Board Of Directors 2026
Meet the Leaders Behind the Mission
Out and About in Our
Verde Valley Communities
The Verde Valley Imagination Library actively engages with the community through local events and partnerships with schools, libraries, and businesses. Over the past year we have held “Love of Reading” events at three local libraries, FREE for families in all covered communities. These efforts help us connect with families and share the joy of reading. Follow us on social media to see where we’ll be next!
VVIL Board of Directors 2026-27
Kari Link
Board Chair
Deana Dewitt
Board Vice Chair
Ken Dzugan
Treasurer
Vacant
Secretary
Jeanne Hokerk
Board Member
Cat Dale
Board Member
Genna Adams
Board Member
Jean Ubbelohde
Board Member
Vacant
Board Member
Janet Sandoval
Program Director
Get to Know Our Board of Directors
BOARD OF DIRECTORS – BIOS JULY 2026
KARI LINK – 2023-2026, 2026-29 - Board Chair 2026-27
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Education from Northern Arizona University, Kari and her husband made the Verde Valley their home, where she built a career dedicated to serving local students and families. She retired from Clarkdale-Jerome School after many years as a Teacher’s Aide. Throughout her years of service, Kari had been actively involved in the community through the CJS PTO, Mingus FFA, Mingus Operation Graduation, and by supporting numerous school athletic programs. She is the proud mother of three adult children and enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling.
DEANA DEWITT – 2024-2026 - Board Vice Chair
Together with her husband, Deana has raised two children and now has five grandchildren all residing in the Verde Valley. Deana earned her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. She spent more than 24 years as an educator in Cottonwood and Sedona public schools. Deana has belonged to a variety of committees and organizations dedicated to serving the community, including holding the position of SOCUSD Homeless Liaison and coaching sports programs for Special Olympics of Arizona. Deana currently manages business operations for DeWitt Excavation, Inc.
KEN DZUGAN – 2016-2021, 2023-27 - Treasurer
VACANT – 2026-27 Secretary
Currently available
JEANNE HOKERK – 2023-26, 2026-29 - Director
Jeanne earned both her Bachelor of Arts and Master’s degree, with a specialization in reading, from ASU West. She began her career as an educator in the Washington School District in Phoenix, where she taught for 14 years. After relocating to Clarkdale in 2009, she continued her commitment to education by serving as a substitute teacher at Clarkdale-Jerome School for an additional 14 years before retiring.
CAT DALE – 2024-27 - Director
Cathryn started as an educator in the public school system at the age of 16. Her mother was the Head Librarian for her school district and passed on to “Cat” her love for reading, at an early age. At the age of 27, Cat became a realtor and remained in the industry for the next 30 years. Currently, she is spending her time starting a new business and doing volunteer work with the Rotary Club of the Verde Valley.
GENNA ADAMS – 2024-27 - Director
Genna Adams was born and raised in San Jose, California. She attended San Jose State University and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies and her teaching certification. She began her teaching career in the Bay Area before moving to the Verde Valley forty-two years ago. Genna received her Master’s Degree in Education at Northern Arizona. She has been active in education for over four decades and welcomes opportunities to positively impact children’s lives. She has donned many hats in education and is passionate about literacy. Genna has worked as a reading specialist in kindergarten through twelfth grades and has supported many schools in developing literacy programs that foster children’s success. She is currently the Verde Valley educator for high school students who are dual-enrolled in education through Yavapai College. Her students work in local schools in elementary classrooms, supporting the importance of early literacy. One of the college courses she teaches is Children’s Literature. Genna is excited to share her love and the importance of early literacy.
JEAN UBBELOHDE – 2025-28 - Director
Jean Ubbelohde is a lifelong educator and advocate for early childhood learning and literacy with over three decades of experience supporting children, families, and schools. She currently serves as an adjunct professor at Midland University and previously led Early Childhood Education for Millard Public Schools in Omaha, Nebraska. Jean’s career has spanned teaching, administration, and leadership roles. She earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, along with advanced degrees in Special Education and Educational Leadership from Marymount University and the State University of New York at Oswego. Jean has presented at numerous national and state conferences and has long been active in professional and service organizations focused on young children and families. Now living in Sedona, she and her husband have 3 adult children and are enjoying their retirement.
VACANT – 2026-27 – Director
Currently available
JANET SANDOVAL – 2021 Staff, Program Director, Ex-Officio Board Member
Updates & News
Imagination Library at work – Verde Independent April 2025
VVIL Hosts Fundraiser Article 2024
Verde News
Verde Valley Imagination Library Celebrates Young Graduates
Verde Valley Imagination Library Announces New Board Members 2023
Putting Books In Children’s Hands
Help Out Imagination Library
Fall In Love with Reading
Announcing United Way Grant
Blazin’ for Books 2024
Father and Son at ‘Celebrate Readers’ Event in Sedona
Celebrate Readers Event at Garrison Park
