Salt River Community Children’s Foundation Board Members

Board of TrusteesFounding Board Members
Chair, Devanie Hawkins
Vice Chair, Angelica Valadez
Trustee, Marshall Loring
Trustee, Bryce McGertt
Trustee, Adam Ruiz
Tom Largo
the late Robert Scabby

Meet the Board

Devanie Hawkins | Chair

Devanie Hawkins is Onk Akimel O’Odham and an enrolled member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. She has a strong passion for child welfare and has served her Community since 2018 through the Social Services Department, where she currently holds the position of Community Liaison. Devanie is pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work at Arizona State University and hopes to use her education to strengthen tribal child welfare through facilitation and culturally grounded onboarding practices.

Devanie takes great pride in being a mother to her son, Chance, and enjoys spending time with her family. She is a former Miss Salt River (2011–2012), Jr. Miss Salt River (2008–2009), Young River Peoples’ Council President, and Council Member. These experiences shaped her deep commitment to investing in Community youth and reinforced her belief in the power of support, encouragement, and mentorship in positively influencing a young person’s life.

Devanie is honored to serve as a member of the Salt River Community Children’s Foundation and strongly believes in the mission and work of the Board. She is committed to supporting the Board in advancing its goals, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring resources continue to positively impact the children and families of the Community.

Angelica Valadez | Vice-Chair

Angelica Valadez, an enrolled member of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community, who proudly represents her Onk Akimel O’odham heritage. As a dedicated mother to two teenage daughters, Jizelle and Brielle, she balances family life with a strong commitment to education and professional growth.

Angelica earned her Associate degrees in Business and Arts from Scottsdale Community College and is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics. She currently works for her community as a Budgets & Accounts Specialist within the Information Technology (IT) department.

Passionate about giving back, Angelica is honored to serve on The Salt River Community Children’s Foundation, where she strives to create valuable opportunities for the youth of her community. With gratitude for the chance to make a meaningful impact, she looks forward to supporting the next generation.

Sapo Dai Hugai.

Bryce McGertt | Trustee

Bryce McGertt is an enrolled member of Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community who brings meaningful lived experience and a passion for service to the Salt River Community Children’s Foundation (SRCCF).

He currently serves as a Marketing & Community Relations Coordinator with Salt River Materials Group, supporting marketing initiatives, community partnerships, and outreach efforts. Bryce holds an Associates of Applied Science in Organizational Management from Scottsdale Community College and is pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Communications at Arizona State University.

At a young age, Bryce was active in recreational sports in the community, playing with other community children in T-Ball, Soccer, Basketball and as a teen would play baseball volleyball, and run cross country. Apart from sports, he found a passion for the performing arts in the 4th grade and would participate in choir, theatre, and video production throughout his time at Mountain View High School. He would then find an opportunity that changed his life which was auditioning for the Toro Marching Band’s Color Guard section.

In 2013, he would receive support from the Salt River Community Children’s Foundation that allowed him to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in his senior year, a childhood dream that would leave a lasting impact. The experience would strengthen his belief in the power of investing in the youth. Bryce continues to encourage the youth and peers alike to pursue their passions and take bold steps toward their goals.

As a former recipient, staff member, volunteer, and current board member, Bryce brings a full-circle perspective and is committed to ensure that the youth and their families have access to meaningful opportunities that will support their personal development and help them reach new heights.

Marshall Loring | Trustee

Marshall Loring, a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (Xalychidom Piipaash), began his service to the Foundation in 2024, though his commitment to the Community began much earlier.

As a teenager, he worked with the Salt River Police Department, serving in their Police Explorer Post – an experience that ignited his passion for public service. Over the years, he has served various organizations, including as Vice-Chairman of the Salt River Land Management Board and on the Board of Directors for the Salt River Financial Services Institution. Additionally, he has worked in behavioral health and social services across the Valley, supporting youth, adolescents, and families.

In 2019, he became the first Salt River community member to earn a degree in Mortuary Science and to obtain licensure as a Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Cremationist in the State of Arizona. Currently, he practices at Messinger Mortuary in Scottsdale, where his dedication to serving others and to his profession was recognized by the National Funeral Directors Association, which selected him as a member of their Emerging Leaders Program.

Outside of his professional life, Marshall enjoys spending time in nature, finding peace and adventure in activities like camping, kayaking, hiking, photography, and traveling. He is also an avid Arizona Diamondbacks fan and season-ticket holder. His deep connection to the community and his dedication to service guide his contributions to the Salt River Community Children’s Foundation.

Adam Ruiz | Trustee

Adam Ruiz, born and raised in Nogales, Arizona, is the youngest of eleven children and grew up with a strong belief in service, community, and giving back. Throughout his life, he has volunteered with organizations such as his local church, Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts of America, Special Olympics, and JROTC, carrying forward the values instilled in him from a young age.

For more than 11 years, Adam has been a dedicated employee of the Salt River Pima Maricopa Indian Community IT Department, where he continues to support and uplift the community through his work. He is honored to serve on the Salt River Community Children’s Foundation (SRCCF) Board and looks forward to collaborating with fellow members to improve the lives of children and families within the community.

Adam is married to his high school sweetheart, and together they are proud parents of two daughters. His family and community remain the driving forces behind his commitment to service and leadership.