An executive with more than 30 years of experience in operations, business development and risk management has been named the new chief executive officer of Dress for Success Phoenix. Tamala J. McBath whose background includes executive level roles in healthcare, and has served as a consultant to a variety of businesses assumed the role Nov. 8.
Lisa Doromal, the former CEO who founded the nonprofit 14 years ago, has decided to step away to pursue other opportunities. She will remain involved in the organization and is assisting McBath as she transitions into the role.
Born in Maryville, Tenn., McBath came to Arizona at age 12 and attended Phoenix Christian Preparatory School. She graduated from Christopher Newport University in Virginia with a bachelor’s in social work. Following her successful national career in healthcare operations and business consulting, McBath is excited to return to the region.
“My experiences here played a major role in shaping my values and desires to serve and provide opportunities for others to advance,” McBath said. “I look forward to pouring myself into the work of advancing Dress for Success Phoenix and expanding its reach and influence in the community.”
Until recently, McBath was the president and CEO of The Regal Group, Inc., a Cincinnati based consulting firm that offered solutions in business strategy, sales and marketing, and business development for existing businesses, startups, and acquisitions. Prior to her time in Cincinnati, McBath was the president and CEO of Pearl Consulting Group, a firm that provided risk and site assessment, financial, business development, strategic planning, and process improvement services for insurance companies and healthcare facilities. With an extensive background in leadership and business development, McBath plans to bring a fresh perspective to the organization while honoring its legacy.
“We are delighted that Tamala will be leading Dress for Success Phoenix and will be tasked with heightening the mission and intensifying our ability to provide assistance and meaningful outcomes to the many women we continue to serve in our community,” said Patricia Buckley, board chair of Dress for Success Phoenix. “We are excited to have her on board.”
McBath is currently completing her executive master’s in global management at Arizona State University’s Thunderbird School. She is married to Dr. Battinto L. Batts Jr., dean of the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at ASU. Together, they have four daughters Lyndsay, Mayah, Olivia and Jourdan and a grandson, Brycen.
Dress for Success Phoenix has been a vital catalyst for social change and empowering women, garnering dedicated support from the Arizona community, and becoming one of the top global affiliates of Dress for Success Worldwide. Doromal is recognized for the legacy of empowerment she and her staff have built across the Phoenix community.
“I admire Lisa for her leadership and commitment to serving the needs of women and providing a means of empowerment and growth. Our community needs more servants like her,” McBath said. “The legacy that Lisa leaves with Dress for Success Phoenix, and the lives she has touched, will guide me.”
Since its founding, the organization has grown into a major resource in Maricopa County, serving 1,612 clients in 2020, and attracting more than two million dollars worth of in kind and financial donations.
“I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Lisa for the tremendous legacy she has created in our community, one that will continue to guide us in our daily work,” Buckley said. “She has gifted so many women with empowerment.”
Visit phoenix.dressforsuccess.org for more information.