Our Staff
Ronald E. Shoopman, President, Brigadier General, USAF (retired)
Ron Shoopman brings extensive military and business experience to his role as SALC president. As wing commander of the 162nd Fighter Wing, he commanded the largest Air National Guard Wing in the United States, consisting of more than 1,600 personnel and 85 aircraft, with an annual budget exceeding $125 million. Ron’s previous experience includes being district sales manager for Gates Learjet Corporation, a pilot for Continental Airlines and a U.S. Air Force pilot. He received professional military education at the Air War College and the Air Command and Staff College, and received his BS from Arizona State University in Aeronautical Technology.
John Pedicone, Ph.D., Vice President
John Pedicone has been a school district superintendent, assistant superintendent, principal, assistant principal, department chair and negotiator for many different schools. John has received numerous awards for his work in education. The Flowing Wells Governing Board named its new fine arts center after him. He was awarded the All Arizona Superintendent Award and the University of Wisconsin Alumni Achievement Award, and he was the Arizona representative in the American Association of School Administrators Superintendent of the Year recognition program. Among his many civic activities, he is president of the Southern Arizona affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Board of Directors. He has a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Karen L. Veltman, Office Manager, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF (retired)
Karen L. Veltman held positions as chief of base education and training, assistant director of military and civilian personnel, chief of the information systems technology branch and 162nd fighter wing command chief before retiring after 32 years of military service. Karen received the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal and the National Defense Medal. She graduated from the Community College of the Air Force and the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Academy.
Jacquelyn L. Jackson, Executive Director of Tucson Values Teachers
Jacquelyn L. Jackson serves as executive director of Tucson Values Teachers, a regional initiative that works to raise public awareness about the vital role of teachers, and to build business-education partnerships that enhance the levels of respect and remuneration for teachers as a means of recognizing their central role in our region’s economic future. Prior to joining Tucson Values Teachers, Jackson served as a vice president for the Southern Arizona Leadership Council and director of government relations for Pima Community College.
Stephanie Healy, President, Hospital Council of Southern Arizona
HCSA focuses its efforts on trauma, physician recruitment and retention, nurse workforce development and affordability. Ms. Healy’s work focuses on healthcare initiatives and policy, and she represents the hospitals and advocates at a local and state level. Previous to her position with HCSA, Ms. Healy held the position of vice president for Southern Arizona Leadership Council. Her responsibilities for SALC included management of the Council’s core policy areas that included economic development, education, government, healthcare and transportation.
