Rooted in Community. Committed to Care.
For over two decades, Havasu Community Health Foundation has worked to improve the health and wellbeing of every Lake Havasu participant — through screenings, cancer support, food assistance, veteran services, and much more.
Our Story
Havasu Community Health Foundation was established in 2004 by a group of community advocates who saw a troubling pattern: too many Lake Havasu participants were going without essential health services simply because they couldn't afford them — or because no local organization existed to help.
We started with a simple idea — use donated funds and volunteer energy to bridge the gap between community members in need and the health services they deserve. Over the years, our programs expanded far beyond screenings to include cancer participant support, food assistance, veteran housing, chronic disease support groups, and youth health services.
Today, HCHF is a broad umbrella organization for dozens of vital local healthcare and social service initiatives. We are a charitable network of caring volunteers and staff — not a clinic or medical provider — dedicated to improving local health and wellness by managing, funding, and facilitating programs that make a real difference.
Founded as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity in Lake Havasu City Arizona
Health Programs and Labs & Screenings began
Veterans Health Awareness and Suicide Awareness programs introduced
Designated as Arizona Qualifying Charitable Organization (QCO); HCHF Food Bank and Social Services added
Grew our facility to house the expanding number of programs
Purchase and construction of the first full-service Veterans Housing and Program
Mission, Vision & Values
To operate as a charitable network of caring volunteers and staff dedicated to improving local health and wellness — by managing, funding, and facilitating health-related programs, social services, and community fundraising.
To build Lake Havasu into one of the healthiest communities possible, where participants live long, active lives and nobody feels isolated by an illness.
Compassion
We approach every community member with dignity, empathy, and genuine care — whether they need a screening, a food box, or a shoulder to lean on.
Access
We remove financial and logistical barriers so that cost, insurance status, or circumstance is never the reason someone goes without care.
Community
We are neighbors serving neighbors — invested in the long-term health, safety, and wellbeing of every person in Lake Havasu City.
Prevention
We believe early detection and proactive support save lives — and we're committed to making preventive care reachable for all.
Integrity
We operate with transparency, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to the people we serve and the donors who make our work possible.
Partnership
We work hand-in-hand with local healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations to deliver the best possible support.
Executive Team
Our Executive Director and Board of Directors provide leadership, governance, and financial oversight for the foundation.
Linda believes in the strategic thinking and the forward vision of the Havasu Community Health Foundation and she loves working side by side with all the dedicated directors, staff, and volunteers involved in transforming a vision into a mission focused on "A Healthier Havasu." Linda enjoyed a 22-year career as both a teacher and administrator in higher education. She and her husband, David, came to Lake Havasu City from the San Francisco Bay area after her retirement from Menlo College in 2005, where she served as Director of Administration and Operation and Interim Vice President of Finance. In 2012, she joined the HCHF Board of Directors, and in 2017 was asked to fill the role of Executive Director. Together with a dynamic board, she has grown the Foundation to 20 health-related programs and 9 social service programs serving the Lake Havasu community.
Scott has been involved with many organizations, projects, and fundraisers in Lake Havasu City and throughout Mohave County over the past 20 years. He has had the pleasure of seeing firsthand the difference that an organization like the Havasu Community Health Foundation has made for so many individuals in our community. Scott is an integral part of the HCHF team of volunteers and dedicated staff that will bring about real change in the lives of the people we serve. Throughout his 20 years of Rotary, Scott believes in the principle of "Service above Self" and continues to adhere to the values of the 4-Way Test. Scott's biggest strength is thinking outside of the box when reviewing programs and fundraising opportunities.
Carole and her family made a significant move from California to Lake Havasu City in 2000, motivated by a desire to be part of the vibrant community and scenic beauty that Lake Havasu offers. She and her husband, Jim, are car enthusiasts, often seen at local car shows while fully embracing life here in Lake Havasu and enjoying time with their children and grandchildren. Carole's service to her community is multifaceted — she volunteered with the HCHF Cancer Association of Havasu for several years, serving as chair for four of those years, then brought her expertise and dedication to the Havasu Community Health Foundation Board of Directors for a full six-year term. Her commitment to community health is further demonstrated by her role as a member of the Havasu Regional Medical Center Board of Trustees. We take pride in Carole's ongoing contributions to improving our community's local health and social services as she rejoins the Havasu Community Health Foundation Board of Directors.
Kathy has been a champion for health and wellness in Lake Havasu City since moving to the area in July 1984. Bringing over four decades of deep financial expertise and organizational vision to the Havasu Community Health Foundation, she plays a vital role in ensuring the organization's fiscal strength and long-term impact. Kathy studied at Cal State Fullerton before graduating from UCLA with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She began her career in the medical field before transitioning to public accounting, eventually earning her Enrolled Agent (EA) credentials and establishing her own tax and accounting practice. Following the loss of her husband, Kathy demonstrated her trademark resilience by furthering her education through Washington State University, earning a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation. A true cornerstone of the organization, Kathy was instrumental in launching the Havasu Community Health Foundation and proudly signed the original Charter for its Incorporation in 2004. As Board Treasurer, she remains deeply committed to the Foundation's mission and the vital health services it provides to the Lake Havasu community.
Virginia has been a resident of Lake Havasu City since 2011, serving as Store Manager of Dillard's Department Store — a role she has held for 24 years. She is a member of the Lake Havasu Sunrise Rotary Club, volunteering at events like the Balloon Festival, Brews and Brats, trash cleanup, and the Easter Egg Hunt at Sara Park. Virginia is also active in Women with Willpower, a local charity helping women get a lift up, and has served as a judge for the Senior Ms. Lake Havasu Pageant. Through Dillard's, she supports charitable organizations by donating gift baskets for fundraisers and silent auctions benefiting the Mojave County K-9 Foundation, HCHF Food Bank, Daughters of the Revolution, and Sunrise Rotary. Virginia loves serving on the HCHF Board of Directors and is currently in her second term as Chairman of the Board. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, she served during Desert Shield and Desert Storm, stationed in Alconbury, England in support of the A-10s. In her free time, she enjoys riding her Harley, hiking with her dogs, and spending time with her husband on the lake.
Howard recently returned to the Havasu Community Health Foundation Board of Directors. During his time away — having experienced a heart issue complicated by COVID-related scheduling delays — Howard began organizing the Heart Support Department of HCHF to serve the Lake Havasu region. Working alongside care providers and physicians, the department aims to reduce anxieties and answer important questions that lead to quicker personal health outcomes. Howard continues to serve as a volunteer on the Arizona Supreme Court staff and heads up an education endowment initiative to help young adults in the community.
Linda came to the attention of the Havasu Community Health Foundation through her SoldOnGiving.com program. A local realtor, she and her daughter Sam sell one or two homes in Havasu every week — and with each sale they donate to a local charity chosen by their buyers and sellers. Many of the Havasu Community Health Foundation's programs have been recipients. Prior to moving to Havasu with her husband 25 years ago, Linda was the CEO of a housewares distribution company recognized by Inc. 500 for her marketing talents. Linda and both of her daughters were born in Dinkelsbühl, Germany — voted the prettiest small town in Germany — and they still spend time there every year.
John is the General Manager of the White Sheet Publications Eastern Division, a position he has held for the past 30 years, responsible for all employees, sales efforts, and day-to-day operations. He served on the Board of Directors for the Lake Havasu Area Chamber of Commerce, including as Chairman of the Board. John graduated from the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Minor in Accounting. He began his advertising career in North Dakota working for the Minot Military Newspaper (the Sentry), the Minot Visitors Guide, and the statewide Softball News, before becoming Advertising and Marketing Director for the Grafton Record — the largest bi-weekly paper in North Dakota — and a partner in the weekly publication The Buyers Choice. John looks forward to putting this experience to work as a board member for the Havasu Community Health Foundation.
Nate is originally from Trenton, New Jersey, and came to Lake Havasu at age 12 when his family visited his aunt and uncle — and never left. He graduated from Lake Havasu High School in 1983. In March 1985, Nate joined the U.S. Air Force, completing basic training at Lackland Air Force Base before attending the Security Police Academy and becoming a Law Enforcement Specialist. He was stationed at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona and RAF Bentwaters/Woodbridge in England, serving during the Cold War and Desert Storm. While stationed in England, he met his wife of 33 years, Andrea. After leaving the Air Force in 1992, Nate and Andrea returned to Lake Havasu City and started a family. He spent 24 years in the Indian Casino Gaming Industry, advancing from HVAC Engineer to Tribal Gaming Agent to Table Games Manager. He later joined Allo Fiber as a Public Relations, Event Coordinator, and Sales Support specialist, working across Arizona in Yuma, Kingman, and Lake Havasu — partnering with state and city governments, schools, civic organizations, veterans groups, youth organizations, and charities. Nate believes the Havasu Community Health Foundation is a great organization made up of people who genuinely want to help others and make Lake Havasu City a better place, and he is proud to be part of that mission.
John's dedication to community health drives his board service, contributing to HCHF's efforts to provide affordable care and support to those in need.
Michelle brings energy and commitment to HCHF's board, supporting initiatives that improve health outcomes and strengthen the Lake Havasu community.
John and his wife Barbara have been residents of Lake Havasu since June 10, 1993, arriving from Tipp City, Ohio with their two daughters. Both daughters are now school teachers in Arizona and have given them five healthy grandchildren. Barbara has been employed by HCHF since 1970. John grew up in Michigan City, Indiana, attending St. Mary's Grade and High School before earning a B.S. in Business Management from Indiana University. Between high school and college he served in the Marine Corps, including a tour of duty in Vietnam with the Marine Corps Air Wing. John has been a member of the Lake Havasu Sunrise Rotary Club since 1994, serving as Treasurer, Vice President, President, and Assistant District Governor for Rotary District 5490. He and Barbara are members of Mt. Olive Church, where he has served as Treasurer. John has been a board member of HCHF since 2011 and served as Board Chair from 2011 until 2017.
Staff Members
Our dedicated staff work every day to connect Lake Havasu City participants with the health and social services they need.
Get Involved
Whether you need help, want to support our mission, or are looking to volunteer — we'd love to connect with you.