Staff Trisha Gadson, Ph.D. | Chief Executive Officer Dr. Gadson is a driven and mission-focused executive who has built a fulfilling and successful career in non-profit management, development, education, equity-centered practices, and community service. She holds a Ph.D. in community engagement from Point Park University, a Master of Science in professional leadership from Carlow University, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Syracuse University. She also has a national certification as a Bullying Prevention Program Trainer and Consultant from the Institute on Family & Neighborhood Life at Clemson University; a Leadership Credential for Strength Based Family Workers from Temple University; and a Fostering Inclusion and Diversity Certificate from Yale School of Management. Dr. Gadson is a seasoned strategic thinker and organizational leader evidenced by her successful leadership of 12 years at a respected human service organization that experienced significant growth and increased impact within the region during her tenure. She is also experienced in raising awareness, elevating thinking, and creating learning opportunities related to racial equity and justice. She received the Women of Excellence Award from the New Pittsburgh Courier, the Women of Influence Award from the Pittsburgh Business Times, and an Equity & Leadership Award from the African American Strategic Partnership. She was also one of the finalists for the prestigious 2022 Pittsburgh ATHENA Award. Dr. Gadson has authored human service articles, published a novel and a children’s book that is used as a tool to initiate conversations about illness with younger children. She previously served as an adjunct professor at local universities and serves on multiple boards in the region. More trisha.gadson@jeffersonrf.org (412) 990-7112 Kelleigh Boland | Director of Grantmaking and Strategy Kelleigh Boland started as the Jefferson Regional Foundation’s first program officer and is currently its Director of Grantmaking and Strategy. At the Foundation, she focuses on grantmaking, grants management, data and research, and assists with outlining the strategic direction of the Foundation. Kelleigh regularly interacts with diverse audiences and supported the creation of the Jefferson Community Collaborative, a group of 100+ nonprofit organizations dedicated to Jefferson communities focused on capacity building and collective impact. She has also brought a data-driven approach to the Foundation and helped to incorporate a focus on economic opportunity and workforce development. Before her role at the Foundation, she served as the Director of Workforce Programs at Partner4Work, managing several million dollars in grant funds and interacting with government, private industry, and large numbers of workforce and human services agencies. Kelleigh also previously worked as a Research Associate at the Coro Center for Civic Leadership and began her career at the Human Services Center Mon Valley. Kelleigh has both a Master of Public Administration (major in Policy and Research Analysis) and a Master of Social Work (major in Community Organization/Social Administration) from the University of Pittsburgh. Kelleigh is a graduate of the Leadership Development Initiative (LDI) program of Leadership Pittsburgh, serves on the Steering Committee for the Mon Valley Providers Council (MVPC), serves as the Vice President of the South Fayette Library, and has co-founded Our Black Rose, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting suicide loss survivors. She is a native of Wilmerding and continues to be humbled and inspired by the strengths and assets of the Mon Valley communities. More kelleigh.boland@jeffersonrf.org (412) 990-7117 Danny Vereb | Community Engagement Manager With seventeen years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Danny’s roles have always centered around creatively and effectively engaging the public, alumni, students, or partner organizations. During his seven years at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, where he served as Assistant Director of the MSCF (Master of Science in Computational Finance) Program, Danny demonstrated his ability to create and lead programs and events that attracted larger, stronger, and more diverse participation. Danny’s professional journey reflects a rich tapestry of experiences within the realm of arts and culture organizations in Pittsburgh. From his roles at the Carnegie Museums to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, and the Heinz History Center, Danny has honed his skills in marketing, donor services, and visitor engagement, contributing to the vibrancy of these institutions. Danny’s dedication to fostering inclusive and impactful initiatives shines through his certification as a Practitioner of Human-Centered Design. In addition to his professional endeavors, Danny is rooted in community, having served on multiple Boards (Whitehall Recreation Board, Dormont Recreation Board, Neighbors in the Strip, Edgewood Symphony Orchestra). Presently, he lends his talents to the Whitehall Recreation Board and South Hills Chorale. A proud graduate of the Baldwin-Whitehall School District, Danny received a BA in English and Theatre from Allegheny College. He and his wife, who grew up in Elizabeth, have three sons and continue to reside within the Jefferson Service area. More daniel.vereb@jeffersonrf.org (412) 990-7115 Stephen Ankney | Grants, Evaluation and Data Manager In his role as Grants, Evaluation, and Data Manager, Stephen drives JRF’s research agenda focused on the health and well-being of Jefferson communities and assists with grants management. Before joining the Foundation, Stephen served as the Director of Career and Technical Education for the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC). As part of the CCAC-wide assessment team, Stephen helped develop an integrated assessment system, which paired classroom evaluation data with student demographic information to provide a snapshot of student achievement across all CCAC campuses. Stephen also developed and authored four-year comprehensive program reviews for many of CCAC’s skilled trade and union apprenticeship programs. The assessments combined quantitative, qualitative, and economic data to reflect the success of the program and outline a path for continued improvement and expansion. Stephen started his career at Juniata College, where he served as Interim Director of the Office of Academic Support and as an academic counselor for underrepresented, first-generation, and international students. Stephen graduated cum laude from Ohio Northern University and holds a BA in Political Science. He is a native Pittsburgher with a passion for volleyball, a sport which he has also coached. More stephen.ankney@jeffersonrf.org (412) 990-7112 Isaiah Warfield | Communications Coordinator Because of the growth of the Foundation, Isaiah Warfield is serving in a new role for the organization as the Communications Coordinator. Isaiah is responsible for managing the Foundation’s digital presence, driving awareness of the Foundation’s mission and work, and building digital engagement with our communities in the Jefferson service area. He grew up in the Foundation’s footprint as a Jefferson Hill’s resident and graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School. Isaiah acquired his digital design certificate from the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) South Campus and received his bachelor’s degree in advertising and public relations at Point Park University. During his collegiate experience, he served as the Vice President of the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ). He was a marketing team member of the Black Student Union (BSU) where he received the Outstanding Contributor Award. He was a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) and served as creative director of the 2020 Census Café at Point Park University. He won the Juried Art Show titled “Working on It” for his black and white photography piece “A Lost Star.” After graduating from Point Park University, Isaiah utilized his skills and abilities to help tell the stories of businesses, non-profit organizations and artists in Pittsburgh. Isaiah takes pride in serving his home community and is enthusiastic about telling the stories of the Foundation and its partners. More isaiah.warfield@jeffersonrf.org (412) 990-7114 Emily Bovan | Executive Assistant to the CEO As the Executive Assistant to the CEO and Operations Generalist at Jefferson Regional Foundation, Emily Bovan brings extensive experience in nonprofit administration, program management, and development. In this role, she provides high-level executive support, facilitates operational processes, and ensures the smooth coordination of organizational initiatives. Emily previously served as the Program Manager of UniSound and Development Officer at Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras (TRYPO), where she organized fundraising campaigns, secured grants, and managed a coalition of over forty music and arts organizations to support youth music education. She also was key in coordinating community programs, overseeing teaching artists, and developing VIP experiences for concerts and events. Prior to that, she was TRYPO’s Program Coordinator and Marketing Assistant, where she spearheaded marketing efforts, managed social media, and assisted with executive operations. Emily holds a Master of Science in Performing Arts Leadership & Management from Shenandoah University and a Bachelor of Science in Sports, Arts, and Entertainment Management from Point Park University, both earned summa cum laude. She is passionate about strengthening community initiatives and supporting mission-driven organizations. Outside of work, Emily participates in community choirs and theater groups and enjoys spending time with her partner, Dennis, and their two cats. More emily.bovan@jeffersonrf.org (412) 990-7118
