Meet Our Board

At his core, Dave Brown is driven to build community. As CEO of Valley Leadership, he empowers Arizonans to lead through the organization’s innovative programming that helps participants expand their perspectives and their network. VL then asks these leaders to put their skills to the test and make a difference on our state’s most pressing issues as part of Impact Maker. Prior to becoming Valley Leadership’s CEO in 2017, Dave was CEO of Home Matters and Executive Director of the National NeighborWorks Association (NNA), both working to raise national awareness of the need for better homes and communities across the country. Today, he serves on the board for Home Matters to Arizona, the first statewide Home Matters initiative focused on a new generation of housing, connected communities and healthier individuals, families and economies. Prior to joining NNA and spearheading Home Matters, Dave was a public accountant with Arthur Andersen and a financial litigation consultant with Navigant Consulting. Born and raised in Arizona and a proud Wildcat, Dave holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Arizona. He has a Master of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and a certificate from the Executive Program for Nonprofits at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business. Dave calls Tempe home with his wife, two children and favorite pet Winnie. Dave enjoys spending time with his family, watching movies and doing yard work.

As the Foundation’s Executive Director, Lyndsey is responsible for driving strategic initiatives; connecting with local community organizations; and inspiring partners to lend their time and talent in support of the Foundation’s mission. Her role includes fundraising, relationship development, community relations, nonprofit engagement, workplace giving and team member volunteer programming. Since the Foundation’s inception, over $18 million dollars in donations and grants have been awarded to 450 organization across 23 states.

Lyndsey is proud to volunteer her time with several organizations spanning issues of children’s nutrition, community empowerment, the advancement of science and reason, and improving the quality of life for individuals with autism and special needs.

John Wann-Ángeles is a career bilingual teacher and administrator with over 14 years of experience as CEO of the Orchard Community Learning Center, where he has led efforts in food justice and urban agroforestry. He is also an ISA Certified Arborist, bringing deep knowledge of sustainable land stewardship to the Spaces of Opportunity board.

As a founding member organization, OCLC has been involved with Spaces since the beginning, and John is honored to support the growth of this 19-acre urban farm rooted in the South Phoenix community.

John is currently enjoying the study of organic, biodiverse agriculture in Xalapa, Veracruz, further enriching his lifelong commitment to community-based food systems.

Dr. Dani Portillo brings a strong background in education and currently serves as the Superintendent of the Roosevelt School District. She holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies and has dedicated her career to equity in education and community-centered leadership.

Dr. Portillo joined the Spaces of Opportunity board to strengthen collaboration between the district and Spaces, working to develop programs that benefit South Phoenix families and students—especially in the areas of agribusiness, nutrition, and career exploration.

She finds joy in gardening and spending time in nature, passions that align with her deep commitment to serving the South Phoenix community.