Meet the Development Staff

Steve Walker

Steve Walker is the Executive Director of College Development and the YC Foundation. Steve first moved to Prescott with his family in 1973. Following graduation from NAU School of Forestry, Steve worked as a private environmental consultant and director in the US Forest Service throughout the western US. Before returning to Prescott with his wife, Denise, Steve spent 14 years as the Executive Director of Bat Conservation International, the Texas and Mexico Chapters and Migratory Bird Program of the Nature Conservancy. In addition to his work at Yavapai College, Steve serves on the Central Arizona Land Trust Board and the Prescott Mayor's Open Space Acquisition Committee.

Building 32, Room 217; (928) 776-2063

Linda Buchanan

Linda Wolfe Buchanan serves as development officer and major gifts planner for the Greater Verde Valley Chapter of Yavapai College Foundation, Linda earned her associate's degree at Yavapai College, bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies at Old Dominion University, and master's degree in educational leadership at Northern Arizona University. With a background in private and public enterprise, Linda enjoys working with individuals, families, and organizations to develop outright gifts and planned giving in support of Yavapai College students and programs. Linda believes the greatest gift bestowed is that of education. If you would like to discover how your gift can empower Yavapai College in providing educational, social, cultural and economic opportunities in the Verde Valley or Sedona, please contact Linda. Campus visits are encouraged!

Verde Valley Campus, Building H, Room 105; (928) 634-6530

Linda Clark

Linda Clark is the new Development Office Manager for the Foundation’s Greater Verde Valley Chapter in Clarkdale. Linda brings 13 year’s experience coordinating fundraising activities at two other northern Arizona community colleges. She most recently served as director of the Coconino Community College Foundation in Flagstaff. In addition to her fundraising background, Linda has a B.S. in Communications and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, both from Northern Arizona University. Linda is currently engaging the chapter in developing an overall strategic plan with financial goals and objectives for various fund raising activities. She is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and plans to get involved with its Northern Arizona Chapter. Linda and her husband, Duane, are happy to be back in Arizona after a five-year hiatus in Idaho. They previously lived in northern Arizona for nearly 18 years; Show Low/Pinetop and then Flagstaff. As a community college graduate, Linda says she understands how community colleges and their foundations can impact the lives of their students. “Community colleges help change lives. I enjoy the role I play in promoting those efforts and the efforts of our foundation.”

Verde Valley Campus, Building H, Room 105; (928) 634-6530

Barbara Claybaugh

Barbara Claybaugh has a diversified background in personnel management, fund raising, public relations, promotions, and special event planning. Prior to becoming Alumni Outreach Director, she served as Director of Resource Development with Yavapai College, where she oversaw the fundraising activities for The Del E. Webb Family Enrichment Center/Lab School. Previous jobs include Assistant Dean of External Relations for the University of California, Irvine Graduate School of Management, and served as Director of Alumni Services at the University of Southern California. Her early career included a position in the City of Milwaukee Mayor's Office. Barbara earned her B.S. in pre-med from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Building 32, Room 209; (928) 776-2359

Kim Flores

Kim Flores is the Coordinator of College Development and Foundation. Kim’s twenty-five years of office management, fundraising and event management experience encompass a wide range of skills. Kim lives in Prescott with her husband Anthony and their children Maxwell and Isabel.

Building 32, Room 214 (928) 776-2025

MaryAnn Gallagher

MaryAnn Gallagher is the Foundation assistant. Prior to moving to Prescott in 2007, she had a 37 year career with the Mesa Unified School District, most recently working as an executive secretary to the associate superintendent. She has been married for over 40 years and has two sons and grandsons. In her free time, MaryAnn assists her husband Dennis, a bronze sculptor, in fine art shows in the Valley and Prescott.

Building 32, Room 216; (928) 771-6171

Deb McCasland

Deb McCasland has worked for Yavapai College since 1976, starting as the student activities director. She is the founder of the College’s Community Events Program, directing and developing it through the years until 2008. Today she serves the YC Foundation as director of major gifts spending much of her time working with donors making bequests and other planned gifts. Deb earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from NAU and her associate’s degree from Yavapai College. Deb and her husband, Jim have two adult children who also live in Prescott.

Builidng 32, Room 100; (928) 776-2034

Jeanne Welch

Jeanne Welch is the Director of Finance and Operations for the YC Foundation. She has a B.S. in Accounting from Arizona State University. She started her career as a tax CPA for Arthur Andersen & Co., in Phoenix and has been with the Foundation since December 2006. Jeanne and her husband, Jim, live in Groom Creek.

Building 32, Room 219; (928) 717-7615