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]
Priscila Genao, Program Coordinator
As a recent alum of the Forest Foundation Fellowship, Priscila joined Forest Foundation as Program Coordinator in 2023. She has joined the team to ensure the Forest Foundation a smooth transition as Associate Director, Laney Makin is leaving after 10 years of exceptional work. With the student perspective of being a past intern, Priscila is dedicated to ensuring a successful summer for upcoming Forest Foundation interns.
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 Forest Foundation in 2022. Formerly Chris held the positions of Director of Program Quality & Delivery and Chief of Staff for National Program at Year Up where he ensured high quality program delivery at all sites across the country. Chris is now a career and leadership coach for mission-driven professionals specializing in working with seasoned and emerging leaders.
Contact: chris@chrisknightcoaching.com
Phillip Dearing, Program Development
Philip Dearing is an author, social entrepreneur, and consultant focused on unlocking the potential of others. He is the co-founder of Second Day, a nonprofit determined to dismantle inequitable talent pipelines into social impact. Prior to working full-time at Second Day, he worked as a Consultant at Bridgespan, where he supported the work of some of the largest foundations, nonprofits, and impact investors in the country. He also served as the Chief of Staff at College Bound Dorchester, where his work focused on reducing violence in the Boston area. Philip lives in Boston with his wife, Anne, their son, Theo, and their dog, Bella.
Contact: [email protected]
