Leadership Team
Jessye Johnson, MPA
Executive Director
Jessye Johnson, Executive Director for Verde Valley Sanctuary, joined the agency in March 2022 to oversee all operational, financial, programmatic, and strategic aspects of the organization. “I have the privilege of working with a passionate and skilled leadership team at VVS, who endeavor to move VVS’ strategic vision into its next exciting phase of life.”
Holding a bachelor’s degree in justice studies from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in public administration, government and policy from Grand Canyon University, Johnson joined the agency with more than 20 years of experience in the domestic and sexual violence movement in Arizona, beginning in early 2000 when her career started as a case manager for a shelter. She took her passion and lessons learned from direct service to the statewide level at the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence as their Chief Strategy Officer. While at ACESDV, Johnson led a statewide group that drafted the 2011 Arizona Service Standards for Domestic Violence Programs, and was an appointee to the Governor’s Sexual Assault Evidence Collection Kit Task Force.
Johnson was also the subject matter expert for the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission’s Injunction Against Harassment and Order of Protection process overall project for the state of Arizona. The project resulted in changes to Arizona state law and the development of the AzPOINT system.
Prior to joining VVS, Johnson served as the Chief Strategy and Administrative Officer for New Life Center and established model protocol for domestic violence shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic, obtained grant funding and led the implementation of their human trafficking program, including transitional housing.
In her spare time, Johnson enjoys spending time with her family and close friends
Brian M. Bergner Jr.
Development and Communications Director
Brian Bergner, Development and Communications Director for Verde Valley Sanctuary, joined the agency in September 2024 and manages donor relations, corporate giving and public relations, among other duties. He comes to the VVS after spending three years as a Development Specialist with Yavapai Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization that has served the youth of Yavapai County for more than 50 years.
Passionate about volunteer work, Bergner has been involved in local Kiwanis and Chamber of Commerce groups, while helping other organizations like the Salvation Army as a bell ringer during the holidays, the Valley of Lights display in Prescott Valley and a volunteer youth basketball coach for the local Prescott YMCA, among other charitable causes.
Prior to his work in the nonprofit sector, the award-winning multimedia journalist covered news, professional, collegiate and high school sports for more than 20 years. He began his career working in the media relations office as a student at Northern Arizona University, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and public relations in 2006. Joining Larson Newspapers in 2007, Bergner covered sports in the Verde Valley for the Sedona Red Rock News, Cottonwood Journal Extra and Camp Verde Journal before moving to Phoenix to work for other publications including the Associated Press, The East Valley Tribune and The Record Reporter. In 2015, he moved back to Northern Arizona to become a sports writer and eventually sports editor for The Daily Courier before eventually become a news/sports editor for the publication. He eventually became the editor of The Verde Independent, a sister publication of the Courier, before joining YBBBS in 2021.
Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, his family moved to Arizona in 1995 and eventually made their way to Northern Arizona where he graduated from Sedona Red Rock High School in 2001, helping lead the Scorpions to a state basketball final four in 2000. Bergner played NCAA Division III basketball for Concordia University Wisconsin before returning to Arizona in 2004 at NAU.
In his spare time, Bergner enjoys sports, having coached basketball at CUW as a student assistant before joining SRRHS as a basketball, baseball and softball coach from 2004-2012. His favorite teams are the Green Bay Packers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Milwaukee Brewers, Phoenix Suns and Wisconsin Badgers.
He and his wife Irma have three children.
Lindsay Brooks
Finance and Administration Director
Lindsay Brooks, Finance and Administration Director for Verde Valley Sanctuary, joined the agency in February 2025 and manages all aspects of the organization’s financial dealings, including most human resources and administrative duties.
Brooks ensures the responsible stewardship of resources while supporting the organization’s mission through sound fiscal leadership. She is passionate about creating transparent, sustainable systems that empower long-term impact while leading with compassion, integrity and strategy. One of the most valuable lessons she’s learned is that leadership isn’t about perfection – it’s about presence, learning and listening.
Originally from Prescott Valley, Brooks graduated from Phoenix College with her AAS in accounting, working for the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) as their bookkeeper prior to joining VVS. She is deeply passionate about serving communities affected by violence using trauma-informed practices in everyday life.
In her spare time, Brooks loves to hike, enjoy nature, read, go on road trips, and spend time with her son Aron while listening to music and performing concerts in the car. She loves to play with her two dogs Angel and Diesel, and two cats, Gracie and Mr. Swift, and of course, eat tacos. Brooks is also a self-proclaimed “Swiftie,” enjoying Taylor Swift music since the hit single “Teardrops on My Guitar” graced the radio waves.
Cassandra Presmyk
Director of Programs
Cassandra Presmyk, Resident Services Director for Verde Valley Sanctuary, joined the agency in April 2019 and provides leadership, direction, and management of VVS’ residential department, ensuring all activities of the staff are aligned with grant goals and objectives, including the agency’s mission and principals. Presmyk is also responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, comprehensive, trauma-informed direct services and collaborative efforts within the community.
Originally from Flagstaff, the Inderkum High School graduate (Sacramento, Calif.) earned her associate degree from Yavapai College and continues studies in paralegal work while working toward a bachelor’s degree. During her tenure at VVS, Presmyk has held a multitude of positions including advocate, lead advocate and lay legal advocate. Prior to VVS, she held a position as a residential team member at an all-girls youth boarding school.
In her spare time, Presmyk enjoys cheering her favorite college team, North Carolina, with her fiancé Michael, playing with her Australian Shepard, Smokey, baking sourdough, and watching her two children play sports while also being a volunteer coach.