New Pathways Welcomes Four New Members to its Board of Directors
New Pathways for Youth (NPFY) is proud to announce the addition of four new members to its Board of Directors. Richard Chazal, Kelly Geary, Jay Twitchell, and Nicholas Velasquez will bring their knowledge, expertise, and commitment to help New Pathways for Youth expand its mission.
New Pathways for Youth, a Phoenix-based organization that guides young people facing adversity, is seeking to significantly expand its reach and make a larger impact in the Valley by matching more teens with mentors and providing resources to families.
About Richard Chazal
Chazal will bring his 20 years of experience in strategic planning, project management and team development, to assist in fundraising efforts and mentor recruitment. Chazal currently serves on the Arizona Builders Alliance (ABA) Community Service Board and brings a strong background of fundraising in support of local charities. As a board member with NPFY, Chazal hopes to provide more workforce development opportunities for the youth.
“Richard has expressed his passion for youth development and education,” said Karen D. Johnson, Ph.D., President & CEO of New Pathways for Youth. “We’re excited learn how we can build partnerships that will benefit our youth.”
“I have a passion for youth development and education,” Chazal said. “I want to help youth foster their aspirations in school and workforce development.”
About Kelly Geary
Geary has over 22 years of experience in recruiting and holds multiple leadership positions, including her current role as an Executive Advisor to the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA). Founding PeopleGetters and HireBetter, Geary successfully lead, managed, and grew both endeavors. Her experience in high-growth recruitment will help serve NPFY in its role of expansion in the Valley.
“Not only does Kelly have an impressive background, she’s also a committed mentor in our program,” said Dr. Jonhson. “We look forward to expanding our mission with the help of her unique skillset.”
“I look forward to applying my experience and expertise to help grow the New Pathways footprint in the valley,” said Geary.
About Jay Twitchell
Twitchell has experience serving on the NPFY finance committee and brings over 30 years of accounting experience to the board. Currently, Twitchell is a PAX Program Manager at APS, leading a multi-million-dollar financial system integration project as part of a broader systems program. His experience in accounting and finance will allow NPFY to focus on its financial strategy while growing to serve more youth.
“Jay is extremely detail-oriented, with diverse accounting experience that’s been invaluable to our finance committee,” said Dr. Johnson. “We’ve been working with him for some time, and we’re excited to fully bring him on board.”
“I’ve always enjoyed being apart of the New Pathways mission and I’m happy to officially join the board,” Twitchell said.
About Nicholas Velasquez
With 13 years of experience in finance at Cox Communications, Velasquez is well-equipped to provide strong guidance for NPFY’s growth. A Certified Fraud Examiner, he has demonstrated his leadership abilities leading multi-million dollar revenue leakage and cost savings initiatives and establishing a fraud operations team from the ground up. Velasquez’s skillset will allow him to assist in NPFY’s financial planning and strategic growth.
“Nick has an outstanding background in mentorship, and great financial experience,” Said Dr. Johnson. “Dedication and enthusiasm are key assets, and we’re thankful to have him on our board.”
“I recognize how important mentorship is to youth development, and I’m excited to support the New Pathways mission and serve more youth across the Valley,” Velasquez said.