2024 Board Election

Heritage Square Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors elected by Foundation Members like you! Four new nominees have been selected for this year’s Board election. Members also approve bylaws changes, and we have an amendment for you to approve also.

How to Vote:
Each Membership household may only cast one ballot. Members are asked to complete their ballots online through the form OR the printable ballot. All online and mailed ballots must be received by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Ballots can also be delivered in person at the Annual Meeting on September 24th.

If you have any questions about voting or the voting process, please contact us at historian@heritagesquarephx.org.

Thank you!

Amending the Bylaws:

We are seeking approval from the members of Heritage Square Foundation for two key changes to our bylaws:

  1. Clarification of Executive Board Term Limits: The proposed amendment clarifies that Executive Board directors can serve up to two consecutive terms in any one role and may transition to other roles within the board, serving a maximum of ten consecutive years. This ensures continuity while also promoting leadership diversity. Reason: This change will provide clarity around term limits and allow experienced directors to continue contributing in different capacities, thereby benefiting from their expertise while fostering fresh perspectives.
  1. Amendment Process for Bylaws: The proposed change requires that any amendments to the bylaws be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the combined Community Board and the Executive Board, rather than just the membership. Reason: This change ensures that any modifications to our governing rules are carefully considered and supported by both of our key leadership bodies, reflecting a more comprehensive and inclusive decision-making process.

Benefits to the Organization:

  • Enhanced Governance: These changes ensure that our leadership remains dynamic and adaptable, allowing for a more effective governance structure.
  • Stronger Oversight: By involving both boards in the amendment process, we ensure that changes to the bylaws are thoroughly vetted and supported by those most familiar with the organization’s needs and goals.
  • Increased Stability: This approach provides a balanced governance structure, preventing abrupt or unconsidered changes, and maintaining the integrity of our mission and operations.

We believe these changes will lead to more thoughtful and deliberate governance, helping us maintain our commitment to serving the community effectively. We appreciate your support in approving this amendment.

The Board Nominees:

 

Lloyd Hopkins

Lloyd Hopkins is the Founder and Executive Director of Million Dollar Teacher Project, an organization aimed at increasing support for teachers, both inside and outside the classroom. He is an organizational leader, philanthropist, and entrepreneur with extensive experience in community and nonprofit work, and has worked in and around education for 18 years.

Lloyd graduated from Arizona State University with his degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, and used his passion for ensuring quality education for all to launch Million Dollar Teacher Project. He is the Chair of Real Engagement through Active Philanthropy (R.E.A.P), a fund under the Arizona Community Foundation that supports programs making positive impacts on African American Youth, and is currently working with an Achieve60AZ Taskforce on improving attainment for the African American community in Arizona. Lloyd was recently a finalist for the Phoenix Center of the Arts Mayor’s Arts Awards for his Million Dollar Teacher Tree program, and was honored by the East Valley NAACP with the Malala Yousafzai Equity in Education Award. He is also an alum of Valley Leadership’s Class 40. In 2023 he was recognized by the Phoenix Business Journal as one of the Most Admired Leaders in Arizona and appointed to the Governor’s Education Retention Task Force.

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Gayle Simmons

Gayle Simmons is the owner of Simmons Tax and Accounting Services LLP and Axel Tax Consulting LLC. She grew up in the country in Oklahoma and graduated from a small town of Adair, population 600. She went to Oklahoma State University, graduating with a master’s degree specializing in Accounting and Taxation. Gayle worked for Deloitte and Touche in Tulsa and in Phoenix as an accountant specializing in tax, but she believes her greatest decision was to start and grow her own practice in 2003 together with her mom, Judith Wilson. Gayle has been a volunteer with Heritage Square for over a decade, and loves the Rosson House, Heritage Square, and the education our organization provides to the community.

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Val Wilson

Val Wilson is a proud native of Phoenix with over 30 years of experience in education. She has dedicated her career to inspiring and empowering students, educators, and community members alike. Her expertise spans gifted education, curriculum development, differentiation, Phoenix history, and the creation of innovative programs that foster critical thinking, diversity, creativity, and a deep love for learning. Her passion for history, especially that of Phoenix and its founders, has guided her professional pursuits beyond education.

As the Executive Board Treasurer for the Pioneers’ Cemetery Association, Val manages financial strategies, accounts, data, and the formulation of policies that ensure the organization’s sustainability and integrity. She also writes their newsletter, “The R.I.P.”, and their blog, “Behind the Epitaph”, and posts on their social media accounts. She has also served as Chairman of the Youngtown Art Commission Board, providing community programs through public art projects, is an accomplished researcher and writer, and has co-authored three books: What Parents Need to Know – Twice Exceptional Children (2023), What Teachers Need to Know – Twice Exceptional Children (2018), and Pioneer and Military Memorial Park in Phoenix, Arizona. In her free time, Val enjoys exploring vintage architecture and historical cemeteries, blending her love for history with her commitment to lifelong learning.

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Linda Zaruches

Linda Zaruches has spent the last 35 years working in Human Resources as a generalist and a recruiter. She worked for major healthcare and technology companies and all her roles included community and campus outreach to increase women and diversity into STEAM roles. She created partnerships with women and diversity organizations, and she launched programs including a boot camp to encourage and inspire young people to pursue a career in STEAM.

Linda’s undergraduate degree is in Sociology and her master’s degree is in Public Administration with a focus on human resource management from Arizona State University. In addition, she has a strong background in event management and has served as the project lead for several large conventions and conferences throughout her career.

How to Vote

Each Membership household may only cast one ballot. Members are asked to complete their ballots online through the form OR the printable ballot. All online and mailed ballots must be received by 5:00 pm, Tuesday, September 24, 2024. Ballots can also be delivered in person at the Annual Meeting on September 24th.

If you have any questions about voting or the voting process, please contact us at historian@heritagesquarephx.org.

Also, if you haven’t already, please remember to RSVP for the Annual Meeting taking place at Heritage Square’s Lath House Pavilion on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 6:30pm.