Duet: Partners In Health & Aging is pleased to announce that it has hired Tina Lopez, CFRE, as its new Director of Development. The local nonprofit has also hired Cornelia Best as its new Kinship Care Services Coordinator.

Tina Lopez, CFRE – New Development Director

Lopez brings more than13 years of staff leadership and fundraising to Duet, most recently serving as the National Director of Development for Animal Outlook.

“Tina’s donor-centered philosophy and embracement of a culture of philanthropy go hand-in-hand with Duet’s strategic focus on sustainability and diversification of funding streams to ensure our vitally needed, free-of-charge services are available now and for generations to come,” says Ann Wheat, executive director of Duet.

“I’ve known about Duet since I started working in nonprofits and felt they had a great mission,” Lopez says. “My grandma had Alzheimer’s and it was very hard and sad on our family. I love that there is an organization like Duet that helps caregivers and offers resources to older adults.”

As a certified fundraising professional (CFRE), Lopez brings a wealth of experience in fundraising, donor relations, planned giving, corporate partnerships and events to Duet.
“I hope that I can help Duet take things to the next level, even in the midst of a pandemic,” she shares.

Outside of work, Lopez enjoys camping, outdoor activities and concerts. She has lived in the Valley since 1986.

Cornelia Best – New Kinship Care Services Coordinator

Best has experience working as a case manager serving both children and adults. She recently graduated from ASU with a master’s degree specializing in policy, administration, and community practice. At Duet she will work primarily with grandparents raising grandchildren.

“Cornelia has a true passion for social work, social justice and for making the world a better place for those who face particularly difficult circumstances,” says Wheat. “She is genuine, compassionate, and a great listener, which is an ideal fit for Duet’s person-to-person model of service. I look forward to seeing what’s ahead from our dynamic kinship team in service for grandfamilies.”

“Before I started working at Duet, I had heard nothing but wonderful things about the organization,” Best shares. “I hope to contribute support and guidance to our kinship caregivers by assisting with referrals, support groups, workshops, and community outreach. As a social worker with experience in behavioral and mental health, I am hoping to support and guide our families in these areas as well.”

Best is originally from Sweden, but has lived in the Valley with her husband and two dogs for the past seven years.

Duet: Partners In Health & Aging is a nonprofit, interfaith organization that promotes health and well-being through vitally needed services to homebound adults, family caregivers, faith communities and grandfamilies. Duet’s free-of-charge services are available in the greater Phoenix area. To volunteer, donate or ask for help, go to http://www.duetaz.org or call (602) 274-5022.