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Our Team

The Project C.U.R.E. Team

Ayoob Ayoobi

Director of NGO and Government Relations – Washington D.C.

Dr. Ayoob Ayoobi serves as the Director of Government and NGO Relations of Project C.U.R.E. He has two decades of experience in the field of international development, with a keen focus on human development and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in diverse global settings. Throughout his career, he has honed his expertise in various sectors and leveraged his deep understanding of cross-cultural dynamics and global perspectives to collaborate with diverse groups of professionals who are committed to making a difference. Dr. Ayoobi is a former Fulbright Scholar at Stanford University and an Oxbridge Fellow at Georgetown University. He has earned a PhD in Government and Public Policy, an LLM in Human Rights Law, as well as a combined BA degree in Economics, International Relations, and Environmental Studies. His overall experience and educational background offer a multidisciplinary foundation for undertaking holistic approaches in tackling complex global challenges.

Dr. Ayoobi is dedicated to advancing the Project C.U.R.E’s mission of providing life-saving medical supplies, equipment, and services to underserved communities worldwide. He is committed to bridging the gap among diverse stakeholders to optimize the impact of humanitarian initiatives. His in-depth understanding of governmental and NGO policies, procedures, and regulations enables him to navigate complex procedural landscapes/protocols and effectively advocate for enhancing Project C.U.R.E’s standing to deliver high-quality and demand-driven medical assistance to those in need. He enjoys leveraging efforts and resources to establish and strengthen strategic partnerships with government agencies, international development organizations, and NGOs – ensuring that Project C.U.R.E continues to be at the forefront of global health initiatives.

Dr. Ayoobi has lived and worked in different countries in Asia, Europe, South and North Americas. He speaks multiple languages, including English, Farsi/Tajiki, Hindi/Urdu, and Pashto. Connect with Dr. Ayoobi to explore collaborative opportunities and join forces in shaping a brighter future for our global community.

Beth Conley

Director of México Operations – International Headquarters

Beth began her professional career in 1988 working for Conley Equipment Co., Inc. and Conley Telco SA de CV Mexico. Ms. Conley’s initial responsibilities included reconciling A/R, A/P and general administrative duties. Two years later, Beth’s role evolved into Purchasing Manager and international/domestic logistics planning. She negotiated competitive contract pricing with industry leaders such as Anixter and East Penn Manufacturing.  Additionally, she secured reserve distribution space in several US locations and Mexico allowing for a 35% expansion. During the dot.com boom, Conley Equipment flourished as a recognized DC power leader within the telecommunication industry supporting data centers, government organizations, schools, hospitals and utility companies. As the business experienced immense growth, it entered into a partnership with Cactus Integration Group (CIG), an EF&I Telecom company, Ms. Conley transitioned into the start-up working exclusively with Cactus in 1996.

Ms. Conley established operational policies and procedures, accounting methods, employment contracts, purchasing agreements and import and export logistics guidelines for CIG, designing an overall infrastructure designed to sustain functionality and growth.  With the company evolving quickly to maintain a significant market edge, internal departments matured and Ms. Conley managed the accounting group until the headquarter office moved from Denver, Colorado to Mt. Laurel, New Jersey in 1998. After the corporate move, Ms. Conley continued with Cactus as Purchasing Director and Project Accountant for build-outs ranging in cost from $500K to $3M in both US and Mexico markets. Ms. Conley remained with Cactus until the sale of the company in 2001 to Invensys Corporation for $80 million. 

After the acquisition, Beth finished her studies at Regis University where she graduated magna cum laude with a BSBA degree. Upon completion of her degree, Ms. Conley started charitable work in Mexico. Currently, she holds the position of International Director Mexico for Fundación Curando Mexico and Project C.U.R.E. and is responsible for operations and logistics, program development and fundraising. The organization is dedicated to building sustainable healthcare infrastructure in Mexico through partnerships with Project C.U.R.E. and other entrepreneurial nonprofits. To date, Ms. Conley has ensured the delivery of donated medical equipment and supplies, provided by Project C.U.R.E. valued at $43 million USD.  

Danny Pyne

National Director of Operations

Danny Pyne is the National Director of Operations at Project C.U.R.E. Danny brings a background in nonprofit operations and volunteer management, and loves working with volunteers and building relationships through projects that benefit others.

As the National Director of Operations, he provides structure and support to the Operations Directors and volunteer leaders in the form of training, process control, and technology tools while leading special projects in those areas.

Prior to this role, Danny worked in Operations at Feed My Starving Children before joining the Project C.U.R.E. team as Operations Director in Chicago.

In his free time he enjoys the outdoors, music, baseball, woodworking and spending time with his wife, Charisse, and their hound dog, Johnny.

Dave Maddux

Special Projects Manager

Dave Maddux is a graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver, with degrees in Journalism and English. He most recently spent eight years as a project manager for the home office of Sam’s Club, doing new store builds and remodels. Dave was born and raised in the Mojave Desert/Death Valley area of California, and has lived in Denver since 1984. He has been a business and project manager most of this time, along with working as a copy editor and writer for the Rocky Mountain News in the late 1990’s. When not at Project C.U.R.E., he spends his time backpacking in the Rockies, rooting for the Broncos, Red Sox and Celtics, and writing screenplays. 

Douglas Jackson

President & CEO

Dr. Douglas Jackson serves as the President/CEO of Project C.U.R.E. Each week, Project C.U.R.E. delivers approximately four semi-truck loads of donated medical supplies and equipment to desperately needy people around the world. Since 1987, Project C.U.R.E. has delivered equipment and supplies to hospitals and clinics in over 135 countries. Project C.U.R.E. is consistently recognized with the highest rankings from Guidestar and Charity Navigator and was named by Forbes as one of the top 20 charities in America.

Project C.U.R.E. delivers approximately 200 forty-foot containers each year through the C.U.R.E. Cargo program. The C.U.R.E. Clinics program send teams of medical professionals to assist partner hospitals and clinics. Project C.U.R.E. also provides hundreds of hours of training through the Helping Babies Breathe and Helping Mothers Survive curriculum. Thousands of dollars of medical supplies are carried by traveling doctors and nurses in the form of C.U.R.E. Kits. More than 25,000 people volunteer with Project C.U.R.E. every year, making the organization one of the most efficient and effective grass-roots organizations in the country.

In addition to his work at Project C.U.R.E., Dr. Jackson has taught at the university level in the disciplines of finance, investments, leadership development, legal and international issues. He is a frequent speaker and lecturer to colleges and universities, conferences such as TEDx, as well as civic, corporate and community organizations.

Dr. Jackson is a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, and is a past President of the Denver Rotary Club #31. He serves on the Board of Directors for InterAction, the Partnership for Quality Medical Donations, WorldDenver, The Nanda Center for International and Comparative Law at the University of Denver, the World Trade Center Denver, and the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professionals at Regis University. He is a member of the National Who’s Who, Registry #57689, and a graduate of leadership program LEAD San Diego. Dr. Jackson received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Healthcare from the American Red Cross, the 5280 Magazine Philanthropist of the Year, and accepted the CoBiz “Best Places to Work” and Colorado Ethics in Business Award on behalf of the team at Project C.U.R.E., and most recently the Prince’s Prize for Innovative Philanthropy from Prince Albert of Monaco and the Leadership in Global Engagement Award from the Council on Foreign Relations. Douglas is a Fellow of the Aspen Institute.

Douglas graduated magna cum laude from Northwest Nazarene University in 1982, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. In 1985, he earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Colorado at Boulder, receiving the American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in the study of law. In 1992, he was awarded a Ph.D. in Business Administration with an emphasis in finance and econometrics from the University of Colorado at Boulder, authoring a dissertation on leveraged buyouts and secondary public offerings. Douglas received an honorary Doctorate of Medicine from ABUAD University in Nigeria and the the Civis Princeps recognition from Regis University, He is a member of the Alpha Delta Sigma and the Beta Gamma Sigma national honor societies, and recently completed Executive Education at the Stanford University School of Business.

Following his admission to the bar, Douglas administered the legal affairs for the international agricultural firm of CTB, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway company. Upon the completion of his Ph.D., Douglas opened the Fermanian Business Center at Point Loma University in San Diego, California. As Executive Director, Douglas developed and implemented numerous programs and seminars to advance business opportunities for college students and business professionals in the San Diego community and abroad. In 1995, Dr. Jackson assumed the role of Provost at Colorado Christian University. In this capacity, he oversaw the academic, financial, operational, advancement and student life functions of the university.

Douglas lives in a converted warehouse in the RiNo neighborhood in Denver. He is dad to three beautiful daughters and is the son of Chief Uzoma of Nkume, an honor bestowed on his father for Project C.U.R.E.’s work in Nigeria.

Submit a request to have Dr. Jackson speak at your event or meeting.

Genna Peard

Operations Director – Houston

Isabelle Woodrum

Clinics and College Manager

Isabelle Woodrum serves as Clinics and College Manager for Project C.U.R.E., where she brings a positive energy to all aspects of her role. As Clinics and College Manager, Isabelle enjoys working with passionate volunteers to deploy their skills and talents to support others internationally.  

From international medical brigades, to teaching English abroad, to her role at Project C.U.R.E., Isabelle has been actively pursuing her value of supporting others through nonprofit work.

Isabelle graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Minor in Leadership Studies with a Nonprofit Leadership Certificate.

In her free time, Isabelle always has some sort of creative endeavor in the works, whether it is sewing or ceramics or crochet.

Janet Thomason

Director of National Procurement

Janet came to Project C.U.R.E. with an extensive entrepreneurial background and professional experience in sales and marketing management. Janet’s professional experience ranges from large to small corporations, having worked with Fortune 500 companies Polaroid and Corning, as well as a number of privately held corporations.  No stranger to the world of nonprofits, Janet has a diverse history of nonprofit management and board development experience. Just a few of her experiences include founding a successful community-based, volunteer tutoring program in one of Texas’ largest school districts, being a media representative for the national infertility organization, Resolve, and managing the largest, longstanding advocacy group for gifted education in the state of Texas.

Prior to accepting the position of Operations Director, Janet was a member of the volunteer staff at Project C.U.R.E. She was instrumental in bringing the Kits for Kids program into school districts throughout Texas, and she has a passion for involving student groups with Project C.U.R.E. The Houston distribution center works with students of all ages, from elementary through graduate school. Whether they are participating in the Kits for Kids collection program or are biomedical engineering or medical students working with equipment and supplies, Janet is committed to helping the young people of today become better global citizens.

Janet is a graduate of Babson College, with concentrations in management/organizational behavior, marketing, and communications.  

Jenna Sanzo

Director of Operations – Philadelphia

Jessamyn Moore

Director of Operations – Chicago

Jessamyn Moore joins Project C.U.R.E. as our Director of Operations in Chicago after several years working with volunteers and operations in non-profits. She graduated from Jacobs University (Bremen, Germany) with a bachelor’s degree in International Politics and History. Having worked with people from all backgrounds and all over the world, Jessamyn loves meeting new volunteers and getting to learn what drives their passion.

When not working with Project C.U.R.E., Jessamyn enjoys traveling, running, and spending time trying to keep her garden alive!

Jo Sullivan

Executive Director – Houston

Josh Lowe

Director of Biomed Technology

Joshua Prather 

Executive Director – Phoenix

Josh brings 15 years of executive non-profit experience to Project C.U.R.E and has dedicated his life to serving at-risk communities. He is married to his wife Rachel and together they parent 3 kids: Cosette (3), Roman (3), and Solmora (9). When he is not helping lead Project C.U.R.E – Phoenix, he can be found rock climbing in the mountain preserves of Arizona. You can read more about Josh on his LinkedIn page HERE.

Julie Topka

Chief of Staff to the President and CEO

Julie serves as the Chief of Staff to the President and CEO. She has over ten years of experience in business and executive roles, which extends across multiple sectors and cross-functional teams. Julie’s nimble business mind has influenced the development of creative solutions and initiatives for current and past stakeholders. She is extremely versatile in design strategies to optimize workflow and enhance productivity. Julie’s management style is to maximize team motivation and willingness to go the extra mile.

In her spare time, Julie enjoys spending time with family and friends. She loves music, everything outdoors, traveling, and is passionate about giving back and being involved in humanitarian outreaches.

Kathy Henkelman

Director of Finance – International Headquarters

Kathy began handling the accounting functions for Project C.U.R.E. in late 2004, on a very part-time basis. She was providing month end accounting services for small businesses, and her prior experience as a business administrator at a large church allowed her to provide a well-rounded skill set to deal with a multitude of challenges and opportunities, going far beyond an accounting focus. She has been described as having the unusual talent of being able to see both the forest and the trees simultaneously – to know and understand and work towards the big picture, while providing the necessary details and supporting structure that help keep an organization going in the right direction.

Due to Project C.U.R.E.’s growth over the past 18 years, Kathy now oversees a robust benefit package for employees, implementation of HR laws, all insurance exposures for the organization, reporting and compliance for federal grants, and legal requirements to operate in multiple states. She works to provide accurate and meaningful financial reporting for Project C.U.R.E.

Kathy is a Denver native and a graduate of Biola University in La Mirada, California. Her husband is a retired Aurora firefighter and they have two adult daughters and 4 grandchildren.

She continues to consult with other smaller nonprofits and churches to help with their unique missions to bring spiritual and physical healing to people in Colorado. Being part of Project C.U.R.E. has been a tremendous opportunity to use her skills and talents to support the efforts of our team to impact the health and lives of thousands of people around the world every year.

Katie Hanlon

Executive Director – Chicago

Kris Anderson

Vice President of Operations – International Headquarters

Kris joined Project C.U.R.E. having spent the last decade in healthcare. In his previous position as Regional President of ICON Eye Care, he oversaw daily operations of clinics, a LASIK/refractive surgery suite, and an Ambulatory Surgical Center. He remains steadfastly focused on mentoring and implementing processes and systems to improve operational efficiencies and promote personal and organizational growth. During his time at ICON, he and his team created and launched a Management Training Program, Technician Training Program, and led quarterly leadership meeting for managers. He also integrated several acquisitions, oversaw remodels and new clinic builds, and opened a state-of-the-art LASIK surgery center and ASC.

Kris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and currently lives in Parker with his wife Lindsey, a 7th grade teacher with Douglas County Schools. He is an avid golfer and shares a passion for animal rescue with his wife. They currently have a great dane, a mastiff, and two senior rescue donkeys.

Kristin Robinson

Executive Director – Kansas City

As the Executive Director of Project C.U.R.E.| Franciscan Mission Warehouse, Kristin is working to make Project C.U.R.E. a household name in Kansas City. She worked to open Project C.U.R.E.’s newest Distribution Center in Summer 2020,  through the transition of Franciscan Mission Warehouse’s affiliation with Project C.U.R.E. She oversees the local Ambassador Board, Young Professional Board, corporate and foundation outreach, individual giving and acts as the client care manager for many container projects. Kristin has a passion for non-profit work, and brings extensive experience in non-profit health care.

Prior to joining Project C.U.R.E. | Franciscan Mission Warehouse, Kristin spent 20 years in the marketing communications arena-the last 12 being with her company KNR Communications. Kristin graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with an emphasis in Marketing Communications. During non-work hours, Kristin spends her time with her husband, four children and two dogs supporting them in their thousands upon thousands of extracurricular activities.

Laura Conti

Director of Client Relations

As Director of Client Relations, Laura manages a large portfolio of partnerships. Her focus is on the signature cargo program, where she guides Project C.U.R.E. partners from around the world through the process of applying for and receiving containers of medical supplies. Laura enjoys connecting with clients to help them realize their dreams of supporting and enhancing healthcare services in their communities.

Laura came to Project C.U.R.E. with experience in related international work. Her commitments to global cooperation and educational equity formed the foundation of her career path. Laura served in leadership at Boys Hope Girls Hope, in management at the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, in client care at The Second Line China Business Consulting Group, and in international program administration at Tufts University. In addition, Laura has held teaching positions in Taiwan, Mexico, and Denver, where her work with resettled refugees in Denver Public Schools cemented her passion for international development and ignited her interest in global health issues.

Laura earned a Master’s in Law and Diplomacy from The Fletcher School at Tufts University and a BA from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Other academic experience includes Mandarin studies at Middlebury College’s intensive summer language institute and participation in a Fulbright Group Grant research program in Turkey.

Outside of work, Laura enjoys family time, traveling, and outdoor adventures. She is an avid hiker and certified yoga instructor. You also can find her in the alto section of the Colorado Chorale.

Lilli LeBeau

Director of Monitoring and Evaluation

Lilli is the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation for Project C.U.R.E. She joined the team after obtaining her B.B.A. in International Business and Economics as well as her M.A. in Global Economic Development both from the University of Oklahoma.

Lilli is passionate about sustainable international development. During her free time, she spends time hiking, skiing, reading, and spending time with her husband, Josh, and their dog, River.

Marisa Byard

Director of Operations – Nashville

Marisa Byard is the Director of Operations for our Nashville distribution center and brings her passion for non-profits and working with volunteers to her role. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and is currently completing her Master’s degree in Non-Profit Management. With a history of working in the camping world, she knows how to make an experience memorable, which she loves doing with the volunteers at Project C.U.R.E.

In her free time, Marisa loves getting her family outdoors to enjoy nature. Their weekends are filled with camping, whitewater rafting, hiking, geocaching, gardening and anything else in the open air.

Marnie Biando

Manager of Data Analytics

Meghan McCann

National Director of Training

Meghan McCann is on a mission to make a difference. Armed with a master’s in organizational leadership, she blends big-picture strategy with hands-on experience to drive meaningful change.
With a strong background in training and employee development, Meghan has led initiatives that enhance organizational efficiency and empower teams to thrive. From HR and risk management consulting to program administration, she has designed and implemented impactful training programs that foster growth and engagement.
Now, as National Director of Training at Project C.U.R.E., Meghan is developing training programs for volunteers and staff, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to succeed. Passionate about collaboration, learning, and innovation, she believes in the power of education to create lasting change. Whether streamlining operations or inspiring teams, Meghan brings energy, heart, and a relentless drive to help people and organizations reach their full potential.

Sammie Taylor

Staff Accountant – International Headquarters

Sammie has been at Project C.U.R.E. for eight years. She has an extensive background in volunteering and working with churches and community groups around Denver and taught music in Littleton before switching to finance as a second career. She feels blessed to be a part of Project C.U.R.E.’s mission and loves the people. She has a BA and MA work in vocal music and music history.

Steven Wagener

Director of Logistics – International Headquarters

Born and raised in Luxembourg, Steven finished his studies in the United States (Master of Arts in Global Affairs from the University of Denver) in 2017. He shares a passion for history, international development, and cultures and foods. Throughout his education, he volunteered with numerous organizations, including the Food Bank of Santa Barbara and Habitat for Humanity.

Originally part of the Project C.U.R.E. Operations team as an intern, Steven joined the staff as a Project Coordinator back in 2017. In his current role as Director of Logistics, he and his team are involved with the Needs Assessment planning and execution, the container project planning, and all shipping logistics for the cargo container program. He also manages the Disaster Relief program, shipping urgently needed goods to India, Lebanon, Armenia, Honduras, Ethiopia, and elsewhere.

In his free time, he likes to travel, spend time with his wife, Anna, and their two dogs, Chloe and Luna. He also shares a huge passion for sports (football, soccer, cycling) and cooking.

Sumani Dash

Director of Corporate Partnerships – Washington D.C.

Sumani leads corporate partnerships at Project C.U.R.E. – in her role, she works with American companies and Multi-National and Global corporations to leverage private sector resources and expertise to help enable greater access to healthcare services and supplies in under resourced communities across the world.

Sumani comes to project C.U.R.E. with extensive experience in strategic partnership development, public policy, fundraising, and communications. She has worked with businesses and non-profit organizations, delivering exceptional results built on extensive emerging markets knowledge and first hand experience.

Previously Sumani was the Managing Director for American Friends of HelpAge India (AFHI), a non profit organization that served to mobilize resources and support for disadvantaged older people in India. In her role she managed all compliance, operations, and fundraising for AFHI and developed partnerships with corporations, institutions and individual donors.

Before that Sumani worked for over 9 years with the Confederation of Indian Industry, India’s largest chamber of commerce and served as the head of the North America operations, helping develop and grow the trade, commerce and bilateral partnership.

Sumani holds a Masters Degree in International Studies from the Joseph Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver; Post Graduate Diploma in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Delhi; and Bachelors Degree in Journalism from the University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.

Sumani lives in the Washington DC metro area with her husband and two young children who keep her on her toes at all times.

Contact Sumani

Sun Houdeshell

Director of Operations – Phoenix

Sun joined Project C.U.R.E. as the Operations Director for the Phoenix location after spending a decade at Fortune 500 companies such as UBS and KPMG. She studied economics, finance, and industrial psychology at Northwestern University, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. Sun is passionate about building relationships with volunteers and mentoring college interns and high school students. She also serves as a librarian for the Phoenix Youth Symphony and is an active member of the animal rescue community.

When she is not at work, you can find her exploring new dirt routes on her gravel bike, hiking with her dog Frank, or watching a musical at the ASU Gammage. She is a firm believer in the aggregation of marginal gains: every small act of kindness and every hour of volunteer service can contribute to changing the world for the better

Tresena Freitas

Needs Assessment Manager

Tyler Grant

Operations Director – Denver

Yvonne Hall

Director of Marketing and Communications

Yvonne Hall is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Project C.U.R.E. Yvonne brings a background in corporate, agency, and nonprofit Marketing and PR management, and loves increasing awareness and engagement with digital and traditional avenues.

As the Director of Marketing and Communications, she provides structure and support to the brand identity and marketing campaigns of Project C.U.R.E. and its programs.

Prior to this role, Yvonne worked at a digital marketing agency where she became well versed in SEO and digital campaigns before joining the Project C.U.R.E. team at the International Headquarters.

In her free time, she enjoys supporting her teenagers as they live out their passions, capturing her pet for Instagram, and sharing fun adventures with friends and family.

At the heart of Project C.U.R.E. are people like you who are willing to get involved by donating or volunteering. Together we can change the world!

Ranked by Forbes as one of the “20 Most Efficient Large U.S. Charities”.

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