Junior Achievement of Arizona is pleased to announce the appointment of Will Abbott as the new Vice President of Development for the organization, along with the hiring of five new staff members who will fill positions in the organization’s JA Inspire, Money in Motion, and Classroom programs.

“We are excited to welcome these talented individuals to the Junior Achievement team,” says Anne Landers, Chief Operating Officer of Junior Achievement. “Each one of them brings valuable knowledge and experience that will help us further empower Arizona’s students.”

William Abbott, Vice President of Development, has over a decade of nonprofit experience, including specialization in fund development and crafting strategic campaigns. He has an exceptional talent for identifying and building lifelong relationships with donors and volunteers. William’s skills in communications and fostering relationships make him well-prepared to lead development, communications, and marketing teams effectively.

Bobby Pacheco, Education Director, brings more than 20 years of youth program development and management to the JA team. His experience with youth and nonprofit organizations makes him a valuable asset in growing and maintaining classroom programs that serve more than 400 Arizona schools.

Cat Hoth, JA Money In Motion Education Manager, has 15 years of teaching experience. She has been involved in curriculum design, project management and interactive content. She’s capable of developing innovative strategies to increase efficiency and positive student outcomes. She obtained her Masters in Arts in Education and Education Administration from Grand Canyon University and Bachelors in Arts from University of Northern Iowa.

Lauren Allen, In-Classroom Program Education Manager, is a recent graduate of Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in communications. Her educational skills combined with experience successfully building relationships and solving problems in client-facing roles provide her with the knowledge to manage the JA Classroom experience for students.

Joanne Schellhase, JA Inspire Education Manager, brings a varied background to her work in the JA Inspire program. Her background in family court advocacy, elementary schools, and data analytics and research gives her an understanding of the importance of career readiness for the youth who benefit from the Inspire program and the businesses they are learning about.

Tracie Carmel, JA Inspire Education Manager, joins the team with a Master’s in Education and a Bachelors in Family and Consumer Science. She has spent 20 years developing and maintaining relationships in human services and hospitality, driving growth for businesses and organizations, and providing leadership.

These team members will help further the development of the JA mission, bringing financial literacy, career development and life skills to Arizona’s youth.

About Junior Achievement of Arizona

Junior Achievement of Arizona (JA) is a 501©(3) nonprofit organization that equips Arizona students to succeed in work and life by giving them the knowledge and skills they need to manage their money, plan for their future, and make smart academic, career and economic choices. Since 1957, JA has taught kids, kindergarten through high school, about financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship. The organization’s hands-on, age-appropriate programs are delivered by more than 7,500 corporate and community volunteers. Despite educational obstacles during the pandemic, JA reached approximately 170,000 students in the 2022-2023 school year. Follow @JAArizona on social media or visit jaaz.org/resources for more free online educational tools.