Our Team – Sun Health Foundation

our Team

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Joseph E. La Rue

President

John Couture

Chief Optimization Officer

Nora Hannah

Chief Engagement Officer

Kim Thompson

Chief Experience Officer

Amy Runge

Chief Financial Officer

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Cornelius D. Haskell (Neal), Chair

Mark Reifsteck, Vice Chair

Larry Vering, Treasurer

Michael Mandell, Secretary

Joseph E. La Rue, President

Mary Cavanaugh-Marsh

Sintra Hoffman

Irene H. Kovala, Ed.D., Immediate Past Chair

Lew Lancaster

Gary Marrer

Herman Orcutt

Sharon Orlopp, Ex-officio, Sun Health Foundation Chair

Rey Rivera, Ed.D.

Terry Smith, Ex-officio, Sun Health Foundation Vice Chair

Gerald (Jerry) Solomon

Ron Symic

As of July 1, 2025

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Sharon Orlopp, Chair

Terry Smith, J.D., Vice Chair

Larry Vering, Treasurer

Daniel Esparza, Secretary

Joseph E. La Rue

President

Michael Barnes

Roslyn Beckwith

Mary Cavanaugh-Marsh

Deborah Damery Lazear

Shirley Frizell

Greg Gilstrap

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

Stan Holm

Lew Lancaster

Alison McGonagle

Mark Reifsteck, Ex-officio, Sun Health Services, Vice Chair

Joan Smith, Sun Health Foundation, Immediate Past Chair

Sandra Solomon

Sandra Stephenson

Jesse Young

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Nora Hannah

Chief Engagement Officer

Brian Dowdall

Vice President of Philanthropy

Claudia Vazquez

Director of Annual Giving & Operations

Pamela Gralton Kohnen

Senior Director of Philanthropy

Stephanie Bridgeo

Director of Philanthropy

Jasica Redwine

Director of Philanthropy

Francis Awinda

Development Coordinator

Dionna Geiser, Manager of Corporate and Community Events

Krystal Jones, Manager, Distribution Center

Cheryl Hunter, Donor Relations & Annual Giving Coordinator

Lisa Mattke, Scholarship Coordinator

Eileen Neill, Executive Assistant

Jay Whitlock, Donation Delivery and Pickup

As of July 1, 2025.

Our Legacy

We have a rich history as one of Arizona’s most influential nonprofits focused on enhancing the health and wellbeing of those we serve.

Sun Health Foundation

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we’ve served the local community for more than 50 years.

Make a tax-deductible donation to help ensure the future of superior healthcare for the growing population in the West Valley. Through Sun Health Foundation, 100% of each donation supports health and wellness initiatives that rely on philanthropy from the community to make medical advancements possible.

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14719 W. Grand Avenue
Surprise, AZ 85374

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Sun Health Foundation

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About Sun Health

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14719 W. Grand Avenue
Surprise, AZ 85374

Connect With Us!

Sign Up For Campaign Updates

Download Donor Bill of Rights

Download AFP Code of Ethics

Copyright 2025 Sun Health. 501(c)(3) #23-7107959. All rights reserved.

Rey Rivera, Ed.D.

Dr. Rey Rivera, a native of Chicago, Illinois, and a proud Texan, has always been passionate about education and community development. His journey began in San Antonio, Texas, where he laid the foundation for his career. In 1996, he brought his expertise to Arizona and now serves as the third president of Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), a role he has held since 2019. Under his leadership, Rey has been pivotal in steering the college through expansive growth and strategic innovation.

Rey’s leadership style is a critical factor in his success. He oversees a $46.5 million budget and a diverse team, including three Vice Presidents and over 350 full-time staff. His focus on data-driven decisions and continuous improvement guides the team, while his commitment to servant leadership fosters validating environments that promote employee collaboration and empowerment.

Among his key accomplishments at EMCC, Rey has been instrumental in revising the college’s Strategic Plan, incorporating a 4DX framework that focuses on enhancing graduation rates, sustaining enrollment growth, and making EMCC a rewarding workplace. He has also been a driving force behind significant workforce development initiatives, aligning college resources with the economic needs of the West Valley in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Notable projects under his tenure include establishing the Microsoft Data Center Academy and pioneering an AI and Machine Learning partnership with Intel and Chandler-Gilbert Community College, which garnered the Innovator of the Year – Academia award at the 2022 AZ Governor’s Celebration of Innovation.

Rey’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to education. He holds a Doctor of Education in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Arizona State University, a Master of Science in Mathematics from Purdue University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from The University of Texas at Austin. These academic achievements have equipped him with the necessary knowledge and shaped his leadership style, making him a respected figure in education and community development.

His service extends beyond EMCC through various leadership roles on boards and councils. Rey is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges’ Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the National Community College Hispanic Council, and co-founder of the Arizona Hispanic Serving Institution Consortium. Additionally, he contributes to the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Board of Directors and the Higher Learning Commission Peer Review Corps.

Driven by a passion for service and an unwavering commitment to improving educational and healthcare outcomes, Rey’s decision to join the Sun Health Services and Sun Health Foundation Boards stems from a deep-seated commitment to enhancing the quality of life and healthcare in the West Valley.

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

Alison McGonagle is a financial expert with a heart for community service and a knack for strategic business development. Raised in post-war England, Alison was just 14 when she set her sights on the American dream. Her family moved to Endicott, New York, after her father landed a job with General Electric, but the constant rain and harsh winters soon had Alison dreaming of sunnier skies.

At 21, Alison’s spirit of adventure led her to San Francisco with just a one-way ticket in hand. To make ends meet and fund her studies, she took up hairdressing—a job that, through twists and turns, would lead her to a wedding traffic jam where she met her future husband who passed away in 2008.

The couple eventually settled in Los Angeles, where Alison’s career took a pivotal turn. Starting as a receptionist at a stockbroker firm, she quickly discovered a passion for finance. This newfound love drove her to climb the career ladder diligently, earning her the necessary licenses and leading to significant roles in wealth management and business development.

Alison’s career spans several high-profile roles, including her time as Vice President of Wealth Management and Business Development at OneAZ Credit Union in Phoenix, where she launched the company’s first Wealth Management Division. This initiative not only introduced comprehensive investment services but also integrated them seamlessly into the credit union’s broader culture. She also established a business development division aimed at fostering structured corporate strategies and meaningful philanthropic endeavors, working with notable organizations such as the Special Olympics and regional Boys and Girls Clubs.

Before her tenure at OneAZ, Alison was at the helm of Sales and Strategy Development at WM Financial Services in Irvine, CA. There, she managed a burgeoning Product Department that saw the development and expansion of financial products and partnerships. Her journey in finance began at Allstate Financial Services in Northbrook, IL, where she honed her skills in strategic partnerships and product development.

Alison enjoys retirement and spending time with her significant other, Gary. She also loves giving back to the community. She has volunteered with the Special Olympics, various Boys and Girls Clubs, and the Prescott Western Heritage Preservation Board.

Alison’s motivation for joining the Sun Health Services and Sun Health Foundation Board is heartfelt: “Sun Health’s vision and mission deeply resonate with me—they capture exactly what we all hope for: a healthy, purpose-filled life. I’m excited to help steer us toward that goal.”