Name: Tamara “Tami” Bohannon
Twitter: @tambohannon
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FSLhelps
Website: www.fsl.org
Age: 60
Title: President & CEO
Married/Single: Celebrating 34 years of marriage with Jim Bohannon
Kids: Three amazing adult children: Jordan, Bea and Molly
City you live in: Phoenix
A typical day in my life includes… starting the morning by connecting with my body and mind – stretches and meditation followed by a cup of coffee and a few pages of whatever I’m reading at the moment. From then on, it’s all FSL! I always start the workday by checking in with my team, either by doing a lap around the office or sending some Teams messages. A typical workday is filled with connection points with various team members and external partners, strategizing how to expand our services to those who need them most. At the end of the day, I use my drive home to check in with my out of state family and then spend the evening with my husband, making dinner and walking our dogs.
I was born… in the central coast of California so I have the ocean in my blood.
My favorite thing about Arizona… the smell of the desert after a good monsoon storm.
I’m listening to…Norah Jones.
My family… is my life and we are scattered all over. . I look forward to the adventures of my three children and their partners. Additionally, I have four siblings and I promised my Mom I would keep us connected.
If I could have dinner with anyone, it would be… Erma Bombeck. I wanted to be the 21st century version of her. Reading her columns inspired me to be a writer and get my degree in journalism.
One thing I cannot live without… my hot tub – I had my right knee replaced and long soaks keep it from getting too stiff.
When I was younger, I wanted to be… the White House press secretary.
I’m inspired by… everyday people doing great things in our community and our world. They motivate me to get involved creating solutions! I’m also inspired by people who are inclusive and invite others to be part of that change. When you invite others in, you get a worldview that you wouldn’t otherwise, and a more creative solution as a result.
The one person who motivates me is… someone different every single day! There are so many people in my circle to pull strength and inspiration from.
If I could change anything in the world, it would be… that people believe the glass is half full, not empty! I truly believe that we thrive best in an abundance versus scarcity mindset.
The perfect day would be… one surrounded by family and friends where we could hear the ocean waves. There would be good food, conversation, and music and everyone would leave feeling hopeful and loved.
My first job was… at 15 with a Racquet Ball Club where I organized and delivered childcare.
My favorite escape… is getting lost in a good book – reading it from start to finish with no interruptions!
My life… is full of abundant blessings because I try to learn something new every day. It’s a little crazy at times but living proactively instead of reactively gives me an enormous sense of fulfillment.
I’m currently working on… earning my certificate as an End-of-Life Doula
Always… choose joy.
Never… try to have the last word.
Favorite Quote… “It is a sort of splendid torch which I am permitted to hold for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” – George Bernard Shaw.
Biggest Dream… to build a home that is eco-friendly, conscientious of the desert, and has room for multi-generational living. And that I didn’t have to worry about the cost!
My Pet Peeve(s)… people who have a scarcity mentality.
Bio-on yourself/company: In 2022 Tamara “Tami” Bohannon, CFRE joined FSL as President and Chief Executive Officer. As the “Servant in Chief” she works with a dedicated “True Blue” team to advance the agency’s mission of upholding health, independence and dignity for all through an integrated system of care that allows adults to age in place through home and community-based health services and the development of energy efficient and attainable housing.
Tami describes herself as an authentic and results-driven non-profit servant leader with 30+ years driving growth and executing strategies and innovative solutions that build and strengthen the community. She has a diverse background in non-profits within the US and internationally, including those focused on affordable housing, social services, education, disease prevention, homeless outreach, and child welfare.
She is a result driven leader who works to find solutions for challenges facing under-resourced people and communities, moving them from crisis to stability and on to thriving. Tami has her BA in Journalism/Public Relations from Fresno State University and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She is currently taking classes to earn her certificate as an End-of-Life Doula. A life-long learner, she spends 20 minutes a day reading or listening to articles to increase her knowledge.
Strategic Planning has long been a passion of hers. If you don’t have a plan, you don’t know where you are going or how to get there. Along with a healthy culture, she believes goals, objectives and timelines should drive the foundation and day-to-day work of herself and the FSL team.
Tami has been married to Jim for 34 years and they have three adult children spread all over the country! She serves on the AARP Arizona Executive Council, St. Francis Xavier Parish council, is a long-time member of Association of Fundraising Professionals and has served on the board and as the chair the annual signature event and awards celebration. She also serves as a mentor for the next generation of fund-raising professionals. Tami is a member of President Crow’s ASU Community Council and Age Friendly Arizona’s Leadership Team.
