Board Member Biographies

Mr. Tom Espinoza, President

Tom Espinoza is a prominent architect of Hispanic community and business development policy and programs, with over 30 years of experience that span the breadth of the public, private sector and nonprofit spectrum. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Mr. Espinoza has dedicated his career to helping Hispanic families and individuals live in peace and dignity through the combined empowerment forces of educational opportunity and community/business development.

Mr. Espinoza spent his early days organizing youth groups in Phoenix’s low-income neighborhoods, helping young Hispanics escape the self-defeating treadmill of poverty and crime through educational programs. He went on to work with Hispanic families in their efforts to gain access to affordable housing in the then-fledgling organization Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC). Thirteen years later, serving as President and CEO, Mr. Espinoza had transformed CPLC from a small but determined grassroots group with an annual budget of $200,000 into one of the country’s most dynamic forces for Hispanic empowerment and economic well being. By the time Mr. Espinoza left in 1984, Chicanos Por La Causa had an annual operating budget of $10 million and assets of $15 million, and was offering comprehensive community and business development services in Arizona’s four major cities.

In subsequent years Mr. Espinoza assumed the leadership of four different Southwestern firms specializing in community/business/real estate development, asset management, affordable housing growth and access, and consultation services to business, public-sector, and nonprofit groups in the US and Mexico.

Mr. Espinoza is currently the President and CEO of the Raza Development Fund, Inc. (RDF), a support corporation to the National Council of La Raza; the nation’s foremost constituency-based Hispanic organization. A long-time activist organization of civil rights, advocacy, public health, education, and community development, NCLR serves over two million Hispanics of every nationality group through a formal network of over 250 affiliate organizations. Community development in all its manifestations is a matter of increasingly high priority at NCLR, and Mr. Espinoza's advent to its leadership has marked the beginning of a new commitment on the organization’s part to embracing the Partnerships of Hope (POH). POH is a faith base approach to opportunities and challenges of this complex area of community development. Under his leadership and direction RDF's Hope Fund was created, which to date has approved over $100 million in community development loans, leveraging over $500 million in community development projects for affiliate organizations of NCLR.

In all his endeavors he keeps the family and its dignity and well-being as his focus. “I believe God graces us with vocations,” says Mr. Espinoza, a dedicated family man himself, “and mine is through my love and dedication to community development.”

Ms. Margie O'Campo de Castillo, Vice President

With more than 20 years of experience, Margie O'Campo de Castillo is a successful industry professional with an extensive background in sales, marketing, negotiations and business management. As the Owner/Broker of Arizona Dream Realty, LLC, Margie is recognized for her ability to build and strengthen relationships with her clients and the community.

Currently, Margie serves as Vice President of the board of directors of The Industrial Development Authority of the City of Phoenix, Arizona. She was elected to serve three consecutive terms as the President of The Hispanic Association of Real Estate Professionals, HAREP, and also served on The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals’ Board, NAHREP. Margie has been part of countless Boards and Commissions, such as the Arizona Department of Real Estate’s Education Advisory Board. She has chaired the Arizona Association of REALTOR’S Industry Issues Key Result Area and actively participates in Mediation and Arbitration panels. As an exceptional moderator, educator and consultant, Margie enjoys sharing her dynamic presentations at first-time buyer clinics, industry workshops and classes to empower and motivate potential home buyers. She also offers a great class that covers “Basic Spanish Real Estate Terminology & Cultural Sensitivity” to REALTORS® and other industry professionals.

In 2004, Mayor Phil Gordon presented Margie with Neighborhood Housing Services Realtor of the Year Award, and in March of 2006, Margie was recognized and selected as the cover story for “Broker Agent Magazine”. Margie has written several articles on how real estate market trends affect the Hispanic consumer. Due to her insightful industry perspective and expertise, her comments and opinions are frequented by local media.

Mrs. O’Campo de Castillo sums it all up with her philosophy. Indeed it sheds some light on her passion and commitment to the community and her career. “What we do for others will affect the lives of many people long after we are gone, it’s our legacy. But what we do for ourselves dies with us. This is my driving force and the reason I make time to do my part to be involved in the continuous efforts to distinguish the Real Estate Profession and increase home ownership.”

Ms. Lydia A. Lee, Treasurer

Lydia Lee is Vice President & Regional Manager, National Community Relations, for JPMorgan Chase's operations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Washington, and Utah. Lee leads a staff of ten in Community Relations, the part of JPMorgan Chase's Corporate Responsibility Group charged with administering all corporate giving, community development and community involvement on behalf of the firm.

Lee began her career at then Valley National Bank in 1973 as a Cooperative Office Education student while still in high school. She graduated from Phoenix College, where she studied business. In 1991, Lee moved into the role of Community Affairs manager, after apprenticing in the department for over a decade. In her sixteen years of direct accountability for JPMorgan Chase's charitable giving in the Southwest, Lee has been responsible for giving more than $70 million to organizations.

Lee's personal involvement in the community includes several board memberships and civic appointments. Currently she serves on the board of directors for Arizona Community Foundation's Arizona Early Education Fund, Local Support Initiatives Corporation (LISC), Maricopa County Community Colleges Foundation, Valle del So and is a graduate of Valley Leadership's Class XXIV. Of special significance in Lee's personal and professional accomplishments is the landmark donation of 40 acres of land to Habitat for Humanity, which has become South Ranch, a community of 190 homes and model for future Habitat developments nationally. Her leadership with the Science Center has contributed to the successful recruitment of attendance-breaking exhibits to build a national reputation as an educational and entertainment venue.

Lee has two children and lives in Phoenix, Arizona. 

Mr. Karl Gentles, Secretary

Karl Gentles is the president and CEO of KGPR, a public relations consultancy serving clients in Phoenix and San Francisco. The firm’s practice areas include Corporate Communications, Media Strategy, Public Affairs and Community Relations, Communications and Media Training, and Charitable and Nonprofit management.

Prior to forming KGPR, Gentles served as director of corporate communications for USAA, a diversified financial services firm serving members of the military and their families. At USAA he directed all employee and public communications, and led USAA's successful effort to win the 2003 Best Place to Work in the Valley of the Sun award from The Business Journal of Phoenix and the Great Place to Work Institute.

As manager of media relations for the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Gentles directed a highly successful national and international media and public relations campaign resulting in a significant increase in media placements about Greater Phoenix in publications around the world.

During his tenure as assistant vice president and corporate relations manager for Bank One, Gentles specialized in government relations and directed the bank's Political Action Committee to its highest fundraising and employee participation since its formation. He also managed a regional division of the bank's marketing group, and community development and reinvestment earning the highest Community Reinvestment Act rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.

Gentles began his career as a staff assistant to U.S. Senator John McCain specializing in business and economic development and immigration issues. Accomplishments included organizing a highly-successful business missions to Kuwait after the Persian Gulf War.

Karl is a graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor's degree in Organizational Communication and a Masters in Business Administration. He holds an Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America. Karl is president-elect of the Phoenix Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America, a member of the PRSA National Advocacy Advisory Board, National Association of Black Journalists, and Secretary of the board of directors of The Industrial Development Authority of the City of Phoenix, Arizona.

Ms. Marian Yim, Assistant Treasurer

In December 2007, Ms. Marian M. Yim was appointed by Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon to The Industrial Development Authority of the City of Phoenix, Arizona, Board of Directors.

Yim is a seasoned attorney with more than 20 years of public law experience. She has worked as an Assistant Attorney General, a staff attorney for the Arizona Supreme Court, counsel to the City of Phoenix Mayor’s office, as an adjunct professor for the College of Law at Arizona State University, and most recently served on the Arizona Board of Executive Clemency. Additionally, Yim is actively involved in the Asian community, serving on committees that promote diversity and equal opportunity in the legal field.

A native of Oregon and resident of Arizona since 1982, Ms. Yim has volunteered on many community and professional organizations, including the Arizona Supreme Court Commission on Juvenile Justice and the Phoenix Human Relations Commission. Currently she serves on the American Bar Association's Council on Racial and Ethnic Justice. Ms. Yim received her undergraduate degree from Vassar College and her law degree from Cornell Law School.

Ms. Rita Carrillo, Assistant Secretary

Rita Carrillo was most recently, the Executive Director of Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix, (NHSP) a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of central city neighborhoods through the development of home ownership opportunities. She is a former director of the Department of Commerce for the State of Arizona and has worked at all levels of state and local government.

Rita has served as a human resources manager for state agencies and as Arizona Director of the Four Corners Regional Commission (a multi-state rural economic development program. At the local level, Rita was on the staff of Phoenix Mayor Terry Goddard, serving as a liaison to the community and city staff for transportation and planning and zoning issues.

Prior to joining NHSP, Rita worked for Jamieson and Gutierrez, a public policy and business strategies consulting firm. Her primary focus at the firm was the development of an international partnership for a major real estate project in Mexico. Her private sector experience also includes working for Gannett Outdoor Company as the marketing manager for several major metropolitan markets.

Rita is bilingual and active in many community organizations. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Nordstrom Bank, Neighborhood Housing Services of America and Seedco Financial Services, a community development corporation based in New York City. She also serves as Assistant Secretary of the board of directors of The Industrial Development Authority of the City of Phoenix, Arizona.

Mr. Donald P. Keuth, Director

Mr. Keuth has been President of the Phoenix Community Alliance since January 1, 1998. The Phoenix Community Alliance (PCA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1983 to help create a dynamic and vital central city core.

Prior to joining PCA, Mr. Keuth headed the Phoenix offices for two architectural/engineering firms that focused on public sector projects including the Herberger Theater, the State Supreme Court Building, numerous elementary and high schools, parks and roadways. In addition to his duties at PCA, Mr. Keuth is also 2007 Chair of the City of Phoenix Planning Commission Board, member of The Industrial Development Authority of the City of Phoenix, Arizona, and a member of the Legislative Governmental Mall Commission.

He also serves on the Board of Directors for Valley Partnership and is on the Governing Board of the Tempe Union School District. Mr. Keuth is a member of the Phoenix College Advisory Board, the ASU Provost Business Advisory Council, ASU College of Nursing & Health Innovation Business Advisory Group, NAU President’s Valley Board of Advisors, and U of A College of Medicine Advisory Board. He also chairs the Channel 8-KAET Community Advisory Board and the President’s Advisory Council for Gateway Community College.

Mr. Sal Rivera, Director

In September 2009, Mr. Sal Rivera was appointed by Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon to The Industrial Development Authority of the City of Phoenix, Arizona, Board of Directors.

Mr. Winkleman was appointed by Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon to The Industrial Development Authority of the City of Phoenix, Arizona, Board of Directors in June 2009.  He has been a resident of Phoenix for over 26 years.  Mark is currently the Chief Operating Officer of ML Manager, LLC, a successor to Mortgages Ltd, which has emerged from bankruptcy.  He is working to return as much money as possible to the hundreds of investors that were damaged.

From January 2003 until May 2009, Mark Winkleman was the Arizona State Land Commissioner and directed the Arizona State Land Department, serving on the cabinets of Governors Napolitano and Brewer.  As the Land Commissioner, Mark was responsible for the management of approximately 9.3 million acres of land within Arizona that was put into trust at Statehood and used primarily to generate funds for public education.  During his tenure, the Land Department’s sales revenues exceeded $1.8 billion, breaking every revenue record previously established by the Department.

Mark Winkleman founded MGS Realty Partners in 2000 and continues to serve as its President.  MGS Realty Partners owns and operates various real estate assets and provides real estate advisory services.  From 2001-2208 Mark served on the Board of the BFA Liquidating Trust, which was responsible for returning approximately $450 million to the investors that suffered losses as a result of the bankruptcy of the Baptist Foundation.

Mark is currently the Vice Chairman of Valley Partnership, a real estate association advocating for responsible development.  He is also a licensed real estate broker and formerly a real estate attorney.