Daniel Matlick
Board President
Daniel Matlick moved to Tucson from New York with his family in 1977 when they purchased United Fire, located in the culturally rich and eclectic Fourth Avenue. Starting by sweeping floors and filling fire extinguishers, Daniel has risen to become the President and CEO of United Fire, now Arizona’s oldest full-service fire equipment company.

With 47 years of experience, Daniel has witnessed and contributed to the evolution of Fourth Avenue. He is a certified firefighter and the first certified Jaws of Life instructor in Arizona, contributing to thousands of saved lives. He created a statewide Firefighter of the Year recognition award program and was a founding board member and development director for the Last Alarm Foundation, dedicated to honoring our firefighter heroes by providing their “Last Ride” on a beautifully restored 1954 fire truck. These accomplishments led to his distinction as the first non-fire department person inducted into the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame.

Daniel has been a pivotal figure in the community, serving as a North Fourth Avenue Merchants Association (FAMA) Board Director and President for most of the last 26 years. He has often volunteered as the Executive Director during vacancies, ensuring continuity and stability. He has represented Fourth Avenue on various City of Tucson Committees, addressing critical projects such as the Underpass Replacement Project, Storm Drain improvements, Community Art Features, Maclovio Barraza Parkway, and the Modern Streetcar development. His efforts have preserved the often threatened bi-annual Fourth Avenue Street Fairs, generating over a billion dollars in economic impact, and secured half a million dollars in grants to support merchants through the COVID-19 crisis and improve local infrastructure.

Fourth Avenue’s significance to Tucson’s culture, heritage, and future is immense, and Daniel Matlick takes great pride in his contributions to both the businesses and the community, ensuring it remains an enjoyable and important destination for all.

Susan French
Board Member

Heavily involved with the downtown and Fourth Avenue communities since 1991, Susan French is a longtime advocate of the arts and focuses on local first: music, merchants, restaurants, and nonprofits. She has been an electronic technician, an athlete, and a soldier. Susan was a helicopter engine mechanic and helicopter power turbine engine repair and theory instructor, and an educator of art, math, and science. Susan’s a mother, book illustrator, technical writer, editor, gallery artist, and has been a renovation manager, and an aviation production control manager. An MBA – French is a business consultant, executive marketing director, commercial real estate marketing consultant, marketing agency owner, graphic designer & design company owner, musicians museum conceptualizer, co-founder, and curator; event planner and coordinator, concert producer & promoter, non-profit organization developer, has been a festivals & events association president, ranch owners’ association president, and is a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor and Functional Nutrition & Lifestyle Practitioner. She is a trusted friend and ally.

Currently, the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association’s imminent financial crisis – created by unintended and increasing public area maintenance responsibilities – presents French with the opportunity to assist in developing and implementing solutions to benefit this district and strengthen the community.

Bruce Hungate
Board Treasurer

Bruce arrived in Tucson in 1952 as a 1year old. His family came from a farming community in Illinois to buy an ice cream store in Tucson that turned out to be the Dairy Queen on 4th Ave and in 1969 purchased the property where it is now located.

He took over operations at the DQ in his early 20’s and soon after began working with local 4th Ave merchants who wanted to create more synergy by getting the merchants to work together. As a result our Street Fairs have become locally and nationally renowned. Bruce is a founding member of FAMA, the organization was created in August of 1983.

After developing Dairy Queens in Southern California from 1987 through 2002, Bruce returned to Tucson to operate the family Dairy Queen and reconnect with the Fourth Avenue Merchant Association.

Bruce has been an active FAMA member/board member for over 40 years, his primary role with the organization has been as Treasurer and that continues today.

John Jacobs
Board Member

John A. Jacobs was raised in Tucson and is a seasoned business development professional with over 23 years of experience managing multinational e-commerce and consumer packaged goods operations. He has held executive leadership roles focusing on process improvement, strategic implementation, and global management. As the founder and CEO of ArtFire.com and President of Magnitude, John consulted hundreds of entrepreneurs and founded over 20 startups, achieving multiple successful exits, including a $35 million exit with MenoLabs.

John  is the Founder and CEO, ArtFire.com and established a leading online marketplace, creating company policies and procedures, and growing a vibrant community of artists and entrepreneurs. He is a Founding Member, and Lead Investor of MenoLabs and led multinational operations and compliance, achieving a $35 million exit. John is the President, Magnitude Management Svs., Inc.: Directed domestic and international operations, implementing strategic operational objectives and internal controls. He also owns Solana Spanish Villas: Manages a pet-friendly mini-resort in Tanque Verde, offering unique vacation experiences and group events.

John served in the United States Air Force, Security Forces – Military Police: Served in law enforcement and security roles, including special weapons and tactics (SWAT) training. Represented Barksdale AFB in the USAF Contending Warrior competition, created training curriculum, and protected U.S. assets during Operation Southern Watch.

John coached youth soccer (AYSO), youth football (TYFSF): Tanque Verde Cowboys and Tucson Scorpions and high school lacrosse (Salpointe High School).

John served as an Executive Board Member, Downtown Tucson Partnership: Contributed to strategic planning  and community development initiatives. He was also the Chairman, Downtown Tucson Merchants: Led a coalition of 160 businesses, fostering economic growth and collaboration. He was a member of the Economic & Workforce Development Sub-Committee for the City of Tucson: Participated in initiatives to enhance regional economic development. And he created and administered volunteer community and merchant support programs: Summer in the City and Tucson Change Movement

John has extensive experience in strategic analysis, new business development, operations management, marketing, and financial responsibility. He has demonstrated expertise in leading cross-functional teams, establishing internal controls, and driving organizational growth.