About Us

Tom Green is the owner of Brand Source Appliance in Safford. He is a Safford High School graduate, Class of 1971 and Northern Arizona University graduate, Class of 1979 with a B.S. in Spanish Education. Tom is a member of Eastern AZ Alumni Association, Northern AZ Alumni Association, Safford City-Graham County Library Friends (SAGLIF) and Graham County Chamber of Commerce. (Joined 1987)

Lori Rhinehart is a Registered Tax Preparer/Accountant who lives in Thatcher. She is a long time member of Boy Scouts of America Advancement Committee, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and National Night Out. (Joined 2009)

Leslie Campos is a retired high school administrator from Connecticut. She sings soprano in choral groups in Safford  and Tucson. She is an Associate Broker at Tierra Antigua Realty. Long a believer in professional advancement, she is a Certified Residential and Smart Home Specialist, Accredited Buyers Representative, a Senior Real Estate Specialist, Safe Home Certified, and is a licensed Realtor and Broker Instructor. (Joined 2007)

Paulette LeBlanc served 38 years in public education as a teacher, guidance counselor, school psychologist and curriculum director. She is the President of EDSUPPORT, LLC; as an educational consultant and grant writer. Paulette also serves as Education Service Agency Coordinator for Graham/Greenlee County School Superintendents. She is president of Safford Friends of the Library. (Joined 2006)

 Janice Evans is a retired music teacher. She is a Music Minister at a local church. Janice is also a student at Eastern Arizona College in the Music Department. She does extensive work in personal growth and development, group leadership and youth empowerment.  (Joined 2015)

 Having spent his professional life in Latin America, southern Africa and the middle east, David Himelfarb brings a diverse/multicultural perspective to Gila Valley Arts Council. David serves on the board of the United Way of Graham/Greenlee Counties, where his experience in grants management and strategic planning strengthened this vital organization.  He enjoys metal sculpting and blacksmithing in his free time.  (Joined 2019)

 Barbara Ahman taught ceramics and sculpture at Eastern AZ College, before leaving for the Middle East, where she taught art in Kuwait for two years, then resided in Saudi Arabia for 3 years working as director of the American Community in Riydah. She is the founder of Colors of Copper, art show and wine tasting in Clifton. She is also founder of the newly formed nonprofit art council in Greenlee County, Art Depot. (Joined 2018)

 Rick Lunt was raised in Thatcher.  He is a graduate of EAC, NAU and BYU.  After receiving his Master's Degree, he spent his professional career teaching choral music as a teacher in northern Arizona and in Spanish Fork, Utah.  He has returned to the Gila Valley as the new Director of Fine Arts for Eastern Arizona College. (Joined 2021)

Chip Cheney is currently employed as an orchestra director in the Safford Unified School District. He earned a Master’s degree in Music Education and has been teaching in public schools since 2007.  He is a member of the National Association for Music Education and the Arizona Music Educators Association. He serves as the principal violist in the Eastern Arizona College Community Symphony and the Saguaro String Quartet. (Joined 2018)