Curtis Chickerneo of Cushman & Wakefield of Arizona, Inc. has been named to the board of directors of Youth and Families First, a behavioral health agency which provides youth and families with support and services.

Chickerneo became involved with YAFF when he negotiated lease transactions for the organization in 2014 in Prescott, Glendale and Tucson. Kourtney Stafford is the CEO and Matthew Brosius is the CFO of YAFF, which has a fourth location in Mesa.

“We are honored to have someone with the experience and expertise that Curtis has in the ever-changing demands of real estate and commercial leasing to join our board of directors,” Stafford said. “Curtis has been instrumental in assisting us in finding quality office space to accommodate the growth of our agency. Curtis has advocated for our agency from Day 1 in getting the best deal for us. He has been a pleasure to work with and always presents with the up most professionalism.”

According to the YAFF website, its mission is to provide youth and families with the hope that tomorrow can be better than today by empowering them for life-long success, inspiring hope in individuals, and fostering strong community connections.

“Youth and Families First ‘s real estate needs have been unique and rewarding as a professional assignment for me,” Chickerneo said. “It has been very enjoyable taking care of them and watching/being a part of their growth.  I am honored and thankful to be part of their board of directors and look forward to serving the community in this very worthwhile organization.”

Chickerneo has been with Cushman & Wakefield for two years since joining the firm as an intern.