Valley of the Sun United Way Welcomes Eight Community Leaders to Its Board

As Valley of the Sun United Way celebrates its 100th anniversary and looks toward its next century of community impact, the organization is welcoming eight new leaders to its Board of Directors. The new members bring experience spanning business, law, finance, health care, higher education, government, real estate and community service. Together, they add new perspectives and expertise as United Way continues its work connecting businesses, nonprofits, government agencies and community leaders.

The new board members are Shirley Baum, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of Pinnacle West Corporation and Arizona Public Service Company; Andrew Cheney, Principal at Lee & Associates Arizona; Byron Sarhangian, Partner at Snell & Wilmer; Stephen Johnson, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of BOK Financial Private Wealth; Warren Whitney, Chief Administrative Officer of Valleywise Health; Mary Noor, Phoenix Market Executive for Bank of America; Ed Zuercher, Phoenix City Manager; and Katie Paquet, Vice President and Secretary of the University at Arizona State University.

“Valley of the Sun United Way has always been strongest when we bring together leaders with different experiences, expertise and perspectives around a shared commitment to our community,” President and CEO Carla Vargas Jasa said. “These eight leaders bring tremendous knowledge, relationships and a deep commitment to Arizona. Their leadership comes at an important time as we celebrate 100 years of impact and focus on how we can work together to build a stronger, more resilient community for the next 100 years.”

Shirley Baum brings experience in corporate, regulatory, environmental, labor and employment matters. A certified public accountant and attorney, Baum also serves on the board of the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy. Andrew Cheney specializes in representing landlords and tenants in the Phoenix office real estate market. His previous leadership with NAIOP Arizona includes serving as the organization’s 2018 chapter chairman. Cheney has also been involved with Valley of the Sun United Way through its Legal & Real Estate Committee and MC2026 Campaign Cabinet.

Byron Sarhangian’s work includes corporate relocations and expansions, real estate transactions, construction agreements and domestic and international real estate matters. He also serves on the Arizona NAIOP board and the Whispering Hope Ranch Foundation board and is a founding member of Valley of the Sun United Way’s Bench & Bar program.

Stephen Johnson oversees the strategic development and delivery of the company’s Private Wealth Advisors. Before joining BOK Financial, Johnson spent 35 years at BMO, where he held several senior leadership positions, including president of BMO Wealth Management for the Midwest & Rockies Division and president of BMO’s Arizona bank. He has also held numerous community leadership roles, including previous board service with Valley of the Sun United Way.

Warren Whitney oversees government affairs, real estate, construction planning and development, marketing and communications, and support services for the community’s public teaching hospital and safety-net health system. Whitney previously served on Valley of the Sun United Way’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee from 2000 to 2014 and chaired its Community Impact Committee.

Mary Noor leads the bank’s local market activities and helps connect businesses, families and individuals with the company’s resources and services. Her responsibilities also include employee engagement, community partnerships, sponsorships and philanthropy. Before coming to Phoenix, Noor served as Bank of America’s market executive in Ventura and Santa Barbara.

Ed Zuercher oversees approximately 14,500 city employees and a multibillion-dollar annual budget. He returned to the position in November 2025 after previously serving as Phoenix city manager from 2013 to 2021 and as executive director of the Maricopa Association of Governments. Katie Paquet has held senior leadership roles at ASU focused on university affairs, communications and community engagement. She previously served as vice president of public affairs and external relations for the Arizona Board of Regents, working with policymakers, business and civic leaders and members of the educational community.

Latasha Causey, President of Phoenix Raceway and Chair of the Valley of the Sun United Way Board of Directors, said the new members will bring valuable perspectives as the organization continues its role as a community convener.

“Our board reflects the diversity and strength of the community we serve,” Causey said. “They each bring unique expertise and a demonstrated commitment to making Arizona a better place. I’m excited to welcome them and look forward to the leadership they will provide as United Way continues bringing businesses, nonprofits, government and community leaders together to create lasting change.”

As the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary, it is continuing to evolve its role as a convener and catalyst for collaboration across four interconnected areas: education, housing and homelessness, health, and workforce development. The Board of Directors provides strategic oversight for the organization while helping strengthen the partnerships and resources that support its community work. For more behind this Frontdoor, visit vsuw.org.