Meet Our Executive Leadership Team

  • Jackson Fonder

    Chief Executive Officer

    Jackson has made a career of bringing people together to solve big, complex issues that positively impact the community. Service is the common thread of his career, which spans three major sectors: nonprofit, business, and the military.

    For the last decade, Jackson has had the honor of serving some of the country’s most vulnerable populations who struggle with basic health and human services needs. Most recently, as the President and CEO of Catholic Charities Madison, he worked with a staff of 400 employees, 1,500 volunteers, a board of directors, and community leaders to respond to the growing needs of the marginalized in South Central Wisconsin and effect positive change.

    Before joining the nonprofit world, Jackson spent 15 years as the executive director of USAA’s Phoenix Campus, leading the day-to-day operations and community outreach for its largest customer service center outside the home office. During his tenure, he honed his leadership skills and learned from exceptional mentors who instilled in him the meaning of teamwork and customer service.

    Jackson’s career began in the U.S. Air Force and Air National Guard, where for over 22 years, he learned the power of focused discipline and collaboration. At a young age, he was afforded the unique opportunity to lead projects and people, culminating in serving as the Commander’s chief advisor and as Director of Protocol at the White House Communications Agency.

    Jackson earned his bachelor of science degree in business management from Park University and an MBA from the University of the Incarnate Word. He also was awarded a leadership certificate from Arizona State University’s Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation and completed executive programs from Harvard Business School and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.

    When he is not running toward challenges, Jackson is just running – a lot. As an ultrarunner, he enjoys pushing himself with lofty goals and then making them happen. An aficionado of bow ties and caramel lattes, Jackson and his wife Kathleen have three grown children and a beloved dog named Blue.

  • Monique Lopez

    Chief Operating Officer

    Monique Lopez is a visionary leader committed to UMOM New Day Centers’ mission of preventing and ending homelessness for the most vulnerable individuals and families in Arizona. As COO, she leads key departments, ensuring UMOM delivers life-changing services with efficiency and impact. With over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Monique has played a key role in shaping strategies that drive continuous improvement and innovation.

    In 2023, Monique was selected as a Piper Fellow, a prestigious recognition that allows her to further enhance her leadership capabilities and gain insights into successful social enterprise models. Her commitment to UMOM’s vision is evident in her dedication to breaking the cycle of homelessness through impactful programs, community engagement, and unwavering support for her staff and clients. Monique’s leadership continues to fuel UMOM’s transformative impact on the community and its mission to end homelessness.

  • Bev Elwell, CPA

    Chief Financial Officer

    Bev Elwell has over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector with an emphasis on helping others. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Arizona State University, as well as a Certificate of Public Accounting with the State of Arizona and the State of Oregon.

    Bev’s Christian faith compels her to utilize her financial aptitude through nonprofit leadership roles in assisting vulnerable populations. UMOM’s mission statement of ending homelessness speaks to a purpose-driven life she aspires to have.