This month, Dr. Roy Teramoto completed six years of service as a board member of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona. As the last remaining board member to have participated in making the pivotal transition from our founding director of 30 years, Becky Ruffner, to our current Executive Director, Claire Louge, Roy’s contributions have been invaluable.
When called upon to serve as Treasurer, Roy embraced the role with enthusiasm, eager to deepen his understanding of nonprofit finances and provide thoughtful, informed oversight. Our Finance Director, Karen Duffield, thanked Roy for his contributions to our work.
“Thank you for bringing your passion, intellect, insight, experience, reliability, and resources to the table,” Karen expressed to Roy. “Thank you for challenging me and your fellow board members. I appreciate that you used all of your experience, skills, knowledge, and education to move our organization forward.”
Roy’s dedication to his “why” shines through in his words:
“When I was initially asked to serve on the board of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, I agreed because children have always been a passion of mine and I believe in the power of prevention. While that is still part of my motivation for serving on the board, I did not anticipate that I would experience such great joy and reward from being on the board: seeing the organization progress and grow, seeing the great work of a motivated, energetic, and passionate executive director and staff, getting to know phenomenal fellow board members, and to see how the efforts of PCAAZ are improving the lives of children and families in Arizona. These are the reasons it is an honor and privilege to serve on the board of PCAAZ.”
Roy consistently prioritized the wellbeing of not only Prevent Child Abuse Arizona’s mission but also its staff, celebrating both their professional and personal milestones. He thoughtfully delivered pediatric textbooks to employees who became new mothers and sent congratulatory cards to staff who completed graduate degrees.
Roy’s culture of support is prevention made visible. He embodies joy. We are truly fortunate to have known and worked alongside Roy.
Roy was the final board member who helped with the transition from the founding Executive Director, Becky Ruffner (featured to the right), to the current Executive Director, Claire Louge (photographed to the left).