Originally from Wellesley, Massachusetts, I moved to Europe for work and then graduate school. I received an M.A. from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) with a focus on European Studies and International Economics, as well as an MBA from the European Institute of Business Administration (INSEAD). After spending a decade in international banking, I changed the course of my personal and professional life by going to the Barbara Brennan School of Healing and started working as a holistic health practitioner. In the fall of 2021, we moved my elderly parents in with us, so we now have three generations living under one roof.
Why I am running for the RRREMD Board: I have been a decades-long advocate of non-toxic solutions that protect human, animal and environmental health. As a Member of Parliament in Geneva, my husband was instrumental in eliminating glyphosate from local agriculture. His political engagement inspired me to run for the RRREMD Board when I learned Roundup was being used in the RRREMD. I am committed to ensuring we use effective, non-toxic solutions. With my financial background, I also have the financial acumen to represent residents’ concerns for fiscal responsibility.
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| Karen McClelland |
In 1987, my son and I moved to the Village of Oak Creek. He was three at that time and has since graduated from Sedona Red Rock High School and NAU. We lived with my parents Joan and Clyde McClelland at first, and bought a house in VOC in 1989. I worked for the USPS in Sedona for 25 years, for a savings and loan, and a small store uptown. Before moving to Sedona, I worked in retail management for Kmart and for several banks in the US and Canada.
In 2002 I ran for an elected position on the Sedona-Oak Creek governing board and am now running for re-election to a sixth term on that public board. As a school board member, I have been recognized as a master of boardsmanship, chosen as an All-Arizona School Board Award recipient and Legislative Advocate of the Year. I have experience as a member of a publicly elected board, and several statewide and local non-profit 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) boards.
Why I am running for the RRREMD Board: I collected signatures to create the RRREMD. My mother was very involved with the Big Park Regional Coordinating Council, VOCA, Yavapai County and the All American Road Committee. I see my election to the RRREMD board as a continuation of my mother’s involvement in the preservation of our community for ourselves and future generations. As a simple but important step, we must return to the use of a non-toxic weed control program. I believe that we can accomplish this and also make the RRREMD Board better known and more responsive to the residents of VOC and Big Park.
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| Stephen Smith |
While only being a Sedona (VOC) resident since early 2018, my wife and I have owned property here for 20 years. I spent two years at NAU (1975-6) and graduated from ASU in 1978, so my roots and love for the area run deep.
Originally a Chicago area native, I returned to Chicago after ASU and worked for a national retailer as an Advertising Specialist for several years. I then worked for the largest publicly-traded shopping center developer in several locations across the country, ultimately being recruited by another firm where I spent the rest of my career. Although my background was advertising/marketing, I quickly developed an interest in all aspects of commercial property management. Leasing, operations, financial planning, security and executing large capital projects, to name a few areas, became my areas of expertise.
Since moving to Sedona, I have been our HOA board president for three years and vice-president for one year, not to mention being a current RRREMD board member…it’s time to give back and serve my community and neighbors who make living here a gift my wife and I cherish each day.
Why I am running for the RRREMD Board: When asked to fill an opening on the RRREMD board in 2021, I gladly accepted. During that time, I have learned about, but certainly not all, the complicated organizational structure and governmental relationships. A better understanding of our Agreements and trying to be an advocate for more efficient administration is of great interest to me, after all, I’m a resident tax payer as well.
As RRREMD manages what I have long considered the primary gateway into the Greater Sedona Market, I will strive to make that first impression a consistently great impression for our guests and residents alike.
