Who’s Who: Your JDRF Greater Delaware Valley Staff
The JDRF Greater Delaware Valley Chapter covers over 15,000 square miles of territory, spanning from the farming communities of southern Delaware to the Jersey Shore and all the way up to the mountains of Susquehanna County. With such a large area to serve, the JDRF Greater Delaware Valley Chapter staff is up to the challenge!
Get to know your JDRF Greater Delaware Valley Chapter Staff!
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Lindsay Fortese, who has been with JDRF for over 12 years serving the T1D community in a variety of roles, is the new Executive Director of the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter.
Lindsay resides in Downingtown, PA with her husband, Jimmy, their two sons, Jake and Zach, and their loyal dog, Garth. Lindsay enjoys reading, relaxing in Long Beach Island, NJ, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Kathleen Elsmore joined the JDRF Greater Delaware Valley Chapter as the Market Director in May 2021. She comes with an extensive background in both development and events management. Most recently before joining JDRF, she held the position of Sr. Director of Institutional Advancement at Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA. She currently resides in Phoenixville, PA with her husband Chris, and her three stepchildren, Libby, Alex and Murphy. In her free time, you can find Kathleen at the Pilates Studio, visiting family and friends in Boston and on a boat or the beach.
Julie McKeever joined JDRF in 2019. Prior to joining JDRF, she was an Events Manager for 16 years at The ALS Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter. Julie spent a short time in the veterinary industry before getting back to her roots in the nonprofit sector. Her father, Ted, had type 1 diabetes, so the JDRF mission is near and dear to her heart.
Allison Tropea is the the main lead overseeing the Greater Delaware Valley Chapter Gala, and the chapter Ride team. Allie has always been drawn to working in a field that helps people and where she can give back to the community. After spending seven years at another nonprofit, she decided to join JDRF. Her motivation every day is her husband, Anthony, who was diagnosed with T1D eight years ago.
Sara Smith joined JDRF in the summer of 2019 as a Development Manager, working to oversee JDRF One Walks! Prior to joining the JDRF team, Sara worked at two nonprofit organizations managing fundraising events from concept to completion, including walks, rides and runs.
Mikaila Ryan started with JDRF in 2016 as an Outreach Manager for the South Jersey office. and has been involved with almost all aspects of the chapter since. In 2017, she moved to the Sr. Development Coordinator position, managing the school walk program, TypeOneNation Summit, and South Jersey golf tournament. Mikaila moved back “home” to the Delaware office in September 2019, where she managed the gala and ride program. Now as a teleworker, she serves as gala support staff, the annual golf tournament staff lead and chapter communications lead.
Megan Dougherty joined the JDRF staff in 2019 but has been a part of the JDRF community after her T1D diagnosis in 1998. As a volunteer Megan has had the opportunity to participate with JDRF as a youth ambassador, in children’s congress, as a captain of a Wilmington, DE walk team for many years, and a gala procurement & décor volunteer in Delaware. Megan is currently responsible for the chapter’s office operations, JDRF Your Way platform, matching gifts program, and supports the One Walk program.
