The Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation Board of Directors is a body of elected members who jointly and voluntarily oversee the activities of the Foundation.

The Board’s activities are determined by the powers, duties, and responsibilities delegated to it by the organization’s bylaws, and agreed to by the Board of Directors during the annual Board meeting.

2023 Foundation Staff Leadership:

Jeni Stepanek, PhD – President & Founding Chair

2023 Foundation Executive Team:

Jeni Stepanek, PhD – President & Founding Chair

Simon Cohen (United Kingdom) – Vice President

Joe Palermino, Jr. BSEE (United States) – Secretary

TBA – Treasurer

2023 Foundation Directors:

Khouloud Ayouti (Israel)

Jim “JJ” Jackson (Canada)

LeAnne Smith (United States)

Stacey McKinnon (Canada)

Former Directors:

  • Robert Balkam (Founder & Vice President 2005-2010)
  • Mark Birnbach (Director 2019-2020)
  • Dino Black (Director 2019-2020)
  • W. Thomas Curtis, EA, CFP (Founder & Treasurer 2005-2011)
  • Omékongo Dibinga (Director 2011-2013)
  • Christopher Dobbins (VP 2010-2013, Treasurer 2015-2018)
  • Cynthia Dobbins (VP 2018-2020, Director 2014-2018)
  • Heather Dobbins, PhD (Interim Treasurer 2011-2012)
  • Andrew Gordon (Director 2009; President 2010-2011)
  • Rich Gottfried (Treasurer 2012-2015)
  • Dianne Hall, DMin (Director 2021; Secretary 2022)
  • Max Jones (Director 2014-2020; Secretary 2017-2019)
  • Annie Kennedy (Director 2013-2016)
  • Marie Lê (Director 2011-2012)
  • Karen Marshall, JD (Director 2020; VP 2021)
  • Barry McConatha (Director 2018, Co-VP 2019; Treasurer 2020-2021)
  • Laura Bauer McConatha, MPA (Director 2012, VP 2015-2017, Executive Director 2018-2021)
  • Sandra Newcomb, PhD (Founder & Secretary 2005-2008)
  • Cynda Rushton, PhD RN FAAN (Director 2012; VP 2013; President 2014-2021)
  • Ann Y. Schmidt (President 2011-2014)
  • J. Stanley Schmidt (Executive Director 2006-2009)
  • Bridget Hart Shea, JD (Director 2010-2012)
  • Terrance Sheehan, MD (Founder & President 2005-2010)
  • Gail Sherman (Director 2011-2012)
  • Wendy Thompson (Director 2011-2014)
  • Janis Tripodakis (Director 2013-2014)
  • Jackie Zamora (Director 2017-2019)
  • & Micah the Peace Puppy (Honorary Director 2005-2013)