Meet the Staff
Eddie Elías Barron, Youth Coordinator
Eddie was born and raised on the Southside of Tucson, and is a proud product of public education. At a very young age, Eddie learned how to advocate for himself and his community. Growing up with a single mom, Eddie began to understand the structural inequalities that are holding so many of us back. Which is why taking part in community service projects in Southside neighborhoods, working on local political campaigns, and raising money for foundations that help working families has been his work for the past four years.
Eddie has always been committed to fighting at the forefront of progressive change for his comunidad along with amplifying young voices and fighting for his gente. He hopes to bring that same persistent, community-minded, progressive spirit to Ward 1.
Benny Gomez, Constituent and Neighborhood Services Coordinator
Benny began his career in public service as Special Staff Assistant to Pima County Supervisor Ramon Valadez in 2003. During his 17 years of service to the residents of Supervisorial District 2, Benny was able to provide constituents with impeccable service and aid in navigating local government services. Benny was also able to establish and build relationships with a vast array of neighborhood, business, grassroots, and government entities. In addition to the many experiences and skills Benny has developed during his professional career, he is most proud of his work with the Victoria Teresa Arias Memorial Foundation (VTAMF), which was established in honor of Victoria Arias and has given nearly $200,000 in scholarships to high school students from the Southside and Westside. He is the first of his family to graduate from college. Benny is married with 4 children and enjoys watching UA sports and hanging out with his family.
Michelle Myrose, Executive Office Specialist
Michelle is a proud Tucson native whose life has been woven with a rich tapestry of community engagement, professional dedication, and the joys of motherhood. Born and raised in the vibrant desert city, Michelle has always been deeply connected to the local community. Her journey is marked by a genuine commitment to fostering connections and making a positive impact. Michelle is also a talented artist known for her geometric paintings.s, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Michael O’Connell, Constituent Services Coordinator
Michael is the Ward 1 Constituent Services Coordinator and he joins the team with over 10 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. He completed his undergraduate degree in Political Science and Public Policy at the University of California San Diego and is one semester away from completing his Master's in Public Policy at the University of Arizona. Michael is a Marine Corps Veteran who served overseas in Afghanistan and aboard the USS Makin Island supporting operations in Africa and the Middle East. In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with friends and family, attending community events, gardening, landscaping, running, and reading.
Kristin McRay, Community Infrastructure Manager
Kristin is the Ward 1 Community Infrastructure Manager and she has been an educator, bike mechanic, and community advocate in Tucson since 2005. For many years Kristin was the education coordinator at BICAS (Bicycle Inter-Community Art and Salvage). Her work has focused on access to safe reliable transportation with the bicycle as a means of independence, empowerment, and creative expression. She is also a volunteer ride leader with FUGA, leading community rides in the southside and westside. In her spare time, Kristin studies medicinal plants of the Sonoran Desert and welds sculptures from salvaged metal and recycled bicycle parts.
Angela Reyes, Community Outreach and Small Business Organizer
Angela was born in Ciudad Obregón, Sonora México, immigrated to the United States at the early age of eight and has called Tucson her home for the last 20 years. She graduated from Sahuaro High School and later attended Pima Community College. Angela comes from working and volunteering with a number of community-based service organizations. She is raising an independent and compassionate seven-year-old giving her the best example to serve and commit to her community. Angela has a strong dedication to serve the undocumented community in Tucson and has been a volunteer for Keep Tucson Together for about 10 years. Angela’s passion to serve our community also comes with expanded skills for her role as the Constituent Service Coordinator.
Antonio Ramirez,
Communications & Policy Director
Antonio Ramirez is Táchii’nii (Red Running into Water Clan, Navajo) born for Kiis’áanii (Hopi). He was raised in Las Cruces, N.M., and in Tucson. While in college, Antonio wrote for the Stanford Daily, completed a summer internship with the Navajo Times, and graduated with a degree in political science. After college, Antonio worked as a deckhand in Alaska, taught 2nd and 3rd grade on Hopi’s Second Mesa in northern Arizona, and did communications for the Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President. Most recently, Antonio worked in communications for the Pima County Health Department.