Our Staff
Jason Marsden Executive Director
Jason Marsden has served as executive director of the Matthew Shepard Foundation since July 1, 2009.
Joe Foster Development Director
Joe Foster is the Development Director for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Joe leads the fundraising and partnership efforts at the foundation.
Cynthia Deitle Programs and Operations Director
Cynthia M. Deitle is the Matthew Shepard Foundation’s Programs and Operations Director. She oversees our hate crimes work, community outreach, and events.
Dana Juniel Communications Officer
Dana Juniel is the Matthew Shepard Foundation’s Communications Officer. She oversees the Foundation’s media, communications and editorial voice.
Louis Sisneros Legacy Projects Coordinator
Louis Sisneros oversees our legacy projects.
Denay Patterson Development Manager, Operations & Donor Relations
Denay Patterson manages database systems, fundraising campaigns, events coordination, and content development.
Leah Szelest Development Manager, Special Events & Corporate Partnerships
Leah is the Development Manager, Special Events & Corporate Partnerships. She oversees the planning of the gala and helps build relationships with existing and current corporate sponsors.
Board of Directors
Judy Shepard President
Judy Shepard is the founding president of the Matthew Shepard Foundation Board of Directors.
John Sullivan Secretary
John Sullivan was a founding member of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Business Council in 1997.
Greg Miraglia Vice President
Mr. Miraglia is the National Program Coordinator for the Stop the Hate Program.
Shirley Potenza Treasurer
Shirley has been active with the Matthew Shepard Foundation since 2009, and brings her extensive skills and infectious personality and smile to this cause.
Bob Witeck Board Member
Bob Witeck is President of Witeck Communications, Inc., and for over 25 years a pioneering communications strategist dedicated to the advancement of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) communities around the world. He is a communications consultant, author, speaker and researcher.
Jay Brown Board Member
Jay Brown has a long-standing history with the LGBTQ movement and the organization, including previous roles as HRC’s Communications Director and HRC’s Director of Research and Public Education.
Charlotte Sweeney Board Member
Charlotte Sweeney is the Foundation's newest Board member and a longtime supporter of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
Dennis Shepard Board Member Emeritus
Dennis Shepard has served on the Matthew Shepard Foundation board of directors since the organization’s inception.