Board of Directors

Pila has been mediating for more than 15 years and has also served as a coach to participants in mediation training programs. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and a master's degree in legal studies. Her first career was as a reporter and included stints at the Tucson Citizen, the Arizona Daily Star, and The Associated Press. She eventually switched to a career in public relations and currently serves as Senior Director for Strategic Communications at the University of Arizona.

Chris chairs the Center's programs and operations committee, as well as serving as a trainer, facilitator, and mediator. Chris has worked/volunteered for Tucson’s community mediation program for four decades, along with serving as a  mediator for the U.S. Postal Service, and an associate of  the Institute on Science for Global Policy. In addition to an early career as a community  and freelance journalist, Chris served as Vice President of Publications for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. She and husband Ron are parents to 3 grown kids and various PACC foster dogs. 

Elizabeth is a longtime Center volunteer with extensive senior-level government leadership, and global business operations  experience.  She holds a bachelor's degree in political science and masters degrees in psychology and public administration. Since retirement she has devoted her energies to conflict resolution and volunteer service to include:  Board member, Canyon Vista Regional Hospital, current board member Southern Arizona Eventing Association, community representative to UWTSA's End of Life Care Partnership, board member Legacy Foundation of SE AZ.  She truly enjoys the beauty and benefits of Tucson living.  

Originally from Chicago, Steve Witthoeft retired to Tucson in 2015 with his wife Diane.  Steve’s educational background is an undergraduate in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Business Administration.  Steve had a varied career in the oil and chemical industries and has held postions as a Chemical Engineer, Business Director, VP of Global Sales, Global Head of Research and Development, and CEO.  He has extensive international experience and has conducted business in over 40 countries during his career.

Since retirement, Steve has been involved in philanthropic and civic activities.  In the Tucson and Arizona community current and past positions include President of the Rotary Club of Oro Valley, Board Chair of Professional Employment Exploration and Resource Services, Board Vice President of Edge High School, Vocational Committee Chair for Rotary District 5500, Board member of the statewide Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona, and Board member for Social Venture Partners Tucson.  

  Rafael is a Tucson native, first generation Mexican American and UA Dad, Rafael holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mexican American Studies from the University of Arizona and a master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University.

  Rafael has devoted his career to promoting higher education awareness in Arizona. Over the last 30 years he has facilitated a variety of access opportunities through roles within Enrollment Management, Undergraduate Admissions, Early Academic Outreach, and the Honors College. Most recently he focused on diversity awareness, community development, and fostering connections for parents and families of college students.   

Rafael currently provides leadership for the University of Arizona as Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Admissions & Fellow, Arizona Innovation Alliance (AIA).   

Within the Tucson community he provides time as a member of  St. Joseph School Parent Advisory Board and Board of Directors for Salpointe Catholic High School. 

Chelsea is a proud graduate of Cienega High School and the University of Arizona. She currently serves as Program Coordinator for the Metropolitan Education Commission (MEC), where she leads the development and facilitation of youth programming and the Regional College & Career Access Center.

Chelsea began volunteering as a Dialogue Facilitator with the Center at the 2019 MEC Teen Town Hall, where she experienced firsthand the impacts of neutral facilitation and centering youth voice in education. As a member of the Center’s Board, Chelsea is excited to expand equitable access to Center training opportunities to Tucson youth through sustainable partnerships with key community stakeholders.

With 15 years of Criminal Justice experience, Jessica is passionate about justice reform, providing guidance, enhancing opportunities and offering hope for individuals who desire a “second chance” at  this thing we call life. Jessica’s professional background includes working in behavioral health and prevention. Being a new dialogue circle facilitator and board member, Jessica is excited to learn from her colleagues on the board and those that she will serve in the community, especially the youth of our future!