Staff

Meet the dedicated staff of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

Steve Schwab

CEO

Steve Schwab is a national leader and voice for the nation’s 5.5 million military and veteran caregivers and their families. He has closely advised senior leaders in every sector, addressed audiences across the country, and testified before Congress about the challenges faced by America’s military caregivers and how our nation can do more to support these incredible Hidden Heroes.

As CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Steve spearheads the country’s preeminent organization empowering, supporting, and honoring military and veteran caregivers. Previously, as Executive Director, Steve led the Foundation’s staff, programs, development, and partnerships, managing the launch of the Hidden Heroes campaign, establishing the Hidden Heroes Cities program, and successfully championing the expansion of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers to caregivers of every war era. In 2018, Steve led the Foundation’s inaugural signature fundraising event, Heroes and History Makers: An Evening with Elizabeth and Bob Dole.

Steve also chairs the Board of Directors of PsychArmor, the nation’s premier non-profit for providing free education and support for all Americans to engage effectively with the military community. Previously, Steve was head of external affairs for the National Cathedral, overseeing fundraising, marketing, and communications.

Steve came to the Washington, DC area after serving in three senior leadership roles in his hometown of Rochester, NY. He was Vice President for Development at the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra after serving as Deputy Chief of Staff to Rochester, NY Mayor Robert J. Duffy and just prior as head of corporate development and relations for Rochester Institute of Technology. Steve started his career in New York City where he first worked in politics and then served subsequently as Special Assistant to the President and Director of Development for the New York City Partnership and Chamber of Commerce.

Pavel Sullivan

Chief of Staff

Pavel Sullivan serves as the Chief of Staff for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, where he oversees day to day operations, financial accounting and reporting, as well as the Foundation’s donor cultivation and stewardship programs. Pavel has also held positions as EDF’s Director of Development and Vice President of Operations. Prior to joining the Foundation, Pavel was the Associate Director of Annual Giving & Donor Relations for the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in Rochester, NY, where he oversaw its multi-million dollar Annual Campaign. As a fundraiser for The YMCA of Greater Rochester’s Invest in Youth Campaign, he helped the YMCA raise over $2 million for the first time in its 160 year history.

A native of Northwest Ohio, Pavel graduated with distinction from the renowned Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, with a degree in Piano/Music Education (where he also met his future wife and fellow musician, Sarah). They currently live in Alexandria and recently welcomed their daughter, Wendy, to the family!

Kirsten Feyling

Vice President of Development & Engagement

Kirsten Feyling serves as the Vice President of Development & Engagement for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, where she oversees the development of key Foundation partnerships and ongoing engagement with supporters and stakeholders. Prior to joining the Foundation, Kirsten lead the communication and fundraising teams as the Senior Director of Integrated Marketing at SOS Children’s Villages. Over the past two decades, Kirsten has supported the development, stewardship and communications efforts of local, national and international organizations.

Kirsten graduated cum laude from Willamette University with a focus on studio art and economics. Kirsten comes to the Foundation with a deep passion for service and caregivers, having previously supported individuals and families fighting serious illnesses in Washington DC. As a wife to a U.S. Army veteran, and a member of a multi-generational military family, Kirsten has seen the transformative power of service and is honored to support this critical mission.

Rachael Barrett

Vice President of Strategy & Impact

Rachael Barrett has more than 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, working with domestic and international organizations, in the areas of workforce development, health and mental health, healthcare delivery, community development, legal services, criminal justice, and advocacy. Throughout her career, she has been committed to working with entrepreneurial organizations and focused on systemic change through education and advocacy.

Rachael has worked at nonprofits in the East Coast including senior-level positions. Most recently she was the Senior Director of Jobversity, an online learning management system for Upwardly Global. She has also worked at the International Rescue Committee’s Women’s Refugee Commission, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, and the Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board in Waterbury, CT. Rachael has also been affiliated with consultancies, including R.E. Barrett and Associates, LLC and the Orr Group. She returned to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation in 2021 as Senior Director, Strategy & Impact after serving as the Senior Consultant for the Foundation’s Campaign for Inclusive Care from 2018-2020.

Rachael has been published in Health Affairs, William Mitchell School of Law, Law Review, and has presented at conferences on workplace wellness, mental health, and the practice of Inclusive Care across the country.

Rachael graduated from Emerson College in Boston, MA with a bachelor’s in mass communication and holds a MBA from the University of New Haven. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband, Patrick Hayes, PhD.

Madison Moore

Vice President, Programs & Partnerships

Madison Moore is Vice President of Programs & Partnerships for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, where she leads innovation initiatives and supports the Foundation’s strategic partnership strategy. Madison formerly worked at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation from 2016-2019, where she was responsible for the development of the Campaign for Inclusive Care program, oversaw the Hidden Heroes Cities program and managed strategic partnerships. Prior to re-joining the Foundation, Madison worked as an Innovation Design Advisor at Humana Military, in a combined strategy and business development role. While there, she oversaw innovation pilot design and value-based care program development as part of the team that won a $70.8bn TRICARE contract. She also managed telehealth programs for more than 5 million TRICARE East beneficiaries.

Madison is currently working toward a Masters in Business Administration from the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and holds a Bachelors Degree in Government from St. Lawrence University, where she was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Originally from Massachusetts, Madison lives in Arlington, Virginia, with her wife, Ansley, and their dog, Newman.

Austin Courtney

Senior Director of Communications

Austin Courtney serves as the Senior Director of Communications, overseeing the Foundation’s internal/external media relations, marketing, social media, advertising, and digital efforts. She previously served as the manager of the Hidden Heroes Cities program and worked with towns, cities, counties, and states across the nation to launch grassroots initiatives to increase awareness and support for their local military caregivers. Prior to joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Austin was an Associate Account Executive at Susan Davis International Public Relations firm in Washington D.C. and interned with the University of Virginia sports publication, TheSabre.com.

A native of Clifton, Virginia, Austin graduated from the University of Virginia in 2016 with a degree in Media Studies and minor in Religious Studies.

Tina Cordova

Senior Director of Administration & Events

Tina serves as the Senior Director of Administration & Events for Elizabeth Dole Foundation, where she coordinates the webinar series and manages all the logistical aspects yearly events and oversees our annual gala and convening. Before joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Tina served as director of events for the Philanthropy Roundtable, and director of convention services at The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center. Tina also served in the home of our first president, at George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate.

Tina is a native of Dallas, Texas, and graduated from Loyola University New Orleans, with a bachelors in political science. Tina is also a member of PCMA and in her free time loves to read, try new recipes, and volunteer with her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta.

Kevin Stafford

Director of Finance

Kevin is a Certified Public Accountant professional with over 25 years of experience providing financial leadership to profit and non-profit organizations. Most recently he served as Chief Financial Officer of Excel Academy Public Charter School. He has an affinity for working for non-profit organizations and the goodwill they provide to this world. Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer at Disabled Veterans National Foundation. His father was a Navy veteran and Kevin finds it to be an honor to support the military community in any way that he can.

Kevin is a Board Member of the non-profit RJ Smiles. The mission of the organization is to help individuals who have experienced a major life setback and are ready to rebuild and move forward. He is a graduate of the University of Maryland.

Michaela P. Huelbig

Donor Engagement Officer

Michaela Huelbig has more than 25 years of experience advising non-profits, businesses, executives, and high-net-worth families on developing wealth management and investment planning strategies. Michaela retired as a Vice President at Merrill Lynch having spent her career developing financial strategies for wealth preservation through family foundations, charitable remainder trusts, exchange funds, donor funds, bloodline trusts, stock options, Rule 144, 10b5-1 plans, retirement mandatory distributions, annuities, and life insurance.

She comes to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation to marry her passion with her daily work. As the Donor Engagement Officer, she works directly with the organization’s supporters and helps them change the lives of military caregivers, their veterans, and their families.

Michaela’s father was a World War II and Korean War Veteran (US Navy), her husband is a Cold War submariner and a FMF Hospital Corpsman in Desert Storm Veteran (US Navy), and she has two children that are currently serving (US Navy). Michaela’s support of the active duty and veteran community spans over 30 years.

Michaela understands the challenge and love that goes into caregiving. She retired early to care for her mother diagnosed with dementia, who has since passed, and cares for her brother with a learning disability. Michaela knows first-hand the overwhelming work of navigating agencies, paperwork, medications, and physical care. She understands what a lifeline organizations like the Foundation provide to families and the relief of identifying resources that make a significant impact. Michaela is the current President of the Blue Star Mothers of Northern Virginia as well as supports and has volunteered with the USO Warrior & Family Center at Walter Reed, Fisher House at Walter Reed, Our Community Salutes of Fairfax Virginia, the Armed Forces Retirement Home of Washington DC and United States Merchant Marine Academy.

Michaela attended Iona College, where she met her husband, and was inducted into Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society. Michaela lives in her native Maryland with her husband.

Ryan Haviland

Senior Manager of Data and Technology

Ryan serves as the Senior Manager of Data and Technology Systems for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, where she oversees all elements of the Foundation’s database systems. Prior to joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Ryan worked at the Smithsonian American Art Museums as Programs Data Specialist. She enjoys telling stories with data and using her skills to help her team fulfill their mission.

Ryan was raised in Portland, Oregon and attended the University of Oregon where she graduated with a dual degree in History and Psychology. She then attended Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts and earned a master’s degree in History. She is a Fulbright recipient and holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Drexel University.

Lisell Perez-Rogers

Director, Clinical Education and Mental Wellness

Lisell serves as the Director of Clinical Education and Mental Wellness for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. In this role she manages the Foundation’s existing and emerging clinical education programs through the Campaign for Inclusive Care and the Hidden Helpers Clinical Transformation Subcommittee. She also leads the development of the Foundation’s Mental Wellness program offerings. Before joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Lisell worked in the mental health field, serving as a Residential Counselor at a children’s hospital and as a Mental Health Counseling Intern at a university counseling center. Prior to pursuing clinical training, Lisell worked at the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), where she served as the Research and Training Coordinator followed by the Grants and Research Program Manager.

Originally from Woodstock, New York, Lisell graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Law and Society from American University and a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College.

Shawn Moore

Program Manager, Financial Wellness

Shawn Moore serves as the Program Manager, Financial Wellness for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation where she supports financial and employment related initiatives, to include the Employer Task Force and emergency financial relief offerings. Shawn is an Alumna 2017 Dole Caregiver Fellow for Missouri, and has also assisted with the Foundation’s Respite Relief program.

Prior to becoming a caregiver to her husband who served for 23 years in the U.S. Army, Shawn served as a police officer for nearly 15 years with Kansas City, Missouri. She then obtained a Master of Social Work degree from Park University and is a Licensed Master Social Worker in both Missouri. Prior to joining the Foundation, Shawn founded Caregivers on the Homefront where she stood up for mental health programming for veteran and military caregivers and their children.

Shawn is passionate about advocating for military and veteran caregivers and utilizes both her lived experience and education by presenting to national audiences on how communities can best support the family members of our veterans. She has served on panels with the Veterans Administration, presented with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the National Alliance of Caregiving, and has shared her story on PBS News Hours, TODAY Show, and MSNBC.

Elizabeth Rotenberry

Fellows Program Manager, Dole Caregiver Fellow Alumna

Elizabeth Rotenberry, Liz, is a military caregiver for her husband, a USMC Wounded Warrior of Operation Iraqi Freedom & Operation Enduring Freedom Veteran. As an Elizabeth Dole Fellow Alumna, Liz works to advocate not only for herself and her family, but for all Military and Veteran Caregivers. Liz joined the Elizabeth Dole Foundation as their Caregiver Community Program Coordinator and is now the Foundation’s Fellows Program Manager.

Prior to becoming a military caregiver, Liz graduated from the University of Delaware with a BAS in Art and Art History. Liz worked in the architectural field as a designer for schools, medical, offices to government and military facilities, including the test sites on Proving Grounds in Arizona. The work Liz experienced with the Proving Grounds in Arizona provided an eye opening experience to what our Military train for in real life theater every day. Liz is honored to have been a part of the training and implementation of the Joint Experimentation Range Complex. It is important for Liz to represent not only the Veteran but especially the Caregiver.

Marianne Delatorre

Community Engagement Manager

Marianne Delatorre serves as the Hidden Heroes Caregiver Caregiver Community (HHCC) Program Coordinator for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, where she is liaison between the Foundation and military and veteran caregivers in the HHCC online community. Prior to her role, Marianne was the Community Outreach Specialist at a local non-profit in San Diego County called Southern Caregiver Resource Center. She oversaw military community and legislative outreach, served as the physician/healthcare provider liaison, and developed/presented Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) community presentations. As a military caregiver for her Navy veteran mother, Marianne is passionate about driving resources and empowerment to Hidden Heroes and their families. She is proud to oversee the Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community where she believes wholeheartedly in the power of peer-based communities to uplift and support caregivers.

A Southern California (SoCal) girl at heart, Marianne is very active in her local hometown, National City, and San Diego County sitting on several boards and commissions: 1) Co-Chair of the Family Life Action Group (FLAG) subcommittee at the San Diego Veterans Coalition, 2) Vice-Chair of the Community and Police Relations Commission, and 3) Chair of the Mayoral Filipino Advisory Community Group. Marianne holds a dual Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science and Ethnic studies from the University of California, San Diego.

Brandon Hofacker

Special Assistant to the CEO

Brandon serves as the Special Assistant to the CEO for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, aiding the team’s varied needs. He helps ensure the office is running smoothly by overseeing scheduling requests, and completing other essential daily tasks. He also works to support the incredible Dole Caregiver Fellows. Brandon is very excited to be a part of the Foundation and work with all of the Military Caregivers serving as Hidden Heroes across the country.

Just a kid from Akron, Brandon comes to Washington DC from the great state of Ohio. He has a degree in Public Management, Leadership, and Policy from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University with minors in Peace Studies, History, and South Asia Studies. Prior to joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Brandon interned in DC at the OSU Federal Relations Office and served as an Account Coordinator at CoverMyMeds.

Victoria French

Development Associate

Victoria is a communications professional with a knack for relationship building and a heart for engaging passionate and generous people to support missions that matter.

As the daughter of an Army veteran and the spouse of an Active-Duty Airman, Victoria understands the unique experiences of our nation’s military and veteran families. When her husband was recently stationed in Aviano, Italy, for two years, she worked as a professional volunteer with the American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, served as a Key Spouse for the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron, and taught Spanish and English classes at an Italian high school.

Victoria received a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations with a concentration in Spanish from the University of Florida. Now a resident of Alexandria, Virginia, in her free time, Victoria continues to volunteer with the American Red Cross, watercolor paints, and birdwatches.

Abigail Van Pelt

Program Coordinator

Abi serves as the Program Coordinator at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation where she provides vital support for the Foundation’s operational needs. She manages communications with caregivers, oversees logistics for the Dole Caregiver Fellows, and assists with administrative work across all programmatic teams. Prior to joining EDF, Abi researched and analyzed policy relating to veterans’ affairs and defense at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck. She also built administrative experience at the American Association for Justice and worked on Ralph Northam’s 2017 campaign for governor.

Originally from Portland, Maine, Abi is an alumnus of Pennsylvania State University, where she double majored in International Politics and African Studies. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Public Administration at George Mason University. Abi is proud to be from a family of service members: her mother and father were members of the U.S. Coast Guard, and her husband is an active Air Force service member.

Molly Lurensky

Event & Administrative Coordinator

Molly serves as the Event & Administrative Coordinator for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation where she assists in the efforts of maintaining and engaging the organization’s supporters and stakeholders. Prior to this role, Molly was the Development Coordinator and Special Events Intern at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation on the Events Team. Before coming back to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Molly worked at the USO as a Corporate Alliance and Development Coordinator on the National Capitol District team and as the Gala and Auction Intern at N Street Village.

Molly is a native of New York City and holds a B.A. in Public Relations and Strategic Communications and a minor in Education Studies from American University. In her free time, Molly enjoys exploring Washington, D.C., reading, and listening to the latest true crime podcast. She is excited to be back at the Foundation and work to support the military caregiver community.

Maggie Law

Operations Coordinator

Maggie serves as the Operations Coordinator for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. In this role, Maggie supports the day-to-day operations of the Foundation, including responding to general inquiries, processing invoices, updating online resources, and completing other vital tasks. Maggie is excited to work with all the Military Caregivers serving as Hidden Heroes throughout the Nation.

Originally from the Bay Area of California, Maggie graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Media Studies. Prior to joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Maggie interned on Capitol Hill for her hometown Congresswoman and served as an Account Coordinator at a DC-based public relations firm.

Jennifer Jenkins

Social Media Advisor, Dole Caregiver Fellow Alumna

Jennifer Jenkins is an award-winning author, military caregiver for her brother, James, and the proud mother of a United States Marine. She is a graduate of Indiana University and spent over twenty years working in advertising, marketing, and public relations. In 2009, Jennifer co-authored Friends for Life: Strangers Brought Together by the War in Iraq, which received the Honorable Mention in the Eric Hoffer Awards for Legacy Non Fiction.

Jennifer was selected as a 2014 Dole Caregiver Fellow for Indiana. She is also a national spokesperson and public speaker on the Warriors Speak® team for Wounded Warrior Project, and is a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Daughters of the American Revolution and Boy Scouts of America. A proud recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award for her work with Soldiers’ Angels, The Herald-Times recognized Jennifer as an ‘Everyday Hero.’ She has also been honored with the Girls’ Inc. Strong, Smart, and Bold Award.

Leah Hellwege

Programs Coordinator, Mental Wellness

Leah serves as the Programs Coordinator for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation where she provides administrative support to the Hidden Helpers Coalition, facilitates caregiver workshops and resources, and helps to maintain the vital work done through the Campaign for Inclusive Care. Before joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Leah volunteered in Bridgeport, CT at Hall Neighborhood House and Caroline House. Prior to this role, Leah was the Programs Intern at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation.

Leah graduated from Fairfield University in Fairfield, CT with a degree in Psychology with a concentration in Behavioral Neuroscience and a minor in Public Health. She currently lives on the Eastern Shore of Maryland where she enjoys being outside, reading, and listening to podcasts.

Tessa Miller

Marketing and Communications Manager

Tessa serves as the Manager of Marketing and Communications for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. In her role, she supports internal and external marketing and communications efforts, including digital media, and managing external relationships. Prior to joining the Foundation, Tessa served as the Communications Director at The HillVets Foundation, a veteran-focused nonprofit. She comes to the Foundation with over five years of MarCom experience, mostly focused on social media.

Tessa was born and raised in the suburbs of Kansas City and graduated from The University of Kansas with a B.S. in Journalism – Strategic Communications, and a minor in psychology. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, an active-duty Air Force officer, and their rescue dog, Harlow.

Marjorie Pennington

Program Specialist

As an Alumna of the 2017 Dole Caregiver Fellowship for Maine, Marjorie has dedicated herself to supporting and advocating for caregivers. Marjorie served as the lead alumna for advocacy and special projects, showcasing her leadership skills and commitment to serving the caregiver community. Recognizing her outstanding contributions, Marjorie was honored with the Family Caregiver Visionary Award in 2020. With 16 years of experience in the Veteran 501c3 community, Marjorie has worked closely with the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

As a Program Specialist, Marjorie helps coordinate and manage a number of the Foundation’s caregiver support offerings. As an experienced case manager, she provides the first layer of communication and support to caregivers who reach out to the Foundation and connects them to the resources they need and deserve.

Prior to joining the EDF team, she led Code of Support Foundation’s case management program, which provides personalized support to service members, veterans, families, and caregivers by connecting them to essential services. Additionally, she served as a Director of a specialized work-at-home program that employed severely injured veterans and their caregivers.

Continuing her pursuit of knowledge and personal growth, Marjorie received an online certification in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from the University of Notre Dame. Currently attending Colorado Technical University, she is working towards obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology—with the goal of furthering her understanding of human behavior.

As the author of, “Bringing the War Home: The Life of a Military Caregiver,” Marjorie has touched countless lives within caregiver communities across the nation—inspiring others on their own caregiving journeys.