About Us:
DM50: A Unified Force: Advocating, Honoring, and Supporting the DMAFB Airmen and Families through Community Missions
Davis-Monthan
DM50
Our Purpose and Our Mission
DM50 advocates for the continued strength of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB), supports its missions and Airmen, and educates the community on the importance of DMAFB to the local economy and national defense.
Who We Are
DM50 is a non-profit, volunteer service organization comprised of a powerhouse collective of 100+ local and civic leaders, deeply rooted in Tucson’s pulse, driving change and progress through their professional leadership and community commitment. Collectively they educate the community on the vital role that Davis-Monthan Air Force Base plays within the region. DM50 advocates on behalf of the Airmen of Davis-Monthan, strengthening relationships between the Base and the educational, commercial, political, and social leadership of greater Tucson.
DM50 advocates and serves in more than one capacity and as such, functions as both a 501c3 and 501c6 organization.
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE CONTRIBUTE MORE THAN $3 BILLION TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY ANNUALLY.
Third largest employer in Tucson
Home to 11,000 Airmen and civilian personnel
2012 – named the outstanding installation in the entire United States Air Force
2016 & 2018 - received the Air Combat Command Commander-in-Chief’s Installation Excellence Award
Recognized on National Philanthropy Day by the Association of Fund Raising Professionals as an outstanding philanthropic and volunteer organization in Tucson and Southern Arizona
What We Do
Uniting Southern Arizona in Support of DM
Since our inception, DM50 has been instrumental in providing $1,500,000 for initiatives to improve the lives of our DM Airmen. As a major driver of the Southern Arizona economy and valued community asset, DM50 also serves to inform, educate, and raise awareness at the local, state, and national levels on the importance of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.
DM50 serves both the military and civilian communities of Southern Arizona by promoting and advocating for sustainable growth and quality of life that provides long-term stability to Airmen and women and their families.
How We Do It
Military Spouse Employment Initiative
Community Flagship Fundraising Events
Military Only Appreciation Events
Advocacy, Education, and Promotion – locally and in Washington D.C.
Board Members
Meet the driving force behind our mission, the board of directors, united by their common purpose of supporting the Air Force Base and its invaluable Airmen and families. A diverse blend of community leaders, from seasoned professionals to emerging talents, all proudly call Southern Arizona home. They embody the essence of innovation, precision, and unwavering support for our Air Force personnel and their families. Together, they bring expertise, passion, and a shared commitment to making a difference in the lives of those who serve our nation.
Benjamin Fernandez
President
Patrick Murphy
Vice President
Patrick Murphy is the Vice President of Construction, Planning & Facilities for Tech Parks Arizona which directs the UA Tech Park at Rita Road and is developing the UA Tech Park at The Bridges. He directs the design, construction, and maintenance of all facilities, as well as planning, allocating, and tracking space requirements and allocations for the Parks. He is responsible for developing engineering, maintenance, and system policies and procedures. His project management role includes the procurement of contracts related to architectural and engineering design as well as oversight and coordinating work for all contractors.
Carla Keegan
Treasurer
Carla Keegan (MBA, CPA, CFE, CIRA, CFF) is the President/Co-Founder and Tax Director of Keegan, Linscott & Associates PC, an independently owned public accounting and consulting firm affiliated with the Aprio Alliance. Carla is an Army “brat” who attended 8 schools in 12 years as her father was stationed all over the world. Military service in her family spans over 150 years! In addition to DM50, Carla continues to be active in Angel Charity for Children, Inc. and is a past Chair.
Jim Wood, Jr.
Secretary
A native Arizonan, Jim Jr is a 3rd generation Merrill Lynch employee. He graduated from Sahuaro High School and went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a BA in Journalism and Mass Communication. He began his career with Merrill Lynch in 2008 as a Client Associate in Phoenix, AZ and went on to become the Client Relationship Manager of the Merrill Lynch Desert Inland Complex in Indian Wells, CA before joining the Wood Group as a partner in April 2014. Jim currently resides in Tucson, AZ with his wife, Lauren, and their two beautiful girls, Madison (8) and Reese (5\6). Jim is an avid dog lover who enjoys embarrassing himself on the golf course when not spending time with his girls.
Dave Carrell
Board Member
Dave has lived in Tucson for 17 years and is the owner of the Chick-fil-A Tanque Verde store and Business Consultant for the University of Arizona Chick-fil-a. He grew up in an Army family living in Germany and Korea. He graduated from The Pennsylvania State University with a Business Degree and Texas Tech University with an MBA. He is a retired Colonel, USAF with 25 years of service. His last assignment was as the 98th Mission Support Group, Nellis AFB. He had deployments to Egypt, Iraq and Qatar (A4 – Director of Logistics at the Combined Air Operations Center). He is a graduate of the Air War College. Dave was also on the Board of Directors for USAA Savings Bank Credit Card Operations for 5 years. He is a board member of the DM50 and works with non-profits to include The Air Force Association (local chapter), The Breakfast Lions Club, Night to Shine (Tim Tebow Foundation), and ADDO Leader Academy at two local high schools. Dave married his high school sweetheart, Lola, and they have been married for 32 years. They have three children: Sarah (Restaurant Marketing Director), Rachel (student at A.T. Still/Physician Assistant Degree), Jacob (student at California Lutheran/Environmental Science Degree). Dave enjoys travel, hiking and watching all sports.
Jack Clements
Board Member
Jack Clements has been active in the Insurance industry in Tucson for over 30 years. He owned his own insurance agency (Clements Insurance), which he recently sold to an industry leading firm. He is on the Board of Directors of Boy Scouts of America (Catalina Council) and the Metropolitan Pima Alliance, and is active in the Centurions and the Tucson Conquistadores, both local philanthropic organizations.
Roy Donelson
Board Member
Roy is an aerospace and defense executive and Senior Director of Program Management at Northrop Grumman, leading program management excellence for the Defense Systems Sector. A West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer, he spent over two decades at Raytheon rising from engineer to Vice President before joining Northrop Grumman, where he also served as Vice President of Engineering. He also serves as Northrop Grumman’s executive sponsor to the University of Arizona and on the university’s College of Engineering Dean’s Advisory Board. Roy is committed to strengthening the partnership between Tucson and industry with Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in support of the mission they share.
Stephen Fleming
Board Member
Stephen trained as a physicist and spent 15 years in operations roles at AT&T. Bell laboratories, Nortel Networks, and a venture-funded startup. He has 25 years of experience as a technology-focused venture capitalist and angel investor. Stephen moved to Tucson in 2017 to develop the University of Arizona’s engagement with the private sector. He retired from the University in 2025 and now maintains a consulting practice at Boostphase. He is an investor in over a dozen private aerospace startups, a founding member of the Space Angels Network, and is the founder and chair of the Arizona Space Business RoundTable.
Brad Hoge
Board Member
Bradley Hoge is the Vice President and Co-Founder of Rio West Development & Construction, Inc., a Tucson-based general contractor specializing in construction, development, and project management for office, medical, retail, industrial, and specialty type projects. Born in Columbus, Ohio, on October 29, 1960, Brad grew up in Arizona and has spent the past 59 years in Tucson. A graduate of the U of A, he also serves on the Board of DM50 and is a member of the Tucson Conquistadores. In his spare time, he enjoys snow skiing, sailing, and camping. Celebrating 35 years of marriage this year, Brad and his wife Lynn have three children and one grandchild.
David Lyons
Board Member
Tom Miller
Board Member
DM50 Speaks!
We would be honored to provide a speaker to address your group or event. We can present on the vital importance of DMAFB to both our National Defense and the Southern Arizona Community. We can also tailor a presentation for your organization. Please fill out our Guest Speaker form to schedule one of our speakers.
DMAFB: America’s Asset. Tucson’s Treasure
For over six decades, Tucson has been the proud home for Davis-Monthan Air Force Base (DMAFB), and recognizes the tremendous sacrifices made by its service members and families who live and work as part of our community. The synergy between Tucson and Davis-Monthan greatly enhances our local economy while ensuring our national security.
Davis-Monthan Air Force Base is one of the largest, key, Air Combat Command installations in the United States Air Force. DMAFB provides medical, logistical, mission and operational support, and training for U.S. forces at home and around the globe. Located within the City of Tucson, Davis-Monthan employs over 7,900 military and 3,700 civilian personnel. The installation encompasses over 10,000 acres, 448 buildings, 1,256 homes, and a 13,643-foot runway.
The Base was named in honor of two WWI pilots, Lieutenants Samuel H. Davis and Oscar Monthan, both Tucson natives who attended the University of Arizona. Since that time, DMAFB has continued to serve as a point of patriotism and pride for the entire region. Since its inception in 1925, over 61 Major Commands and Major Units have called Davis-Monthan their home.
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE CONTRIBUTE MORE THAN $3 BILLION TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY ANNUALLY.
- Third largest employer in Tucson
- Home to 10,000 Airmen and Civilian Personnel
- 2012 – named the outstanding installation in the entire United States Air Force
- 2016 & 2018 – received the Air Combat Command Commander-in-Chief’s Installation Excellence Award
- Recognized on National Philanthropy Day by the Association of Fund Raising Professionals as an outstanding philanthropic and volunteer organization in Tucson and Southern Arizona