Southern 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.
Gayle Petrillo
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? I am motivated to serve on the Red Cross board because as a burn survivor (scalding as a child) plasma contributed to my survival.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? I enjoy participating in blood drives (though I am unable to donate) by supporting/encouraging our donors; installing smoke alarms; and speaking on behalf of the Red Cross and its diverse support.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? I’m a foodie and enjoy wine; reading; and dancing in the kitchen with my hubby (Al) of 45 years.
A fun fact: I met the cast of Hogan’s Heros in 1978; sat in the live audience of the Carol Burnett Show and All in the Family; and as a burn survivor, I share my story after keeping my accident hidden for over 60 years, finally comfortable in my own skin and Becoming Visible (the title of my new book). I believe it’s important to share our stories because we are never alone and when we share, we encourage and inspire others to share, and we begin the healing process.
Sandra Bueno-Kukurba
Daniele Chilton
Robert Clegg, PhD
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board: Helping others in their darkest hours. Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces was there for my family and me when I was in the military nearly 30 years ago. Volunteering my time, talent, and treasure is my way of giving back to this amazing organization.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? Two of my favorite activities are serving on the Board of Directors and deploying to disasters.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? Exploring the country with my wife in our travel trailer; ripping through the desert on our side-by-side; riding my Harley-Davidson motorcycle anytime, anywhere, and everywhere possible; playing softball; and trying to better my short game on the golf links.
A fun fact: I have attended a baseball game at nearly every professional ballpark in the United States (and Canada).
Caitlin Dragun
Margaret Hepburn RN, MS
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? The work accomplished by the Red Cross is second to none and is inspirational. Volunteers and staff are present providing services at the beginning of life and the end of life and at every juncture in between. I have been associated with the Red Cross for more than sixty years and am always amazed at the tireless and selfless efforts by everyone involved.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? I enjoy talking about the Red Cross at events and functions. Installing smoke alarms is truly a boots on the ground experience.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? Leisure time…….working on the ranch with my husband. We have several horses and that keeps us busy. Otherwise, enjoying time with our eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren in Texas and California.
A fun fact….I used to be president of the Elvis Presley fan club in Scotland……….quite a few years ago!!!!!!
Francisco Munoz
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? The humanitarian work that the Red Cross does on a daily basis is what motivates me to serve on the board.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? The smoke alarm event is my favorite event put on that I enjoy participating in.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? On my leisure time, I like to sit outside and enjoy nature all around me. It's very soothing and recharges me.
Bob Porter
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? I’m interested in making a broader difference in fulfilling the Red Cross mission (more than my direct mental health work with clients and volunteers). Also, I think it is important to have on the Board a Red Cross volunteer who provides direct, client-facing services to clients.
Favorite Red Cross function, activity or event? Working directing with clients and their families who are survivors of trauma from disasters. This can be local single or multiple-family fires; National or Regional fires, floods, or hurricanes; or especially mass casualty events, including shootings. Also, working in Red Cross shelters.
Leisure time or weekend activities? I enjoy reading, golfing, fishing, volunteering for events such as the Tucson All-Souls Festival and Tucson International Book Festival, sports events and traveling.
A fun fact I Met President Ford. When our daughter was five or six years-old she and I went to the Bing Crosby Golf tournament in California with instructions to get James Garner’s autograph for her grandma. When we reached him, he picked her up, said “Aren’t you the cutest thing” and gave her a great big kiss, to which she said “Ugh” and wiped it off. The teenagers in the crowd gasped, but he graciously gave his autograph. I have never let our daughter forget this.
Lynn Sagara
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? Over the years I have witnessed the impact of Red Cross mission in communities across the country. It inspires me to serve on the Board so that I can work on projects that will assure Red Cross’s future in southern Arizona.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? I currently volunteer as a Community Volunteer Leader, a Tiffany Circle member, and the Academic Service – Learning Coordinator. Each one of these functions gives me opportunities to create new ways to engage the Red Cross mission in communities across southern AZ and achieve my goal of long-term sustainability for Red Cross in southern AZ.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? During my leisure time I enjoy doing needlepointing, Sashiko (Japanese embroidery), and reading.
A fun fact: When I wanted to go back to school for my BSN there was a 5-year waiting period. So, I worked with Illinois State University, designed my own degree based on changes in health care and the job market. Or I have met Barbara Bush, Joe Namath, Elizabeth Dole and assisted with the Chicago Bears physicals.
Amanda Wiggins
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? I love to be a part of something bigger than myself. I am inspired by the countless people committed to helping others.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? When I see the American Red Cross helping all around the world, deployed to help alleviate human suffering during disasters, I am so proud to play a role in moving the mission forward.
Where can we find you during your leisure time or on the weekend? I love my family, and I love spending time with them. Any weekend you can catch me with my husband and three sons either cleaning the house or outside somewhere. Flagstaff has a special place in our hearts.
A fun fact: As a little girl, I was a baton twirler and one time I twirled TWO fire batons at the same time!
Jason Wihlemsen
What inspires you to serve on the Red Cross Board? The organization’s mission to alleviate human suffering and provide emergency assistance aligns with a deep commitment to humanitarian work. The chance to contribute to disaster relief efforts, support blood donation drives, and promote community preparedness is a powerful motivator.
What's your favorite Red Cross function, activity, or event? As a new board member there is so much to learn with the Red Cross, however I am looking forward to working alongside dedicated professionals and volunteers who respond to disasters across the country and in our backyard. Being part of a team that helps people in their most challenging times is both fulfilling and a way to make a meaningful difference in the world.
Fun fact: I was a member of the prestigious Marine Corps Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, D.C.