BOARD MEMBERS
JUDI COMBS, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Judi Combs, an artist herself and a successful business woman, founded Thunderbird Artists, Arizona Fine Art EXPO and American Healing Arts Foundation.
Her passion for fine art inspired her to develop Thunderbird Artists (TBA). TBA has produced over 289 fine art events over the past 30 years which has attracted millions of patrons who share in her appreciation of the finest art.
Throughout the history of TBA, Judi eventually became encouraged by many of her participating artists to develop the Arizona Fine Art EXPO (EXPO). Since 2005, this 10-week event has given artist an opportunity to exhibit their art in a ‘studio environment’ in which they are able to continue creating their masterpieces.
With the ongoing wars continuing from the aftermath of 911, Judi searched her heart for a way to show her support for the U.S. Armed Forces and the men and women fighting for her freedom. In 2009, she developed the American Healing Arts Foundation by inviting her participating artist to volunteer to teach U.S. Veterans art as form of healing and therapy. The art classes were overwhelming and life-changing for veterans as well as for the art instructors. Classes continue at various locations and include Judi’s vision to build the “Veterans Academy of Art”.
KIM BULOT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR & SECRETARY
I am a proud mom of two wonderful sons and two adorable granddaughters. Employed for over 15 years in Scottsdale Arizona at a local pool construction company where I teamed-up with the IT department as a Software Administrator. I worked closely with computer end-users to provide computer support, training and enforced policies and procedures.
I am compassionate for the wounded, the hurting and the lost for both humanity and our animal friends. I currently attend church in Phoenix whereby my faith and hope will continue to grow.
I began volunteering for the American Healing Arts Foundation and as a result, my passion and expectations for our veterans has taken me to my new position of Secretary and Executive Director. I am honored to serve our great American Heroes!
JUDY LONG, DIRECTOR
My business experience started back in 1977 working at my husbands manufacturing company doing his accounts payable. As his company expanded I decided to stay home and raise our family. After the youngest left for college I re-entered the work force at a local health club doing both accounts receivable and payable.
During the years, I have been active in our church as a member of the vestry, leading our Episcopal Ladies Group and with numerous fundraisers at our church. I also took an active role in a guild at a local hospital where I served in various capacities as guild president as well as working in the hospital coffee shop. I believe these things helped shape me for the role I currently have at the EXPO.
This is The Arizona Fine Art EXPO’S 9th year in operation. One of the main things I’ve learned is you never know what to expect next. It’s important to think on your feet and be able to make decisions. Every day is an adventure and it’s wonderful that at 64 I can continue to grow and evolve into the person I hope to become.
DENNIS LONG, DIRECTOR
I started my formal education at Arizona State University and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Mechanical Engineering. I worked in the corporate world at U-Haul, Ford Motor Company, and Marmon Motor Company as a mechanical design and test engineer until I went to work for Rockwell International as a sales engineer.
Shortly after that, 33 years ago, I started my own manufacturing company and have been self employed every since. I started the manufacturing company as a one man shop doing government contracting. We mostly manufactured medical products and other military items as well as fabricated office furniture products and components for the office furniture industry. I built the company up to about 50 employees. I have since spent most of my efforts doing product design and development in the area of office ergonomics and currently hold 12 related patents.
Most recently, my wife, Judy, and I joined Judi and Roger Combs and started the Arizona Fine Art EXPO where I am currently President. I have also served for about 6 years on our local church board as a board member as well as the senior layperson.
FLO BLANDING, DIRECTOR
I am a graduate of Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin with a major in German and a minor in Business and have a majority of the credits required for a Masters in Information Science from the University of Wisconsin. I worked in the computer software industry as a programmer, systems analyst, systems designer, and project leader for 33 years.
As part of my career, I was required to serve on numerous committees. I also served on the church parish council for 4 years and have been the treasurer of Carefree Highlands Homeowner Association for the past 8 years. I am now retired and feel I could be of help to others by volunteering to serve on this board.
COLLEEN APODACA, DIRECTOR
Colleen has an extensive background in business and marketing. As former executive for Lancome, Paris / Loreal Division, she is experienced in organization, public speaking and was responsible in overseeing a 21 million dollar region.
Colleen represents the Arizona Fine Art EXPO – Her excellent public relation skills are utilized with patrons, concierges, artists and sponsors making her a true asset for the EXPO event.
She served as secretary for four years on a 501(C)3 board for the H.E.A.R.T. charity. She understands protocol and is well versed in board meeting structure.
TOM LOCKHART, DIRECTOR
Tom Lockhart, a U.S. Veteran who served in the Marine Corps, is currently VP of Membership Development at Ahwatukee Chamber of Commerce.
He has over 30 years of business management & nonprofit experience. He has enjoyed a great deal of success in corporate America as a senior executive with national retail chains.
Tom has also built and owned two successful businesses of his own here in the Phoenix/ Scottsdale area. Prior to joining the Ahwatukee Chamber, he was a Director with the Arizona Small Business Association and served as CEO for the North Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce. Tom attended Iowa State University majoring in Business & Communications.
ATALANTA KNATCHBULL, DIRECTOR
A native of London, Atalanta was born into a world of rich design influence. She was raised by a family of photographers who introduced her not only to the world of photography, but the one of its most prized subjects, fashion and styling. Her photographic work has been published at the 2010 ’70 Days in the tents’ Arizona Fine Arts Expo.
Alongside her photography, Atalanta is a painter and participates in art festivals in Arizona. She has been involved with the American Healing Arts Foundation since 2010. Promoting, aiding with fund raising and maintaining an online presence through social media, the website and the Internet. In 2012 Atalanta was voted onto the Board of American Healing Arts Foundation.