11/27/2009 12:30:00 PM Community Foundation welcomes new board members
New Yavapai County Community Foundation Advisory Board members Sharon Block, Julie Hall Allison and Lucinda Joy Olson.
PRESCOTT - Julie Hall Allison, Sharon Block and Lucinda Joy Olson have been named to the Advisory Board of the Yavapai County Community Foundation, a 16-year-old charitable foundation and affiliate of the Arizona Community Foundation.
Julie Hall Allison established a donor advised fund with the Arizona Community Foundation in 2008. Before moving to Arizona in 2005, Allison founded and chaired the Women's Fund of Monterey County. In 2002, she worked as donor services officer for the Community Foundation for Monterey County. She was a member of the Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund where she chaired a grant cycle. Prior to entering the field of philanthropy, Allison formed and operated a nationally award-winning software company for approximately 10 years before joining a Silicon Valley startup. She holds a bachelor's degree in film and a master's equivalent in instructional design.
"As a board member of YCCF, I look forward to helping direct our charitable resources toward the greatest good for our community," said Allison.
Sharon Block is a retired social worker for the Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District. Block is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and a recipient of the Arizona Department of Commerce's Five Star Outstanding Practice Award, the Youth Development International Award and the Verde Valley Pride Day Award for Education. She has served on the Governor's Child Protective Services Task Force and the Mingus Union High School Principal's Advisory Committee, as well as supported the Verde Valley Children's Fund and Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters. Block holds both a bachelor's and a master's degree in social work from Arizona State University.
"I am glad to be participating on the YCCF board, as its endeavors to promote progressive ideas that positively effect residents countywide," said Block. "Working on the board will be conducive toward assisting communities and prioritizing regional needs."
Lucinda Joy Olson is the chief operating officer for Genesis Worldwide Enterprises, where she has worked since 2001. A certified public accountant, Olson brings with her more than 22 years of experience in business development and financial strategy. A strong proponent of corporate responsibility, she has aided Genesis in supporting charities including the Verde Valley Habitat for Humanity, The Wounded Soldiers Fund, the Light Heart Foundation, Meals on Wheels and more. Olson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Biology and has been an active participant in organizations including the Institute of Noetic Sciences, Rotary clubs and the Sedona Business Association.
"The Foundation supports stakeholders in so many important areas of need in our community," said Olson. "I feel privileged to be a steward for YCCF, which contributes grant funds to the community, furthers local philanthropy and promotes charitable partnerships."
The Yavapai County Community Foundation is a 16-year-old permanent philanthropic endowment for the enduring benefit of the community. It secures, manages and allocates donors' gifts for charitable purposes in the County while working to improve the quality of life for local residents.
For additional information, please contact Traci Corey at (928) 499-9795 or tcorey@azfoundation.org, or visit the Web site at www.yavapaifoundation.org.
