Staff
Rasha Baig
Development Assistant
Vincent Bogucki
Ratings Information Officer
David Borenstein
Lead Data Scientist
Brittany Delaney
Associate Program Analyst
Kevin Doyle
Program Analyst
Matt Dragon
Director of Engineering
Taylor Duffy
R&D Manager
Gillian Eigo
Associate Program Analyst
Leonie Giles
Senior Program Analyst
Larry Lieberman
Chief Operating Officer
Marwah Maasarani
Program Analyst
Shannon McCracken
Chief Development Officer
Ashley Post
Development Associate
Mariah Ross
Associate Program Analyst
Katelynn Rusnock
Advisory System Manager
Nancy Sadek
HR and Finance Manager
Lindsey Struck
Business Development & Partnerships Manager
Michael Thatcher
President & CEO
Matthew Viola
VP, Program Analyst Operations
Zachary Weinsteiger
Associate Program Analyst
Michael provides direction and leadership at Charity Navigator as they strive to guide intelligent giving and advance a more effective and responsive philanthropic marketplace in which donors and the charities they support work in tandem to overcome the world's most persistent challenges.
Prior to joining Charity Navigator Michael spent more than 15 years with Microsoft, the last 10 of which as their Public Sector Chief Technology Officer (CTO) responsible for technology policy initiatives and engagements with government and academic leaders in the Asia, Middle-East and Africa. Based in Singapore from 2010-15, he led a team of nationally focused CTOs and technical development strategists across greater Asia.
Over the years Michael has held various board seats within the nonprofit sector focused on humanitarian issues, the arts, the environment and information technology standards development. His experiences also include technically supporting oceanographic research for Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and co-founding and directing the international performing arts organization, Dance Music Light. He holds several patents in enterprise systems management and has a degree in Music from Columbia University in New York.
Leonie is responsible for managing the Program Analyst Team, and is also responsible for quality control of the charity evaluations posted on the website, and works towards the continuous improvement of the charity evaluation system and process. She has dual degrees from Boston University, where she is in the Athletic Hall of Fame and still shows up at the top of the Field Hockey records book. These days she still roots for the Terriers, the New York Giants, and any team her kids play on. She enjoys kickboxing, reading, and her family.
Matt hires, trains and manages the members of the Program Analyst team, ensuring that all team functions are operating properly and efficiently. Matt is also responsible for quality control of the charity evaluations posted on the website, and works towards the continuous improvement of the charity evaluation system and process. Prior to joining Charity Navigator, Matt was employed as an analyst with a Wall Street investment firm. He has a degree in finance from Binghamton University (Go Bear Cats!). An avid sports fan, he roots for the New Jersey Devils, New York Yankees and the New York Giants. When not in the office, he enjoys playing golf, reading and most of all, spending time with his family.
Vince joined Charity Navigator as a Program Analyst and has filled several roles in the Information Technology department since that time. Now as CIO, he has overall responsibility for Charity Navigator's technical infrastructure, data integrity, and internal systems development and support. He has over 40 years as an Information Technology professional, working in the Insurance and Banking industries before moving into the nonprofit sector. Outside the office, Vince enjoys cooking and is an avid amateur musician, singing with community choirs and playing piano.
Lindsey is responsible for identifying and cultivating strategic partnerships for the organization that create leverage for the distribution and enhancement of Charity Navigator's products and services. Her work helps create new opportunities that support the organization's brand and influence in the sector, and ultimately helps donors make the greatest impact with their charitable contributions.
Lindsey has a background in fundraising, marketing, and cross-cultural communication. She began her nonprofit career working with at-risk political and war refugees through her role managing the development efforts of a nonprofit in Moscow, Russia. Lindsey later returned to the United States to complete her MA in International Development before joining Charity Navigator as an analyst in 2013.
When she isn't scouting new possibilities for sector collaboration, improving the taxonomy of charities we rate, or convening the Donor Advisory Issuance Committee, Lindsey is busy crocheting amigurumi animals, rock climbing, or can be found planning her next trip. She also channels her inner DIY spirit as CN's official resident card maker.
Taylor graduated from The College of New Jersey with a B.A. in English and International Studies with a concentration in Diplomacy and a minor in Spanish. She received her certification in Global Health from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. Her previous work experience includes Sesame Workshop, charity: water, and Sustainable Jersey.
Marwah graduated from Wellesley College with a B.A. in Economics and Middle Eastern Studies. She has previous non-profit experience working at the Council for Economic Education, a 501(c)(3) based in New York City. During college, Marwah volunteered at Empowerment through Integration (ETI), a nascent non-profit in Massachusetts working to integrate disabled youth in developing countries into their societies.
Shannon joined Charity Navigator in September 2016 with the primary responsibility of driving revenue growth. She will work with the CEO in setting the strategy and goals for fundraising and will be directly responsible for implementing the fundraising plan in fulfillment of Charity Navigator's mission.
Previously Shannon spent 17 years with Special Olympics International, most recently as Vice President of Donor Development, building and managing a collaborative individual fundraising program on behalf of the global HQ and North American chapters. She led a team that managed an integrated direct marketing program, online fundraising, planned giving lead generation, donor services, and database management. Shannon was a very engaged member of the Direct Marketing Association Nonprofit Federation, serving as Chairperson of the Advisory Council and also the Ethics Committee. She has been a frequent speaker and presenter at industry conferences.
Shannon's volunteerism includes deep engagement as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) with two children in foster placement during a four year permanency planning period. More recently her volunteer roles are centered on her busy family's activities, including two terms on the board of a private nonprofit preschool, rec soccer assistant coach, and Sunday School teacher. Shannon holds a degree from James Madison University.
Along with his primary responsibilities of charity data collection, research, analysis, and evaluation, Kevin works towards improving the evaluation system and process. He is also responsible for updating and improving Charity Navigator's classification of charities. Before he joined Charity Navigator, Kevin worked as a community organizer and field manager with Clean Water Action, a national nonprofit dedicated to protecting the environment and public health. He graduated from Columbia University with a B.A. in Psychology. Kevin spends his time playing board and computer games, reading 1920s mystery novels, and trying to explain why the Tour de France is awesome to anyone who will listen.
Katie is responsible for managing Charity Navigator's Advisory System, which serves as a means for communicating alleged and confirmed wrongdoing at charitable organizations to donors. Previously Katie was a member of Charity Navigator's analyst team and was responsible for data collection, research, analysis, and evaluation of the performance of America's largest charities. Prior to joining Charity Navigator, Katie graduated from Wagner College with a B.A. in International Affairs and a minor in Journalism
Nancy ensures smooth daily operations and efficiency of the organization, including leadership of our finance, human resources, and office management functions. Prior to joining Charity Navigator, Nancy worked for an international human rights organization and coordinated humanitarian aid shipments to the Middle East, Latin America and the Caribbean. Nancy has a degree in political science from William Paterson University and joins Charity Navigator with a passion in philanthropy, nonprofit management and women's issues. When not in the office, she enjoys all things food, yoga, and spending time with family.
Ashley graduated from Calvin College with a Bachelor's degree in Political Science. After graduating, she completed a term of service with AmeriCorps VISTA at Community Action Team in St. Helens, Oregon, where she worked as a Fund Developer. She comes to Charity Navigator with a background in fundraising and development as well office administration. When she's not at work, Ashley enjoys spending time with friends, traveling, and watching animal videos on the internet.
Prior to Charity Navigator, Matt worked for Johns Hopkins University for 10 years. He works closely with the Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for Charity Navigator's website and internal applications. He also provides input on technology for internal process improvement projects. He has a B.S. from Johns Hopkins University in Computer Science with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Management. Outside of work he spends time with his wife and daughter and roots for the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Brittany is responsible for data collection, research, analysis, and evaluation of the performance of America's largest charities. Prior to joining the CN team, Brittany graduated from Montclair State University with a B.A. in Family and Child Studies, with a concentration in Family Services. While in college, Brittany was a Program Assistant Intern for The Diabetes Foundation Inc., a small, but bustling non-profit agency catering to New Jersey residents who do not have the necessary resources to maintain the terrible disease. She also spent her time volunteering for the 55 Kip Center, a local senior citizen center providing various services to the elder community. In Brittany's spare time, she greatly enjoys cooking, posting pure deliciousness to her food blog, and spending quality time with her husband and little corgi Zoey.
Mariah is responsible for data collection, research, analysis, and evaluation of the performance of America's largest charities. Prior to joining the Program Analyst team, Mariah graduated with honors from Seton Hall University with a B.S. in Diplomacy and International Relations and minors in Economics and French. During college, she held an executive internship position with the African Rainforest Conservancy, a nonprofit which works to restore African rainforests through grassroots conservation and community development. She also spent time volunteering as an ESL tutor. When she's not hard at work, Mariah enjoys reading, yoga, and taking weekend road trips.
Gillian joined Charity Navigator's Analyst team in March 2016. Prior to joining CN, she completed a Masters in Economics at the University of Nottingham, and a BA at Rutgers University in Economics and Planning & Public Policy. After completing her Masters, she spent a year traveling and working in Australia. While in college, Gillian interned with the Human Rights Project and volunteered as a member of the Domestic Violence Response Team at Rutgers. In her free time, Gillian enjoys reading, rooting for the NY Mets, and painting her nails.
Zachary is a part of Charity Navigator's analyst team, and is responsible for data collection, research, analysis, and evaluation of the performance of America's largest charities. He also works towards improving the evaluation system and process. Prior to joining Charity Navigator , Zach graduated from Boston College with an M.A. in English Literature. When not at work, Zach can be found reading, gaming, and engaging in whatever nerdery catches his interest in the moment.
David's mission is to make data more human-oriented. By crafting narratives from numbers, David seeks to multiply the value and utility of Charity Navigator's hard-earned knowledge. Conversely, by automating tedious calculations, he can free up human capital for creative applications. In his previous roles, David built tools to simplify data exploration in science and government. David has taught inside New Jersey prisons and helped build homes for the vulnerable in Maine, Mississippi and Louisiana. He holds a Ph.D. in Quantitative and Computational Biology from Princeton University.
Rasha graduated from Rutgers University with a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Middle Eastern Studies. She has worked with various programs contributing to health outreach and education in areas including cancer education and early detection, chronic disease self-management, environmental health, lead poisoning prevention, and emergency preparedness. Currently, Rasha is also pursuing a Master of Science in IT with a concentration in Data Management and Analytics. She comes to Charity Navigator with experience in the nonprofit sector, and an interest in development. On her free time, she enjoys travelling, exploring different types of art, and spending time with family and friends.
For Larry, it began in a 4th-grade classroom where he and a group of friends started A.P.A.W. (the anti-pollution anti-war club). A thousand bake sales, benefits, and board meetings later -- Larry arrives at Charity Navigator to help us all realize the potential of social activism and philanthropy.
Larry has a formidable background in tech and social media including key roles as a co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of a venture-backed software developer, Chief Marketing Officer of social networking app ooVoo (with over 100 million users), and Chief Marketing Officer of digital advertising pioneer SocialVibe. He previously held marketing and strategy positions with Comedy Central, MTV, and Time Warner.
Larry's philanthropic interests include mental health advocacy, education, and economic equality, causes for which he has raised millions of dollars from private donors and foundations. He received his MBA from New York University's Leonard Stern School of Business and BA from Union College in Schenectady, NY.
