PO Box 3740, Carefree, AZ 85377
About Desert Mountain CARE Board of Directors
Jill Porcellato, CARE Board Chair, 2015 - Current
Jill has been a proud member of the Desert Mountain community since 2013. She and her husband, Larry, moved here in 2014 to build their dream home after falling in love with Desert Mountain on their very first visit. The moment they drove through the gates, they knew this was where they wanted to retire.
Just two weeks after moving in, Jill began volunteering with CARE, eager to get involved in the community while their home was under construction. Since then, she has served on multiple CARE committees, joined the Board of Directors in 2015, and was elected Chair of the Board in 2017.
Jill is deeply passionate about CARE’s mission to fund life-saving cancer research and provide hope through support of the Mayo Clinic in Arizona and the HonorHealth Research Institute. She is incredibly proud of what CARE has accomplished—powered by a compassionate community committed to making a difference.
Derek Hill, CARE Treasurer, 2020 - Current
Derek and his wife Rhonda have been Desert Mountain members since 2006. They became full time residents in 2014. Derek and Rhonda have been CARE donors since 2015 and Derek became a CARE Board member in May 2020.
He got involved in CARE because both he and Rhonda are cancer survivors and he was impressed with the results of the research that CARE has funded. He joined the Board to continue CARE’s legacy of promoting cancer awareness and education and funding breakthrough cancer research and treatment initiatives to enhance the quality of life of those affected by cancer.
Regina Ryan, CARE Secretary, 2023 - Current
Regina and her husband, John, bought their first home in Desert Mountain in 2014. Having visited for several years for John to play in Mountain Mania, they knew they had found their retirement spot.
Regina and John were very impressed to learn that Desert Mountain members had created a charity and have been able to sustain it for so long.
Regina lost her dad to cancer when he was 45 and the more she learned about CARE, the more she felt that it was an organization that she would like to contribute to. Regina was honored to join the board in the role of Secretary and looks forward to ensuring that the legacy of the founding members continues.
Davis Driver, CARE Donor Development Director, 2025 - Current
I have been part of the Desert Mountain community as both a Realtor and Club Member since 1991. Over the years, my real estate team, The Davis Driver Group, has proudly supported CARE through sponsorships and volunteer efforts — from donating to programs to hitting tee shots for charity at the annual Bash and Golf Tournament.
Throughout this time, I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible impact CARE has on our community and its mission to advance cancer research. When I was invited to join the Board as Corporate Donor Development Director, I took time to reflect — especially on how cancer has touched the lives of so many in my circle of family and friends. It quickly became clear that this opportunity was more than just service — it was a personal calling.
The support and leadership within CARE have been nothing short of inspiring. The more involved I’ve become, the more passionate I’ve grown about contributing to CARE’s mission — not only for my community, but for the people in my life. I believe we are all part of a greater family here, and by supporting CARE, we have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of hope for future generations. I’m honored to serve in this role and look forward to making a meaningful difference.
About Desert Mountain CARE Board of Directors
Jeff Smedsrud, CARE Operations Director 2025 - Current
Jeff Smedsrud, CARE Operations Director 2025 - Current
Jeff Smedsrud, CARE Operations Director 2025 - Current
Each day, researchers move one step closer to discovering cures for cancer and improving the quality of life for those living with it. CARE provides a powerful platform to raise essential funds for innovative research that is already making a difference.
As a cancer survivor, I understand firsthand the vital role that caregivers and commu
Each day, researchers move one step closer to discovering cures for cancer and improving the quality of life for those living with it. CARE provides a powerful platform to raise essential funds for innovative research that is already making a difference.
As a cancer survivor, I understand firsthand the vital role that caregivers and community support play in the journey. CARE brings together those touched by cancer—offering hope, connection, celebration, and purpose. I’m honored to serve and am committed to helping CARE grow, thrive, and drive even greater impact.
Kristen Atlas, CARE Board of Directors 2025 - Current
Jeff Smedsrud, CARE Operations Director 2025 - Current
Jeff Smedsrud, CARE Operations Director 2025 - Current
Kristen Atlas is honored to serve on the CARE Board of Directors, bringing with her a deep personal connection to the cause. Having lost loved ones to cancer and supported close friends through their own battles, Kristen is passionate about advancing cancer research and supporting innovative treatments and cures.
A long-time advocate for
Kristen Atlas is honored to serve on the CARE Board of Directors, bringing with her a deep personal connection to the cause. Having lost loved ones to cancer and supported close friends through their own battles, Kristen is passionate about advancing cancer research and supporting innovative treatments and cures.
A long-time advocate for community engagement, Kristen currently serves on the Economic Development Committee in Washington, Connecticut. She has also been involved in nonprofit initiatives supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture in her home state. Now splitting her time between Connecticut and Arizona, she is eager to become more actively involved in her Desert Mountain community.
Kristen and her husband, Ken, are proud residents and members of Desert Mountain.
Sylvia Owens, Co-Founder and Historian, 1997- Current
Jeff Smedsrud, CARE Operations Director 2025 - Current
Sylvia Owens, Co-Founder and Historian, 1997- Current
Don and I discovered Desert Mountain in the late 80’s in Seattle, Washington. After playing a couple of the course, it was a “no brainer” to buy a lot and prepare for retirement. When we retired in the early ’90s, Desert Mountain was still a small community…..it was a time when you knew everyone on campus.
When I was diagnosed with breast
Don and I discovered Desert Mountain in the late 80’s in Seattle, Washington. After playing a couple of the course, it was a “no brainer” to buy a lot and prepare for retirement. When we retired in the early ’90s, Desert Mountain was still a small community…..it was a time when you knew everyone on campus.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997, the community came together to help and support my journey through all the treatments. Cancer had touched so many loved ones, so we decided to help raise money to fight cancer. This was the birth of CARE. Our first golf event had 102 participants and raised $25,000. The money went to Mayo Clinic of AZ Breast Cancer project.
26 years later, CARE has raised over 10 million dollars for cancer research, funding projects at Mayo Clinic of AZ, and HonorHealth Research Institute. CARE has grown because of the commitment and generosity of Desert Mountain Members and the management team and staff. CARE is a 501(c)(3), with a year around Board, and a Funding Committee whose members have a strong medical background.
It gives me chills to think of the impact our community has made in cancer research. Members Making Miracles!