BOARD OF DIRECTORS

STAFF


Ellen Lord

Development Director

Elord@azfw.org

Ellen Lord joined the Arizona Foundation for Women as Development Director in July 2017. With over 15 years of professional experience in nonprofit administration and fundraising, she is an invaluable member to the Foundation.

She specializes in donor cultivation, special event administration and volunteer management. Prior to her work ay AFW, she worked in the San Francisco area for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Since moving to Arizona in 2010, she has held development and management positions with Southwest Human Development/Easter Seals, HALO Animal Rescue and Southwest Center for HIV/AIDS.

Ellen is originally from Miami, Florida and attended the University of Georgia. She holds a BA in Broadcast Communications with a minor in Marketing/Management.  She is an active member of Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), having served on the Greater Arizona Chapter’s Board of Directors and Co-chair of the Philanthropy Leadership Awards Dinner from 2011-2013.  She has also volunteered for organizations including the Special Olympics, Huntington’s Disease Society of America, National Down Syndrome Society and Dining Out For Life International.

In her free time, Ellen enjoys exploring the Valley’s restaurant scene, going to movies and concerts and watching Georgia Bulldogs Football.


MEGHAN ADAMS

Operations Director

Madams@azfw.org

Meghan Adams has a background in communications and digital marketing with experience supporting other nonprofits in that capacity.

She holds a Bachelor's degree in Media and Communications Studies with a minor in Islamic World Studies from The Catholic University of America. Meghan is also a graduate and Alumni of the FBI Phoenix Citizen’s Academy. Prior to her work at AFW, Meghan was the Digital Marketing Manager & Executive Assistant at Scottsdale Pediatric Behavioral Services/Scottsdale Children’s Institute.

Before moving to Arizona, Meghan lived in Washington D.C. There she served as the Event and Communications Assistant for Casey Trees, an urban forestry nonprofit.

In her free time, Meghan enjoys playing ice hockey and spending time with her Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Crosby.


Katie Ohmes

Operations Coordinator

Kohmes@azfw.org

Katie Ohmes is the newest member of AFW, joining in November 2023. She comes to AFW with a decade of administrative experience. She has worked primarily in healthcare with companies such as Tri-West Healthcare Alliance, USAA, and CVS Caremark.

An Arizona Native, Katie attended Scottsdale Community College’s Film Program and graduated in 2019 with an Associate in Arts. In her free time, she enjoys watching movies, traveling often and spending time with her dog, Foxy.


MERY COOK

Program Coordinator

Mcook@azfw.org

Mery Cook, a recent addition to AFW, joined in January 2024, bringing over a decade of valuable experience in hospitality and administration. Holding a master's degree in Primary Education, Mery's professional journey started in Croatia, where she served as an elementary school teacher.

Originally from Croatia, Mery lived in North Vancouver, BC, for a few years before relocating to Arizona in 2019. Her career path shifted from education to administration in 2013, marking a significant turn in her professional trajectory.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Mery finds joy in spending quality time with her family, engaging in Peloton workouts, exploring her culinary skills through cooking, and indulging her passion for travel.