Leadership

Rick Byrd

Executive Director

Rick Byrd started his career with the YMCA of Greater Houston as a Program Director at the Post Oak YMCA. Since then, he has held a variety of positions, within the organization, including Executive Director of the Weekley Family YMCA, District Executive Director and most recently as the Vice President for Development/Executive Director of the YMCA of Greater Houston Endowment Foundation. During his tenure, Rick has been recognized for his fundraising achievements as well as leadership capabilities. Rick also has a proven track-record of organizational revenue growth, board and volunteer development, strategic planning and positive community relations.

Rick currently serves as Treasurer for the Houston Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and is the President and founding member of the Wilchester Neighborhood Men’s Club, a 501 (c) 3, non-profit, with a mission to give back to the community and those in need. Rick is married to Susan and they have two children, Alexander and Elizabeth. They both are actively involved in their community and local schools. Rick also enjoys coaching his children in various sports throughout the year.

Deandrea Dillard

Associate Executive Director

Corporate Development

Deon Dillard is a native Houstonian and proud graduate of Sam Houston State University. She spent over 12 years as a Pharmaceutical Representative before making the transition to non-profit. Deon has worked in non-profit for five years and has a very successful track record in managing galas, walks, luncheons, and community service projects. She really enjoys working with people and making a difference in the community. She will celebrate 18 years of marriage in 2017 and is the proud mother of two teenagers.

Jennifer Sotuyo

Development Director

JDRF Promise Ball, Young Leadership Committee (YLC)

Jennifer Sotuyo has been fundraising, for both political and charitable organizations, and planning events for over 18 years. She started her professional fundraising career with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Washington, D.C. During her time at the Chamber, Jennifer was quickly recognized for her success in helping secure memberships from Fortune 500 companies. In 2005 Jennifer started working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) where she spent the next 12 years raising money for families affected by a neuromuscular disease. During her time there she served in various roles managing, planning events, attending summer camp, working with families, and most of all raising money for the largest MDA chapter in the country. Her background is mostly in distinguished events such as galas and golf tournaments.

Jennifer is a graduate of Texas A&M University. She moved to Houston in 2009 from her hometown of San Antonio, Texas where she resides with her husband and pets. Jennifer is passionate about helping people and looks forward to meeting families and supporters of JDRF and finding a cure for Type 1.