President and CEO, Michelle Dionisio

Michelle Dionisio

For two decades, Michelle Dionisio, President and CEO of Benevilla, has been driving the agency to reach a new level and a new standard. Her leadership has taken the agency from nearly closing its doors in 1998, to celebrating its 30-year mark, to unveiling plans for a unique state-of-the-art intergenerational campus which opened the fall of 2008, to launching a brand new social café model in 2004, and establishing a lasting legacy for generations to come. If you ask Michelle what she believes has made Benevilla one of the most successful agencies in the West Valley, you'll get an earful! And her passion for the agency, and our clients, will come shining through.

"We have consistent leadership and stability. We have had a vision and have driven it relentlessly. You just can't quit on that vision. Benevilla provides several opportunities for local residents to give and receive the companionship needed within our community. The ability to meet the needs in our community is what makes Benevilla unique." In addition, our esteemed leader believes that Benevilla is going to be the model for the intergenerational day centers and our social center and café model will be mirrored throughout Arizona and eventually nationwide. Our constant vision for growth and trying new things will be embraced by others seeking non-profit success.

Chief Operations Officer, Colleen McManus

Colleen is an executive with leadership experience in the private, public and non-profit sectors, including several years as a Chief Administrative and Human Resources Officer.  Her responsibilities have included strategic planning and oversight of administrative, human resources and customer/client services functions for organizations from 100 to 10,000 employees.  Colleen is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).  Her innovative approach and commitment to service have garnered Colleen a number of honors, including three Arizona Governor’s Awards. She is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Wisconsin.

Vice President of Development, Tina Wilson

Tina Wilson came to Benevilla in 2006, bringing 18 years of corporate insurance expertise and a true passion for the mission of Benevilla to the mix. Tina is a graduate with honors from Ottawa University majoring in both Business Administration and Management and is an alumni of Leadership West Class XVIII.  Her career expertise is deep in human services, service excellence, project leadership, event management, strategic business planning, and philanthropy.  With more than eight years of expertise in the non-profit sector, Tina leads a dynamic team of development professionals in making the mission of our organization possible.

Senior Director of Programs, Jane Bruzzese

Jane Bruzzese, a native of Ohio, obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, Spanish, and Secondary Education from Anderson (College) University, Anderson, Indiana.  For the past twenty-eight years, her practical experience has been in the private sector working in social services… serving elderly, migrant youth, and families. 

Jane arrived in the Valley in the Fall of 1992, and began her work with Interfaith Services, then Interfaith Community Care of the Sun Cities, now Benevilla, shortly thereafter.  (On December 1, 2010 she celebrated 18 years with Benevilla.).

Director of Food Sevices, Jeffrey Amperse

With a resume that includes graduating from Scottsdale Culinary Institute, over 20 years of working for some of the most prestigious spas and resorts in Arizona, and being awarded top honors as the 2010 Regional Ultimate Chef, Jeffrey Amperse is supremely qualified to serve as Director of Food Services at Benevilla and to oversee food services for Birt’s Bistro, Birt’s Catering, Chez Nous and Benevilla’s Home Delivered Meals program.

Director of Wirtzie's Child Development Center, Allison Koegel

Allison Koegel came to Benevilla with the opening of Wirtzie's Child Development Center. Allison is a graduate of DePaul University and has more than 11 years of experience working in early childhood development. Her goals for Wirtzie's are focused on growing the number of families in the program, building more structure into the classroom and curriculum, and encouraging a strong team spirit.

Executive Assistant, Vicki White

Vicki White, Executive Assistant, provides support to Benevilla President/CEO Michelle Dioniso and Board Members as well as assisting in event planning and many other important functions that help Benevilla to run smoothly and stay “Mission Focused”.

An Iowa native who has resided in Phoenix for 25+  years, Vicki enjoys the fast-pace of Benevilla and makes sure that such important details as meeting schedules and board events run smoothly and efficiently. When not busy with Benevilla activities, Vicki enjoys  spending time with family, hiking, travelling,  and  reading . 

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Special thanks to our 2011 Board of Directors

Chair-Board of Directors, Dr. Richard Stuckey

Honorary Member, Board of Directors, Andy Anderson

Ex-Officio Member-Board of Directors, John Bridgford

President/CEO – Benevilla, Michelle Dionisio,

Jeanne Blackman

Dr. Chris Bustamante

Barbara Findlay

Sherree Fischer, Co-Chair: Strategic Planning Committee

Terri Haston, Vice Chair-Board of Directors Executive Committee

Jeanne Jones

Jason Joseph

Birt Kellam

Luciana Kyle

Al Lemoine, Chair-Business Council

Tom Liston, Chair-Finance Committee

Elizabeth Lowe, Chair-Fund Development  & Marketing Committee

Jeana Petersen

Caryl Shafer

Chris Siegle

Kathryn Simmons

Dr. Carol Struck Secretary, Chair-Child Development Advisory Council

Karen Thomas

Larry Woods, Chair-Human Capital Committee

Sherry Wong

Mike Zongolowicz