Leyvas, Mero and Narramore bring decades of nonprofit experience to community organization

PHOENIX—Valley of the Sun United Way announced today the addition of three new vice presidents to the organization’s leadership team that will help lead its five-year plan for Mighty Change by 2026.

With decades of combined nonprofit experience, Valley of the Sun United Way welcomed Sam Leyvas as vice president, corporate relations and social responsibility; Cindy Mero as vice president, individual donor engagement; and Ryan Narramore, APR, as vice president, brand and marketing.

Sam Leyvas
Vice President, Corporate Relations and Social Responsibility

Longtime Valley nonprofit executive Sam Leyvas joined Valley of the Sun United Way as vice president, corporate relations and social responsibility. Responsible for achieving the organization’s corporate partnerships and development goals, Leyvas will focus on building and deepening relationships that generate financial resources to support the mission of Valley of the Sun United Way, create impact for the community and advance the objectives of corporate and foundation partners.

Most recently, Leyvas served as the executive director of HomeAid Phoenix after returning to the Valley from Washington, D.C., where he was vice president, strategic partnerships for the Stand Together Foundation. Leyvas also spent nearly a decade in the Valley leading First Things First, where he served two years as vice president, external affairs, and then four years as chief executive officer. In service to the community, he is a founding board member for Friends of the Children – Phoenix, serves on the City of Phoenix’s Civil Service Board and is a Big Brother Big Sisters mentor.

Leyvas holds an MBA from the University of Arizona and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northern Arizona University. He can be reached at sleyvas@vsuw.org.

Cindy Mero
Vice President, Individual Donor Engagement

Fundraising professional Cindy Mero joins Valley of the Sun United Way as vice president, individual donor engagement, where she will focus on building, growing and retaining individual donors by leading the organization’s fundraising efforts, including major gifts, planned giving, Tocqueville Society, leadership giving and affinity groups such as Women United, Bench and Bar, Young Professional and Retire United.

Before joining Valley of the Sun United Way, Mero was the senior director of philanthropy for Dignity Health/St. Joseph’s Foundation and spent several years at the Arizona State University Foundation, where she led successful fundraising and engagement campaigns for the university, including annual giving and major gifts. She has also served in related roles for the American Red Cross, Ryan House and Banner Health Foundation. In the community, Mero is actively engaged as a volunteer member of the North Central Women’s League, ASU Women and Philanthropy, and The Junior League of Phoenix.

Mero holds a bachelor’s degree from Northern Arizona University. She can be reached at cmero@vsuw.org.

Ryan Narramore, APR
Vice President, Brand & Marketing

A Valley native, Ryan Narramore, APR, brings more than 16 years of public relations, advertising, marketing and communications experience to the role of vice president, brand & marketing, where he will strategize, develop and manage the brand strategy and a multi-faceted marketing plan to inform, engage, deepen relationships with and drive action among donors, volunteers, corporate leaders, nonprofit and school partners, community leaders, Board of Directors, elected officials and other audiences.

Prior to joining Valley of the Sun United Way, Narramore led Southwest Human Development’s marketing and communications efforts for 10 years and has also worked with a wide range of nonprofit, technology, sports and government organizations. In the community, Narramore serves as the past chair of the Public Relations Society of America’s Western District.

Narramore holds a master’s degree in strategic public relations from The George Washington University, undergraduate degrees in public relations and advertising from Northern Arizona University and is accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America. He can be reached at rnarramore@vsuw.org.

Leyvas, Mero and Narramore each started their new roles in late spring. For career opportunities or to learn more about Valley of the Sun United Way and its plan for Mighty Change 2026, visit www.vsuw.org.

About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way envisions a community where every child, family and individual is healthy, has a safe place to live, and has every opportunity to succeed in school, in life and in work. As we work with our community, corporate and nonprofit partners to implement MC2026, our five-year plan for Mighty Change, we will put all of our efforts toward reaching bold goals for Maricopa County in health, housing and homelessness, education and workforce development. Join us at www.vsuw.org.

Media Contact: Ryan Narramore, 602-499-8894, rnarramore@vsuw.org

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