The team is led by April Massett and consists of four individual directors who each support a specific geographic territory of the council network and bring subject matter expertise to the team. If you have yet to meet your regional director, please reach out to set up a virtual meet and greet!
“I started my journey with Girls on the Run over a decade ago as a volunteer coach, GOTR Mom and council staff member before transitioning to HQ in early 2020. It’s a joy to lead a team that is so dedicated to the success and growth of our councils. And it’s a privilege to build supportive relationships with our council staff and local boards. Girls on the Run has been a consistent source of joy and purpose in my life and my goal is to be the most effective leader I can be while encouraging others to do the same.”
Expertise: Fund Development, Council Network Learning & Connection
“Since 2018, I’ve had the joy of watching, supporting, and cheering on councils in the Western region during a time of tremendous transition. I enjoy helping councils create strategies to grow and thrive, while being guided by our mission and core values. Before joining GOTR, I spent 11 years as a frontline fundraiser for local nonprofits. Creating fund development strategies, working with individual donors, and writing grants are some of my favorite ways to raise money to fuel the mission.”
Expertise: Board Relations, Strategic Planning
“Before I joined the Council Development team at GOTR HQ in 2020, I was the executive director for GOTR Rhode Island for five years. My favorite parts of leading the council were collaborating with the staff and board to develop and implement our strategic and fund development plan, and working in partnership with the board to engage board members in meaningful ways that drive our mission forward.
Now, in my current role, I enjoy supporting councils in assessing their data, developing their strategic plans, and strengthening their board engagement.”
Expertise: Board Relations, Fund Development
“I rejoined Girls on the Run in 2021, after serving as the program manager at GOTR of Greater Charlotte from 2012 to 2016. I’ve worked with various non-profit organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, the American Red Cross, and the Boys and Girls Clubs focusing on fund development, donor relations, volunteer management, and program operations. In 2022, I hosted a statewide gathering of council directors to learn, share best practices, and connect with one another in person.
I enjoy supporting councils to develop a culture of philanthropy and establish a diversified revenue strategy. I encourage board members to get involved with fundraising in various ways!”
Expertise: Programming and Strategic Alliances
“My Girls on the Run journey began in 2016 as the director of programs with GOTR of Northern Virginia, serving over 18,500 participants in my four years there. I enjoy working with councils across the network to identify opportunities to reach new communities, grow their program reach, diversify program site partnerships, and streamline program operations. Additionally, as a GOTR coach, I see the tremendous impact of our curriculum season after season. It is my mission to support councils to sustainably extend their reach to inspire as many children as possible to activate their limitless potential!”
