered medical technologist and worked as a medical tech for both hospitals and physician’s offices. Later she also obtained her real estate license. She moved to Arizona in 2003 and has always enjoyed volunteering and giving back to the community. Currently, she’s involved in her church where she’s on the permanent endowment and giving committee and a member of PEO, an organization that promotes education for women. She also serves on a Middle Market Task Force, Events and Marketing, Annual Giving and Generosity of Generations and Gala committees for Sun Health Foundation. She joined the board in 2011 and has considered it a privilege. She believes in giving of her time and has made it her life goal to help others. While in Kansas, she served on the St. Joseph Hospital long range planning and recruiting committee.  She was also on the American Red Cross board of directors. Supporting healthcare is a family affair, Shirley has three sons. One is a physician, prosthodontist, and exercise physiologist.

Cornelius D. Haskell (Neal), Ex-Officio, Sun Health Services Vice Chair

Neal Haskell grew up in McCook, Nebraska and graduated from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a degree in Business Administration. He owned a design company in San Francisco, CA. Neal also owned CDH Capital Management in Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked closely with individuals and businesses, specializing in comprehensive wealth assessment, management and preservation.

He moved to Arizona in 2014 and has more than 25 years of experience working in Wealth Management.

Having previously served as a board member for the San Francisco Art Institute, and churches in both Nebraska and Arizona, Neal is proud to join the Sun Health Board as a way of giving back to an organization that has long served the community with its commitment to philanthropy, healthcare, individual health and purposeful living for the entire West Valley. He and his wife, Sarah, have been married more than 40 years and enjoy staying active alongside their four children and five grandchildren.

Stan Holm

Stan Holm is originally from Oklahoma and received his Master of Science degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma.

After several progressive positions in Kansas City and Phoenix Metro area, Stan accepted a position as CEO of Banner Boswell and Banner Del E. Webb in Sun City West in 2023. He is a board-certified healthcare executive as well as a board-certified healthcare financial professional and has more than 28 years of extensive health system and hospital leadership experience. During his tenure, Stan launched a Level 1 Trauma Center, adding five service lines and over 50 surgeons to the medical staff in one year, followed by a trauma verification with zero deficiencies, emphasizing high-quality standards.

Stan has been named Ingram’s magazine Top 250 Kansas City Business and The Business Journals’ Influencers list. He is the recipient of The Key to the City of Goodyear and an Honorary Commander Medical Group, 56th Fighter Wing, Luke Air Force Base.

Stan has served on boards for Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, Boys & Girls Club, United Way, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, WestMarc and faith-based organizations.

Irene H. Kovala, Ed.D., Ex-Officio, Sun Health Services Chair

Irene Kovala was born in Ashland, Wisconsin, on the south shore of Lake Superior, and grew up in Duluth, Minnesota. She has lived in Arizona since 2011. Irene spent her career in public higher education for 44 years around the country. She has served in several positions in college and university Administration – cutting her teeth as an admissions counselor and working her way to President of Glendale Community College through the years. She retired in 2016. Her passion is for the community college purpose, providing opportunities for students who normally wouldn’t receive it.

In the past, Irene served on multiple professional boards, such as the ACT regional committees in Illinois and Minnesota, the President of IACAC (The Illinois Association of College Admissions Counselors), a regional branch of NACAC, and the WESTMARC executive committee. Irene currently serves as the Sun Health Services Chair and the Sun Health Governance Chair. Irene enjoys serving with Sun Health because the board is engaged, active and creative – especially under strategic visionary leadership.

Lew Lancaster, Treasurer

Lew Lancaster was born and raised in Florida. He graduated from University of Florida with a degree in Finance and then earned his MBA from the Florida Institute of Technology. He began his career at a local commercial bank and later joined a Fortune 100 Company serving in roles ranging from a Financial Manager, to Controller and Director. He is retired with over 30 years of financial management experience.

Lew has a Six Sigma Green Belt certification and has volunteered his expertise to support a wide array of organizations throughout the years, including church finance committees, Community Youth Athletic Association, and Bank & Trust Company Advisory Board. He was also an Adjunct Finance and Operations Professor for two Arizona universities. Additionally, he’s a Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM). Lew moved to Arizona in 1993 and joined the Sun Health Board to serve his community and provide financial leadership while to support its mission of helping people live longer, healthier, more meaningful lives. He currently serves as Treasurer and Chairs the Finance & Investment Committee for Sun Health Foundation.

Deborah Lazear

Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, and raised in Nova Scotia, Deborah Damery Lazear has had a diverse and dynamic career path that has taken her around the globe.

 

She holds degrees in Management Sciences from Saint Mary’s University and Adult Education from St. Francis Xavier University, both located in Nova Scotia. Her professional journey began in the fashion industry, where she worked in major cities like Montreal, New York, and Paris before transitioning into public relations in Vancouver. This varied background set the stage for her later work in leadership and coaching, where she excelled in developing Leadership Academies for Fortune 500 companies across the world.

 

Deborah is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) through the Society of Wine Educators and has earned additional certifications from prestigious wine regions like the Rhône Valley, Bordeaux, Spain, and Napa Valley. Her culinary skills were honed under the guidance of the legendary chefs at Cordon Bleu and Jacques Pépin. Deborah’s love for teaching shines through in her role as an original instructor and program advisor for the Business of Wine Certificate Program at SDSU, where she was also recognized as Teacher of the Year in 2005.

 

Her book, “Eating Out at Home,” reflects her culinary prowess and ability to simplify gourmet cooking for home chefs. Deborah’s contribution to wine and food education is highlighted by her appearances as a speaker at the Society of Wine Educators’ global conferences and as a home test cook for TV and cookbooks for America’s Test Kitchen.

 

Settled in Arizona since 2007 with her husband, David, Deborah enjoys a fulfilling retirement. She keeps busy teaching watercolor painting and yoga, as well as leading a local pickleball club. Deborah continues to travel and entertain, bringing her zest for life and learning into every gathering. She has also served as a volunteer for the World Figure Skating Championships, the Group of Seven meeting in Halifax, and Chair of the One Enchanted Evening fundraiser for KPBS San Diego. She is currently a member of SOUL, fundraising for the charity needs of groups in West Valley Phoenix.

 

A staunch advocate for active aging, Deborah serves on the Sun Health Foundation Board. Her dedication is rooted in a personal philosophy: “Sun Health Foundation is providing people like us with options for a happy, healthy, active life either in our own home or in its communities. Being a part of the Sun Health Foundation Board gives me the opportunity to actively promote healthy longevity for others now and in the future.”

Alison McGonagle

Joan Smith, Sun Health Foundation, Immediate Past Chair

Joan Smith was born and raised in Washington. She grew up a daughter of a wheat farmer. Her career included being a teacher in Oregon, focusing on food service management and later owning a catering company. She also worked for the North Clackamas Chamber of Commerce in several different capacities including fundraising, event management, development and community relations. Joan served as Director of Development and Community Relations for CCI Enterprises, Inc., a non-profit providing vocational and personal development services for people with disabilities to contribute to society through meaningful employment and Executive Director of Oregon Impact, a nonprofit that provides programs to ensure that children are riding safely on our roadways, teens understand the consequences of impaired and distracted driving, and the adults in their lives are given the tools to guide them. 

Joan and her husband Bruce began vacationing to Arizona in 2006 and enjoyed life as “snowbirds” until 2017 when they decided to move to Arizona full time. She has always been heavily involved in the community serving on the N. Clackamas School Board and a member of Rotary for 27 years.  Joan joined the Sun Health Foundation board in 2021 because it is the premier organization in the West Valley providing wellness programs and lifestyle options for seniors. She is honored to be on the Board of Trustees to share Sun Health’s message and to listen for ways Sun Health can be a resource for seniors and their families in the West Valley.

Terry Smith, J.D.

Terry Smith, J.D. was born in Bisbee and earned her law degree from the University of Arizona. She spent 35 years as a practicing attorney serving in a variety of roles across Arizona, ranging from private practice to Director of the Arizona Governor’s Office Division for Children and Assistant City Attorney for the City of Peoria. She recently retired but still serves as a Judge Pro Tempore, acting as a temporary judge in place of a sitting judge on an as-needed basis. Terry’s passion for community and criminal justice has garnered praise and high honors from leaders and media across the country.  She was admitted to the Arizona Supreme Court, District Court, and 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and was named an Honorary Base Commander- JAG Squadron for Luke Air Force Base in 2020. Her expertise has been particularly invaluable when it comes to best practices involving children, serving on more than two dozen commission seats and appointments focused on child safety and juvenile justice.

Terry joined the Sun Health Board in 2018 to ensure the West Valley community has access to quality healthcare. She serves as the Chair of the Scholarship Committee to help nursing students and other medical professionals continue their education

Sandra Stephenson

Sandy Stephenson was born and raised in Racine, Wisconsin and received her associates of arts degree in court reporting from Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee.  She moved to Tacoma, Washington in 1968 and was a court reporter for seven years until she met her husband, Jack, at a disposition. He was an attorney and they married and moved to Seattle where he had his practice. They had one daughter together and Jack had two daughters.  They built a retirement home in Sun City West, Arizona in 1997 and enjoyed being snowbirds for many years before moving full time to Arizona in 2008.  Sandy has always enjoyed serving her community through her Church, Christian Women’s Connection as prayer coordinator, P.E.O. as a program chair, and Briarwood Country Club, where she serves on the House and Entertainment Committees and golfs with the 9-hole ladies. Her late husband Jack served on the Services Board of Sun Health for eight years and considered it the finest organization he had ever been involved with. Sandy too found that Sun Health was a wonderful resource for the community and has enjoyed serving on the Marketing, Gala and Stewardship and Annual Giving committees.  She has been a Foundation Board member since 2021 and now chairs the Stewardship committee.

Jesse Young

 

Jesse Young’s life story is a blend of continents, cultures, and industries. Born in Pirmasens, Germany, as a military child, Jesse grew up across various settings—from Germany to the East Coast of the U.S., as well as New Mexico, Indiana, and Colorado. This diverse upbringing instilled in him a deep adaptability and an innate curiosity about the world.

 

After serving in the United States Army in Landau, Germany, Jesse earned a Master’s degree in International Business from ASU’s prestigious Thunderbird School and an undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland. His studies not only refined his fluency in German but also deepened his understanding of global markets—a foundation that would launch his career in finance.

 

Over the next three decades, Jesse held senior management roles across three continents, particularly in Europe and Asia. He managed a 200-person department for a major software company in two countries. Later, as a Certified Financial Planner, he orchestrated comprehensive strategies for retirement and investment planning tailored for high-net-worth individuals and businesses, emphasizing holistic financial health from tax management to estate planning.

 

Jesse moved to Arizona to retire in 2020. Now, Jesse shares his wealth of knowledge with students as an Adjunct Professor at Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business. He teaches courses in business finance, international trade and marketing, offering insights into risk management, foreign exchange markets, and more.

 

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jesse is deeply engaged in his community. He’s a board member of the German-American Chamber of Commerce in Arizona (and previously in Colorado) and serves as Vice-chair of the Finance Council at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Parish. He has also contributed his time and expertise to various arts and civic organizations over the years.

 

Jesse’s passion for blending financial expertise with meaningful healthcare initiatives drives his involvement with Sun Health. He’s motivated by the significant impact healthcare has on the economy and has a passion for non-profit missions.

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