Axis Community Health’s Chief Development Officer Set to Retire

Blog contribution: Axis Community Health

Valerie Jonas, Chief Development Officer, will be retiring in May 2023 after 13 years at Axis. Valerie oversaw all of Axis’s fundraising, external relationships, communications, and community engagement. She was integral to many milestones and was the driving force behind the funding and design of Axis’s main clinic site on 5925 W. Las Positas Boulevard in Pleasanton. “Valerie has played a crucial role in the success of our organization. Her leadership, expertise, and dedication have been instrumental in helping Axis expand access to care for the underserved populations of the Tri-Valley,” says Liz Perez-Howe, Axis’s Chief Executive Officer, “We are grateful for her significant contributions through the years. Her talents are many, and I know we will all miss her tremendously.”

Before joining Axis, Valerie worked with many Bay Area nonprofit organizations, including serving as the Regional Director for the Jewish Federation of the East Bay and as a consultant to the Bankhead Theater in Livermore during its pre-development project. Her career in marketing and fundraising began in Florida with work for Hank Meyer Associates Public Relations and Mount Sinai Medical Center’s Foundation. She has served on many nonprofit boards, including the South Florida Epilepsy Foundation and J., the Jewish News Weekly, and was formerly President of Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton. She continues to serve on Tri-Valley Nonprofit Alliance’s Board of Directors.

In announcing her retirement, Valerie wrote:

Being part of the Axis journey since 2010, has been a deep honor. We were a tiny health center and now provide health services for three times the number of patients in our community. Our capacity expansion–of services, facilities, staff, and operations–was challenging, mission-driven work. It was rewarding too–with plenty of fun along the way. I loved our staff celebrations, grand openings, advocacy wins, and raising the money needed for our goals. I am so grateful to my colleagues for what I have learned from you and for what you have allowed me to share. You remain in my heart and your many kindnesses continue to be appreciated. My family and I will still live in Livermore and I look forward to discovering whatever my next chapter brings.

Valerie is a fixture in the Axis and Tri-Valley communities and has been a confidant, mentor, and friend to everyone she has worked with. Alameda Health Consortium, Community Health Center Network, and all of Axis’s sister clinics congratulate and thank Valerie Jonas for all she has done for community health centers.

Learn more about Axis Community Health HERE.