MEET THE TEAM

Andrea is the co-owner, publisher and chief executive officer of Frontdoors Magazine — a publication dedicated to celebrating the people and groups that give generously and work to build the future of our community. She the recipient of the 2023 Arizona Foundation for Women “Voice of Women” Honoree, a 2021 Phoenix Business Journal “Most Admired Leader,” a graduate of Valley Leadership Institute (2003) and proud ASU alumni. She volunteers with a number of Valley nonprofit organizations that help women, children and the arts. Andrea is married to Tom Evans and mom to Thomas, Ellie and their rescue kitties, Sally and Shelly.

Karen is an accomplished journalist, editor and media consultant with experience in several different platforms. She is the founder and principal of KWink media, a consulting firm that manages communications for a number of for-profit and nonprofit organizations. A frequent instructor at the Cronkite School of Journalism at ASU, her work has appeared in newspapers across the country as well as in magazines like Sunset, Parents, Mental Floss and The Saturday Evening Post.

Tom Evans is co-owner of Frontdoors Media and serves as a contributing editor and chief operating officer. He has an extensive background in journalism and public relations and is a Senior Vice President at Lumen Strategies, a Phoenix-based full-service public relations, public affairs and marketing firm. He previously served as principal of Evans Communications, a Phoenix-based public relations, marketing and event planning firm which he sold in 2020.

Alicia Chandler is the Chief of Staff for Frontdoors Media and The Red Book, overseeing daily operations, cultivating relationships with members, nonprofits, local businesses, and supporting the Center for Positive Media. With over a decade of expertise in nonprofit operations, Alicia previously served as a Consultant and Director of Non-Profit Operations at NPOC Services, specializing in finance and operational management. Her tenure at the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals included roles as Director of Operations and Associate Director, emphasizing international relations and continuous improvement. Alicia brings a wealth of skills in CRM, strategic communication, and operational leadership to her roles.

Lindsay is the Senior Account Manager at Frontdoors Media. In her role at Frontdoors, she manages sales and marketing for The Red Book, Frontdoors Magazine, the Arizona Tax Credit Giving Guide and digital components of FrontdoorsMedia.com. An Arizona native, Lindsay has 15 years of expertise as director of sales and marketing with international and local publishing brands. Lindsay also brings a broad range of media experience, including advertising agency management with a focus on client media and accounts management, new business development and proposal writing. Her background includes time spent living in London, Italy and Spain. She loves hiking Arizona’s trails with her dog Pepper.

Zenobia Mertel is Frontdoors’ Lifestyle Editor, responsible for curating lifestyle topics for the magazine. She also serves as a contributor for Inspired Media 360 and interviews inspiring people in the life and style space. Zenobia’s career began in Phoenix upon graduating from ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Communication. Her work in television broadcasting and public relations has spanned more than 15 years and three states including, Colorado, Illinois and Arizona. Zenobia’s affinity for travel, fashion and culture is influenced by her profession and vice versa, lending to an authenticity that translates through her work. As a wife and mom of three, Zenobia is active in her community and enjoys celebrating life to its fullest.

Neill was born in England and moved to Northern Ireland at age seven. At 12, he moved to North Carolina. At 24, he graduated from NC State University School of Design and moved to Phoenix to pursue a career in graphic design. He opened Foxnoggin Thinking Design in 2001. With a diverse clientele that spans corporate and nonprofit worlds, Neill has been recognized locally and nationally for his creative work. In his role at Frontdoors, he enjoys applying his creativity to highlight local philanthropic organizations and embracing the vibrant community he has called home for over 30 years.

Carey Peña is an Emmy-winning journalist, television personality, podcast host and the founder & CEO of Inspired Media 360. After working behind the scenes as a writer and producer, Carey became a main anchor at 3TV, covering some of the biggest breaking news stories, including the global war on terror as well as local and national elections.

Julie is principal of Julie Coleman Consulting, a community engagement consulting firm providing advisory counsel and program execution in partnership with businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals. She helps clients realize their social purpose by mobilizing them to drive sustainable change through cross-sector partnerships, investment and volunteerism. Julie is a Phoenix Business Journal “40 Under 40” awardee, Valley Leadership graduate, and volunteers with numerous Valley nonprofit organizations. She is married to Ron and a proud mom to their rescue fur babies, Oliver and Dumpling. 

Shoshana Leon is a contributing writer covering culinary topics for Frontdoors Magazine. She is the creator of Foodie Fo Sho, a blog and resource for culinary news and events. An experienced writer, she is passionate about sharing her experiences and information about the Arizona culinary scene, from food and wine events to resort dining, restaurants and local chefs. A graduate of the University of Arizona, Shoshana has more than 15 years of professional communications experience.