Patrick Hodgkins is the Chief Operating Officer, where he is enthusiastic about advancing the organization’s mission. His initial engagement with the Red Cross began during his college years, where he served as an instructor for CPR, first aid, and lifeguarding. Hodgkins brings 25 years of extensive experience in business operations, spanning mid-sized national and large international corporations. His recent work concentrated on hunger relief and food security, both domestically and internationally, with nonprofits such as Feed My Starving Children and Midwest Food Bank.

A native of California, Hodgkins and his family relocated to Arizona in 2009. Outside of his professional commitments, he enjoys pursuing DIY projects, geocaching, attending live theater, and spending time with his family. He also continues to teach CPR alongside his wife, Kris.

Heléne Flaxbeard joined the Red Cross of Arizona and New Mexico as the Chief Development Officer in 2021. In this role, she leads a dedicated team of fundraisers and volunteers to cultivate financial support for the Red Cross mission. Heléne is passionate about connecting the community with the various ways the Red Cross fosters resilience and alleviates human suffering during times of need.

Her journey with the Red Cross began in 2014 in the Indiana Region, where she was part of the fund development team. Flaxbeard then advanced through the inaugural class of the Rotational LEAD Program, designed to develop and enhance leadership skills through strategic 12-month job rotations. During this program, she held positions in fund development – national fundraising initiatives, human resources – biomedical services collections strategic initiatives, and volunteer services – national engagement strategy. She completed this program as a member of the 2017 LEAD Class, engaging in rigorous leadership development.

Prior to her current role, Flaxbeard served as the Regional Volunteer Services Officer for the North Texas Region. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Hastings College and a Master of Arts in Philanthropy from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Flaxbeard enjoys spending her leisure time with her cat, Maisy.

Ashley Fairchild first joined the American Red Cross in 2011 as a volunteer with the Disaster Services department in the role of client caseworker, serving clients impacted by home fires. Since that, she has served in multiple capacities, including Regional Recovery Manager, Regional Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager, and temporarily supporting the Regional Operations and Service to Armed Forces departments. Currently, Fairchild is the Regional Volunteer Services Officer supporting a team of Volunteer Recruitment and Engagement Specialists to bring new volunteer talent to the organization and improve the volunteer experience.

Fairchild enjoys traveling and hiking, but spends most of her free time chasing around her two daughters.

Ashley holds a master's degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus in psychology and a bachelor's in psychology from Arizona State University.

John Gravel has been an integral member of the Red Cross since 2004, beginning his tenure as a First Aid/CPR instructor for seven years. In 2016, he transitioned to Services to the Armed Forces/International Services (SAF/IS), initially serving as the Regional Program Manager for New Mexico. As of June 2024, Gravel has been appointed the Program Director, where he is responsible for overseeing SAF/IS programs across Arizona and New Mexico.

In his current role, Gravel manages initiatives that support active-duty personnel, veterans, and military families. His responsibilities include coordinating services at Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS), Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs), VA Hospitals, State Retirement Homes, as well as providing support to the National Guard and Reservists. He also oversees the International Services missions of Restoring Family Links, Youth Action Campaigns, and educating the public on International Humanitarian Law.

Outside of his professional duties, Gravel remains actively involved with Civil Air Patrol, working with cadets, and volunteering in emergency services. He is a proud father of three and grandfather of two, and has spent the majority of his life in New Mexico.

Myriam Cruz serves as the Regional Communications Director for the Red Cross of Arizona and New Mexico. In her role, she leads the strategic direction of media relations, social engagement, public affairs, and crisis communications.

For almost two decades, she has helped organizations tell their story through strategic public relations and integrated communications. Her past work includes consulting for various clients on the implementation of strategic communications plans, serving as director of communications for the first woman and first Latina to hold the office of Mayor in Tucson, AZ, and working with Better Business Bureau as director of community relations to expand the nonprofit’s footprint through grass-root initiatives and bilingual media relations.

A first-generation college graduate, Cruz holds an Executive MBA with a concentration in marketing from the University of Arizona, a Bachelor of Science in marketing and advertising from Northern Arizona University, and a certificate in nonprofit management from Arizona State University. She currently serves on the advisory board for the Women’s Business Center at Chicanos por la Causa.

Originally from Sonora, Mexico, Cruz is the proud daughter of immigrants. She is passionate about human rights, women empowerment, and education. A proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, she and her wife enjoy traveling, attending concerts, hiking, and spending time with their two adorable fur babies, Emma & Renata.