DSUMF Executive Director: Lucille Sterling
Lucille Sterling began her full-time employment with the Foundation when she was hired as the Foundation's first, full-time Controller in June 2001. Previous to Lucille's service as Controller, an outsourced bookkeeping service was used to account for its funds.
Lucille was born and raised in New Mexico. Before moving to the Phoenix-Metro area, Lucille served as the Cashier/Operations Officer at a locally owned bank in Gallup, NM. Later, Lucille served as the Executive Vice-President and Director of the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce. While serving in this capacity she was charged with growing the membership of the Chamber of Commerce. She achieved the task and surpassed the Board's expectations. During this time Lucille scheduled, coordinated, oversaw and participated in various types of business seminars, presentations and fundraising events. She was involved in many local, regional and statewide committees and task forces to ensure the best interests of the business membership.
While working for the bank and the Chamber of Commerce Lucille taught evening and weekend banking and computer courses at The University of New Mexico-Gallup. She sat on the Boards of the United Way of McKinley County, the Downtown Development Group and prior to her employment there, the Gallup-McKinley County Chamber of Commerce.
When Kiwanis International opened their membership to women, Lucille was one of the first two women invited and inducted into the service club.
Lucille was honored and privileged to work closely with members of the WWII Navajo Code Talkers as they worked to create a museum and meeting place in the Chamber of Commerce building.
In the mid 1990's, Lucille relocated to Arizona to continue her education. While pursuing her degree in Accounting on a part-time basis, she also served as the full-time Administrative Assistant to the Council Director/Director of Congregational Development of the Desert Southwest Conference.
In 1999 Lucille decided to pursue her educational goals on a full-time basis. During that time, she worked part-time as the Secretary to the Executive Director of the Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation.
Lucille graduated Cum Laude from Arizona State University in May, 2001 with a B.S. in Accountancy. She is also a graduate of the New Mexico School of Banking from the Robert O. Anderson School of Business at the University of New Mexico.
Lucille and her husband Angel have two daughters, two granddaughters, four grandsons and one great-granddaughter.
Lucille enjoys the people she works with, has a high regard for the members of the DSUMF Board of Directors, and says, "I truly love my job, it's a pleasure to get up and go to work in the morning."
DSUMF Office Manager: Carol Fontenot
Carol Fontenot began with the DSUMF to provide support during the Forward in Their Footsteps Campaign. She now continues as the Office Manager.
Carol was born in Pittsburgh, PA. but moved to San Diego, California as a child. After graduating from high school, Carol began her banking career with Bank of America. During her 34 years in banking, Carol was fortunate to learn numerous aspects of both operations and lending.
In August of 2000, Carol met her husband John. She moved to Arizona in 2003 to marry John and start a new career. She worked as an office manager for Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic here in Phoenix for three years. In addition to her office related duties, Carol also assisted at outreach conventions and fundraising events such as the Annual Golf Tournament and Evening with the Authors.
Carol and her husband John combined have 5 children and 11 grandchildren. John is a minor league scout with the Los Angeles Angels. They enjoy spending a lot of their time watching baseball games and traveling in the western states looking for new prospects.
Further information about the Foundation may be found on the Foundation's website at www.dsumf.org.