Team

Kim helps Arizona Grantmakers members through thoughtfully crafted learning opportunities and communications. She works closely with affinity groups, committees and community leaders to create highly rated educational programs and foster meaningful member engagement. Throughout the day, she easily pivots her focus among Arizona Grantmakers’ internal and external communications, marketing materials and website maintenance. Injecting cautious optimism in all she does, Kim plays an important role in enhancing value for members and raising the voice of Arizona philanthropy.

Before joining the Arizona Grantmakers team in 2016 as member engagement and communications manager, she was a social media specialist developing marketing strategies and content for more than 30 clients. Her interest in the nonprofit sector emerged while working at Arizona PBS as a member services representative and content creation assistant. Kim earned her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication in 2014. She graduated in 2018 with Class 10 of the American Express Nonprofit Leadership Academy at ASU’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation.

Kim is a longtime supporter of her local NPR and PBS stations and a regular contributor to her local mutual-aid network and buy-nothing group. As a self-described word nerd, she believes that evolving language is essential to preserving the dignity of the communities we serve.

Growing up in west Phoenix, Kim developed a passion for sustainable fashion, sourcing her wardrobe and home goods primarily from vintage shops and thrift stores. If you find yourself at a dog park, record store or comedy show, keep an eye out for Kim; you just might see her there.

Laurie serves members through strategic leadership of Arizona Grantmakers Forum, creating and sustaining relationships with aligned philanthropic, nonprofit and community partners. She works closely with the Public Policy Committee and board of directors to elevate Arizona philanthropy’s voice through public policy advocacy and community engagement.

Before joining Arizona Grantmakers in 2015, Laurie worked to improve policy outcomes for Arizonans for more than 25 years. She began her career as a research analyst for the Arizona House of Representatives before joining the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association, where she served as senior vice president of public affairs and as president and chief executive officer, among other roles. In 2014, Laurie was a Washington, D.C. correspondent for Cronkite News, producing more than 30 stories covering politics, immigration and Indian affairs for Arizona news media outlets.

Laurie has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northern Arizona University and a Master of Mass Communication degree from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She is active in United Philanthropy Forum and is a member of Greater Phoenix Leadership, the Cover Kids Coalition and the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits Policy Council.

A native of the Southwest, Laurie grew up in various swimming pools in Tempe, Arizona. She loves traveling, watching movies and kitchen-testing new recipes for her ever-forgiving husband. On weekends, you can generally find Laurie with her nose in a book, hiking “rolling hills” on a treadmill with one eye trained on the day’s political news. She tries—with mixed success—to live by the Golden Rule.

Erin serves as the first point of contact for all current and prospective members. Reporting to President and CEO Laurie Liles, Erin oversees Arizona Grantmakers’ member recruitment and engagement efforts including logistical activities, database management, and program and affinity group support. 

Erin is a native Arizonan and has a deep knowledge of Arizona philanthropy from her background in fundraising. Erin has spent the last several years at Make-A-Wish Arizona where she served in various positions on the organization's development team. She played a key role in developing the organization's youth philanthropy, third-party fundraising and annual giving programs.

Erin is a Valley Leadership Accelerate alumna and is currently pursuing a master's degree in organizational leadership from Arizona State University. She is passionate about philanthropy and proud to empower members as part of the Arizona Grantmakers team.