OUR BOARD:
The Center is honored to have such a strong and supportive Board of Directors.
Chris Dock - President
Chris Dock
I have over 30 years of experience in finance, investment advisory, technology, and human resources consulting. I have been self-employed for the last 20 years, working with both individuals and corporations on their investment strategies and implementation. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Saint Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota with a double major in Mathematics and Economics. Most people know Saint Olaf best as the fictional hometown of Betty White’s character on Golden Girls.
I first became involved with the Senior Center through a legacy donation from a former client of our firm’s estate planning practice. I then became a member of the Center’s Legacy Giving Committee and the Building Committee for the future home of the Center.
In my personal life, I have always had a deep commitment to caring for the senior members of my family. I realize that there are many seniors who do not have family members that are able to be there for them, whether that is due to geography, finances, or lack of contact. We are so fortunate to have the Center here to provide services to our community – social, educational, transportation, nutritional, and providing a sense of belonging to its members. I am honored to be a part of those efforts.
I first became involved with the Senior Center through a legacy donation from a former client of our firm’s estate planning practice. I then became a member of the Center’s Legacy Giving Committee and the Building Committee for the future home of the Center.
In my personal life, I have always had a deep commitment to caring for the senior members of my family. I realize that there are many seniors who do not have family members that are able to be there for them, whether that is due to geography, finances, or lack of contact. We are so fortunate to have the Center here to provide services to our community – social, educational, transportation, nutritional, and providing a sense of belonging to its members. I am honored to be a part of those efforts.
Rima Urban - Vice Chair
Rima Urban
I am a native of Arizona and have had the privilege of being a part time Payson resident for 12 years now.
I have been a part of the Senior Center since 2016 and am honored to say I have served as the Vice Chair of the Payson Senior Center Board since 2017.
I have spent 25 years running operations and serving as the Vice President of Operations for Southwest Dental Group. We sold the business in 2014 which allowed opportunity for me to spend more time in Payson where I became a volunteer at the Payson Senior Center. Having the blessed opportunity to serve our Seniors healthy, warm meals on the Meals and Wheels program was eye-opening for me.
It created an awareness for me that can never be erased. I work directly with the General Manager of the Trinkets and Treasures thrift store to support operations where all proceeds directly benefit our wonderful non-profit organization. Our organization represents the heart and solidarity of a community like Payson where there are no strangers, just friends you haven’t met yet.
I have been a part of the Senior Center since 2016 and am honored to say I have served as the Vice Chair of the Payson Senior Center Board since 2017.
I have spent 25 years running operations and serving as the Vice President of Operations for Southwest Dental Group. We sold the business in 2014 which allowed opportunity for me to spend more time in Payson where I became a volunteer at the Payson Senior Center. Having the blessed opportunity to serve our Seniors healthy, warm meals on the Meals and Wheels program was eye-opening for me.
It created an awareness for me that can never be erased. I work directly with the General Manager of the Trinkets and Treasures thrift store to support operations where all proceeds directly benefit our wonderful non-profit organization. Our organization represents the heart and solidarity of a community like Payson where there are no strangers, just friends you haven’t met yet.
Tom Hatch - Treasurer
Tom Hatch
Tom is motivated to make a positive impact by participating in meaningful causes and caring for the elderly. Tom wants to help make Payson a safe and happy place for seniors to live. Tom has been involved with the Senior Center as a Meals on Wheels volunteer and has helped with setup and take-down for various events at the Center. Tom has been involved as a leader within his church as well as with the Scouts. Tom wants to be a voice for the membership of the Senior Center and wants to help in any way he can to provide the resources need for social and physical well-being of our community’s seniors.
Diana Young - Secretary
Diana Young
Diana is retired and has worked with the Payson Senior Center for about 2 ½ years. She currently works with the Meals on Wheels program and volunteered in various areas prior to that. Diana is motivated to make a difference for the members of the Senior Center. Diana has worked with seniors and special needs adults since 1999 and has previously been an activities director in other senior centers. Diana wants to join the Board in order to help make the decisions that will help the members of the Senior Center, and to build on the mission of guiding seniors to be self-sufficient and build their dignity.
Janice Chesser
Janice Chesser
Janice is a Community Health Specialist with Gila County SNAP-Ed and AZ Health Zone. Janice has taught classes at the Payson Senior Center twice a month and plans to continue with that program. She loves helping people to be the best they can be and seeing a positive change in people. Janice’s mom was an active volunteer with the Senior Center and she wants to continue making an impact on our community’s seniors. Janice also serves on the Community Action Program Board (since 2018) and the Friends of Parks & Rec Board in Payson and has been a Director for the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts organizations. She also has a certificate in fundraising and has organized fundraising events in the past and wants to use those skills to help keep the Senior Center strong financially.
Connie Jewell
Connie Jewell
I retired as an educator in 2002 after thirty-five years of teaching in grades K-3. I moved to Payson from Silver City, NM 2002 and began volunteering at PSC's Thrift Store in 2002. I was voted on to the Board in 2004.
The PSC provides a variety of necessary programs for all seniors. I am proud to be a part of the group that has helped to keep the programs available for everyone.
The PSC provides a variety of necessary programs for all seniors. I am proud to be a part of the group that has helped to keep the programs available for everyone.
Ann Leonard
Ann Leonard
I started my career at ABC-RV in Los Angeles, when I left to have my children I was assistant business manager in engineering. When I went back to work I was a corporate travel agent becoming trainer to new travel agency owners and managers. After moving to New Jersey I became a property manager and leasing agent for commercial, retail and apartments in New Jersey and New York City. I came to Payson and started working at Pinal-Gila Agency, a program of Catholic Social Services, and retired as their Program Director.
Why am I a Board Member? "Having worked with the Senior Center in my capacity as Program Director, I realized what they did, providing meals, socialization. I know that The Center actually, truly saves lives."
Why am I a Board Member? "Having worked with the Senior Center in my capacity as Program Director, I realized what they did, providing meals, socialization. I know that The Center actually, truly saves lives."
Barb Underwood
Barbara Underwood
I have been on the Senior Center board for 13 years.
Patrick and I came to Payson in 1977 and opened Mario's Italian Restaurant for 20 years. We have also developed land here in Payson and owned and operated commercial retail space. Retired now, I keep very busy volunteering on many boards.
I love serving on the Senior Center board because I see the need and value of the services we provide. Our Seniors could not survive without our meals on wheels program, transportation, lunches and all the programs we provide for a better quality of life for them.
Patrick and I came to Payson in 1977 and opened Mario's Italian Restaurant for 20 years. We have also developed land here in Payson and owned and operated commercial retail space. Retired now, I keep very busy volunteering on many boards.
I love serving on the Senior Center board because I see the need and value of the services we provide. Our Seniors could not survive without our meals on wheels program, transportation, lunches and all the programs we provide for a better quality of life for them.
