Central Arizona Board of Directors
The Boards of Directors with their combined diverse experiences are critical to assisting with strategic planning and fundraising to support the Chapters' humanitarian mission and services.
Jeffrey Quijano
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? My family has been involved with the Red Cross since I was a child, so I was introduced, as a young person, to the power of the Red Cross to positively impact and save lives. Growing up in south Louisiana, hurricanes were a part of growing up, and the Red Cross was ever present. And after my own experience as a Hurricane Katrina evacuee, after which I needed the Red Cross’ support, I witnessed firsthand how vital the Red Cross is for victims of all varieties of natural disasters, when people are often experiencing the most vulnerable moments of their lives. But, the Red Cross’ standing as the most important humanitarian organization in the world is inspiration enough.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? I love anything that permits me to be in the community representing the Red Cross.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? Watching my son’s lacrosse team, or my daughter’s dance team, spending time with my wife, Kanani, playing tennis and watching tennis, basketball or LSU football.
A fun fact: I studied Painting/Drawing in undergrad, so of course, I became a tax attorney/banker.
Bradford T. Harris (Brad)
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? I am thrilled to be part of the Red Cross’ holistic approach to serve those in need wherever they may be.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? I am passionate about the efforts to collect blood – a commodity one can give that money can’t buy.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? I love to scuba dive, which usually means traveling to beautiful places. I love football, both college and pro, so if I’m not at a game, I’m watching a game. I like to swim, hike and cycle.
A fun fact: I have visited 48 of the 50 states…North Dakota and Connecticut have eluded me so far.
Elena Canez
Travis Cook, MBA
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? What initially inspired me to serve on the Red Cross Board was that I could play a role in their mission to help alleviate human suffering. But I had no idea at the time how much good the Red Cross actually does- it's inspiring!
One of my all-time favorite Red Cross activities are the "Sound the Alarm" smoke alarm installation events. And I'm looking forward to getting more involved with responding to disasters and helping those in immediate need.
On the weekend you can find me coaching my son's sports team, at my daughters' dance recitals, or trying to finish my wife's to-do lists around the house.
A fun fact: I'm scuba certified and enjoy scuba diving, and I go ice climbing every year in Colorado.
Brad Kendrex
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board?
The Red Cross has always stood out to me as one of those rare organizations that shows up for people in the moments that matter most. I grew up around the medical field, so I’ve long appreciated the role the Red Cross plays in health and emergency services — especially blood donation and disaster response. And through my work in public service, I’ve seen how important it is to have trusted institutions that help communities prepare before disaster strikes and come together afterward. The Red Cross helps people take care of each other, and I’m grateful for the chance to be part of that.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event?
I’d have to say it’s a tie between the blood donation work and the disaster response side of the mission. Both are such direct, human ways of helping each other — whether it’s getting lifesaving blood to someone who needs it or showing up after a house fire or storm with real support and care.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend?
The weekends are usually busy with sports and activities for my kids, but outside of that, you might find me experimenting in the kitchen, out on the pickleball court, or watching the Sun Devils, Suns, or Formula 1.
A fun fact:
Brad joined the Red Cross in 2020 as a Disaster Action Team responder in the East Valley.
Rob Litt
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? I've been a Red Cross volunteer for nearly 25 years, first in San Diego, then Minneapolis and now Phoenix. In every city and every chapter, the passion for helping people and communities remains strong and the impact is significant.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? While I have not deployed since I have been in Phoenix, the deployments I went on in Minnesota and California are the most impactful activities I've been involved with as a Red Cross volunteer and Board Member.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? Most weekends are spent at our kids sporting events, but when we have an open weekend we love to hike, go to concerts, sporting events and standup comedy shows.
A fun fact: I have traveled to all 50 states and 36 countries. And I have enjoyed competing in deadlift competitions.
Dr. Aja Murphy
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? Throughout my career, I have been committed to serving those in underserved and marginalized communities. Although there were vast cultural differences in the regions for which I have provided medical care, deficiencies in the social determinants of health and its impact appeared to be a common thread globally. Subsequently, I started a healthcare company dedicated to bridging those gaps and providing quality, culturally competent care for those who need it the most. The American Red Cross aligns with my commitment to those in despair and creates a larger platform for that calling, fueling my ongoing passion to serve.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? Events where we can engage with the community & can educate them about the Red Cross, while creating an impactful Red Cross experience.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? In a theatre, museum, concert, park or traveling with my family.
A fun fact: I make random quotes from old movies….a lot.
David Nelson
David, who started with Scottsdale Insurance Company (Nationwide E&S/Specialty) in 1991, brings a deep understanding of business and products, an impressive financial acumen, and strong relationships within the Excess & Surplus lines industry as well as with distribution partners. David currently is the Executive Vice President of the E&S Wholesale division, which includes Brokerage Individual Risk and Contract Binding. As a dedicated member of the Red Cross Board, he is inspired by the organization’s commitment to humanitarian aid and disaster relief. Serving on the board allows him to contribute to meaningful causes and make a positive impact in our community. He finds it incredibly rewarding to see the community come together to donate blood and save lives. During his leisure time you can find him outdoors enjoying time in the mountains of AZ. Many people don’t know that David has a passion for classic cars, whether it’s owning, restoring, or simply admiring them.
Jennifer Spina
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? The American Red Cross has a long history of providing real, boots-on-the-ground, support for individuals and communities needing of disaster relief. I would like the opportunity to support these efforts and to give back to the community in a tangible way.
What is your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? I’ve been fortunate enough to not have experienced any natural disasters in my life, so most of my experiences with the American Red Cross have been through blood donation drives…. So those are my favorite for now! I’m looking forward to having more experiences with the American Red Cross as a volunteer.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? On one of Arizona’s beautiful lakes with my family and friends.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself. I collect china and glassware and love to set a beautiful table.
Leighton Tyau
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? I am inspired by the Red Cross's commitment to serving communities in their most vulnerable moments and the organization's wide-reaching impact in providing disaster relief and emergency support.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? My favorite Red Cross activity is participating in community outreach and education efforts, helping to raise awareness about preparedness and safety in times of crisis.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? Spending time with family, walking my dog, or pickleball.
A fun fact: I'm probably still pretty darned good at Olympic style archery.
Mayra Uribe
What Inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? I am a first generation U.S. Citizen raised in Yuma, AZ. I witnessed first hand the help my parents needed while raising four children, as migrant workers, and as homeowners, translation to their primary language, Spanish, education and financial needs. My rural community made me feel included and with summers in Mexico I quickly embraced two cultures where borders did not exist. My values are in line with the American Red Cross vision to foster safer families and neighborhoods.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? Community Preparedness Education
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? I have a 7 year old vibrant boy and a foster baby girl age 4. On the weekends, we are enjoying one of their sport event(s) or outdoors enjoying hiking, a national park, or at a local farmers market.
A fun fact: I am a Disney fanatic, I moved to Florida to live where I vacationed for a few years. Then managed to vacation where I used to live, to visit family. I do call AZ home, with all my family in Yuma County.