Arizona Community Foundation’s Newly Elected Board of Directors
The Arizona Community Foundation’s Board of Directors recently elected Shelley Jones Mellon, Richard Coleman, and Thomas Connelly to the board. These three new board members were elected during the board’s September meeting.
“We are honored to welcome Richard, Shelley, and Tom to the ACF Board of Directors,” said Charley Freericks, chair of the ACF Board of Directors. “Together, they bring extraordinary expertise in technology, entrepreneurship, civic leadership, and financial stewardship. Their shared commitment to service, innovation, and philanthropy reflects the very best of what we strive for at ACF, and I am confident they will help us continue building a stronger, more resilient future for the communities we serve.”
Shelley Jones Mellon is the fourth generation to follow in her family’s business, RL Jones Group. She is currently a licensed Personal & Commercial, Life & Health Insurance Broker in Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and California. She owns and operates the three locations of RL Jones Insurance & MVD Services. Her family also owns and operates Mellon Farms.
A dedicated community leader, Mellon chairs numerous organizations, including the Southwest Arizona Town Hall, Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area, Arizona Impact Center, Southwest Arizona Education Center, Yuma County Anti-Drug & Mental Health Coalitions, and the Foundation of Onvida Health. She serves on multiple boards, including Education Forward Arizona, Yuma Union High School District Governing Board, Arizona Town Hall, and the Arizona Business & Education Coalition. Mellon is also a mentor, advocate for education, and founding member of several initiatives.
She received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Arizona.
Richard Coleman is the founder and CEO of MissionRT. He is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering frontline heroes with cutting-edge technology. With an 18-year career at General Dynamics, he rose to senior executive ranks early, showcasing exceptional leadership. At Axon, Coleman spearheaded the exponential growth of Axon Federal, expanding it 30-fold in five years. Now at MissionRT, he focuses on delivering mission-ready technologies to protect communities and create a safer world.
A national leader in technology and security, Coleman serves on the Board of the Border Security Technology Consortium, advocating for innovative industry-government collaboration. Beyond his corporate success, he is deeply committed to community service, contributing to boards like the Scottsdale Arts and the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering. As an advisor to the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, he champions diversity and inclusion in law enforcement.
He received a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University.
Thomas Connelly, CFA®, CFP®, is the Chairman Emeritus of the Investment Committee at Versant Capital Management, a wealth management firm he founded in 2004. With over 40 years of financial experience, Connelly is recognized for his transparent and client-focused approach. Earlier in his career, Connelly co-founded Keats, Connelly & Associates, where he managed wealth for multinational clients. Recognized many times by Worth Magazine as one of the “Top Financial Advisors in the U.S.,” he is a sought-after speaker and contributor to financial publications.
Connelly serves on the National Kidney Foundation of Arizona board and various advisory boards for the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. He is an Arizona State Retirement System Trustee, currently serving his fourth term, having been appointed by both Republican and Democratic Governors. Connelly is most proud to have thoughtfully guided clients through many major economic and financial crises during his long career, preserving their financial legacies.
He holds degrees in Geology, an MBA in Finance, and a Master’s Degree in Financial Planning.
Arizona Community Foundation Board members serve three-year terms, renewable up to two times.