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 joins Matthew Shepard Foundation after operating his own fundraising consulting firm where he had the pleasure of working with multiple non-profit organizations including Housing Works and GLAAD.

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.

Sara Grossman Communications Manager

Sara Grossman manages the Foundation's media, communications and editorial projects.

Louis Sisneros Legacy Projects Coordinator

Louis Sisneros oversees our legacy projects.

Denay Patterson Development Manager

Denay Patterson manages database systems, fundraising campaigns, events coordination, and content development.

Leah Szelest Executive & Development Associate

Leah Szelest coordinates with volunteers, assists with general administrative duties and supports the Foundation's Annual Honors Gala in October.

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.