Celebrating Faithful Leadership and a Strong Future at MentorKids USA
Board Leadership Transition at MentorKids USA
A Message from Aaron
God uses the right people at the right time to accomplish great things. This has been true with Tammy Valdez’s 7-year tenure as Board Chair. She stepped into the role during a very challenging season, and God used her to bring stability, strength, and growth.
We are so grateful for her servant leadership and dedication.
It is also my pleasure to introduce our new Board Chair, Diane Erhart. Diane began as a Program Volunteer in Palomino and, for the past year and a half, has faithfully led the MentorKids Board Finance Committee. We are excited to see how God uses her leadership to usher in a new era of growth and impact for MentorKids.
A Message from Tammy Valdez, Outgoing Board Chair
“It has been an incredible pleasure working with MentorKids USA for the last 10 years, including 6 years as Chair. Much has changed in that time. My focus has been on the People Experience, Process Scalability, and Expanding Funding. When I began, we had a different Executive Leader, and we developed Aaron to take on that role.
We went from financially unstable to financially strong with audited financials. I have remained constant through 18 board members rolling off the Board. We changed the Vision and Mission to the Promise Neighborhood model, grew from 2 to 5 Promise Neighborhoods, launched the iLEADer program, and weathered challenges like COVID and racial tensions.
Through it all, the Lord has shown up and made the impossible possible—with Aaron being extremely coachable and motivated to change the world, one kid at a time.
What a joy it has been to see what the Lord can do with our 5 loaves and 2 fishes.”
— Tammy Valdez
A Message from Diane Erhart, Incoming Board Chair
“I’m honored to step into the role of Chair of the Board for MentorKids USA. Having first been a volunteer for the organization, then serving on the board since 2023 and Finance Chair since 2024, I’ve seen firsthand the powerful impact of our mission.
I want to thank Tammy Valdez for her outstanding leadership. Under her wisdom and prayerful guidance, the organization has grown significantly and refined the execution of the Promise Neighborhood Model. Her counsel has been instrumental, and I hope she knows how much we appreciate her.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue our commitment to our core mission while ensuring long-term sustainability. Together—with prayer, trust in God, and your support—we can build a better future for our MentorKids, their families, and their communities.”
— Diane Erhart, Chair of the Board
A Closing Message from Aaron
Just as God brought Tammy at the right time 7 years ago, we believe He is bringing another amazing leader at the right time. Diane’s role as Board Chair is effective September 1, 2025, and Tammy will remain on the board through December 2025 to support a smooth transition.
Please join us in thanking Tammy for her service and welcoming Diane into her new role. We look forward to great things ahead!
Meet Our Board
We are grateful for the faithful leadership of our Board, past and present, who make this mission possible.