Armando A. Contreras is the president and CEO of United Cerebral Palsy. Under his leadership, UCP continues to provide essential services via the affiliate network and advocate for the inclusion and empowerment of individuals with neurodevelopment disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome. His professional career includes serving as the chief executive officer of United Cerebral Palsy of Central Arizona, the president and chief executive officer of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the director of the Arizona Registrar of Contractors and the executive director of the Governor’s Council on Small Business under former Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. Armando currently serves on the Board of Directors for SourceAmerica.
A recognized thought leader and advocate, Armando has been featured in several industry-leading publications and media outlets, honored as a top CEO in the nonprofit health sector by Arizona Business Magazine, and named one of Arizona’s most Influential Minority Business Leaders. Awards like the Champions in Diversity recognition from the Phoenix Business Journal reflect his profound commitment to fostering inclusion at every level.
Armando earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in theology from the University of San Francisco. A relentless learner, Armando has also advanced his expertise through programs at Indiana University’s School of Philanthropy and Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management.
With three grown children, Armando and his wife, Norma, reside in Phoenix, Arizona, where they are active in the community, contributing their time and talents to faith based social justice issues.
Previously serving as a consultant focusing on implementation of UCP’s strategic initiatives, Kismet now serves as vice president of strategy & operations. Kismet earned a master’s degree in education in 2005 and has worked in association management since 2008, primarily with nonprofit medical organizations focusing on education, strategy development and organizational effectiveness. Kismet lives in the Chicago area and enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Carrie Cantrell is the director of affiliate relations & programs at United Cerebral Palsy. Since 2020, she has been working with UCP as a consultant prior to joining the team permanently in September 2024. Carrie earned a Master of Social Work and a Master of Public Health from University of Michigan in 2011, and has since worked various community settings including hospitals, community-based nonprofits and government entities with a focus on program development and implementation. She continues to serve as adjunct faculty and an internship mentor for social work and sociology students at Grand Canyon University. Carrie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband and two pups.
Michael Ludgardo is the Manager of Development for United Cerebral Palsy, and has supported the development department in various roles during his 10-year tenure. Michael earned a Master’s of Public Administration with a concentration in nonprofit management from George Mason University in May 2023. Based in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia, Michael volunteers at two local nonprofit organizations in his spare time: New Futures and the Latin American Youth Center.
Sarah Peiper is the marketing and communications Manager at UCP, bringing over 20 years of experience in communications, including content development, writing and editing, graphic design, brand management, digital marketing and publicity. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Kansas and has built a dynamic career across diverse industries. Before joining UCP, Sarah led marketing efforts for a nonprofit trade association serving the construction and remodeling sector. Earlier in her career, she worked in publishing, elevating diverse voices and advocating for children’s literacy. Originally from the Midwest, Sarah now resides in Maui, Hawaii, with her husband and their three German Shepherds.
Alexis Sanchez is the Business Operations Administrator for United Cerebral Palsy. Alexis assists in the development department and manages UCP's social media platforms. Graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a major in history, Alexis has worked at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and interned at their Mandel Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies.
Gerald Ong is the Executive Assistant to Armando Contreras, UCP President & CEO. With nine years of experience as an administrative professional in the dynamic tech start-up sector of San Francisco, Gerald has honed his skills in managing complex schedules and supporting executive leadership. He graduated with honors from San Francisco State University, earning a B.A. in Communication Studies. Outside of work, Gerald is a devoted fan of Taylor Swift and enjoys spending time with his two dogs, Bruno and Ariana, named after a couple of his favorite musicians Bruno Mars and Ariana Grande.
