OUR LEADERSHIP

The People Behind the Mission

Our team is made up of passionate individuals who believe in the power of community, compassion, and action. Together, we work to create a brighter, more inclusive future for people experiencing homelessness.

Co-Founders

Ardy Akhzari

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Ardy Akhzari co-founded Packs for Cold Backs on Christmas Day in 2011 with a simple belief: everyone deserves dignity, compassion, and support. As Executive Director, he has helped grow the organization from a small Sacramento outreach effort into a volunteer-driven nonprofit serving communities across California, Washington, and Arizona. His leadership focuses on building meaningful partnerships, empowering volunteers, and developing practical ways to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Kevin Maxfield

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

Kevin Maxfield co-founded Packs for Cold Backs in 2011, helping turn a small act of kindness into a growing community-driven nonprofit. As Chief Operating Officer, Kevin plays an important role in supporting the organization's operations, coordinating outreach efforts, and helping ensure that volunteers and resources come together to serve people experiencing homelessness. His commitment to service and community has been an important part of the organization's journey since its earliest days.

Meet Our Team

Ashley Whipple

Co-Director of Seattle Operations 

Nathan Mabie

Co-Director of Seattle Operations 

Patti Mcfarland

Co-Director of Phoenix Operations 

Justin Gibson

Co-Director of Phoenix Operations 

Josh Sisto

Chief Technology Officer 

Melissa Van Hooser

Director of Social Media

Lucia Gallagher

Director of Events

Erik Reyes

Community Outreach Manager

Ivan Reyes

Spanish Bilingual Outreach Specialist

Hannah Beausang

Director of Communications

In Loving Memory

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