Meet The Childhelp Team

Michael Medoro is a passionate and people-minded leader with a profound commitment to serving communities and driving positive change. As a nationally recognized leader in philanthropy, Michael has led global initiatives for a number of national and multi-national organizations, including Project C.U.R.E. and Easter Seals.

As the Chief of Staff for Childhelp, Michael plays an integral role in developing and executing strategic initiatives, optimizing organizational processes, and fostering cross-functional collaborations to bring national awareness and financial resources toward the mission of Childhelp. Under the direction of Childhelp’s National Board of Directors, he is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the organization, cultivating strong community relationships and initiating strategic partnerships nationwide. Michael brings more than 25 years of public and private professional experience to the leadership of Childhelp.

Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in San Jose, California, Michael graduated from Bellarine College Preparatory, and as a first-generation college student, attended Seattle Pacific University, earning bachelor degrees in Psychology and Communications. With an MBA and master’s in Digital Education, Michael will earn his Doctorate in Education in the spring of 2026.

Christopher Wright is a seasoned executive with a proven track record in finance and human resources leadership. As Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief People Officer at Childhelp, Christopher oversees the strategic financial management of the organization, while also driving initiatives to optimize the employee experience.

With a strong background in finance, Christopher has spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance financial performance, streamline processes and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. This expertise extends to optimizing financial data pipelines, leveraging technology for real-time insights and fostering transparency across the organization.

In the realm of human resources, Christopher is dedicated to building and maintaining a high-performing, engaged workforce. Through strategic talent acquisition and professional development initiatives, he ensures that the organization attracts top talent, fosters a culture of continuous learning and empowers employees to achieve their full potential.

Christopher’s professional endeavors are aligned with his personal values. He is dedicated to Childhelp and its mission to protect vulnerable children and create a world in which every child is safe and loved.

David Lavergne is a strategic financial leader with more than 30 years of experience spanning nonprofit and for-profit sectors. As Childhelp’s Chief Financial Officer, David oversees the organization’s financial operations and compliance efforts, adhering to federal, state, and local regulations and guidelines. Passionate about driving organizational success, David is dedicated to optimizing financial systems while ensuring transparency and integrity. David is deeply committed to protecting children — rooted in his personal experience as a child abuse survivor — and lives in alignment with Childhelp’s mission.

Denise Biben is a collaborative leader with a strong commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive organizational culture. With more than 30 years of experience in local and national nonprofits dedicated to serving children and families, Denise brings a wealth of knowledge in managing complex administrative functions and driving organizational success. She believes in harnessing the collective talents of teams to achieve common goals and drive sustainable growth.

As Chief Administrative Officer at Childhelp, Denise oversees the strategic and operational aspects of the organization’s administrative functions, ensuring efficiency, compliance and effectiveness. With a proven track record in executive leadership and a deep understanding of business operations, she plays a pivotal role in driving Childhelp’s growth and success.

Denise holds a master’s in Counseling and is a Licensed Professional Counselor in multiple states. She is motivated by the opportunity to make a positive imprint in the world by saving and transforming the lives of vulnerable children.

John Hopkins is an accomplished executive specializing in information technology and compliance. As Childhelp’s Chief Information Officer and HIPAA Privacy and Security Officer, John leads the strategic management of IT initiatives while ensuring the organization’s adherence to all applicable laws, regulations and best practices.

With more than 38 years of experience in information technology, John has spearheaded transformative projects to enhance data security, optimize IT infrastructure, and implement innovative solutions that drive operational efficiency. His expertise extends to cybersecurity, data privacy and risk management, ensuring that sensitive information is safeguarded and compliance requirements are met.

Prior to joining Childhelp, John was President of Interaction Information Technology, where he led software product development projects, including healthcare solutions in the private, government, and nonprofit sectors, and corporate development projects focused on integrating, streamlining and securing information systems.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and an MBA, and is certified as a HIPAA Privacy and Security Expert, HIPAA Professional, Document Imaging Architect, and Cybersecurity Awareness Professional. Through Childhelp, John channels his passion into meaningful work that directly benefits the lives of children and families in need.

As Vice President and General Counsel for Childhelp, Sarah De Oliveira brings a wealth of experience and a deep, personal commitment to the welfare of children and families. Growing up in Boston, Sarah pursued a path in law at Suffolk University Law School.

Upon graduating from law school, Sarah dedicated her practice to providing affordable legal services in civil and criminal defense, representing children and families involved in the child welfare system, individuals facing mental health commitment proceedings and adults in guardianship cases. This foundation laid the groundwork for a career deeply intertwined with advocacy and justice for vulnerable populations.

In 2014, Sarah moved to Arizona, where she continued to champion the rights of children and families as an Assistant Attorney General in the Protective Service Section, representing the Department of Child Safety. Her passion for child welfare advocacy grew through her work with the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community where she served as a Civil Attorney and Guardian Ad Litem, representing children in foster care and adults in guardianships, and then at the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation as Assistant General Counsel.

Sarah is driven by the belief that investing in our children is the key to building a society enriched by capable, compassionate leaders. Her approach to legal advocacy is altruistic and practical, grounded in the understanding that the prosperity of our society hinges on our ability to foster environments where every child can thrive.

Daren Wendell is a results-oriented executive with more than 15 years of leadership and fundraising experience in nonprofit organizations. Daren’s steadfast commitment to excellence is evident in his track record of success in driving philanthropic growth and fostering community engagement.

As Childhelp’s National Vice President of Development, Daren leads strategic fundraising initiatives, cultivates major donor relationships and oversees national development programs to support the organization’s mission. His strategies have been instrumental in advancing substantial organizational expansion, marked by notable enhancements in mid- and major gift revenue. 

Daren holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive designation and is deeply committed to affecting positive change on a global scale. He has embarked on numerous charity passion projects, including completing a cross-country 100 marathons in 100 days, summiting Kilimanjaro and tackling the challenges of the Appalachian Trail — all fueled by his passion for philanthropy. Daren lives in Ohio, is an active member of Red Oaks Church, cherishes moments with his wife and their two daughters and hosts the successful podcast, “Kayak Fishing Obsessed.” 

Ken Bender is a seasoned executive with more than 20 years of leadership experience. As the Executive Director of Programs at Childhelp, Ken oversees a diverse portfolio of initiatives aimed at preventing, interrupting and treating child abuse. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence have significantly advanced the organization’s mission. 

With a master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University, Ken has more than 30 years of experience in child welfare and mental health, serving as a consultant to nonprofits and holding various leadership roles at Boys Town, most recently Vice President of Youth Care Operations. 

He has worked with state and community leaders and acted as a leading advocate in the passage of legislation that raised standards in residential quality care across Florida. Ken has advocated for children and families through assisting in the writing of state policy and the formulation of rules governing the implementation of the Family First Prevention Act. Ken has published two articles about quality residential care and currently serves on the board of directors for the Tennessee Alliance for Children and Families.

Ken’s expertise, passion and dedication embody the core values of Childhelp and inspire all those who work with him. 

Kenneth McKinley brings more than 20 years of dedicated service and leadership to the field of child welfare and advocacy. As Director of the Childhelp Children’s Center of Arizona, Kenneth is committed to providing a safe, supportive and nurturing environment for children and their families, ensuring they receive the comprehensive care, love and assistance they need to heal and thrive.

His extensive background spans child welfare, runaway and homeless youth services, human trafficking prevention and juvenile justice alternatives — all integral to child abuse prevention, intervention and treatment. Kenneth’s leadership is characterized by his dedication to positive youth development and trauma-informed care. He has been pivotal in incorporating evidence-based practices into the programs he oversees, ensuring they are both effective and compassionate.

Kenneth holds a master’s degree in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy, underscoring his belief in the interconnectedness of individual well-being and family support networks. His academic and professional journey reflect Kenneth’s unwavering commitment to improving the lives of young people and their families.

Armstrong Williams has extensive experience in television programming. Since 1995, Armstrong Williams has produced weekly television shows, which are nationally syndicated and air internationally. His extensive experience in television programming has produced prime-time specials with US Supreme Court Justice, Clarence Thomas; poet, Maya Angelo; Former Vice-President, Dick Cheney; Retired Pediatric Neurosurgeon, Dr. Ben Carson; Boxer, Floyd Mayweather; Comedian and television host, Steve Harvey, and the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu.

Mr. Williams is the host of “The Armstrong Williams Show”; a nationally broadcast show that airs on Sinclair Broadcast Group and Howard Stirk Holdings affiliates. Williams is also host of “The StrongCast” podcast and a syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate. He is the author of What Black and White People Must Do Now: A Prescription to Move Beyond Race, released 2020. He has been a frequent guest on shows and networks such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, Charlie Rose, CNN, MSNBC, Sky News, DC TV, TV-One’s News One Now with Roland Martin and the Joy Behar show.

In addition to his extensive background in television and radio, Mr. Williams is the founder and CEO of Howard Stirk Holdings (HSH). HSH creates multifarious content relative to politics, entertainment, and topics of social and cultural relevance. With six television stations as subsidiaries and plans for growth, the Federal Communications Committee (FCC) designates Armstrong Williams, the largest minority owner of broadcast television stations in the United States, which currently contains less than 2% [percent] minority ownership. 61% [percent] of HSH employees are minority, and 70% [percent] of Howard Stirk Holdings senior executives are minorities. Currently, HSH has 6 subsidiaries in the following cities: Birmingham, AL (2-stations) Flint, MI, Las Vegas, NV, Charleston, SC, and Myrtle Beach, SC.

Mr. Williams served as Dr. Benjamin Carson’s business manager; executive editor of American Currentsee Magazine in partnership with The Washington Times newspaper. Armstrong has also served on several boards such as the President’s Commission on White House Fellows, Newsmax Advisory Council, Independence Federal, S&L Bank board of directors, and presently serves on the Carson Scholars Fund.

In 2016 Armstrong was recognized by The Multicultural Media Correspondents as their Media Owner of the Year. Williams was also recognized in 2017 at as his alma mater, South Carolina State University (SCSU) with their Lifetime Achievement award. Williams also started Howard Stirk Holdings Media Fellows and D.C. Opportunity Media Scholarships. In March 2017, he donated $250,000.00 to his alma mater SCSU.

I am a scientist/entrepreneur, successfully and uninterruptedly garnering competitive peer-reviewed funding from the National Institutes of Health since 1992. My greatest fulfillment in co-founding TGen, the Translational Genomics Research Institute*, is the active role of mentor and coach afforded me in enabling future scientists, leaders, and entrepreneurs. In its 20 year history, TGen has launched over 20 biotech start-up companies, and fueled the academic careers of dozens of thought-leaders in the disciplines of cancer research, drug discovery, neurological disorders, diabetes, bioinformatics, and precision medicine.

TGen’s mission is to alleviate suffering. Our tools are those of the genome, the blueprint for human biology. My personal research pursuit has focused on brain tumors in both adults and children. Working with families as they seek help amid a fatal diagnosis in their child, I’ve gained heightened, present-tense appreciation for the power of hope and the relief from coming along side those in crisis.

My career is predicated on collaboration and synergy among peers, accommodating wide ranges of partners in the for-profit, non-profit, and governmental sectors. In seeking common ground, and crafting “win-win” strategies shared benefit is derived by all parties.

Active participation on the ChildHelp National Board will give outlet to my leadership experiences forming teams to achieve its mission with urgency, respect, and integrity.

• 2012-Present Deputy Director, Institutional Initiatives, TGen, Phoenix, Arizona
• 2010-Present Professor & Head, Brain Tumor Unit, TGen, Phoenix, Arizona
• 2007-Present Professor (Adjunct), Dept Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic.
• 2003-2004 Chief Executive Officer, International Genomics Consortium, Phoenix, Arizona
• 2002-2010 Co-Founder, Senior Investigator & Head, Brain Tumor Unit, TGen, Phoenix, Arizona
• 2000-2002 Director, Division of Neurology Research, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix
• 1999-2005 Co-Founder, Chair of SAB, Avolix Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Start-up biotech company
• 1997-2010 Founder, CEO, Creative Scientific Methods, Inc., Start-up biotechnology company
• 1990-2002 Staff Scientist, then Senior Staff Scientist, Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Neuro-Oncology Research Laboratory
• 1986-1990 Research Assistant Professor, University of California, San Francisco, Dept. of Neurological Surgery, Brain Tumor Research Center
• 1984-1986 Research Associate, Wake Forest University, Bowman Gray School of Medicine, Department of Ob/Gyn, Sect. Gyn Oncology
• 1982-1984 Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Zurich
• 1976-1982 PhD University of Arizona
• 1972-1976 B.S. Physiology, Arizona State University

Patents

• 2017 Genetic Signature of vulnerability to inhibitors of base excision repair (BER) in cancer. US Patent 9,637,798, May 2, 2017
• 2006 Cell Migration Inhibiting Compositions and Methods and Compositions for Treating Cancer, US Patent # 7,012,100. March 14, 2006.
• 1999 Guided cell sedimentation for biological studies. US Patent # 5,998,160, December 7, 1999.
• 1998 Induction of immune tolerance to tumor cells. US Patent # 5,723,718, March 3, 1998.

Currently, I’m semi-retired. I work part time with Know Your Strengths, a full-service company that helps its clients with employee development, job modeling, recruiting, hiring and executive coaching.

I also work as a volunteer for a community service organization located in Gallatin County, Montana. Love In The Name of Christ (LOVE INC) is a 501 c3 non-profit organization that mobilizes the resources of local churches, businesses and individuals to help meet the temporary needs of individuals and families in Gallatin County, Montana. LOVE INC offers its services at no charge. Services include providing food & clothing, trauma recovery classes, life skills classes, guidance with personal finances, car repair, home repair, furniture, linens and so much more.

From 2018 -2019, I was the sole Licensed Clinical Social Worker at the Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber, Montana.

During 2018-2019, I was a Volunteer with the Montana Help Center Hot Line. We handled crisis calls from people in need throughout Montana.

From 2003-2018, I was a Medical Social Worker with Livingston HealthCare in Livingston, Montana. I was initially hired by LHC in 2003, to serve as their Hospice/Homecare social worker. Through the years, my duties were expanded to include the delivery of medical social work services on behalf of Hospice, Bereavement, Swing Bed, ER, ICU, Medical Surgical Unit and Oncology/Outpatient staff. I obtained my Licensed Clinical Social Worker certification in 2007.

My focus has always been on helping patients and their families deal with the psychosocial, financial, and spiritual aspects of a patient’s illness. I feel fortunate to have been able to participate in the extensive expansion of social services being provided during my time at LHC.

I pride myself on being a team player and I enjoy participating as a member of an interdisciplinary team that strives to meet the needs of patients and their families. I have always enjoyed opportunities that enable me to use my educational background, work experience and passion to help others. In the work that I do, I’ve always enjoyed the challenge of finding creative solutions to complex problems.

Work Experience

1987-Present – Childhelp National Board of Directors

• Participated in providing board oversight to the operations of Childhelp.
• Current chairman of the Program and Quality Assurance Committee.

1992-2000 – Childhelp/Virginia

• Founding Board Chair, Childhelp/Virginia
• Founded a regional Childhelp Chapter
• Guided the setting of policy and procedures
• Helped to create, fund and operate the Alice C. Tyler Village of Childhelp, a residential treatment facility for abused children located on 271 acres in Culpeper, Virginia
• Member of a team that successfully obtained a “Joint Commission Accreditation” for the Alice C. Tyler Village of Childhelp
• Helped to initiate a child abuse prevention program in the K-12 schools in the metro areas of Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland.

2002-Present – Know Your Strengths

2003-2018 – Livingston HealthCare – Medical Social Worker (LCSW certification in 2007)

• Performed thorough psychosocial evaluation of each patient/family admitted to Home Care/Hospice/Swing Bed or the Medical Surgical Unit.
• Developed appropriate care plans and followed up as necessary.
• Facilitated communications with the Home Care/Hospice/Swing Bed/Medical Surgical teams regarding the social factors involved with the patient’s situation that may have a bearing on his/her medical situation.
• Remained knowledgeable on available community resources and shared information with co-workers, patients and their families.
• Provided bereavement therapy to Hospice patients and families as well as to assisted-living and nursing home employees.
• Educated and assisted patients on the preparation of advance directives.
• Spoke to community groups as requested about Home Care/Hospice, Advanced Directives, Bereavement and other end-of-life issues
• Worked collaboratively with other health care providers both within and outside of Livingston HealthCare.

2018-2019 – Volunteer with the Montana Help Center Hot Line

2019-2019 – Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Pioneer Medical Center in Big Timber, MT

2019-Present – Volunteer with Love In The Name Of Christ (LOVE INC)

Education

1966-70 – B.S., Social Work – Utah State University

1972 – Post Graduate Teaching Certificate – Utah State University

2002-2003 – Master’s Degree in Social Work, (Walla Walla College)

2007 – Licensed Clinical Social Worker Certification (LCSW)

2011 – Respecting Choices – Advance Care Planning Facilitator

2013 – Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP, PSW)

Dru Hammer was born in Dallas, Texas and reared most of her life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma State University and two-stepped her way through college. She was married to her husband of 25 years, whom she met on an airplane just a year out of college before moving to Los Angeles, where they raised their two sons, Armie and Viktor. They also lived in the Cayman Islands for four years and started a Christian school on the island, Grace Christian Academy. She now has two grandchildren, harper and ford.

During her marriage, Dru renovated 27 homes all over Los Angeles and was secretary of the Armand Hammer Foundation. She volunteered for 10 years at Los Angeles Dream Center working with troubled women, addicts and human trafficked victims. She is currently on the national board of Childhelp, which has rescued 12 million children from child abuse over the last 62 years. She is also on the board of directors at Joyce Meyer Ministries and at UPPERROOM Dallas.

Dru currently resides in Palm Beach and has now renovated over 40 properties. She started a foundation 10 years ago, hammeredheart.org, providing help to women. Children, and single parents through ministries and churches. Lately, Dru has started a new brand, druville.com, a homeware and clothing line, where a portion of all proceeds are donated, through her foundation.

Patricia D. Edwards has been associated with Childhelp since 1985 when she became a member of the Orange County Chapter in Southern California. Since that time, she has served on various board positions, as the Chapter President, the Chair of the California State Advisory Board and as a member of the National Board of Directors for Childhelp since 1997. Her personal commitment to Childhelp’s mission and her strong leadership skills have directly contributed to the success of major fundraising events in Southern California. Highly respected in the faith-based and secular communities, Patti has helped Childhelp exceed revenue goals in Orange County through fundraising events and cultivation of significant corporate and individual partnerships. Her grace and humility serve as an inspiration to all who know her, and her faith in God and prayerful approach serve as a testimony of love and hope to victims of child abuse. On a professional level, Mrs. Edwards worked with her husband’s family owned Edwards Theatres, Inc., where she served as the Director of Community Relations and then Director of Marketing. Earlier in her career, she worked in Marketing and Management for Great Western Savings and Loan and Bank of Newport. At present Patti is a managing partner with her husband Jim for Edwards Holdings, LLC. The Edwards live in Newport Beach, California, and have two adult children and four grandchildren.

Bill has spent his career managing businesses in the field of “special hazard” fire suppression technology. In that field Bill has been President or a senior executive in some of the worlds largest fire suppression companies. For over 40 years Bill influenced fire protection codes, built businesses, and grew their international presence.

After selling his last business, Firetrace International, Bill has settled into helping smaller businesses develop strategies for growth. Bill currently is an advisor to more than a dozen businesses providing insights to grow and expand their operations. In 2011 Bill was honored to be named the winner of the Western Region’s Entrepreneur of the Year award and was a finalist for Global Entrepreneur of the Year.

When not assisting the leaders of small businesses, Bill focuses on philanthropic activities, such as serving on the Boards of charities that advocate for children. Bill, along with his wife Laurie, actively serve as Board members and defenders of children wherever they can.

Bill is originally from Chicago but has lived around the world during his business career. Bill and Laurie now make Scottsdale their home. They also reside from time to time at their seasonal home in Flagstaff AZ.

Joseph M. Ciolli is a seasoned Restaurateur whose Coal Oven Pizzeria brand has developed a cult following in the United States. In 1992 after graduating from Arizona State University, Joseph in his goal of furthering his understanding of the restaurant hospitality business, joined Desert Fare Inc. During his four years with the Hollywood restaurant themed based company, he headed operations for two uniquely popular Arizona locations, known for their bold, unique setting. Eager to fulfill his entrepreneurial ambitions, Joseph left Desert Fare and returned to his hometown of New York City. There he searched for an ideal platform to build upon and it was while working with the famed Brooklyn New York pizzeria Patsy Grimaldi’s that his vision became clear. The three-generation old pizzeria with its devoted customers, perfected recipes and charming traditions must be shared with the world. It was this belief that became Joseph’s driving force and passion. By integrating aspects of fine dining with great pizza and unique New York inspired atmosphere, Joseph has grown Grimaldi’s into an American institution, with over 50 restaurants nationwide. With the brands success Joseph has remained devoted to the communities that have nurtured Grimaldi’s growth by contributing to numerous charities, Child Help, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Fight Night and Saving Hearts Rescue.

Jimmy Buckner is Founder and Executive Director of the Scarecrow Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit helping existing food pantries. Scarecrow’s cross marketing campaigns including fighthungerweek.com, derbyweek.com, gatorhator.com, bashbama.com and other events. Scarecrow activities and events bridge relationships, awareness, and fundraising amongst restaurants, media partners, brand sponsors, USA Boxing, the University of Tennessee, Pellissippi State Community College, highs schools, middle schools, and the city at-large. XHunger.com is Scarecrow’s national movement to help end hunger in America. Jimmy served on leadership boards including the Historic Tennessee Theatre, Childhelp Tennessee, FISH, and Alpha Tau Omega at the University of Florida. Jimmy’s professional background includes sales and marketing with American Express, leadership positions in various industries, and currently leads downtown211.com. Jimmy is a proud Gator receiving his degree in Advertising. Jimmy and his wife belong to the Episcopal Church of the Ascension. Muffet and Jimmy enjoy their teenage daughter Brooke, son Clark and his wife Hope, and Golden Doodles ZuZu and Macie.

Jill Babb has been associated with Childhelp since 2006 when she founded the Flagstaff Chapter of Childhelp. Since that time, she has been a major force in running the Chapter’s annual fundraiser. She has served on the Childhelp’s Arizona State Advisory Board along with being a member of the National Board of Directors since 2008. Jill is the owner of “Changes,” an interior design firm, since 1992. Jill is active in her community and has served as a member of Soroptimst since 1999, holding the position of President in 2005 and received the Soroptimist of the Year award in 2001. Additionally she has donated much of her time and resources to organizations like Hope Cottage, The Taylor House, Christ Church of Flagstaff, San Francisco De Asia, and also Big Brothers and Big Sisters Flagstaff mentoring a “little sister”. Jill lives in Flagstaff with her husband Bill, and has four grown married boys and five grandchildren.

Carol Hebets serves as the Executive Vice President and Secretary on the Childhelp National Board of Directors and also serves on the Childhelp State Advisory Board. She founded the Childhelp Wings’ Program for Parents and children in philanthropy. She is currently co-spearheading the Childhelp Survivors’ Network. Carol, and her husband Jim, are overseeing the Childhelp Global Community along with both Rod and Kim Cullum and Mike and Sheila Ingram.

In 2007, Carol was honored as a Trendsetter. She has served on the Board of the Arizona Foundation for Women, the Angels Auxiliary Board of the Arizona Foundation for Women, and is an Associate Member of the Phoenix Women’s Board for the Steel Memorial Children’s Research Center Auxiliary Board (PANDA). Carol has served as the Founder and Chair of the Beauty and Beyond Event for AFW serving at risk teens. Additionally, she has been active in serving several other charities in the Valley; i.e. Celebrity Fight Night, Heart Ball, Florence Crittenden, HomeBase Foundation and March of Dimes.

Her true passion is helping children, as she believes they are our future and deserve to have a voice, heard, cherished and protected.

Jim Hebets is President and Founder of The Hebets Company and joined NFP Corp. (NFP) in 2006. Jim and his wife Carol are blessed to have five children and eight grandchildren who are a constant source of joy in their lives. Jim is also a registered representative with Kestra Investment Services, LLC. The national headquarters for The Hebets Company is located in Phoenix, AZ and specializes in executive compensation and fringe benefit consulting, business succession planning concepts, wealth creation, estate preservation strategies and the facilitation of the purchase of extremely large amounts of life insurance. Jim also has extensive involvement in charitable works in a wide variety of areas. His most passionate involvement is in his role as the Executive Vice President of the National Board of Directors of Childhelp – the nation’s oldest and largest not-for-profit agency serving abused and neglected children.

Under Jim’s leadership, the Hebets Company has established a national prominence and reputation in the following practice areas:

Estate Planning for the “Exceptionally Wealthy”

Jim has spent 50 years serving many of our country’s wealthiest families and has developed long-term relationships that have now become multi-generational. Privacy, confidentiality, trustworthiness, cutting edge creativity and a deep and abiding concern for the personal well-being of each family member defines the essence of Jim’s involvement with his clients. Jim is often asked to play the role of “facilitator” when the “human” issues become complex. Ultimately, each client engagement needs a quarterback who actively and consistently monitors and reviews the ever-changing circumstances surrounding the lives of high-net worth individuals. Jim cherishes the personal touch involved in maintaining this style of relationship.

Executive Compensation and Fringe Benefit Consulting

Many wealthy families built their net worth in large part by creating and leading some of our countries most famous businesses. Jim is often asked to assist in the creation and execution of the Executive Compensation arrangements that these businesses utilize to attract, reward, motivate and retain the senior leadership team. The firm clients are located throughout the United States and include both mid to large size public and privately owned enterprises, as well as many tax exempt organizations.

Succession Planning

Many of the firm’s oldest and largest clients came to have Jim assist them in monetizing the wealth they had developed in their business interests. They chose the firm of The Hebets Company and Jim individually, because of his extensive background in understanding how to integrate the planning process of monetizing their business interests within the context of their overall estate plan.

Health Care Systems

The massive consolidation and growth amongst Health Care Systems has created an ever increasing requirement for the attraction, retention and appropriate compensation and benefit agreements for their senior executives and their top health care providers. Many of our nation’s largest Health Care Systems are facing the challenge of succession planning as their senior leaders are rapidly approaching retirement. These organizations are seeking the best and brightest ideas on how to assist the financial transition for those who will be departing and the most creative and financially efficient ways to attract and retain the talent necessary to replace them. We are among the nation’s most recognized firms qualified to help provide Board education and management strategies to facilitate these transitions.

Federally Qualified Health Centers

Jim and his firm, a subsidiary of NFP Corp. (NFP), is the lead partner facilitating a strategic national approach to Federally Qualified Health Centers. The Hebets Company has over 50 years of experience in delivering the highest quality compensation and benefits consulting and service to healthcare executives and providers around the country.

Who I Am: After graduating from the Pasadena Playhouse, I enjoyed acting for film, television and stage, but my greatest role has been dedicating my life to helping needy children for over five decades. Extensive work in a number of humanitarian organizations gave me a framework for volunteer engagement and management that I find invaluable to this day.

My nonprofit training took place through the Assistance League, the Mary and Joseph League, and several professional organizations. I have served on the board of directors of Children to Children, Inc., the International Alliance on Child Abuse and Neglect and remain an honorary board member for The Dyslexia Foundation.

What I Do: Each time I share the story of Childhelp, I always mention that volunteers are the backbone of the organization. When it came time to conceive of a national response to child abuse, I knew the job would require a lot of hearts working together to make this dream a reality. The Childhelp Chapters became a network of helping hands advocating for children across the country. I oversee national Childhelp Chapter fundraising initiatives, volunteer coordination, board development, strategic planning, celebrity stewardship and community outreach/awareness.

Sara O’Meara and I steward Childhelp’s mission in Washington D.C., supporting and developing bills designed to protect children from predators. We expanded those efforts to include Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe and Childhelp Speak Up Be Safe for Athletes to secure children in the classroom and during afterschool activities. Our goal is to have every child benefit from these lifesaving tools.

I have seen firsthand that nothing is impossible with the right team of philanthropists refusing to give up!

Since 1994, I served as president and CEO of my late husband’s company, Don Fedderson Productions. I manage the rights of the television programs he produced, including Family Affair, My Three Sons, and the Betty White Show. I served on the company’s board of directors for 30+ years. With more than 25 chapters and auxiliaries, over 2,500 volunteers nationwide and the blessing of more than $2 million annually, our network of philanthropists ensures that 91 cents of each donated dollar directly reaches our children.

I have one daughter and a grandson as well as a son with two granddaughters. My late husband Don Fedderson was a remarkable supporter of Childhelp, producing many programs to benefit our work. Don came up with a great motto for our organization that reflected his investment in our little ones: “For the love of a child.”

Awards and Achievements: Yvonne has received more than 100 honors and awards for her service to children, some of which include the National Children’s Alliance’s Champions of Children Award, the State of California’s Legislature’s Woman of the World Award, and the Women’s International Center’s Living Legacy Award. She and Mrs. O’Meara have been given the Kiwanis World Service Medal, the American Ireland Fund Humanitarian Award, The University of California Riverside Chancellor’s Founder’s Award, and Family Circle Magazine’s “Women Who Make a Difference.” Most recently, Yvonne, along with co-founder Sara O’Meara, have been nominated for the eighth time for the Nobel Peace Prize. Endorsements for the prestigious nomination include letters from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and former first lady Barbara Bush, along with numerous politicians, educators and corporate executives. Just recently she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Northcentral University.

Why I’m Here: It is impossible to look in the eyes of a child in need and do nothing. In 1959 Sara and I discovered a group of orphans that touched our hearts and we continue to be inspired by the little lives we encounter through this mission of light and love.

Who I Am: Since 1959, I’ve been co-leading the Childhelp mission to bring awareness to the issue of child abuse, develop intervention strategies and pioneer treatment modalities designed to comprehensibly attack abuse from every angle.

I was President of the Spastic Children’s League and an officer of the National Assistance League. I have served on the boards of international organizations concerned with children’s wellbeing. I have also served as Chairman of the International Alliance of Child Abuse and Neglect as well as being on the board of the National Children’s Alliance. As a board member for the International Union for Child Welfare, I was the sole United States representative among First Ladies and ministers of numerous nations.

A lifetime of professional work in the field has taught me that my most important lessons come from the children of Childhelp. Their courage and hope motivate me every day.

I lost my beloved husband Colonel Robert (Bob) Sigholtz in 2005. Bob was a highly decorated Colonel who fought in three wars – World War II, Korean and Vietnam. He was also the Athletic Director of Georgetown University. My youngest son, Charles, died in 1988 in an auto accident. Both of these remarkable men shaped the vision and values of Childhelp and I know their spirits are forever guiding my heart. I am blessed with my son John Hopkins, stepdaughter, Taryn, and three wonderful grandchildren, all actively dedicated to our mission.

Awards and Achievements: Sara has received more than 100 awards for her service to children, including the Arizona Foundation for Women’s Sandra Day O’Connor Award received in 2004. Others include an award for international collaboration to prevent child abuse presented by the Queen of England; a U.S. Department of Justice award presented by President Ronald Reagan; the Kiwanis World Service Medal and an award from the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs. She has been the recipient of several awards in Washington, DC, including the National Caring Award and The Hubert Humphrey Memorial Award at the Touchdown Club, and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the National Charity Awards Dinner. Most recently, Sara, along with co-founder Yvonne Fedderson, have been nominated for the eighth time for the Nobel Peace Prize. Endorsements for the prestigious nomination include letters from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and former first lady Barbara Bush, along with numerous politicians, educators, and corporate executives. Just recently she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Northcentral University.

Why I’m Here: For over 50 years I have seen miracles take place when a child is rescued with love, nurtured with care and inspired by hope. I believe every child deserves the right to be free from abuse and neglect in order to reach his or her ultimate potential. Childhelp changes lives and we are honored to have shepherded millions of children to safety with God’s help.