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Nancy Roach

As the executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Phoenix, Roach saw to it that the original house in Phoenix underwent major expansions and renovations; it now has 45 guest rooms for families to have a home away from home as their children receive medical care. She also provided funding for two successful campaigns to provided funding for Ronald McDonald Houses on the campuses of Phoenix Children's Hospital and Cardon Children's Medical Center.

What impact do you hope to have on the Valley? “In my 26 years in the Valley, I have been given many blessings from great friendships and tremendous cultural opportunities to access to world-renowned medical care. Now, my life’s work centers around providing those same blessings to others who are not as fortunate. I do that by working with a remarkable team, a board of directors and a incredibly generous community at the Ronald McDonald House, where families stay while their children undergo medical treatment in the Valley, a medical destination for pediatric care. Although I cannot personally impact every family, I can be like the man who made a difference to every starfish he threw back into the ocean, by helping one family at a time with a home away from home when they need it the most.”

Local Loves:

Restaurant: Hillstone, America's Taco Shop

Annual event: Ronald McDonald House's "A McNight to Remember" Gala

Spot to unwind: My favorite chair, in my house, with a good James Patterson novel

Hidden gem: The La-Z-Boy furniture outlet

Place to work up a sweat: Jazzercise

Staycation spot: Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

Ways to give back: Volunteer with community organizations and share my expertise in nonprofit accounting and management