04 Feb Julie Ransom Named Chief Operations Officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central and Northern Arizona

Posted at 11:49h in News by

Julie Ransom has been promoted to the role of Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central and Northern Arizona (RMHCCNAZ) effective Feb. 1.

Ransom has served as director of special events at RMHCCNAZ since 2021. She begins her new role with extensive leadership experience, a strong understanding of nonprofit operations and an unwavering commitment to the mission of RMHCCNAZ. As COO, Ransom will oversee day-to-day operations across the organization’s three Valley locations and supervise a six-member operations team to ensure that families have a safe, supportive place to stay while their children receive critical medical care.

“Julie has been an indispensable member of the Ronald McDonald House leadership team for the past four years,” said Kerry Schulman, chief executive officer of RMHCCNAZ. “She is an invaluable member of our team, and this promotion reflects her continued professional growth and impact within our organization as we work to expand our programs and serve more families.”

In addition to facility management, Ransom will lead community outreach efforts with healthcare partners. She is charged with maintaining high operational standards, enhancing organizational effectiveness and fostering a collaborative and compassionate environment for families and staff alike.

“I love the mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities,” said Ransom. “The mission is what brought me here. I have seen firsthand the difference this organization makes in the lives of families, during some of their most challenging times and I’m committed to continuing to expand our ability to provide a home away from home for families with children receiving medical care.”

Since joining RMHCCNAZ in 2021 as director of special events, she spearheaded record-breaking fundraising initiatives, managed donor relationships and supervised marketing and volunteer programs. She also led successful efforts to expand community engagement and enhance the organization’s visibility through strategic social media and communication campaigns.

Her career spans more than two decades in nonprofit operations and human resources management. Prior to joining RMHCCNAZ, she served as operations director at The Welcome to America Project, where she streamlined operational systems, secured grant funding, and managed compliance and HR functions. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at Tempe St. Luke’s Hospital, overseeing human resources and support services, and at St. Luke’s Medical Center, where she managed volunteer and development programs.

Ransom holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with a minor in English from the University of Arizona. In addition to her professional accomplishments, she has dedicated significant time to community involvement, including serving in leadership roles with the National Charity League and local parent-teacher organizations.

In 2024, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona provided accommodations for 1,003 families, offering 15,499 nights of rest and support. RMHCCNAZ operates two houses in Phoenix and one in Mesa to ensure that families can stay close to their children while they receive care at nearby medical facilities.