Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
At Childhelp we are able to do the work we do because of the amazing people we work with. Read more about our executive leadership below by clicking their photos, and view our National Board of Directors. We truly couldn’t do the work we do without the hard work and dedication of our leadership team!
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Pete Finley
Chief Financial Officer
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What I do:
As Chief Financial Officer, I’m the senior executive with responsibility for the financial affairs of the organization. My role is to ensure and manage the organization’s ability to accomplish its mission and continues to grow services in the future. In this time of increased accountability to the public trust and greater focus on financial performance, Childhelp operates with the highest integrity in our reporting and compliance to allow for us to spread the mission and make the largest impact possible.
Who I am:
I’m an accomplished, results-oriented leader with extensive experience in financial reporting, budgeting, operational efficiency, and staff mentoring. Proven expertise in developing and implementing strategic plans, internal controls, investment policies, and organizational benchmarks specifically for nonprofit organizations. I’ve spent plenty of time in classrooms and taking certifications to earn a Business Administration Degree in Accounting, Masters Degrees in Business Administration (MBA) and the Science of Taxation (MST), Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, and a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation which is the only internationally recognized professional credential for philanthropic fund raising executives. If I’m not learning more in the classroom or helping nonprofits, you’ll find me doing something creative or athletic with my amazing kiddos.
Why I’m here:
Growing up with Boys & Girls Club charity as part of my life, I quickly realized the impact of wonderful programming and support offered to children by educated staff and dedicated volunteers. I then became a volunteer for various organizations while in school and during my CPA career, such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Junior Achievement, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. After these wonderful experiences, I decided to make a greater impact by transitioning to the nonprofit sector to fulfill my own need for purpose and assist in filling gaps for the nonprofits with my experience and education. I joined Childhelp in support of the necessary mission to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected and at-risk children.
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Jill Brown
Chief Human Resources Officer
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What I do:
“All Who Enter Here Will Find Love” is written above each Childhelp facility and it is my job to formalize that ideal into our Human Resources policies and practices. For more than two decades, I’ve been transmuting my passion for helping people into actions that get results. I enjoy designing and executing transformational people strategies that nurture engaging workplace cultures while advancing overall business objectives. Here at Childhelp I am responsible for hiring, training, engaging, developing and retaining the best, brightest and most passionate people who will help us realize our mission in service to children.
Who I am:
With a penchant for coaching, counseling, supporting, inspiring, and initiating the healing of others, I’ve always been sensitive to and curious about the human condition. I am drawn toward discovering ways I can contribute to making life easier and more fulfilling for others by focusing on the whole person: physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. My work in HR serves and supports our employees by engaging hearts and nourishing spirits who pour their love into serving children.
I’ve applied my gifts in areas of human resources, organizational development & effectiveness, leadership & learning, business consultation, and employee communication & connectivity functions for various organizations. My heart is in the services sector across multiple industries such as healthcare, hospitality, technology, education, non-profit, advertising, and financial services. I like meeting people where they create, learn, play and receive the critical care that can change a life. While they are busy saving the world, I seek to develop an environment of excellence. I’ve had the pleasure of working to help amazing companies achieve the prestigious, “Best Places to Work®” award.
Prior to joining Childhelp, I led human resources for companies such as Banner Health, Pain Doctor Mgt Co, Off Madison Avenue, International Cruise & Excursions, Choice Hotels International, and AIG/SunAmerica Securities. As a consultant, I worked with organizations including Cisco Learning Systems, Ashton Tiffany, Casa Grande High School District, and The Householder Group. In my spare time, I served in a faculty position for University of Phoenix Online.
I possess a master’s degree in human resources management from Ottawa University, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University, and a senior professional human resources certification (SPHR).
Why I’m here:
As a mother, the health, happiness, safety and success of my son is, and always has been, my number one priority. Motherhood has also been my best teacher. I’m here to contribute my experiences and gifts toward one end – to educate, protect and empower children everywhere, and heal and lift up those who have been mistreated through abuse and neglect.
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Michael Medoro
Chief Development Officer
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What I do:
Before joining Childhelp, I served as the Executive Director for Project C.U.R.E. Arizona, with responsibilities expanding into more than 126 countries worldwide. I was responsible for developing corporate and philanthropic relationships to improve operational efficiency, strengthen financial support through fundraising and corporate partners, assess international opportunities and impact, and drive market awareness and growth with an annual budget of more than $40 million. Prior to that, I spent 9 years as the Chief Operating Officer for Easter Seals Arizona, with responsibilities expanding into Utah and New Mexico, where my focus was on donor cultivation and stewardship, program innovation, improved operational efficiency, and execution that led to significant organizational growth totaling more than $70 million in organizational revenue.
Who I am:
I have a dual Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Communications from Seattle Pacific University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. I am a 40 Under Forty Award recipient through the Phoenix Business Journal, and a graduate of Class 32 of Valley Leadership. Married since 2006, the best part of my every day is the time I get with my wife Jessica, and our three children.
Why I’m here:
I am a Father. The greatest treasure in my life is the blessing of my family, and the greatest desire of my life is to keep my children safe, happy, and prepared to face every challenge life has to offer them, and accomplish every desire their hearts and minds can dream to achieve. Childhelp has that same desire for every child, everywhere. The grand vision of Childhelp is to protect and educate children everywhere against the dangers of abuse and neglect, and I’m here to leverage my education, experience and skills to help develop the resources Childhelp needs to fulfill that vision.
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Kristen Douglas
Chief of Government Relations
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What I do
As the Chief of Government Relations for Childhelp, I advocate in DC and throughout many states for the neglected and abused children who cannot advocate for themselves. I establish and cultivate relationships with influential stakeholders at all levels of government while focusing on raising awareness, increasing engagement, and tirelessly fighting for resources and funding. All of my efforts focus on ensuring that Childhelp’s vision is understood and supported by those who can help advance our mission of protecting children and that Childhelp is recognized as the authority dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect.
Who I am
Throughout my 15 years across many roles in local, state, and federal government and politics, I developed an extensive understanding of the legislative process and how to effectively and strategically engage with agencies, legislators, and executive offices. Most recently my time as a senior staffer on the Hill and as a lobbyist for a top-tier research university gave me critical process and issue insights that greatly benefited my work with Childhelp. I thrive when faced with a challenge and demonstrate exceptional political savvy to develop strategic plans, deliver results, and create meaningful value. I am especially proud of developing deep-rooted relationships across political and policy lanes, and of earning a reputation for accomplishing objectives quickly with an unyielding moxie. I live in Northern Virginia with my husband Sam and our 2 beautiful daughters who teach me daily what unconditional love truly is. We proudly strive to be the examples they need and deserve. Our family is honored to be a part of the Childhelp family.
Why I’m here
Those that cannot advocate for themselves need someone to stand up and speak up. I have had a deep desire to dedicate and use my talents and my life to advocate for those who are genuinely vulnerable. Serving with the amazing team at Childhelp yields daily opportunities for excitement and gratitude as we help bring hope, healing, and a loving home to children who did nothing to deserve abuse or neglect. I simply want to give back and make my time count, to help shine a light and fight for the best possible future for these children.
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Denise Biben
Chief Program Officer
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What I do:
I’ve dedicated my life and career to improving the lives of children who need us most. As the Chief Program Officer I work with our Program Leaders around the Country to develop, design, and implement programs and services that help them heal and develop the skills they need to build a better future for themselves that includes being safe, being in healthy relationships, and developing the skills they need to achieve their dreams.
Who I am:
During my almost 30 year career I have had the opportunity to lead within various non-profit organizations both small and large that focus on serving children and families. This experience has included program operations, program design and start up, transition management, performance management, training, consulting, board recruitment, engagement and development, fund development, corporate compliance, and strategic planning. Most of my experience has been with large, national organizations replicating evidence-based, trauma informed models that meet the needs of our community’s most vulnerable children. I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling and am a Licensed Professional Counselor in multiple states.
Why I’m here:
Every day I wake up and have the opportunity to make the world a better place, especially for those who don’t always have a voice and I cannot imagine a better way to live your life. As the Chief Program Officer for Childhelp, I have the privilege of working with talented and committed colleagues and volunteers as we work to meet the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of abused, neglected, and at-risk children. Secondly, as a leader I get to invest in our team and build a culture that attracts the very best for those we serve. Our employees change the lives of our children and they deserve the best from us as leaders.
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John Hopkins
Chief Information Officer & HIPAA Privacy Officer
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What I do:
As the Chief Information Officer and HIPAA Privacy and Security Officer, it is my role to ensure that the information we hold in trust is kept secure, while at the same time, structuring and supporting systems to record and share information to make better decisions for clients and the organization. It’s my job to make sure Childhelp’s information systems further our mission to meet the needs of abused, neglected, and at-risk children, while complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices. This means seeking constant improvement and ongoing accountability in service to our mission.
Who I am:
I began my technology journey in college and earned my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Management Information Systems from the University of Southern California and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. In addition, I am a Certified HIPAA Privacy & Security Expert (CHPSE), Certified HIPAA Professional (CHP), and Certified Document Imaging Architect (CDIA).
With more than 25 years in leadership and management roles in information technology, my most recent role before Childhelp was as President of Interaction Information Technology, where I led software product development projects in private, government and non-profit sectors, as well as corporate development projects focused on integrating, streamlining and securing information systems (databases, electronic health records, learning management systems, customer resource management systems, content & document management systems).
I am excited to bring my technological experience working with businesses, government entities and behavioral & human health service providers to Childhelp.
Why I’m here:
I have a deep sense of respect for Childhelp’s work, and I’m honored to lend my talent in service to such a rich legacy. It’s inspiring to be a part of the impact Childhelp has in young lives and in families, and I’m always amazed at how much our programs and services provide for the individuals and communities we serve. In the world of information technology and data systems improvement, it is easy to dwell on processes, procedures, protocols and frameworks, but Childhelp always finds a return to the heart.
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Daphne Young
Chief Communications Officer
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What I do:
The Chief Communications Officer has the honor of giving children who have been silenced by abuse and neglect a voice. Through multi-platform media management, donor relations, campaign strategy, PR, community outreach, creative direction, and prevention education initiatives, I seek to tell the stories of the children in our care. In honoring their journey to recovery, my daily charge is to use our research, experience, and resources to get in front of the abuse issue by educating children to speak up, be safe, and find their voices of empowerment.
Who I am:
Each career choice in my life has shaped a vision for my current mission with Childhelp. My work as an associate newspaper editor and award-winning investigative journalist helps me understand what media needs to shape a narrative, as a leader of a thriving marketing team I honed brand management and awareness, developing results-driven curricula and leading a team as a Department Head of a K-12 school for at-risk youth taught me how to make an impact at all levels of learning, and instructing at the university level prepared me to shape emerging discussions on the thought-leading side of communications. It is a privilege to combine those skills for the love of a child.
I have a BA in Humanities from the University of Kansas and an MFA from the University of Arizona’s top-ranked writing program. My passion is improving the intervention, promoting the treatment, and expanding the prevention of child abuse.
Why I’m here:
Survivors. When the epidemic of abuse seems insurmountable, I think about survivors I’ve connected with through Childhelp, those in my own life, and new friends I have yet to meet. Their stories, pain, trauma, struggle, and eventual healing inspire me every day. There is nothing I can do to give survivors back the childhood they deserved, but I will do everything in my power to work with them to break cycles of abuse and protect the childhoods of a new generation. Our children prove that love and trust can help broken bodies to heal, broken hearts to mend, and broken spirits to soar.
National Board of Directors
Sara O’Meara – Founder/Chairman/CEO
Paradise Valley, AZ - View Bio
Yvonne Fedderson – Founder/Vice Chairman/President
Paradise Valley, AZ - View Bio
Jim Hebets – Executive Vice President
President, The Hebets Company, LLC
Carol Hebets – Secretary
Community Activist
Jill Babb – Vice President
Changes Interior Design/Community Activist
David Purvis – Vice President
OWNER, FARRAGUT WINES/COMMUNITY ACTIVIST
Jimmy Buckner
SCARECROW FOUNDATION/COMMUNITY ACTIVIST
Joe Ciolli
OWNER, GRIMALDI'S
Bill Eckholm
Chairman, Firetrace International
Patricia D. Edwards
Edwards Affiliated Holdings, LLC/Community Activist
Dru Hammer
Community Activist
Sharon Lechter
Member, President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy/ Founder & CEO, Pay Your Family First
Connie Olsen, LMSW
Social Worker, Livingston Memorial Hospital
Vita Cortese – Honorary Board Member
ACCOUNTANT (RETIRED)
Ralph Ochoa – Honorary Board Member
The Ochoa Law Firm
Don Zimmer – Honorary Board Member
Founder and Owner (Ret.), Ultra Wheels, Inc
In Memory of:
Val Halamandaris (HONORARY BOARD MEMBER/FOUNDER, NATIONAL ASSOC. OF HOMECARE & HOSPICE) & Gloria Sutherland (HONORARY BOARD MEMBER)