FAMA Board of Directors

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 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.

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.