Foundation Staff

Cynthia Pritchard has over 35 years of executive planning, administration, communications, and programmatic experience in the nonprofit and private sectors. She served as the President of Philanthropy Delaware and led the philanthropic CARES collective funds design, implementation, and distribution for the state of Delaware. Pritchard has served as executive staff at United Way of Greater Augusta, Workforce Plus, a regional Department of Labor office; ACS, Department of Medicaid Services - customer call center; National Multiple Sclerosis Society; American Red Cross; and Nationwide Insurance. She has developed and implemented fund development programs, community impact models, and provided strategic and operational direction for multiple organization. Cynthia serves as a board member and leader of multiple local, state and national nonprofit organizations.

Cynthia holds a BA from Mansfield University in Personnel Administration and is a Master Candidate at Shippensburg University in Public Administration. She is a Certified Fundraising Executive and a graduate of the Institute for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Dana comes to the Foundation most recently serving as the Program Officer for the Shapira Foundation, where she had been working closely with its leadership to develop and advance strategic philanthropic initiatives. She has extensive experience in the government sector coordinating cross-system initiatives while working with community stakeholders and public entities to leverage diverse resources and envision innovative approaches to improving outcomes. Throughout her career, Dana has helped shape strategy focusing on the integration of systems, incorporating research-based practices, measuring impact, and increasing organizational effectiveness.

Dana holds a BA from Goucher College and a Master’s in Public Policy from Georgetown University. A graduate of Pittsburgh’s Leadership Development Institute, she has also volunteered on multiple Allegheny County political campaigns and has Pittsburgh non-profit Boards. Dana is married with two children and currently resides in Pittsburgh, PA.

Robert Nelson is a previous higher education professional with an extensive background in student services and college athletics. Robert joins the PASSHE Foundation from Pearson Online and Blended Learning, an online education company that provides virtual learning options to families throughout the United States. There he was responsible for developing innovative ways to support Pearson’s enrollment staff by developing trainings, resources, and processes. Robert specializes in supporting first-generation college students and providing financial aid guidance. Robert is a firm believer in providing affordable education options for all students.

Robert holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Keystone College and a Master’s Degree in Professional Communication from Regis College. During his free time, he enjoys supporting his hometown New York Knicks and traveling with his wife, Amanda.

Jade Smith joins the PASSHE Foundation with an extensive background in clinical program development. She is eager to share her skills to fulfill the foundation's vision of providing new and innovative ways to develop the Keystone Extraordinary Emergency Program. Jade has a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology from Lock Haven University and a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.

She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Psychology in Leadership and Management from Walden University. Jade believes in problem-resolution and person-centered approaches, focusing on the individual's need to develop practical solutions and implement program management that supports these perspectives. She enjoys spending time with her four rescue dogs, gardening, and cooking at home with her husband in her free time.