The Arizona Cancer Center's Development Team

G. Scott Thompson
Sr. Director of Development
520-626-5279
sthompson@azcc.arizona.edu

Scott Thompson was named the Senior Director of Development at the Arizona Cancer Center in 2004. He came to the UA from Cornell University where he served in the Office of Special gifts in the Department of Alumni Affairs and Development. Scott entered the world of philanthropy when he left a career as a Division 1 basketball coach during a bout with stage III colon cancer. His experience with cancer has led him to the front lines of the battle against this disease. He became a national spokesman for Coaches vs. Cancer and the American Cancer Society. In 2002, Thompson was named Coaches Vs. Cancer’s Man of the Year for his tireless advocacy of philanthropy for the battle against cancer. He has served on several cancer-related fund raising boards and has spoken to groups throughout the country about his cancer experience. Scott served as Lute Olson’s top assistant on his original basketball staff at The University of Arizona.

 

Paola Villar Werstler
Associate Director of Development
520-626-2280
pwerstler@azcc.arizona.edu

Paola Villar Werstler has been with the Arizona Cancer Center for almost 20 years.  After working on brain tumor research at the University of California San Francisco, she joined the AZCC in 1989 as a researcher in cancer cytogenetics, then cancer prevention and control.  She then took on the role of health and patient educator for the Center providing individual patient education and public forums on cancer specific topics and well as running the Center’s cancer information hotline.  She has served on many cancer education boards and has received the Outstanding Volunteer Service award from the American Cancer Society for her work in breast cancer education in the community. Her passion for the center’s mission to prevent and cure cancer then led her to join the Development team in January of 2006.  She is the liaison for the Center’s incredible volunteer fundraising groups, the Phoenix Friends of the AZCC, and the Director’s Circle, and the Tucson Friends of the AZCC.

Keri Hiller Valdés
Assistant Director of Development
520-626-5521
kvaldes@azcc.arizona.edu

Keri is responsible for building strong relationships within the greater Tucson community for the support and benefit of the Arizona Cancer Center. Since 2003, Keri was associate director of development with The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. There she raised more than $2 million for medical research and teaching projects. Keri began her career in 1999 with The University of Arizona’s Steele Children’s Research Center, where she worked as the Center’s liaison to local community fundraising organizations. She earned a bachelor's degree in English and Political Science from Texas A&M University and completed a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Houston. She and her family are delighted to be back in Arizona where they can frequently be found hiking the mountain trails around Tucson.

Sabrina Gonzales
Accountant Senior
520-626-1016
sgonzales@azcc.arizona.edu

Sabrina has been with The University of Arizona for 11 years and specifically the Cancer Center for seven years. She manages all the development office finances primarily processing gifts and ensuring the intent of the donor is met. Sabrina also manages the donor database. She can answer any questions you many have regarding your gift or if you would like to update your donor information.

Lise Carter
Administrative Assistant
520-626-5279
lcarter@azcc.arizona.edu

Lise has been with the Cancer Center as an administrative assistant for 4 years. She supports the senior director of development in all his daily tasks and can answer any question you may have regarding the development office, donations or cancer center inquiries. When she is not at work, Lise enjoys spending time with Duke, her dog, and lifting weights.

The Development Office is here to serve the friends and donors of the Arizona Cancer Center. By working with the community in philanthropy and outreach, the Development Office helps friends and donors play an active role in cancer research and prevention. For questions about how you can join in the fight against cancer, please contact us at 1-800-327-CURE.

If you have questions or comments about your donation, please contact our Development Office at (520) 626-5279 or E-mail development@azcc.arizona.edu