EVIT Education Foundation Board of Directors
Curt Krizan - Board Chair
Curt Krizan, CPA, is the Chief Financial and Ticket Revenue Officer of the Fiesta Bowl in Scottsdale. He joined the Fiesta Bowl team in 2011 as its CFO and has since added ticket sales to his responsibilities. Krizan began his career as an auditor with KPMG in Minneapolis and has worked at several entrepreneurial and non-profits during his career.
Krizan was recognized as the CFO Turnaround Achievement award winner by Phoenix Business Journal in 2016. His family mentors a little brother and sister in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.
Krizan also serves on the board of Visit Phoenix. He and his family reside in Gilbert,AZ.
Denny Brown- Board Vice Chair
Denny Brown joined the board just over 4 years ago and currently serves as Chair on our Scholarship Committee. He plays an integral role in selection of students who receive the Evit Foundation Sponsorship as well as direct fundraising.
A Scottsdale native, with more than 30 years in community service he is experienced in sales, event management, human connection and a master of relationship building. Denny is fully dedicated to working for and with Valley non-profits inspiring our community at every level to volunteer and donate.
Larry Christiansen - Immediate Past Chair
Larry Christiansen is the Chief Executive Officer of Christiansen Associates Inc., launching the company in 2010. From 2007 to 2009 he served as a Sr. Consultant and then CEO of Outsource International, a management consulting firm in Scottsdale Arizona.
In 2007 Larry retired after 40 years in education with the final 19 years as President of Mesa Community College. He built a number of innovative business and educational partnerships at the local, state, national and international level. Larry has been involved in a number of key community projects including public bond elections, a leader in the reuse of the closed Williams Air force Base, and the development of technology and business and industry centers and a new college campus.
Larry served as President of the East Valley Partnership, a large business and industry group in the greater Phoenix area. He chaired the United Way annual fund drive, served on numerous boards and foundations, and is a Rotarian. He joined the EVIT Board of Directors in 2010 and chaired the board for the 5 years.
Larry has published several books and written numerous articles. He has received a number of local, state, national and international awards and recognitions. Larry has Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate degrees.
Larry serves as head coach for three youth flag football teams and coordinates two golf groups.
Franki Buckman - Director
Recently recognized by Arizona Business Magazine as one of Arizona's Most Influential Women in Business 2020, Franki Buckman joined the EVIT Education Board in September of 2020 bringing with her 25 plus years of experience in strategic marketing, fundraising, media & live event planning and execution. An Arizona native and former CEO of the Bondurant High Performance Driving School, Franki also and served as the Executive Vice President of Firebird International Raceway for over 15 years managing a 400+ acre property that was open 360 days per year working with partners likeFord Motor Company, General Motors, Lucas Oil, Harley Davidson and Live Nation.
Board Members
Amy Violette - Director
Jo Wilson - Director
Joe Zavislak - Director
John Hughes - Director
Thom Maher - Director