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.

Michelle Miller

Market Director, Austin

With over 15 years of nonprofit experience in the Austin area, Michelle brings a deep understanding of fundraising strategies, a strong track record of demonstrated health-based nonprofit management, and local philanthropic knowledge.

Michelle will lead our Austin team and partner with the local Community Board in overseeing fundraising events, donor and corporate relations, community outreach and advocacy, and volunteer development.  When asked about joining JDRF, Michelle said, “It is an honor to join this internationally-recognized organization with a legacy of accomplishment and service to people living with T1D.  I am eager to begin working alongside the passionate team of professionals to further advance JDRFs research, advocacy and education initiatives.”

Michelle lives in Austin with her husband, Barry.  They recently adopted two children and look forward to building a beautiful family and creating many memories together.

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.

Ty Denney

Senior Development Manager

Ty Denney joins the JDRF team with over 25 years of nonprofit experience in domestic and globally focused organizations. With a commitment to engage in the alleviation of human suffering, Ty’s career has included project management in war-torn regions of the Middle East, leadership of education initiatives for urban youth, and pastoral leadership for two congregations. In 2017 he became the Executive Director for Path International, working to bring education and medical care to impoverished communities in East Africa. Most recently, upon transitioning to the Austin area, Ty joined the board and became the initial staff member of The Georgetown Education Foundation.

“I am thrilled to join the JDRF team of staff and volunteers to raise awareness of Type 1 diabetes in the Austin area. The mission inspires me as we focus on bringing a cure and hope to the families that suffer from this disease. Significant work remains to be done and I can’t wait to contribute my passion, background and skills to the effort!”

Ty studied business administration at Baylor University and theology at Fuller Seminary. Ty and Erica, a nurse at the Heart Hospital of Austin, have two kids in college and one who will graduate high school this year. Ty loves spending time with his family, being involved in his community, and exploring the live music and ethnic food scene of the Austin area.

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.

Sarah Mason-Fagg

Development Manager

Development Manager leading the JDRF One Walk Program for the Austin & South Central Texas markets of the Southern Texas Chapter. She grew up in San Antonio and over the last 20 years has worked in hospitality, non-profit, and sales. Sarah lives in San Antonio with her husband, Kevin. They have two daughters, Hannah (18) who will be attending Texas A&M Corpus Christi in the fall, and Charlotte (5) who is obsessed with dinosaurs and will start Kindergarten in the fall. “I am looking forward to working with this incredible team and our community to create a world without type one!”

Tamara Luera

Development Manager

Tamara, a native Houstonian with a degree from St. Edward’s University, is excited to return to JDRF as Development Manager leading the JDRF One Walk program in the Houston area. Over the last 10 years, she has found great success in nonprofit work with her ability to build authentic relationships and passion for helping others. Tamara has a genuine desire to help elevate local organizations reach their goals. Tamara loves all things Houston sports and is going into her third year as a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Committeeman!

Samantha Lutzenberger

Development Manager

Samantha comes to JDRF with over 20 years of experience in understanding the highs and lows of Type 1 Diabetes. Her career started with working as a Clinical Specialist and Registered Dietitian. However, she has many years of personal experience; Samantha was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 8 and since then has made it her life’s mission to help others with Diabetes navigate the challenges and provide support in their journey. Samantha has been participating in JDRF walks since her diagnosis and with her family would walk in celebration of her Diabetes Anniversary. In addition, she volunteered with Camp Independence during her High School and Collegiate years, giving children with Type 1 and their families an opportunity to gain confidence in managing Diabetes.

Samantha has led and organized multiple philanthropy events for the speech and hearing impaired through her Sorority, Delta Zeta, as both a collegiate leader and alumni volunteer advisor. She is also a member of the San Antonio Delta Zeta Alumni chapter where she has participated as a member of the host chapter for the Panhellenic Association of San Antonio’s Annual Scholarship Luncheon.

“I am beyond excited to be able to work for JDRF and be able to utilize my experiences and skills to create a network of support for the Type 1 Diabetes communities of San Antonio and Austin. It is truly an honor to work with a team that shares the same passion that I have for providing hope and inspiration to this community, which is what I received at all the walks I’ve attended. Now I am happy to say it is now my time to do the same with others as a part of the JDRF family.”

Samantha is a graduate of St. Mary’s University, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, and the University of the Incarnate Word. She is born and raised a San Antonian and currently lives there with her husband, Cole, and their two dogs Luna and Rio.

Madeline Dicks

Development Assistant

Maddy Dicks comes to us with a background in dietetics and 25 years of experience as a type one diabetic herself.  She is very excited and proud to work in an organization that has improved the lives of T1Ds across the globe.

Maddy is a graduate from Texas Tech University. She moved to Houston with her husband Bronson and chocolate lab Charlotte after completing her dietetic internship in 2019.  As a long time diabetic, Maddy looks forward to engaging with the type one community as we search for a cure together.