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.
Jeff Heuple, CARE Treasurer, 2025 - Current
Jeff and his wife, Leisa, have been full-time Desert Mountain members since 2017, relocating from Washington State. Together, they enjoy the active lifestyle and strong sense of community the Mountain offers. They have five children and two grandchildren.
A seasoned financial executive and board director, Jeff has extensive leadership experience in finance, governance, and strategic planning across nonprofit, private, and public sectors. He has served on the Desert Mountain Board as well as the Finance, Audit, Membership, Golf, and Long-Range Strategic Planning Committees.
Passionate about giving back, Jeff has dedicated years to volunteering with organizations such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and, more recently, with CARE, where he and Leisa have been donors since 2022. His commitment to philanthropy and community engagement reflects his belief in making a lasting impact through service.
Kristen Atlas, CARE Secretary, 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 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.
Davis Driver, CARE Board,of Directors Donor Development, 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.
Katherine Lee, CARE Board of Directors 2026 - Current
Jeff Smedsrud, CARE Operations Director 2025 - Current
Jeff Smedsrud, CARE Operations Director 2025 - Current
Katherine and her husband John met and married in 1995 while living in Phoenix and are thrilled to be back home in Arizona, purchasing their home in Desert Mountain in 2025.
Katherine is a results-driven executive with extensive experience leading organizational operations, driving strategic initiatives and improving business performance.
Katherine and her husband John met and married in 1995 while living in Phoenix and are thrilled to be back home in Arizona, purchasing their home in Desert Mountain in 2025.
Katherine is a results-driven executive with extensive experience leading organizational operations, driving strategic initiatives and improving business performance. She is skilled in overseeing administrative, finance, human resources, compliance and cross functional teams. Katherine served as a Board Member for the American Heart Association and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and worked extensively with the Technology Association of Georgia to promote STEM education in underserved communities in the state of Georgia. She is currently on the Board of the Desert Mountain Foundation.
Katherine’s commitment to CARE is in honor of her mother who, during her cancer treatment, benefited greatly from targeted treatments and access to trials that existed because organizations like CARE chose to invest in scientific discovery.
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!