BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND LEADERSHIP TEAM

Carly Bodmer

Executive Director

Carly Bodmer began her career as a Post Production Audio Manager and Producer in the film industry. She then led several tech and compliance companies to success, as a Sales Director. She began working with banks and corporate accounts through education assistance programs and saw the need to provide a program to guide the process better. She holds an MA in Communication Management from the University of Southern California, and completed her undergrad at Northern Arizona University.

Bodmer is a mother, and coaches swim team in Paradise Valley. She has volunteered through mentorship programs in the arts and has also spent years as a volunteer ski and snowboard instructor through Adaptive Sports in Telluride, CO. Bodmer provided ski lessons for adults and children with physical and cognitive challenges.

Kyla Bennett

Legal Counsel

Kyla Bennett is an experienced attorney with a passion for educational equity. Currently, Kyla practices civil litigation.

Previously, Kyla served as a lead attorney for Washington state’s K-12 education agency. In addition to practicing law, Kyla is a former educator and taught 5th grade students in an economically disadvantaged school district. Kyla has a passion for learning, and has earned an undergraduate degree in sociology, a Juris Doctor (J.D.), and a teaching certificate from the University of Washington.

Thomas Patrick

Treasurer

Thomas Patrick is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) focusing primarily as a member of the Financial Services group, providing audit and advisory solutions to financial institutions. He has significant experience working with private and public companies that encompass a wide range of assets specializing in financial statement audits, SEC reporting, integrated audits, and consulting services.

Thomas is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Indiana CPA Society, and Arizona CPA Society. Additionally, he volunteers with several community organizations and has a passion for giving back to his community by helping those faced with a variety of needs and challenges.

Thomas earned his Master’s of Professional Accounting and Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Butler University.

Joel Johnson

FirstBank, Market President

Joel Johnson is the Market President of FirstBank’s East Valley Market in Arizona. Joel’s career with FirstBank began in 1994. He was part of the original management team that relocated from Denver to Phoenix in 2007 to start FirstBank’s expansion into the Phoenix market. Joel has been FirstBank’s East Valley Market President since 2011.

Joel is responsible for the management and oversight of 6 FirstBank branch locations, which includes a group of 11 loan officers and over 50 branch operational staff employees. Additionally, he is also part of the Arizona management team that is responsible for all Arizona state-wide marketing efforts, and future growth/branch expansion plans.

Joel received his BA in Management and Economics from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa in 1991, and graduated from the University of Washington’s Pacific Coast Banking School in 2000.