BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2019
| Mailing address: Northern Arizona Professional Women’s Group #419lisa 989 S Main St. Ste A Cottonwood, AZ 86326 (928) 351-7746 Email Address: info@pwgaz.org |
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PRESIDENT
Kyla Allen
I have been a resident of Cottonwood for over 30 years and considers myself an Arizonan. I am the mother of 6 children and 3 fur babies. I have been involved in working for municipalities since her first “real job” working for the Anaheim Library then the Anaheim Police Department Detectives Division. I moved to Cottonwood, Arizona when my children became school age and I decided I wanted to raise them in a small town environment. Shortly before retiring from the City, I began my own home-based business, Twin Wolf Designs, as the artist/owner of fine art and unique collectibles. I have served on countless committees and boards including the MATForce Steering Committee, and am currently serving on the Executive Board of the Verde Valley Leadership Program Class XII as the Secretary. Along with the many boards I serve on, I am also a Cottonwood City Council Member, as I continue to have the desire to serve, and feels my intimate knowledge of the inner workings of the City is a great benefit to our citizens. |
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VICE PRESIDENT
Marilyn Huffman
Marilyn Huffman is the Regional Director for the Yavapai County Campus of Better Business Bureau serving Pacific Southwest. In her role, Marilyn serves as the face of BBB and key liaison to the Northern Arizona communities in Apache, Coconino, Navajo and Yavapai counties. She provides valuable resources to the community through educational presentations, strategic partnerships and local initiatives. Prior to her current position, Marilyn was part of the business relations team at BBB, sharing the benefits of accreditation and before taking on that role, she helped consumers and businesses address ethical issues as a dispute resolution consultant. A Phoenix native, Marilyn currently resides in Prescott. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, singing, hiking, and traveling. |
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SECRETARY
I have proudly served the Verde Valley for 15 years through Angie’s House, providing supportive housing for individuals impacted by addiction, mental illness and homelessness. I currently have 4 Recovery Homes (2 for women and 2 for men) , 6 transitional homes and 1 homeless Shelter. |
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TREASURER
I started my company, Taxes By T, in 1995 shortly after graduating and while I did work as an employee in various industries my goal has always been to build up my business enough that I wouldn’t need to punch a traditional time clock. I was finally able to achieve that goal in 2013 and was building the company at a nice gradual pace. In June of 2015, I began taking classes at National Paralegal College to receive my Bachelor’s Degree in Paralegal Studies to compliment my accounting and tax business. I will achieve that goal in July 2018 with the designation of Summa Cum Laude and am considering continuing on for my Master’s Degree in Taxation. |
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DIRECTOR
I have been writing since I could hold a pencil and reading became my favorite passion the moment I was able to pronounce the word “book.” The torn and tattered pages of my Black Beauty copy gave me the inspiration for the hundreds of horse stories I penned on paper and shoved in dresser drawers. I kept my first diary with the little gold key safely hidden from my big brother! In my teens I began to journal, and then my world fell apart. My parents divorced, my brother enlisted in the Navy, and this is when pebbles (trials) started to pepper my path, my journey into adulthood. I am Arizona born and raised, and the mother of 3 grown children. I pray my stories bring a smile, a tear and a belly laugh to all who read them. Most of all, I pray they bring hope and understanding to someone in need of a Savior. |
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DIRECTOR
My next favorite thing was math. I accepted the Assistant Controller position at a film distribution house which grew into Executive Assistant to the CFO. I then became the Human Resources Manager for an independent producer. I did the same job at a financial services firm, and finally became the HR Director for a film conversion studio. I was injured at that job, and laid off because of it. My husband and I then saw an opportunity, starting an Online Business Management and HR Consulting division of his marketing company. Over the next several years I learned how clients market themselves and realized that during those 15 years in Human Resources, I already handled a core marketing issue: Internally Marketing the company to employees and potential employees. As many of our clients are also couples, I realize that I’ve come full circle. We create strategic marketing plans, but we’re also teaching what we have and continue to learn every day, marketing strategies as well as interpersonal relations. |
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DIRECTOR
Joyce Gonzalez (928)221-0932
I am originally from New Jersey, born and raised there. In 1993, I packed up the kids and moved to the sunny state of Arizona. I lived in the Mayer area for about 8 years and moved to the Verde Valley in 2002. I love the diversity of Arizona and its every changing landscape and seasons by just driving an hour north…south…east or west…Can never be bored. I have 3 grown daughters and going on my 5th grandchild this coming year. I have owned my own salon in Old Town Cottonwood before changing careers and getting into Real Estate almost 3 years ago. I really enjoy meeting new people and helping them learn about the Verde Valley and Sedona areas. |
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DIRECTOR
Marcia Shanahan (402) 618-7149 Mobile My husband and I relocated from Nebraska to Clarkdale in November 2017. I am a full-time work-from-home employee for First National Bank of Omaha, the largest family owned bank in the country. We fell in love with the Verde Valley after vacationing here for over 20 years and feel very at home. I have over 30 years experience in the banking industry and have served on many boards and committees during my career to give back to my local community. In addition to serving as a Board member for PWG, I have been elected as a Church Council member for Spirit of Joy Lutheran Church in Clarkdale. PWG provides an opportunity to network with other professional women in our area and support local women through our scholarship program. DIRECTOR
Cindy Gray Phone: 928-340-2740 I work with the City of Cottonwood, in Economic Development. I live in West Sedona with my husband and our beloved dog Stella and kitty Evelyn. I’m originally from Plymouth, Michigan where I operated a freelance court reporting business and a professional recording secretary business. I’m a graduate of Schoolcraft College in Livonia, MI. All my life I’ve been a writer, specializing in natural health and spirituality. I’m the author of The Spirit of Health: Mind-to-Toe Self-Care for Women, (2002); and Make Money in Minutes! Effective & Marketable Skills for Professional Meeting Minutes (2017 Barnes & Noble). In the 1970’s I began my love of Hatha Yoga; started teaching in the 1980’s; and was certified in 2012. I’ve created a CD called Twice a Day, Every Day. Currently I enjoy teaching for Yavapai College; and recently was honored to help teach their first Certified Yoga Teacher Program. I’m an Ordained Minister, and a certified Meditation Teacher. My heart belongs to the glorious Great Lakes state of Michigan, my spirit soars within the red rocks of Sedona, and to the depths of Grand Canyon. I am a natural-born teacher and sharer of wisdom. I have a deep and profound love of animals, and an innate reverence for the earth. I love all things British, particularly my husband, straight from Stratford-Upon-Avon. I have a beautiful daughter and a wonderful family, and I pray for world peace with every breath I take. I’m a soul proprietor and a connectionist. I believe so deeply in the inter-connection of all beings with nature, that I can hardly stand watching what humanity is doing. But alas, I believe in the overall power of love, so I move forward with positivity, careful of where I place my karma. I am honored to be a part of the Professional Women’s Group! __________________________________________________ DIRECTOR
Dyanne VanDeWege Tel: 970.485.0994
My husband and I moved to Cottonwood from the high mountains of Colorado in April 2018. I work full time from home managing a small timeshare resort in the Keystone, Colorado area. I have been the Resort Manager for Swan Mountain Resort since 1995. My primary focus is Customer Service and Hospitality. Swan Mountain Resort has been awarded Gold Crown Status from RCI, the largest exchange company in the world, since 1996. I firmly believe in the PWG Mission of supporting, inspiring, and empowering women and I love the networking opportunities that the PWG events create. |
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PAST PRESIDENT
As the Northern Arizona Market Manager for Arizona’s Hometown Radio Group, Michelle’s passion is to brighten the spotlight of your business. With 21st century integration of over-the-air local radio and internet, her customized marketing strategies create a new base of curiosity to lure customers – both near and far. Michelle works with clients in 5 distinct markets, including Verde Valley, Flagstaff, Prescott, Grand Canyon, and Lake Havasu/Parker. Radio Broadcasting is the most powerful form of word-of-mouth advertising and with over 20 years in the industry, Michelle has an impressive record in helping businesses grow! Michelle resides in charming Clarkdale with her husband and outspoken cats. |
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