Meet the Shaping Our Next Chapter: New Members Join the Board of Directors 

Phoenix, AZ | May 4, 2026 

Leadership is at the heart of everything we do at New Pathways for Youth, and today we have exciting news to share. For decades, we have been opening doors for young people across Phoenix, and none of that work would be possible without the dedicated community members who serve on our Board of Directors, helping us shape and expand our mission every step of the way. We are proud to announce that four new members have joined our board, bringing with them a fresh perspective, deep expertise, and a shared commitment to the young people we serve. 

We welcome Lisa Dancsok, Streator Bates, Joseph Hourigan and Tom Marlowe to our Board of Directors.   Together, they represent something we hold at the core of everything we do: the best people to lead this mission are the ones who have already chosen to live it. 

What stands out most about these new board members isn’t just what they’ve accomplished; it’s how they show up. Each of them has already leaned into this work in real ways: building relationships, investing time, and believing in the long game of mentorship. They understand that lasting change doesn’t come from a single moment, but from a steady presence and a community willing to keep choosing young people, again and again. 

Lisa Dancsok, brings extensive board experience across nonprofit and corporate organizations, with deep expertise in financial stewardship, marketing, and organizational leadership. Her career at the Arizona Community Foundation, built around grantmaking, brand strategy, and governance, gives her the tools to help us grow sustainably. And her commitment to our mission is personal. “I have mentored young people throughout my career and have seen the power these relationships create,” she shared. That kind of conviction is exactly the energy we welcome. 

Streator Bates, knows what it means to show up for a young person, consistently and intentionally. An associate attorney at Snell and Wilmer, his practice focuses on real estate development, hospitality, financing, and cross-border business transactions throughout the Southwest, Mexico, and Latin America. He is also a mentor with New Pathways for Youth and is deeply committed to expanding access to opportunities for young people. . “These connections can create lasting, positive outcomes, not only for the individual youth but also for the broader community,” he told us , and we could not agree more. 

Joseph Hourigan has been part of our New Pathways family for more than a decade, first as a mentor, then as a facilitator, and now as a Board member. The relationships he has built through our program are not transactional; they’re lasting bonds. “The youth, fellow mentors, and staff have been wonderful people to know and are now some of my closest friends.” With expertise in governance and tribal law, combined with his deep relational history with our youth and staff, Joe will help guide our most important strategic decisions for years to come. 

Tom Marlowe brings more than 25 years of operational and financial leadership to our board. As Senior Vice President of Operations at Desert Financial Credit Union, he knows how to build organizations that are both mission-driven and financially sound. Tom believes that helping others is one of life’s most important opportunities, and that belief shows up in how he leads, how he volunteers, and how he has spent the better part of his career giving back across the Valley. He is exactly the kind of steady, values-driven leader we need. 

Their additions come at a pivotal time.  New Pathways for Youth is expanding the Level Up Program, , deepening community partnerships, and pursuing new opportunities to reach more Phoenix youth who need a stable, caring adult in their corner.  

“Welcoming new board members and strengthening leadership positions us to expand impact while staying grounded in the mission of mentorship and opportunity.” — Josh Shade, Board Chair, New Pathways for Youth 

The work of transforming young lives takes vision, commitment, and a community that refuses to give up on its youth. That’s exactly what this board expansion reflects — leaders who believe in the long game and are willing to put their time, talent, and voice behind it. 

“Adding these remarkable individuals to our board is truly exciting. They share our belief that every young person deserves a champion in their corner, and their connections across our community will open doors for youth who need us most. I look forward to building the future of New Pathways for Youth alongside them.” — Karen Johnson, President & CEO, New Pathways for Youth “ 

We are grateful for the leadership that continues to move that work forward, and excited about what we will accomplish together.