Staff

David Sullivan, Executive Director

David joined Forest Foundation as Executive Director in 2001. He has evolved the foundation’s traditional, grant making past to a funder targeting young leaders both in college and in the non-profit sector. He is an advisor and board member for non-profits in Essex County and Greater Boston. He works closely with the founder, trustees and staff to keep the foundation innovative and relevant.  Contact: [email protected]

Laney Makin, Associate Director

Laney joined the Forest Foundation staff in 2013 and this will be her 10th summer working with the college interns. Her service as a board member of several local non-profits and as a parent of two post-college age children gives her experience on both sides of Forest Foundation’s program. She is prepared for the scope of questions and concerns from our summer interns and her goal is to make the summer experience an extraordinary one.  Contact: [email protected]

Cheryl Foster, Program Development

Cheryl Foster joined the foundation in 2019, inspired by its collaboration with non-profit organizations. Currently a Carnegie Professor of Philosophy and Political Science at the University of Rhode Island, Cheryl is an expert in lifepath clarification and opportunity access for students in higher education. A recipient of the Truman and Marshall Scholarships, she embraces her work with the foundation as reflective of a life-long commitment to public service, non-profit voluntarism, and educational equity. Contact: [email protected]

Chris Knight, Program Development

After over a decade of kicking off the summer internship program by helping interns understand and powerfully navigate their unique journeys, Chris officially joined the Forest Foundation in 2022.  Chris is Chief of Staff for National Program at Year Up where he ensures staff across the country have what they need to deliver a high quality program.  Chris is also a life coach and works with a variety of clients to deepen their empowerment, clarity, decision making, and grounded confidence.  Contact: [email protected]