Staff
Jana Ferraro
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Jana Smith is the first Executive Director of the Phoenix ToolBank. With over 19 years of experience in the sector, Jana believes nonprofits have a responsibility to create an engaging experience for their volunteers by having the “right tool for the job,” supporting ToolBank’s commitment to create community change.
Jana holds a BA in Biology and Criminal Justice from Indiana University and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University.
She is a graduate of Tempe Leadership (Class 26) as well as ASU’s Gen Next Leadership program (Class 4). Her favorite tool is a nail gun as it is big, powerful, and gets the job done efficiently, which speaks to her for some reason.
Luke Brandemuehl
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Meet Luke
Luke joined ToolBank after leaving a successful career in corporate sales in search of something more meaningful. Since moving to Arizona eight years ago, he has embraced a new chapter focused on community, learning, and hands-on problem-solving. As ToolBank’s warehouse manager, Luke helps keep daily operations running smoothly, from coordinating orders and supporting customers to maintaining an organized warehouse.
For Luke, ToolBank represents an opportunity to make a lasting impact. “We’re able to help nonprofits use their resources more efficiently,” he says. “I love being part of helping the community.” He especially enjoys the fast-paced days when the warehouse is buzzing with activity, describing them as the moments when he feels most energized.
Outside of work, Luke is an avid fruit tree grower, gardener, and rockhound who enjoys hiking the Valley. His philosophy is simple: “Instead of throwing something away, ask, ‘How can we fix it?'”
Stacy Sakala
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Meet Stacy
A Phoenix native with an extensive background in operations, Stacey joined Phoenix Community ToolBank looking for an opportunity to put her experience to work for a greater purpose.
After working across industries including office furniture, cabinet manufacturing, event production, and lighting, she saw ToolBank as a place where the skills she had developed throughout her career could directly benefit the community.
For Stacey, ToolBank’s impact comes from removing barriers that might otherwise keep organizations from getting their projects started.
“Being able to move forward on a project when access to tools is the only thing standing in the way is huge,” she says.
She has especially enjoyed seeing the wide range of nonprofits and community groups that rely on ToolBank, as well as discovering the extensive collection of event and design equipment available in the warehouse.
“I like that people can get help while they’re helping other people,” she says. “It spreads.”
Outside of work, Stacey enjoys exploring Phoenix, from South Mountain and local parks to downtown restaurants and businesses. Her favorite tool is a grinder, “because cutting metal shoots fire.”
Whether at work or in the community, Stacey believes in cutting through unnecessary noise and focusing on what can make things better. Her advice for anyone considering volunteering at ToolBank is just as straightforward: don’t be intimidated by the tools.
“You don’t need experience. Your volunteer hours can still make a difference.”
Essiah Otero-Perez
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Meet Essiah
Essiah has been part of the ToolBank team since late 2025, helping pull orders, organize inventory, and pitch in wherever he’s needed. A Phoenix native, he discovered ToolBank through his mom who became a regular tool renter herself. After graduating high school and spending two years working at Sky Zone, Essiah was looking for a new challenge and found one at ToolBank.
Although he’s one of the younger members of the team, Essiah enjoys working alongside experienced coworkers and believes the job has helped him grow personally. “It’s definitely helped me talk to people better,” he says, crediting the role with building his confidence and preparing him for what’s next in life.
Outside of work, Essiah enjoys skateboarding around the Valley and tackling bathroom remodeling projects. His advice to anyone considering ToolBank? “Do it. It’s chill, it’s cool, and it’s something different.” For Essiah, being part of an organization that supports nonprofits while serving the community makes every day meaningful.
Paul Hendrix
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Meet Paul
After a 30-year career in technology with American Express – one that took him around the world, including years living in England and Australia – Paul chose to spend his retirement giving back to the Phoenix community. A Missouri native who has called the Valley home for nearly four decades, he discovered ToolBank through HandsOn Greater Phoenix and has been a dedicated volunteer ever since.
Whether he’s filling tool orders, loading equipment, repairing wooden carts, or lending a hand wherever needed, Paul enjoys being part of a team that helps hundreds of local nonprofits succeed. “ToolBank is almost like a central hub that branches out to help so many organizations,” he says. “I know I’m helping the community every time I come in.”
When he’s not volunteering, Paul enjoys woodworking, hiking, traveling, and spending time with his dog. His advice to future volunteers: “Come give it a try. You won’t know how good it is until you experience it for yourself.”
Bill Reynolds
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Meet Bill
After a 30-year career in law enforcement, Bill wasn’t ready to stop solving problems. Now in his third year as a ToolBank volunteer, he spends his days repairing equipment, organizing the workshop, and tackling whatever challenge comes through the door. What first drew him to ToolBank was the opportunity to put a lifetime of practical skills to work for the community.
For Bill, volunteering is about making a meaningful contribution. “Rarely does a nonprofit organization not need some type of equipment, tool, or supply,” he says. “ToolBank fills that need.”
Bill enjoys the variety each day brings, comparing it to his years in law enforcement, where every situation required a different solution. His advice to new volunteers: “Keep an open mind, embrace the task at hand, and check your ego at the door.” Bill truly believes that every repaired tool helps another organization strengthen the community.
