• 2719 S. Reyes
  • Mesa, AZ 85202
  • Administration: 480-831-8314
  • Recreation Department: 480-831-7464

Listed below are the Board of Director Candidates for the 2024 election. Under each candidate’s name is their complete submitted and unedited bio.

2024 BOARD OF DIRECTOR CANDIDATES

 

Bradley D. Bettencourt

After spending most of my adult life in the East Valley, I moved into Dobson Ranch a few years ago and have enjoyed living in this area.  After gaining valuable experience in banks as a Credit Analyst and Credit Officer, as well as running my own business, I would like to assist the association and improve it as much as possible, especially on the financial side.  After graduating from Arizona State University with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, I spent time living and working in 3 other states and southern Arizona, but I returned to the East Valley because it is where I feel most at home, and it is where I want to be long-term.  Currently, my business is focused largely on real estate investment and we do business in 3 states.  In addition to the knowledge that I’ve developed in finance, working in real estate has been beneficial for learning how to work with contractors and deal with capital improvement projects.  Looking forward to working together to improve Dobson Ranch.

Bradley D. Bettencourt

1. What is your motivation for joining the Board of Directors? To assist the association and improve it, especially on the financial side. Working with financials consistently for years, in both banks and my own company, has been valuable. 
2. What skill sets and qualities will you bring to the Board of Directors?  Experience in 3 banks as a Credit Analyst and Credit Officer in addition to my own company. 
3. What specific challenges do you see facing the HOA?  Finances/Budget
4. What activities, events, programs, and/or amenities do you enjoy at Dobson Ranch?  Most of all, I enjoy having good neighbors and people around.
5. I have read Article VIII of the Dobson Ranch Bylaws on the responsibilities and duties of the Board Members. Yes.

Gunther W. Blankenship

My name is Gunther Blankenship.  I have lived in the same house in Dobson Ranch for 33 years.  I am a retired Sr. Industrial Engineer.   I worked in the Special Projects Group at the Boeing Company in East Mesa where the Apache Helicopter is built. My role was more of a business engineer and my main job duties were to investigate, analyze, recommend, and implement new processes and equipment for building the helicopter.  I mainly worked with various Directors and the Vice President of the company. Typically, my projects ranged from $50,000 to 10 million. I was also on the team that completely moved the Hughes Helicopter Division in Culver City to the Mesa plant.
 
I lived in a condo in a Mesa Coronado off Emerald in the late 80’s (about 50 units).  The owners ended up taking over the HOA from the developer because we felt we weren’t getting our money’s worth.  He was hiring relatives etc. to help run the HOA and do jobs for the HOA.  I ran the HOA for a couple of years. I have been retired for 13 years, so you might have seen me either jogging or riding my bike around Dobson ranch. I am running for the Board of Directors because I think we need to get our costs under control.
 
Cheers,
Gunther

1. What is your motivation for joining the Board of Directors? Reduce the Deficit.
2. What skill sets and qualities will you bring to the Board of Directors?  Sr Industrial Engineer
3. What specific challenges do you see facing the HOA?  Getting costs under control.
4. What activities, events, programs, and/or amenities do you enjoy at Dobson Ranch?  Jogging and biking.
5. I have read Article VIII of the Dobson Ranch Bylaws on the responsibilities and duties of the Board Members. Yes, I have. 

Sam Javelosa

Sam Javelosa
What skill sets and qualities will you bring to the Board of Directors? Leadership, business acumen, strong interpersonal and team skills.

What specific challenges to you see facing the HOA? Restoring financial health and building credibility and trust. 

What activities, events, programs, and/or amenities do you enjoy at Dobson Ranch? Community and family friendly events and many amenities. 

I have read Article VIII of the Dobson Ranch Bylaws on the responsibilities and duties of the Board Members. Yes. 

Objective: To serve as a member of the Board of Directors to achieve financial health and 100% reserves funding through fiscal responsibility and stewardship. I will work to build credibility, trust and enhance communications with Board and committee members, employees, and homeowners. I have been a DR resident since 2005.
Summary: Strong leadership, interpersonal and teamwork skills in managing teams
and organizations to achieve results, build organizational capacity,
effectiveness, trust, and communications.
Experience: Managing Director, Neurotransformation Institute, 2017 to present. Own and manage business providing leadership training to corporations. President, Vice President, Dobson Glen Association, 2007-2017: Led as President of Dobson Glen Board for over 7 years and as Vice President, for over 3 years. Implemented major capital projects including gas lines replacement and maintenance of assets without budget deficits and
special assessments. Senior Manager, United Technologies Corporation, 2006-2017. Managed and led HR teams to increase employee engagement, trust and support aerospace manufacturing facilities in over 7 states. Led training in people philosophy, leadership, mentoring, and emotional intelligence across all sites including Germany and India. Managed multi-million dollar budget, programs, and projects meeting budget and deadlines. Served as Ethics and Compliance Officer to ensure compliance and reduce liability. Director, Abbott Laboratories, 1985-2005. Led HR function to support Csuite officers reporting to CEO, Chief Legal Counsel, Chief Ethics Officer, VP Corporate Quality and VP of Legislative Affairs. Developed and launched company-wide Mentoring Initiative. Improved trust and communication with employees as measured by employee surveys
Education:
Masters in Management, Asian Institute of Management, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Magna cum laude, USC, Philippines

Nicole Lynam

1. What is your motivation for joining the Board of Directors?  To help lead our community with a focus on financial responsibility, repairing and maintaining our common areas, and promoting community engagement.

2. What skill sets and qualities will you bring to the Board of Directors?  Experience with Dobson Ranch Committees and Board. Extensive research leading to knowledge of HOA history, financial history, maintenance concerns, and operations. Experience running a business and how to do so with financial and operational efficiency.

3. What specific challenges do you see facing the HOA?  The past year has uncovered concerns related to operations, finances, and asset conditions. Overcoming and correcting these will be a challenge, but one that is possible. Changes have already started and need to be continued. Focus has shifted to maintaining our assets properly, which is critical for our aging community. The board and committees need smart, business minded volunteers to help guide the community in the right direction.

4. What activities, events, programs, and/or amenities do you enjoy at Dobson Ranch?  My favorite events and amenties are anything that encourages bringing our residents together and interacting. I have attended most of the events, committees, and have used many of the amenities. I love our lakes and pathways. I enjoy participating in our resident run clubs and how they are getting more involved.

5. I have read Article VIII of the Dobson Ranch Bylaws on the responsibilities and duties of the Board Members. Yes.

 

Holly Prasetio

I have lived in Dobson Ranch as a homeowner since 2015. When I moved to Arizona, from Washington State, I immediately knew that Dobson Ranch was the place I wanted to purchase my first home. The lakes, trees, and the family friendly community reminded me of home, and I could not imagine a better place to raise my now 10-year-old son. We enjoy walking/biking the paths along lake 1 and swimming at all four of the pools. The Spooktakular (Halloween) event has been our favorite since my son was a toddler and he’s been on the Dobson Dolphin swim team the past 2 seasons.

I am running for the Dobson Ranch Board of Directors because I am invested in this community and want to see it thrive. I want to ensure that homeowner rights are preserved and that our Association is managed responsibly. Our community is very unique in many different ways, and I believe it is going to take our experienced group of candidates elected to the Board to bring us out of the financial crisis we currently find ourselves in.

I will bring to the DR Board of Directors over a decade of experience working in the legal field and years of service on other Boards for several large non-profit organizations, including in the role of Secretary. I received my law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law (cum laude) and a Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Science degrees from Eastern Washington University (summa cum laude). I started my career working as a licensed attorney in the State of Washington and practiced in the areas of Estate Planning and Family Law. I moved to Arizona to pursue my dream career working for the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Program and in search of warmer weather. I transitioned into my role as a Mediator for the Maricopa County Superior Court about 5 years ago. I am a strong communicator, critical thinker, and problem solver.

Dobson Ranch is facing enormous challenges as we start 2024, both financially and with restoring trust of the Association back to the community. My priority upon joining the Board will be to address the financial issues, ensuring that we have the funds needed to operate and maintain our community, while keeping our dues low and affordable for the hard-working families in Dobson Ranch. This is particularly true for the nearly third of our community that resides in sub-associations and pay two separate association dues. I believe there needs to be better oversight of the projects our Association undertakes to ensure that money is spent wisely and efficiently. I value transparency and open communication with homeowners and will be committed to doing my part to engage the community and restore trust. I have spent the past six months attending Board meetings consistently, joined the CC&R committee, and spent considerable time reviewing the governing documents, financials, and project documents of the Association. I have become very familiar with the historical and current workings of the Association.

Thank you for your support as we move forward as a community.

Krysta Rader

My name is Krysta and I have been a proud resident of Dobson Ranch for the last 5 years. My husband and I were very intentional when looking for places to raise our young family. We chose Dobson Ranch for its proximity to schools we love, the traditions that bring generations together and the love of the idea of raising our children somewhere they would want to move back to when they choose to raise families of their own. I am a social worker in palliative medicine for a local hospital system and a graduate of the Leading for Change Fellowship program. My masters degree in social work has a focus in Policy and Community Advocacy from Arizona State and most importantly I have 4 amazing daughters I am raising in our community. I want to be a part of the Dobson Ranch Board of Directors to participate in spreading a transparent and responsive community message that Dobson Ranch can hold itself accountable not just to our finances but also our time honored traditions and residents. In revising outdated systems, and building policies that support the challenges facing us today, I hope to see us be both respectful of our history but also responsible to our residents hopes for the community today. I look forward to seeing you all on the ranch! 
Thank you,
Krysta Rader
 
1. What is your motivation for joining the Board of Directors?  My children represent the future of Dobson Ranch. I am driven to make sure that they are connected to our community and that the community is representative of them.
2. What skill sets and qualities will you bring to the Board of Directors?  I am a social worker, I have worked for non profit organizations and I am dedicated.
3. What specific challenges do you see facing the HOA?  Disorganization, distrust, misuse of residential resources and lack of representation.
4. What activities, events, programs, and/or amenities do you enjoy at Dobson Ranch?  Family programs, La casita preschool, holiday celebrations and deep rooted friendships.
5. I have read Article VIII of the Dobson Ranch Bylaws on the responsibilities and duties of the Board Members. Yes.

Andrew Rehn

 
A Cincinnati native, I have been in Arizona since 2000. My family and I have been living in Dobson Ranch since 2020. I have a strong technological and analytical background, with an education in understanding and interpreting regulations. I have owned my own business, led teams from 1 to 35 people, and worked on large collaborative projects as well as small, individual assignments. I am not easily phased, having worked as an environmental first responder for over a decade. I have lived and worked as a professor, abroad for over a decade. This, combined with my previous experiences, has allowed me to develop true empathy and effectively work with different demographics.
 
My family and I have truly enjoyed living on the Ranch. We take advantage of the pools, walking paths, and the dog park. I have met many of our neighbors and feel that I can represent the vast majority while on the board.

What is your motivation for joining the Board of Directors? I would like to help the HOA in fostering community spirit and implementing effective policies that will ensure our neighborhood remains a desirable place to live for all residents.

What skill sets and qualities will you bring to the Board of Directors? I have meticulous attention to detail. I am well versed in analyzing large data sets and making informed decisions. What activities, events, programs, and /or amenities do you enjoy at Dobson Ranch?

My family regularly uses the pools, we enjoy taking walks around the lakes and are frequent visitors to the dog park.

1.What is your motivation for joining the Board of Directors?  I would like to help the HOA in fostering community spirit and implementing effective policies that will ensure our neighborhood remains a desirable place to live for all residents.

2.What skill sets and qualities will you bring to the Board of Directors?  I have meticulous attention to detail and a reputation for meeting deadlines. I bring a wealth of experience to the table, having successfully managed both large and small teams throughout my career, including owning my own business. I am currently employed as a Data Analyst, so am well versed in analyzing large data sets and making informed decisions. My strong listening skills will ensure that I understand the needs and concerns of our community members, which will allow me to effectively represent their interests while on the board.

3.What specific challenges do you see facing the HOA?  Financials and budget.

4.What activities, events, programs, and/or amenities do you enjoy at Dobson Ranch?  My family regularly uses the pools, we enjoy taking walks around the lakes and are frequent visitors to the dog park.

5.I have read Article VIII of the Dobson Ranch Bylaws on the responsibilities and duties of the Board Members.  Yes

Ron Ricci

I’m Dobson Ranch homeowner and resident since 2012.  Elected to the Board of Directors in 2014 and re-elected in 2017. I served as President in 2018 and 2019 as well as temporary Executive Director for 7 months in 2019. During my tenure as President, and only with the help of a great Board of Directors, we created an environment that homeowners expected from their HOA by creating a financially responsible Zero-based budget that resulted in our Reserve fund to be 99.7% fully funded per our auditor, Butler/Hansen. At the end 2019, the Association had about $5.495 million dollars in the Operating Fund, Capital Fund, and Reserve Fund, per our auditor, Butler/Hansen.

No one can individually cause positive or negative change, but having a financially responsible team that can properly incorporate the needed changes, manage your financials, and leadership for the betterment of all the DR homeowners. What is your motivation for joining the Board of Directors? I believe I have the experience, the knowledge, and the skills to help our Association achieve greater financial solvency. I especially want to help my neighbors by maintaining community aesthetics and property values. What skill sets and qualities will you bring to the Board of Directors? I have a degrees in Business, Arts, Organizational Management, and a Certificate in Organizational Leadership. What activities, events, programs, and /or amenities do you enjoy at Dobson Ranch? I enjoy the Christmas Boat Parade, the Easter Egg Hunt, and Bark in the Park. Family-oriented events.

1. What is your motivation for joining the Board of Directors?  I believe I have the experience, the knowledge, and the skills to help our Association achieve greater financial solvency. I especially want to help my fellow neighbors by maintaining the aesthetics of our community and maintaining our property values.

2.What skill sets and qualities will you bring to the Board of Directors?  I have degrees in Business, Arts, Organizational Management, and a Certificate in Organizational Leadership, which include project management. In addition, I owned and operated my successful businesses, served 5 and a half years on the Dobson Ranch Board of Directors with almost 2 years as President and Chaired the Master Planning Committee.

3.What specific challenges do you see facing the HOA?  We are facing difficult times financially.  I believe we need to use Association assessments in a prudent and systematic manner.  We need to reinstitute our “Standard Operating Procedures” and other policies so as to not repeat mistakes of the past.

4.What activities, events, programs, and/or amenities do you enjoy at Dobson Ranch?  Some of the events that I enjoy most are the Christmas time Boat Parade, the Easter Egg Hunt, Breakfast with Santa, and Bark in the Park; mostly family-oriented events. Personal enjoyment is having morning coffee and looking out onto lake 1 and seeing my neighbors walk the lake path.

5.I have read Article VIII of the Dobson Ranch Bylaws on the responsibilities and duties of the Board Members.  Yes, I have read the Bylaws

Gary Smith

Hello Dobson Ranch Residents.

 

My name is Gary Smith and I am running for a Board of Director’s seat.

 

A little bit about myself. I am a Dobson Ranch homeowner since 1983, served on the Water committee, Bass Buster Club in the 80’s, The Lake Habitat Committee, and the Board 2 previous times. I have 3 College degrees in Business and experience with lake water quality and fish management.  In addition, I
obtained that experience by working with Az Game and Fish and Az Anglers United as a volunteer for many years.

 

I would like to maintain the appearance of the Ranch by progressively maintaining our assets, bringing prudent cost analysis to maintenance, and eventually strive to have our Reserve Fund over the recommended 70%.

 

The water quality of our lakes needs improvement.  The improvements would save money over time with the technology that is currently available and increase the ecological systems in our lakes thereby creating an environment that would encourage our residents to fish, especially our children.

 

1.What is your motivation for joining the Board of Directors?  I would like to rejoin the Dobson Ranch Board of Directors to help the Association return to a more stable financial condition.  In addition, making sure our lakes are preserved and inspire all homeowners to enjoy the sport of fishing and other water recreational activities here at Dobson Ranch.

 

2.What skill sets and qualities will you bring to the Board of Directors?  I was previously on the Dobson Ranch Board of Directors. I earned an AA, BS, and a MA in Business Administration and Management. 

 

3.What specific challenges do you see facing the HOA?  There are budgeting issues. We need to be certain that the Ranch is properly maintained in a financially responsible manner to preserve our assets and maintain our property values.

 

4. What activities, events, programs, and/or amenities do you enjoy at Dobson Ranch?  I enjoy the fishing and walking the lakes. I wish the “Kids” fishing day was still utilized since the children of the Ranch enjoyed the event. 

 

5. I have read Article VIII of the Dobson Ranch Bylaws on the responsibilities and duties of the Board Members.  Yes, I have.

 

 

Thank You,

Sincerely, Gary Smith