Our Staff

Jason Marsden Executive Vice President

Jason Marsden has served as Executive Vice President of the Matthew Shepard Foundation since July 1, 2009.

Cynthia Deitle Director of Civil Rights Reform

Cynthia M. Deitle is the Matthew Shepard Foundation’s Director of Civil Rights Reform. She oversees our programmatic hate crimes work.

Dana Juniel Director of Strategy & Communications

Dana Juniel is the Matthew Shepard Foundation’s Director of Strategy and Communications. She oversees the Foundation’s media, communications and editorial voice, as well as the development strategy.

Allison Down Director of Operations and Outreach

Allison Down is the Director of Operations and Outreach for the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

Denay Patterson Development Officer

Denay Patterson is the Matthew Shepard Foundation's Development Officer, responsible for donor relations and grant management.

Cortney Paddock Development Officer

Cortney is the Matthew Shepard Foundation's Development Officer, responsible for events and database management.

Louis Sisneros Legacy Projects Coordinator

Louis Sisneros oversees our legacy projects.

Board of Directors

Judy Shepard President

Judy Shepard is the founding president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation Board of Directors.

John Sullivan Secretary

In his professional position as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Carlson, Inc., John Sullivan provides primary support to the company’s Board of Directors.

Greg Miraglia Vice President

Greg Miraglia is a dean emeritus at Napa Valley College and is a professor of LGBT Studies and Criminal Justice at Napa Valley College, Santa Rosa Junior College and City College of San Francisco.

Shirley Potenza Treasurer

Shirley is an advocate, wife, mother, “army-brat”, student, dreamer, optimist and Controller for Coda Signature; Colorado’s premier cannabis infused product company.

Bob Witeck is President of Witeck Communications, Inc., and for over 25 years a pioneering communications strategist dedicated to the advancement of LGBTQ communities around the world. He is a communications consultant, author, speaker and researcher.