President & CEO, Joanne Thomson

Joanne Thomson, President and CEO of Benevilla, developed a deep commitment and passion for charitable work in the nonprofit field early in her career and grew committed to helping people who have: intellectual and cognitive disabilities, dementia, survived a stroke, mental illness, and Parkinson’s Disease. Thoughtful in her leadership style, she strives to enrich the lives of community members and makes positive changes in how we care for our loved ones. Through her guidance our Benevilla programs and services have thrived. The number of persons served throughout the years has been on the rise.

She is an Aging Services CARF Surveyor and travels around the U.S.A. and Canada to assess other aging service providers’ best practices. She is Co-Chair of the Dementia Caregiver Alliance, Dementia Friends Champion, Blue Blazer Squadron member, and a Leadership West Class XXVI Alumni. Joanne also previously served as a Board Member for Northwest Valley Connect and an Honorary Commander for Luke Airforce Base.

Joanne Thomson was born and grew up in Reno, Nevada and attended California State University, Chico where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Administration with the option of Therapeutic Recreation in 1999. She was awarded top recreation therapy student of the graduating class.

Joanne, the Benevilla Board of Directors, and the Executive Leadership team have a deep appreciation for how nonprofits seek to improve the quality of life in our community and plan to lead the organization to meet the needs of the Baby Boomer generation and help them age in place gracefully.

Chief Operating Officer, Anthony Valencia

Mr. Valencia’s professional experience gives him a unique perspective in both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. He began his career in an entrepreneurial environment, ultimately serving as Chief Financial Officer for several for-profit ventures. He spent the next 16 years in various leadership roles at two Arizona nonprofit agencies. For 4 years he was the Chief Financial Officer for the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, then he spent 12 years at Chicanos Por La Causa Inc. (CPLC), most recently as Vice President of Real Estate Operations. Prior to that, he was CPLC’s Vice President of Finance where he was responsible for managing all finance and accounting initiatives for CPLC and its subsidiaries. Immediately prior to joining Benevilla, Mr. Valencia worked for a startup transportation company focusing on finance operations and strategy to help the business scale and operate more efficiently.

Vice President of Donor Relations, Sara Villanueva

Sara Villanueva is originally from Vermont and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Human Services Administration from the University of Arizona. Sara began her career as the wellness coordinator for Emeritus Assisted Living at their corporate offices in Seattle, WA. After returning to Arizona for family and sunshine, Sara continued her career in the health and senior care field as Regional Director of Sales & Marketing for the United Healthcare hospice division. Most recently, prior to joining Benevilla, Sara was a Development Director with Sun Health Foundation for 6 years. As a Certified Fundraising Executive, Sara loves building relationships with donors and has a love for connecting their passions with Benevilla programs to make a true difference in the community.

Vice President of Program Operations, Courtney Allen

Courtney Allen is a native of Arizona. She went to Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri and graduated with a Masters Degree in Recreation Management and Double Bachelor’s Degree in Corporate Recreation and Recreation Management. Courtney has been working with Benevilla since she graduated with her Master’s Degree in 2006, where she started at the Restorative Life Enrichment Program as the Activity Therapist.

Director of Strategic Operations, Camrron Anderson

Camrron is an Arizona native but called Texas and California home for many years. Camrron graduated from California State University, San Bernardino with a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management. She also obtained a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from Grand Canyon University.

With 10+ years of experience, Camrron’s educational and professional life has been dedicated to understanding the innerworkings of the health care industry, both in public health and private sector. Camrron has been with Benevilla since 2019, when she served as the C.A.R.E.S and Home Services Director. Camrron is driven by solutions-based actions and methodologies that inspire change and promote progress. Camrron loves knowing at the end of the day she has helped someone, somewhere with something.

Director of Human Resources, Tricia Smith

Tricia Smith grew up in northwest Phoenix, Arizona.  After completing her studies in Business Administration at Intermountain Bible College, she began her career in human resources in 1980 as a Human Resource Specialist.

Tricia has worked in the engineering manufacturing field for over 27 years.  She has been an active member of the Society for Human Resources since 1995.

Tricia has a passion for serving others and being a resource for employees. She began working in the non-profit sector as the Benevilla Director of Human Resources in 2018 and has a deep appreciation for the values and mission of Benevilla to “enrich lives”.

Executive Administrative Assistant, Christina Broils