Meet the Team

Our Be Connected team hails from different backgrounds and experiences. We are united in our mission to connect Arizona’s service members, veterans, their families and communities. Meet some of our team members, who represent hundreds of people across Arizona working every day to build support for all who serve.

Implementation Leadership Team

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Nicola Winkel, MPA

Project Director
Arizona Coalition for Military Families
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Thomas Winkel, MA, LPC

Director
Arizona Coalition for Military Families

Be Connected Partner Leadership Team

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Tonya Hamilton

Cabinet Executive Officer and Tribal Liaison
Governor's Office of Youth, Faith and Family
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Carmen Heredia

Cabinet Executive Officer and Executive Deputy Director
Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System
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John Scott

Director
Arizona Department of Veterans' Services
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Blake Chaffee

Vice President
TriWest Healthcare Alliance
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Steve Sample

Director
Northern Arizona VA Health Care System
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Jennifer Gutowski

Director
Southern Arizona VA Health Care System
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Chris Norton

Director
Phoenix VA Regional Office
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Bryan Matthews

Director
Phoenix VA Health Care System
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Wanda Wright

Director
Arizona State University, Office of Veteran and Military Academic Engagement

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Be Connected and ConnectVeterans.org are provided in partnership by:
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Special thanks to the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family for their partnership and support.

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