FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | FY26 Board Leadership Announcement

August 4, 2025
For news, events, and to stay involved sign up for our newsletter
Subscribe to the newsletter

Tucson Young Professionals Welcomes Six New Board Members to Lead Next Chapter of Growth.
New Leadership Brings Diverse Expertise to Support Tucson’s Young Professionals

Tucson,AZ, August 4, 2025 —Tucson Young Professionals (TYP), the region’s premier professional development organization serving early- to mid-career professionals, aged 21-45, is proud to announce the appointment of six new board members and a new Executive Committee. The new leadership brings diverse expertise in member engagement, financial management, organizational development, and strategic planning —all critical to supporting TYP’s mission to build community connections, foster personal and professional growth, and advocate for the ideas and policies shaping the future of our region.

Jean Montano, Senior Manager Customer Experience & Sales Support at Republic Services, has been elected to serve as Board President, beginning a two-year term. Montano brings deep leadership experience and a passion for community-building that will guide TYP’s strategic growth and impact.

Montano succeeds Emilia Eldridge, Human Resources and Organizational Development Manager at the University of Arizona, who led the board during a period of organizational transformation and growth, including the onboarding of Executive Director Jessica Sueskind two years ago.

“Emilia helped steady the ship during a critical moment of transition,” said Montano.“We are building on a strong foundation, and I’m excited to lead this talentedgroup of professionals as we continue to grow, innovate, and advocate for the next generation of leaders in Tucson.”

The full 2025–2026 Executive Committee includes:

·      Jean Montano (President),Senior Manager Customer Experience & Sales Support at Republic Services

·      Moises Gomez (Vice President), Business Outreach and Resource Manager at Local First Arizona

·      Desirai Svetcov (Treasurer), Director of Practice Development at DuCharme, McMillen, & Associates

·      CarolineLewis (Secretary), Program Manager at the Pima County HealthDepartment

·      Margaret Mullin (Member at Large), Artistic Director at Ballet Tucson

·      Emilia Eldridge (Immediate Past President), HR & Organizational Development Manager at theUniversity of Arizona

TYP also extends deep appreciation to Anthony Clarke, who completed his service as Treasurer, and to all outgoing leaders who helped strengthen the organization’s foundation.

Additionally, TYP is excited to welcome six new members to the Board of Directors:

·       Christopher Pings, Assistant Director, Treasury Accounting at the University of Arizona

·       Emily Bressler, Communications Project Manager at HearingFirst

·       Hayley Michel, Junior Contracts Attorney at University of Colorado Medicine

·       Jake Blumenthal, Wealth Management Advisor & PortfolioAnalyst at Meridian Wealth Management

·       Noah Dayton, Vice President of Operations at TucsonAsphalt Contractors

·       Xochitl Wilson, Product Manager at Opus Inspection, Inc.

“These new board members were selected not only for their expertise, but for their clear commitment to community,” said Sueskind. “Their insights will help TYP grow stronger and serve more young professionals across Southern Arizona.”

For more about Tucson Young Professionals, visit www.tucsonyoungprofessionals.com.

About Tucson YoungProfessionals
Founded in 2007, Tucson Young Professionals (TYP) is a 501(c)(6) non-profit, dedicated to advancing young talent in the Greater Tucson region. With more than 800 members across industries, TYP helps young professionals thrive by providing opportunities for connection, personal and professional growth, and civic advocacy. Through curated networking, leadership development, and issue-based engagement, TYP empowers members to shape a stronger, more inclusive future for our region. Learn more at www.tucsonyoungprofessionals.com.

For inquiries,please contact:
Jessica Sueskind, Executive Director

jessica@tucsonyoungprofessionals.com

More from the newsroom