As reported in Harvard Business Review, “Research has shown that firms with more women in senior positions are more profitable, more socially responsible, and provide safer, higher-quality customer experiences—among many other benefits.”  

It should be no surprise then that JDRF, the leading global nonprofit funding type 1 diabetes (T1D) research, has promoted two more women on its executive leadership team: Kathleen Seitz and Sydney Yovic. 

JDRF has ambitious but strategic goals to further amplify its role as a global leader in the T1D space. Promoting both high performing, innovative-thinking women to more senior leadership roles maps directly to those goals. 

Kathleen Seitz 

JDRF is pleased to announce that Kathleen Seitz, Senior Vice President, Global Development, has been promoted to Chief Global Development Officer overseeing the field network, volunteer engagement and all contributed revenue sources. 

With more than 25 years of development experience, Kathleen has worked with a cross-section of nonprofits, including cultural, healthcare, human service, secondary and higher education, and religious organizations. She has significant expertise in volunteer management, fundraising staff recruitment and training, and strategic fundraising planning. Kathleen also received her Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation in 2019.  

In her short time with JDRF, Kathleen has already made an immediate impact, growing and guiding her team so they are well-positioned to maximize our revenue and build a global development strategy to increase JDRF’s global footprint and presence. 

As Chief Global Development Officer, Kathleen will lead JDRF’s efforts to maximize initiatives and raise more funds to advance our mission in the United States and globally. We look forward to the positive impact Kathleen will continue to have on JDRF and the T1D community as she drives continual improvement of fundraising strategies and engagement in JDRF programs. 

 Sydney Yovic 

JDRF is pleased to announce that Sydney Yovic, Chief of Staff, has been promoted to the position of Chief Strategy Officer and Chief of Staff. 

Sydney has been a valuable, results-driven leader for JDRF for over 10 years, having started as Project Manager in the Research department and taken on roles of increasing responsibility since then. She continues to be an incredibly valuable partner to staff and volunteers throughout the organization.  

In her newly expanded role, Sydney will lead and drive JDRF’s strategy and organizational priorities to help shape our future vision and propel our mission forward. Sydney will continue to be a tremendous asset as she develops strategic plans, implements impact measures, and centralizes resources to ensure JDRF is operating at the highest levels of effectiveness and efficiency. 

JDRF and the T1D community will continue to benefit from Sydney’s strong leadership skills as she works to ensure JDRF’s organizational strategies, processes, tools, systems and offerings are well-positioned to drive continual improvement, growth, and impact.