The Maricopa Health Foundation recently elected longtime board member and healthcare professional Nita Francis to lead the Foundation as board chairwoman effective January 2018. In addition, board members Kevin Neal and John Hoopes were named vice chairman and secretary/treasurer, respectively.

The three new officers succeed outgoing board Chairman Bart Patterson, Vice Chairman Steve Schramm and Secretary/Treasurer Mike Cowley who held the leadership roles since 2015 and have served as board members since 2010.

“We are delighted Nita Francis, Kevin Neal and John Hoopes are taking the helm of the Foundation at such a pivotal and exciting time in MIHS’ history,” said Maricopa Health Foundation CEO Nate Lowrie. “We are also extraordinarily grateful for the transformational work done by our outgoing leadership and their fellow board members. The Maricopa Health Foundation is better positioned, and our role more critical than ever, as MIHS embarks on its ‘Care Reimagined’ program.”

The Foundation also announced the addition of new board members Bryan Jeffries and Scott Meyer. Jeffries brings more than 26 years of fire service and EMS industry experience and currently serves as a captain and paramedic for the City of Mesa Fire and Medical Department. Additionally, he leads Arizona’s firefighters as President of the Professional Fire Fighters Association of Arizona (PFFA) and previously served as a Phoenix City Councilman, representing District 2.

Meyer is a licensed Realtor with RE/MAX Signature, working with homeowners and investors across the Valley, as well as president of Straight A Properties, LLC. He previously served as co-founder, president and COO of Scottsdale-based OneNeck IT Services Corporation. Additionally Mr. Meyer served as vice president of business development and held engineering management roles for Fiberite, an aerospace materials manufacturer. 

Meyer’s prior board experience includes The Boys & Girls Club of Metro Phoenix and service as past president, governance and nominating committee chair, and capital campaign chairman during his nine years on the Foundation for Blind Children board. He is currently also a member of Scottsdale Leadership Class 32.

“The opportunity to draw on the expertise of Bryan Jeffries and Scott Meyer, proven leaders in public safety, business and philanthropy, is a privilege,” said Lowrie. “We are delighted to welcome them to the Maricopa Health Foundation board and look forward the contributions their unique perspectives will provide.”