Nancy Roach Retires From Ronald McDonald House Charities After Nearly 20 Years; National Search Planned
After nearly 20 years as executive director and CEO at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona (RMHC-CNAZ), a period of growth from one House serving 26 families to three Houses serving 78 families, Nancy Roach has retired.
A national search committee has been formed to develop a process to identify her successor. No timeline has been established at this point.
Former RMHC-CNAZ Board Chair and current board member Kevin Robinson will chair the committee. Current Board Chair Scott Harris will serve as Interim CEO during the transition.
“True to her nature, Nancy decided to retire at this time quietly and without fanfare,” Harris said. “Nancy’s passion, commitment, dedication and love for the Ronald McDonald House are undeniable.”
“Working for Ronald McDonald House was not a job. It was my passion,” Roach said. “Seeing the impact on the families of having a warm, comfortable and welcoming place to stay at a time of terrible stress has been deeply rewarding. This is the right time to turn the reins over to the right person to come in and lead Ronald McDonald House for the next 20 years. We have a great staff, an incredibly committed board of directors, dedicated volunteers and a highly supportive community to carry the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona forward.”
Roach joined RMHC-CNAZ in 2000. In 2005, a major construction project increased capacity at the original House at 501 E. Roanoke Ave. from 26 to 45 rooms. The project included a new free-standing building housing a family room, library and storage room, a two-story housing unit with four apartments, 16 guest rooms with private bath, a quiet room, laundry facilities and a renovated kitchen and dining room.
Following a successful capital campaign, the second Ronald McDonald House opened debt free on the campus of Phoenix Children’s Hospital in 2008. The third House, on the campus of Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa, opened in 2014 after another successful capital campaign, again raising enough funds to open debt free.
Also during Roach’s tenure, A McNight to Remember, the annual fund-raising event, began and has grown significantly, last year attracting nearly 700 guests and raising more than $550,000. The House’s fifth annual Pro-Am Golf Tournament took place this year.
“For Nancy, the families always came first,” Robinson said. “Their comfort and safety were the driving force behind our growth and the foundation for her passion. We wish her only the best as she moves to the next phase of her life.”
“When I see the growth the House has achieved, it’s tremendously satisfying,” Roach said. “In many ways I viewed myself as an advocate for our families.”
