2026 – 2027 Board of Directors

Adrianna Amato, President

Adrianna Amato serves as the 2026–2028 President of the Junior League of Phoenix (JLP). A dedicated member of the Junior League for over 13 years, her journey spans across the Junior Leagues of Phoenix, Greensboro, Washington, D.C., and Kansas City. Adrianna’s extensive experience includes key roles in communications, community impact, fund development, membership, and training sectors of leagues. Notably, she has helped develop and work on JLP’s strategic planning since 2023, positioning JLP for sustainable growth and streamlined operations.

Professionally, Adrianna is an executive communications strategist passionate about helping organizations build high-impact public relations campaigns. She currently serves as the Communications Specialist for the Arizona Governor’s Office of Resiliency, where she designs and implements messaging and strategies for state climate, energy, and water policy and programs. Previously, Adrianna spent a decade as an Emmy-nominated TV news journalist and five years working for a boutique public relations agency, collaborating with client organizations across the U.S. She holds a Bachelor of Journalism with a minor in Political Science from the University of Missouri.

Deeply committed to community leadership, Adrianna has also served as President of the Mizzou Valley of the Sun Alumni Chapter and Alumnae Advisory Committee Chair for the Arizona Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi. As a native of Arizona, Adrianna loves exploring the beautiful Arizona landscape with her two golden retrievers. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, diving into astrology, and learning through a good book or podcast.

Nicole Fries, Executive Vice President

Nicole is a third generation Junior Leaguer and a second generation member of the JLP. Entering her 9th year with JLP, she is excited to be a part of building a legacy for future generations of members. Nicole began her leadership with JLP as chair of the Public Affairs Committee, and subsequently served as chair of Phoenix Food Day and Healthfest, a JLP signature community event, partnered with the City of Phoenix. In 2024, Nicole served as a chair of the Fund Development Committee, which planned the first ever gala for JLP. Following that, Nicole served as the Vice President of Development and the Executive Vice President Elect. In 2023, Nicole received the Golden Kazoo award, an annual award from JLP in honor of former president Mary Ogilvy, for lighthearted enthusiasm a member brings to JLP.

Nicole is a Deputy Director for the Arizona Department of Child Safety. She is honored to serve Arizonans in both her professional and personal capacity. She received her JD from Arizona State University’s Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law, and is proud of the relationship her work holds to former Supreme Court Justice, and JLP President, Sandra Day O’Connor. She received her undergraduate degree in Public Policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She loves to travel and spend time with friends and family, usually outdoors.

Cassandra Saba, Secretary

Cassandra (Cassie) Saba is excited to serve as the 2025-27 Secretary of the Junior League of Phoenix (JLP). Cassie joined the JLP in 2019 after moving to Phoenix from Washington, D.C. Not knowing anyone, she joined the JLP to meet new people, make friends, and get involved with the community through volunteering.

Professionally, Cassandra has worked in higher education since 2012 working for Georgetown University, The University of Texas System, and Arizona State University. Currently, she works for ASU Enterprise Partners as the alumni outreach manager with the Outreach Hub. Additionally, Cassie is involved with Scottsdale Arts as the vice-chair of the Scottsdale Public Art Advisory Board as well as a board member on The Archer Center Advisory Board.When Cassandra is not working or volunteering, she enjoys spending time with family and friends. She is an avid reader, enjoys the outdoors (especially in the fall and winter), and an enthusiastic sports fan.

Darla Cook, Director of Finance

Darla Cook has been an active and dedicated member of the Junior League of Phoenix since 2022. She began her service on the Finance Team as Finance Assistant, progressed to Treasurer-Elect and Treasurer, and currently serves as Director of Finance, providing strategic financial leadership and oversight for the organization.

Darla holds an Associate of Arts degree from Prince William Sound College in Valdez, Alaska, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sports and Recreation Business Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Her career spans more than 30 years in hospitality, tourism, destination marketing, and public-sector leadership. Throughout her career, she has held executive leadership positions including Vice President of Public Relations, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Chief Operating Officer, General Manager of resort destinations and national park concession operations, and Assistant Director of Operations and Development for Arizona State Parks and Trails.

Today, Darla operates a consulting practice specializing in marketing strategy, public relations, business development, social media growth, and organizational planning. Her expertise in financial management, budgeting, strategic partnerships and operational excellence has helped organizations strengthen performance, enhance guest experiences, and achieve long-term sustainability.

Darla is honored to serve the Junior League of Phoenix and remains committed to advancing its mission through sound financial stewardship, leadership development, and community impact.

Alex Adams, Active Director at Large

Alex is excited to serve on the 2025-2027 Board of Directors as Active Director at Large. Alex joined The Junior League of Phoenix in 2017 upon moving to Arizona from the San Francisco Bay Area. During her time in JLP, she has served on many committees ranging from United Way Weekend Backpacks and Volunteer Action to Public Branding and Fund Development.

Alex earned a bachelor of Business Administration from the University of San Diego and Master of Business Administration from The University of Arizona. Professionally, Alex has a background in healthcare administration, currently leading a team in strategy and growth at Banner Health.

Alex spends her spare time by testing new recipes, exploring Arizona by hiking trail, traveling (“always have a trip on the books!”), volunteering on local fundraising committees and training her new chocolate lab puppy.

Elizabeth Goldstein, Sustainer Director at Large

Liz Goldstein has been a member of the Junior League of Phoenix (JLP) since January 2016 when she transferred from the Junior League of the City of New York. During her tenure in JLP, Liz has served primarily on the membership team, with a passion and focus on creating member connection. She started the JLP Book Club and JLP Moviegoers affinity groups and has served as Social Assistant, Social Chair, a provisional advisor, Membership VP, and Executive Vice President (EVP) overseeing the management team while also serving on the Board. As a sustainer, she is excited to be on the board of directors again serving as a Sustainer Director at Large. Liz has also represented JLP as an attendee at the AJLI Organizational Development Institute (ODI) and spent three years as a Junior League of Phoenix Foundation Board Member where she was Stewardship Chair for two years. She has received the Mary Harriman JLP Award for her longstanding impact on Junior League of Phoenix.

Professionally, Liz is currently a Human Resources Director for Banner Health’s Banner Estrella Medical Center (BEMC). She currently resides with her two dogs and a cat. Liz loves college football (Go Vols), spending time with her friends, reading, playing mah jong, and traveling. She credits JLP for providing her with tremendous professional and personal development opportunities and a community of lifelong friends.

Tereza Fritz, Sustainer Director at Large

Tereza Fritz has been a dedicated member of the Junior League of Phoenix since 2016 and is currently a Sustaining member. Her JLP leadership includes Chairing the 83rd Annual Rummage Sale and serving on the Nominating Committee. Elected as a Sustainer Director at Large for the 2025–2027 Board of Directors, she is proud to support and advance the League’s mission and strategic priorities.

A graduate of Arizona State University, Tereza is the Digital Marketing Director at Western Alliance Bank. She also serves on the Arizona Lottery Commission, providing oversight and input on programs that support higher education, health services, environmental conservation, and economic development across Arizona.

Tereza values the Junior League’s focus on leadership development and is grateful for the role it has played in shaping her career.

Sara Gribble, Nominating Chair

Sara Gribble is in her 8th year of service with the Junior League. She currently serves as the Nominating Chair for the Junior League of Phoenix. She has held a variety of leadership roles previously, including Active Director at Large on the Board of Directors and a member of Nominating Committee. Sara began her Junior aleague journey with the Junior League of Salt Lake in 2018, where she served as a provisional advisor before moving to Pheonix and transferring to the Junior League of Phoenix in 2020.

Sara has a professional background in insurance claims and leads a team for a large national insurance carrier. The training and leadership experience she gained through the Junior League have contributed significantly to her success in her professional career.

Outside of her professional ans volunteer commitments, Sara enjoys spending time with her husband, their son Bryce, and their dog. In her free time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling.