Donna Davis, CEO

Donna Davis is a successful entrepreneur, executive and influential leader, locally and nationally. She has over 29 years of successful small business and corporate experience as well as public service with city, state, and federal governments. Her wide range of business experience has made her a respected and sought-after expert resource in many areas. She is frequently requested to speak for local and national organizations.

Currently, Ms. Davis is the CEO and chief advocate for the Arizona Small Business Association (asba). asba is the oldest and second largest trade association in the state dedicated to the prosperity of businesses in Arizona. asba has nearly 4700 member businesses representing over 340,000 employees.

Previously, Ms. Davis was President & CEO of DIR Group, Inc., a family of companies which included DIR Group Event Management, Look Who's Talking Speakers Bureau and DIR Group Publishing. DIR produced award winning events globally including the location production for Jerry Maguire starring Tom Cruise; two Inaugurals for Arizona Governor Napolitano, SuperBowl XXX Halftime show and other conferences for such clients as Charles Schwab, the White House and Hewlett-Packard. She has booked and worked with a variety of speakers including former President George H.W. Bush, Colin Powell, Lou Holtz, Terry Bradshaw, Tom Peters, and Jim Collins.

Prior to this, Davis spent twelve years in the microcomputer industry and distinguished herself as one of the most influential women in the industry. She also worked as a Park Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park, a unique experience she will always treasure.

Ms. Davis currently serves on the board of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Small Business Association, Women Impacting Public Policy and is a member of Leadership America and Charter 100. She is a past President of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the 2004 recipient of the prestigious ATHENA award. In previous years she has served on the boards of the Arizona Science Center, American Indian Chamber of Commerce, Herberger Theater, East Valley Community Bank, Chandler Chamber of Commerce, and Girl Scouts Cactus-Pine Council.

Ms. Davis graduated with high honors from Northern Arizona University and Harvard Business School Executive Program. She resides on a horse property in Gilbert, Arizona with her husband and their menagerie of animals. They are the proud parents of one adult daughter Allison. Donna is an avid reader, loves playing tennis player and enjoys hiking.

Leslie Barrett, Sr. Vice President, Finance + Administration

Leslie has been serving the members of asba for over 15 years (yep, you read that right, 15 years!) and has enjoyed participating in the growth of the organization from 600 to just shy of 5,000 member companies. Having sat in almost every chair at one point or another over the years, she has immense respect for her fellow team members as they seek to achieve a common goal of helping our member companies save money, make money and create opportunities.

Similar to it's member businesses, asba is also a small business with the same concerns and challenges faced on a daily basis. Leslie applies her skills to maintain a lean, yet effective and healthy organization. Her favorite motto is, "tell me what you want and I'll tell you why you don't need it” (this is beyond true! We often hear Leslie's voice repeating this statement in our sleep). She enjoys the human resource side of building a robust culture as well as the financial applications to ensuring sustainability.

Before joining asba, Leslie's most notable accomplishment was working on the campaign to bring Major League Baseball to Arizona (all together now, THANK YOU!). Prior to that, Leslie followed in her parents' footsteps working in the advertising sector as a media buyer and alternatively, in media sales.

Outside of her asba-life, Leslie can be found crisscrossing the Valley with a Suburban full of teenage boys….mostly because she enjoys listening to their conversations (not their music)! Enjoying weekends in Pinetop and summer vacations in San Diego, she also looks forward to the day she can expose her family to the wonders she experienced travelling around the world as a young adult.

Kristen Wilson, Sr. Vice President, Member Services + Marketing

Kristen's dream job growing up was to be a grocery store checker (high aspirations, we know). Nothing gave her more joy than to walk in to a grocery store to see they had self-checkout (which in those days, meant you got to bag your own groceries – not near as cool as the self-serve kiosks they have now). Sadly enough, she never realized that dream, but she couldn't be more excited about where her career has taken her so far. And yes…she still always uses the self-checkout at the grocery store.

Her first few jobs out of high school were at car dealerships. It was there she learned about the world of databases, customer service and follow up (things that are a huge part of what she does everyday at asba). She also learned the art of used car sales…you know, short sleeve dress shirts and fear-driven sales. (did you catch the sarcasm?)

When she finally reached her limit of the wheel-and-deal (pun intended) environment, she started searching for her first "professional” (the kind where you get to wear heels and park in a garage). She answered an ad for an administrative assistant position with the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce. (first order of business, find out what a Chamber of Commerce was!) But, alas, it was there she found her true love for the crazy, fast-paced, sometimes-you-want-to-pull-your-hair-out world of helping entrepreneurs and small business owners. She navigated her way up in the Small Business Department from Administrative Assistant to Director and built many wonderful relationships which she still treasures. It was there she found her inner "outgoing” personality. (go ahead and call her out on her own oxy-moron). She's a wall flower who loves the spotlight.

She spent a short stint at the ASU Foundation planning major events which included things like dinner with Ira & Mary Lou Fulton and a private comedy show with Jay Leno (gee, someone likes to name drop). But, it wasn't long before she realized she missed her true calling – working with small businesses. Through some more name dropping (hey, it works), she was able to get an interview with asba – and the rest is history. She started at the front desk and now serves as the Sr. VP, Member Services & Marketing overseeing membership development and retention and marketing & communications.

If you stop and think about it, she really hasn't strayed to far from her childhood dream of being a grocery store checker. She still gets to work in a place where a smile goes a long way and there is always food around!

Born a Hoosier, but raised a Texan, her childhood friends and her still refer to themselves as GRITS (girls-raised-in-the-south). She LOVES her iced tea, and likes it sweet…southern style sweet, that is. One of the things she enjoys most in life is making people laugh (how sad, she thinks she's funny). The two loves of her life are her Yorkie, Snickers, and the Phoenix Suns. You can call her "Mrs. Nash”. She is also a vocalist and pianist and am working on creating her first CD of original songs.

Charlotte Hodel, Sr. Vice President, Education + Development

For anyone who knows Charlotte Hodel, it would be no surprise that she spent most of her life entertaining those around her!

From the time she could walk, Charlotte challenged all those overseeing her care by being a perpetual ball of motion! In her first several years of school, her parents began to finish the sentences of her teachers, which went something like, "she's a good little girl, but she can't stop talking”…or, "she's a good little girl but she can't sit still in her seat!” So, it also was not a shock to anyone, especially her teachers, when she majored in Speech Communications and Performance and spent most of her time away from school or work immersed in a theatrical character and singing on any major or local stage she could find.

Fast Forward to Charlotte Today…
Throughout 30 years of professional business experience, Charlotte has successfully served 25 years in Metropolitan Phoenix. She has become known for her enthusiastic, creative, active and effective positions in Business, Community Outreach, and Public Affairs. Her career includes serving as a top producer in Corporate Business and Program Development, and Management for three chambers of commerce, and as a respected Executive in Publishing.

Charlotte achieved her Institute for Organization Management (IOM) credentials from Loyola Marymount University and has served as an Advisor for chamber managers and a member of the Western Board of Regents for the U.S. Chamber's Institute Program. She is a Past President of metro Phoenix' National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), and was honored with its Women Business Owner Advocate of the Year, and its Pioneer Awards. Hodel is a graduate of Chandler, AZ, Leadership, and holds a CTM from Toastmaster's International. She is a former member of the Governing Board for the Athena Powerlink Program and served as a member-judge for the Athena Awards. Hodel is an Executive Trustee for Damhsa Irish Dance Company, and a founder of the City of Chandler's first official Sister City with Tullamore, Ireland. She currently serves on the Arizona Governor's Office on Aging Council for Mature Workers. (And you thought you were busy! Psh!)

Charlotte received her Bachelor of Arts in Communications, with a Specialization in Vocal Performance through Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington. She is married to retired professional baseball umpire Chris Hodel (if you are upset with any of his calls…too bad), and they are the proud parents of two children, Alexis and Dylan.

Suzette Colley, Director, Business Development, Southern Arizona

Suzette grew up in the UK where she obtained a degree in Hotel, Catering and Institutional Management. Her experience in the conference and hospitality industry is International and she has lived and worked in the UK, Switzerland, Australia and the US (yep, we're jealous). Her family's business was a traditional English Pub/Restaurant and her previous employers include corporate leaders in the hospitality industry, leaders in the non profit sector and owners of small businesses.

Based at the Tucson office, Suzette spends much of her time in the business community building and maintaining relationships with partners, sponsors and supporters of asba. An advocate for asba's small business owners, she keeps her ear to the ground ensuring that asba is providing the information and services they need to thrive.

She is a board member of Junior Achievement, the chair of the board development committee and a member of the executive committee. Suzette is also a board member of Greater Tucson Leadership and is Co-Chair of Economic Development Day – a module of the Adult Leadership Training Program.

Proud to call Tucson her home for the past 10 years, she and her husband obtained their US Citizenship at a Tucson based ceremony during August of 2008. You are more likely to find Suzette on a golf course than at home (she's pretty good so watch out LPGA!). Always restless and dreaming of one day going in to space, travel features highly on the things she enjoys.

"A day without laughter is a day wasted."  — Charlie Chaplin

Harold Gribow, Association Safety Program Director

Harold has an extensive background in occupational safety and workers compensation insurance. He was employed with SCF Arizona, the largest workers compensation insurance company in the state, for 27 years (now that's dedication). He held positions as loss control supervisor, manager of the Phoenix District and Central Region, and finished his career as Risk Manager. Currently Harold is the Safety Program Director for the Arizona Small Business Association and has his own safety consulting business.

Harold has a master's degree in safety management, and is a Certified Safety Professional (CSP). He has earned Associate in Risk Management (ARM) and Associate in Loss Control Management (ALCM) certifications. (We're impressed!)

He has conducted safety and workers compensation insurance seminars for individuals, businesses, and state funds in several western states and has served on the Safety and Health Committee of the American Association of State Compensation Insurance Funds (AASCIF). He also has been a faculty member for the National Safety Council, Arizona State University, the University of Phoenix, Gateway Community College, Mesa Community College, and is currently an instructor for the OSHA Training Institute at the University of California, San Diego (we can think of worse places to be an instructor).

Harold is a Professional Member of the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), a past president of the Arizona Chapter, and is currently the Director of Area A within Region II of the Society. He was honored as the Safety Professional of the Year by the ASSE Arizona Chapter in 2004.

For fun, Harold likes backcountry touring in his Jeep or riding his ATV to many of the beautiful spots where paved roads don't go. He and his wife Kiki will celebrate their 35th anniversary in October 2010 (congrats you two crazy kids!). They have one daughter, Ali, who is a teacher in the Paradise Valley School District.

Steve Holgerson, Director, Member Benefits

Steve began his career in 1983 as a customer service representative, and has held positions in claims, underwriting, marketing, and sales with companies like Intergroup of Arizona, CIGNA HealthCare, and LifeWise Health Plan of Arizona. After leaving LifeWise Health Plan of Arizona, Steve opened is own health insurance agency that focused on individual and small companies.

Steve joined the asba team in May of 2010. In his role as Director of Member Benefits, Steve's responsibility is to manage the benefit programs offered through asba as well as search out new benefits that bring value to asba members (we can appreciate that!).

Steve resides in Chandler with his wife of 18 years and their two children and one over fed dog.

Michelle Reynolds, Member Services Manager

Michelle came to asba for help…and never left (seriously, we can't get rid of her). asba has been, and continues to be a valuable resource for small businesses and Michelle is honored to be a part of its mission.

Michelle began her ‘entrepreneur experience' at a very young age. Her father was a small business owner in a small town in Western Pennsylvania. It was a family run business with Mom, Dad & Daughter working side by side for 15+ years. Michelle thirsted for knowledge and her Dad was a big fan of education so she headed off to college at ASU (Go Sun Devils!). She earned her B.S. in Interpersonal Communications (yes, she has a degree in talking-surprised?). Finding her own path, she began her career in the weight loss industry, working her way to the top at an early age. She was part of the management team of the largest revenue producing franchise in the company (apparently she is good at sales). She left there to try her hand at a traditional ‘corporate' job. She enjoyed a successful career with a hospital company as a recruiter for Hard-to-Fill positions. That was fun-except for the cubicle and ‘meetings to talk about what we are going to talk about in the next meeting' meetings. During her time there, a wonderful, life changing event occurred-she met her husband! The corporate life did not fit their new family dreams. Michelle left there and began working part-time for an HR consulting company. It was here she was introduced to asba. First as an asba advocate, and then, having the opportunity to join the team of this wonderful organization.

There is a running theme throughout Michelle's career-Changing People's Lives. Those who have spent more than 5 minute with her know that she is sincere, uplifting, and passionate about helping others. Michelle brings this passion to the members of asba. She is honored to be a part of asba's tremendous growth, development and exceptional team dedicated to helping small businesses.

Michelle is also passionate about her family: Her husband, Colin, and two boys, Dominic and William, and ‘fur-kid' Roxy, their Red Golden Retriever. She feels blessed to have a house filled with love, support, understanding, patience, dog hair and Legos. Her family is her strength and inspiration. Outside of asba, Michelle spends as much time with her family as possible. She is an advocate for Autism Spectrum Disorders. Her oldest son Dominic is High Functioning Autistic/Asperger's Syndrome. His struggles have compelled her to be a resource for parents on this challenging disorder that affects too many of our kids. She and her husband enjoy taking the boys to the Zoo (a lot)! She is obsessed with Christmas music-you will often hear it played in her office outside of the Holiday season (and by outside of the Holiday season she means MAY!). Her favorite place in the world is home.

Debbie Hann, Member Services Manager

Growing up in Indiana, Debbie learned early the importance of a strong work ethic and integrity. This philosophy has helped guide her through life and business successes and provides insight to her business knowledge. She has experienced the corporate environment in a Fortune 500 company in addition to the ultimate responsibility of managing a successful small business (we like to say that she's well-rounded).

Debbie spent 15 years at MicroAge Computer Centers and was ultimately responsible for the $250 million dollar inventory management of the IBM product line at the company (what?! Who let Debbie in charge $250 million dollar and how come we didn't get any). She also moved on to manage the marketing for the Business Development Group of MicroAge Computer Centers and was tasked to develop the tools and materials to provide growth for a $6 billion dollar business ($6 million…this is getting ridiculous Debbie).

She moved up into a tougher realm of managing her own business. As President of Fountain Hills Door and Supply, she managed a small business growth path from $1.8M to $3M in the course of 4 years. Her oversight included financial, operations, accounting and overall direction of the business.

After successfully running her business, the asba opportunity presented itself and this has allowed Debbie to leverage the experiences of both worlds. Debbie is passionate in supporting small businesses and knows from experience it's important to build strong relationships while maintaining your integrity.

Debbie is blessed with three beautiful daughters, a very supportive husband and a boxer named Juno. She is also a HUGE Phoenix Suns fan and enjoys riding with her husband on their Harley.

Analeah Alvarez, Member Services Manager, Southern Arizona

Born and raised in an itty bitty town in South Eastern AZ, Clifton, Analeah graduated High School in '03 and set out in the fall of the year for the world. She attended Eastern Arizona College pursuing a degree in Journalism. Life took an interesting turn and Analeah landed in Tucson, AZ working at Wal-Mart as a Department Manager of Shoes (shoes being one of Analeah's greatest loves in life). After three years of Wal-Mart fun she ventured out in search for new opportunities and came across a temp agency. They placed her in a  job for the day at asba, filling in for the receptionist and we've been stuck with her ever since (we can't help but keep the good ones)!  

Being around so many intelligent driven business owners Analeah decided to venture back to school and started over at Pima Community College, pursuing a degree in Administration of Justice which eventually lead her indecisive mind to a degree in Sociology. Analeah plans on finishing up at NAU Majoring in Sociology with a Criminology minor (CSI: Alvarez, we can't wait).

When she is not out saving the world (aka working with members to help grow their businesses), she enjoys spending time with her dog Lily, going back home to see her family and staying super BUSY! She enjoys surrounding herseld with and organizing monthly book club meetings. Analeah also plays in a volleyball league, local softball tournaments and any other activities she can can get involved in.

Whitney Fletcher, Marketing + Events Manager

Whitney has always loved to work. While attending Arizona State University (let's GO SUN DEVILS!) she worked 30+ hours a week, maintained a full course load and held up a pretty nice tan (who says you can't study by the pool?). She graduated in 2008 with a degree in History and Political Science, but it wasn't until her last semester that she discovered her true passion for Marketing and Event Planning while working for a Sports Travel Agency. She may not use her degree at work but she is a pretty qualified voter so that's a bonus (let's hope her parents don't read this)!

Whitney grabbed the attention of the asba team in 2009 when she called herself a "MacGyver of the Work World” during her first interview. She began as a Marketing Coordinator for asba but was promoted to Marketing Manager after just five short months. She has a passion for producing work. Completing a project successfully and in record time is like her caffeine and it's what drives her everyday (she's odd, we know). She is also extremely passionate for asba stands for and the work they do to support small businesses. Whitney is a firm believer that small businesses are what keep our country afloat and should be assisted in anyway possible. She has sworn that she will never work in a corporate world…mostly because she doesn't think they will appreciate her big pink sunglasses that are staple of her office and basically her essence.

When Whitney isn't using her MacGyver skills to widdle an event for 500 people out of a toothpick she spends as much time as she can with family, friends and the love of her life, her 110 pound Dogue de Bordeaux, Dexter. Yes, our five foot Whitney has a 110 pound dog with a vicious underbite, a ton of drool but a pension for being the sweetest dog around. If you are ever in her office ask to see the Birthday cards the asba gave her for Dexter's 2nd birthday...you will see how obsessed she really is! She can also be found at almost any sporting event. Being originally from the Bay Area, California she is a diehard San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan but has grown a little soft spot for Arizona teams (although she wont openly admit it).

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." - Dr. Seuss

Gabe Salcido, Graphic Designer + Marketing Assistant

Gabe is our graphic designer (aka the creative one). His goal with asba is to maintain a consistent brand identity while providing easy to read information like flyers, newsletters and emails, for all employees and members. Gabe graduated from Eastern Arizona College with a degree in Advertising Design and a minor in traditional art. His passion revolves around creativity and the ability to sell (he started selling chimichangas in middle school). He's moved up since then but has constantly perused ways to make a sale in what he loves. Marketing his talents and using his skills in advertising design has lead to new exciting opportunities ranging from product design to freelance work. Check out Gabe's portfolio at www.gabesalcido.com (he is SUPER talented).

Rebecca Rolfe, Programs Manager

Seeking refuge from the cold, Rebecca relocated from Minnesota (insert Minnesota accent here) to Phoenix over 16 years ago and continues to enjoy basking in the warm Arizona sunshine year round. Her journey into the health insurance field started innocently enough as a temporary job that quickly became permanent. Through the years she has worked at several large health insurance firms expanding her product knowledge and expertise at each one. With an extensive knowledge of account management, Medicare, COBRA, and wellness initiatives, Rebecca is a strong addition to the asba team. Licensed in both Health/Life and Property/Casualty, Rebecca can assist you with any insurance need you may have (she's like a health insurance guru).

Outside of the office, family and education is her focus. Rebecca's two girls are 11 and 13 so refereeing arguments and diffusing drama has become a regular evening routine (she has a whistle and everything). In her spare time, she is pursuing a degree in elementary education through Northcentral University.

Rhette Baughman, Front Office Manager

Rhette, the newest member of the asba team, grew up in Northern California before relocating to Phoenix six years ago to be near his family. Although he regrets his decision every summer when the heat arrives, his love for being close to family, friends, the local restaurants and Phoenician energy (whatever that means) ties him here… oh and his five Chihuahuas, because honestly, who wants to move across the state with five dogs?

He worked with Developmentally Disabled adults (which may help him in dealing with us) before discovering his strengths in administration and love for marketing. His previous experience includes office administration, hospitality concierge, marketing/PR, and event planning.

Outside of the asba office, Rhette is actively involved in the music department at his church and attending local events across the Valley.

*He's too new to have a picture yet so stand by in anticipation for that.