Staff Bios
Kelly Ryan, President
Ms. Ryan is an experienced diplomat, attorney, and policy maker with 30 years of experience in refugee and asylum law, migration management, and human rights law and policy. She is a two-time U.S. Presidential political appointee who has also worked extensively with faith-based organizations, including the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC), the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), and the Holy See.
Ms. Ryan spent seven years as the Deputy Assistant Secretary at the State Department Bureau for Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM), three years as the Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Immigration & Border Security at Homeland Security, and is currently a senior advisor for the Refugee, Asylum and International Affairs Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security. Ms. Ryan has a BA from Tulane University, a law degree from Georgetown University, and an LL.M. from Queen’s College, Cambridge University.
M.K. Richardson, Vice President of Development
M.K. is the Vice President of Development at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. M.K. brings over twenty years of fundraising, communications, and special events experience for local and national non-profit organizations. Previously she served as the Director of Development at the Annapolis Maritime Museum. Her background includes Director of Communications for a national association of Catholic women religious and she also worked several years as a federal contractor for public affairs programs with NASA and Section 508 disability legislation.
M.K. has a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and International Studies from Virginia Tech and a Master’s Degree in International Relations from the Maxwell School, Syracuse University.
Giulia McPherson, Vice President of Advocacy and Operations
Giulia is the Vice President of Advocacy and Operations at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. She oversees JRS/USA’s policy and advocacy portfolio, with a focus on education in emergencies and protracted crises; leads a community engagement program to educate and mobilize advocates; and oversees JRS/USA’s institutional operations.
Prior to joining JRS in 2015, Giulia was with CARE USA for 11 years, most recently as Director of Citizen Advocacy. Previously, she worked in Italy and Peru for the Italian NGO CESVI as well as the Nonprofit Sector & Philanthropy Program at The Aspen Institute.
Giulia has a Bachelors in Political Science from Villanova University and a Masters in International Development Studies from The George Washington University. She serves as Chair of the Board of Directors for Educate2Envision International and is an appointed Commissioner on the Montgomery County (MD) Commission for Women.
Liana Tepperman, Vice President of International Programs
Liana is the Vice President of International Programs at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. She provides fundraising and grant management support to JRS programs funded by US-based donors. She works closely with JRS’s international field offices to ensure that these programs are implemented in compliance with donor requirements.
Prior to joining JRS, Liana worked with Action on Armed Violence in London for several years, most recently as Program Officer for West Africa. In these roles, she collaborated with field offices in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Burundi, and Western Sahara, to develop new field programming, prepare grant proposals, support monitoring and evaluation, and write communications materials for mine action and armed violence reduction programs.
Liana completed an MSc in Violence, Conflict, and Development from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London, and completed her undergraduate studies in Government and Politics and Art History at the University of Maryland, College Park.
Bridget Cusick, Director of Marketing and Communications
Bridget Cusick is the Director of Marketing and Communications at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. She leads the team responsible for JRS/USA’s web, social, email, and print communications as well as earned and paid media.
Prior to joining JRS, Bridget spent nearly 20 years in corporate, nonprofit, and agency environments focused on building and elevating brands and causes through a wide variety of creative and data-driven initiatives. Most recently, Bridget was Director of Brand Marketing at Dollar Tree, Inc., where she led brand development for the Family Dollar chain and implemented a successful new approach to media planning and buying. Prior to her time at Dollar Tree, Bridget founded and led the marketing office at the Archdiocese of New York, building an in-house agency team that supported development and ministry office needs as well as led social media, web, and print communications for the Archdiocese as a whole. Bridget has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Napier University in Edinburgh, Scotland, and resides in Norfolk, Virginia, as close to the water as possible.
Fr. Leo J O’Donovan S.J., Senior Director of Mission
Fr. Leo is the Director of Mission for Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. Fr. O’Donovan is president emeritus of Georgetown University, where he served as President from 1989 to 2001. While leading Georgetown, he led the tripling of the endowment, a major increase in the university’s research budget, and several innovative new academic endeavors such as the Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, the Center for Social Justice, and a program to strengthen the University’s Catholic and Jesuit identity. Since leaving Georgetown Fr. O’Donovan has returned to teaching, serves on a number of boards, and publishes frequent articles on theology as well as on art criticism.
Born in New York City, Fr. O’Donovan is a graduate of Georgetown University, Fordham University, Woodstock College, and the University of Münster, in then West Germany, where he earned his doctoral degree under Karl Rahner. In 1966, he was ordained to the priesthood in the Society of Jesus.
Joshua Utter, Advocacy Officer
Josh is the Advocacy Officer of Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. He assists with JRS/USA’s effort to grow and mobilize a diverse and active constituency dedicated to defending the rights of refugees and displaced persons, and to advocate on behalf of U.S. policies that support refugee needs.
Before joining JRS/USA, Josh taught English to high school students in Sierra Leone as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Upon his return to the States, Josh spent the next few years in discernment with the Jesuits. This time of discernment brought Josh to the front lines of the refugee experience in the United States, by assisting with refugee resettlement efforts in Omaha and the Twin Cities.
Josh is originally from Madison, WI, and currently lives in Phoenix, AZ. He has a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies and Spanish from Loras College in Dubuque, IA, and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Arizona State University.
style=”color: #5b616b;”>Clara Sayans, Outreach Officer
Clara Sayans serves as the Outreach Officer at JRS/USA. Part of her role is to engage individuals and institutions with the mission of JRS to foster spaces for learning, advocacy, and social transformation as we walk to a more fraternal and welcoming society for our siblings forcibly displaced. Before joining JRS, Clara worked in Education for Justice programs for young adults as well as civic mobilization around gender equity and migratory issues for different non-profits in Madrid, Spain.
Earlier in her career, she also accompanied livelihood development for migrants, taught at-risk students and worked on a formation program for teachers at Fe y Alegria 50 in Ayacucho, Peru. She studied with the Jesuits and volunteered in a number of pastoral ministries and social justice programs. Clara has a Master’s in Education from Comillas University, and a certification in International and sustainable Development, from ESADE School of Business.
Brooke Wood, Web and Marketing Officer
Brooke Wood serves as the Web and Marketing Officer at JRS/USA, where she oversees all digital properties and marketing initiatives. With a keen understanding of digital strategy and a passion for leveraging online platforms to drive engagement, Brooke plays a pivotal role in enhancing JRS/USA’s digital presence. Her expertise lies in developing innovative digital campaigns that effectively communicate the organization’s mission and impact. With a commitment to leveraging technology for social good, Brooke Wood is dedicated to advancing the goals and visibility of JRS/USA in the digital landscape.
Brooke has a degree from Virginia Tech in Sociology and Peace Studies and prior to her experience at JRS/USA, worked in marketing and communications for various non-profits, associations, and small businesses. During her time at Virginia Tech, Brooke volunteered teaching English to refugee families from Afghanistan, where she developed a passion for serving, accompanying, and advocating for refugees and migrants around the world.
Chloe Gunther, Digital Communications Coordinator
Chloe is the Editorial Content Coordinator of JRS/USA. She supports the work of JRS by amplifying the unique stories of resilience that every refugee in our global JRS community carries with them. Through articles, emails, social media content, and short videos, she shares these stories as well as other information about JRS happenings.
Chloe joined the JRS/USA Communications Team after graduating from Seattle University with a degree in English – Creative Writing. While in school, Chloe was also involved with campus ministry and founded Seattle University’s JRS Action Team. Chloe grew up in Akron, Ohio where she attended Walsh Jesuit High School and developed a passion for and commitment to walking with forcibly displaced people.
Anna Pigeon-Bempong, Sr. Donor Relations Officer
Anna is the Senior Donor Relations Officer for Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, supporting all aspects of fundraising to ensure donor satisfaction.
Anna joined JRS/USA in July 2017 after completing her Bachelor’s degree in Political science at the University of Mary Washington. While at school she was deeply involved with the school’s service organization working to help the local community.
Anna grew up in a small town in Vermont surrounded by her large family. She is passionate about human rights, especially the rights of those in need and is very excited to be part of the JRS/USA team accompanying, serving, and advocating for refugees and displaced persons around the world.
Cindy Rice, Sr. Manager of Leadership
Cindy is the Senior Major and Legacy Gifts Officer at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA and works to develop donor engagement and investment to further the reach and scope of JRS projects serving refugees around the world.
Cindy served as Director of Development for JRS/USA for two years in 2009-2011 before she joined Blumenthal Performing Arts (Charlotte, NC) as Vice President of Development. Formerly she served seven years as Executive Director for Davidson Community Players, a non-profit community theater in Davidson, NC. Over the span of two decades she has raised funds for higher education (Davidson College), the arts, health services, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte.
Cindy received her undergraduate degree from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida. She resides in Charlotte, NC where she attends St. Peters Church, the best Jesuit parish on the planet.
Kevin Reber, Development Officer
Kevin is the Development Officer for Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, supporting all aspects of fundraising to ensure donor satisfaction.
Born in Russia, he was adopted and raised in New Jersey, where he remains heavily involved in the local parish and the Boy Scouts of America. Previously, Kevin received a B.A. in Theology/Religious Studies, Politics and Philosophy from the Catholic University of America (CUA). He has studied in Rome, Leuven, and worked for the Institute for Policy Research, a CUA-based think tank.
Khadijah Taylor, Gift Officer
Khadijah is the Gift Officer at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA and supports its efforts by developing donor cultivation statics and implementing donor development stewardship for JRS/USA’s mid-level giving. She oversees all aspects of JRS/USA’s Combined Federal Campaign and aids fundraising to ensure donor satisfaction and engagement.
Khadijah brings over eight years of development experience, working in the non-profit organization industry, and for-profit and military service sectors. Before joining JRS/USA in 2023, Khadijah worked at The Center for Science for the Public Interest in Washington, D.C. She also worked as a Resource Development Coordinator for the National 4H Council.
Khadijah has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology with a concentration in Music from Bowie State University. She has a personal passion for music and artistic expression.
Chris Moser, Major Gift Officer
Rebecca Ruiz, Development Manager
Prior to joining JRS, Rebecca worked for nearly fifteen years with the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, Office of Migration and Refugee Services, an affiliate of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Office of Migration and Refugee Services. Over the years, she has worked in every aspect of domestic resettlement from case manager to interim Director. Prior to entering the humanitarian arena, Rebecca worked in academia at Tufts University, Boston College, Harvard University, and the Columbus School of Law at The Catholic University of America.
Rebecca holds a BA from the College of the Holy Cross and an MA from Tufts University. Additionally, she holds a certificate in Ignatian Spiritual Direction from Fairfield University. Rebecca further shares her passion for all things Ignatian through her writing on Ignatian Spirituality for Loyola Press. She strives, as St. Ignatius taught, to see God in all things and do “all things for the greater glory of God (AMDG).”
Anushah Sajwani, Development Coordinator
Anushah is the Development Coordinator at JRS/USA. In this role, she leads the processes of donation data entry and tax acknowledgment letter creation, ensuring that all fiscal information, important documents, and donor records are up to date. Additionally, she supports various projects within the Development team to encourage stewardship processes.
Anushah completed her B.A. in Political Science on a Public Policy track and B.A. in International Studies, alongside minors in Foreign Service, Urban Poverty Studies, and Global and Local Social Justice from Saint Louis University. Currently, Anushah is undergoing her graduate education at the George Washington University’s Elliott School of International Affairs, obtaining her M.A. in International Development. Prior to JRS/USA, Anushah interned for the Aga Khan Development Network where she worked on-site in rural Tajikistan to support project implementation efforts for a renewable energy initiative. Additionally for three years, she assisted in the execution of grass-roots advocacy and aid projects across Saint Louis, Missouri.
Rachael Davis, Program Manager
Rachael is a Program Manager at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, where she supports the daily operations of the Programs Department. She works closely with JRS’s Africa field offices to assist in proposal development and program management. She ensures that these programs are implemented, monitored, and evaluated in compliance with donor requirements.
Prior to joining JRS, Rachael worked at USAID with the Office of U.S. Foreign Disaster Assistance. She has also worked for the Institute of International Education and interned for the UN as well as a refugee resettlement agency in Denver, CO. Rachael was a Peace Corps volunteer in Senegal, West Africa serving as a health education volunteer. Rachael has a Bachelors in History from The University of Florida and a Masters in International Human Rights from The University of Denver.
Cristina Donoso, Program Manager
Cristina is a Program Manager at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA where she supports the daily operations of the Programs Department. She works closely with JRS’s Latin America, MENA & Asia Pacific field offices to assist in proposal development and program management. She ensures that these programs are implemented, monitored, and evaluated in compliance with donor requirements.
Cristina previously worked in several roles within the US Refugee Resettlement Program in New York City and Texas. Prior, she worked for the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University and researched innovative financing solutions for immigrant and refugee workforce development programs in the US.
Cristina received her undergraduate degree from The University of the Incarnate Word, and graduated from a MA program in Ethics, Peace, and Human Rights from the American University’s School of International Service (SIS) in Washington, DC.
Camila Gonzaez Duque, Program Coordinator
Katerina Jelissejeva, MHPSS Officer
Katie Mullins-Ali, Sr. Psychosocial Support Specialist
In the role of Sr. Psychosocial Support Specialist, Katie coordinates with the international, regional, and country offices to provide support for psychosocial activities. These activities help individuals and communities affected by displacement achieve better mental health, and social connections as a way of promoting their well-being and resilience.
Prior to joining JRS, Katie managed mental health, psychosocial support, and child protection projects around the world including in Liberia, Uganda, Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and most recently in the United States in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey.
Katie has her Master’s in Social Work from Tel Aviv University with a concentration in Trauma and Crisis, and a Bachelor’s in Communications.
Samira Ahmed, Sr. Grants and Compliance Specialist
Bahar Sayedi, Grants and Compliance Officer
Freya Helton, Program Coordinator, Grants
Freya is the Program Coordinator, Grants at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. She manages proposal review, award agreements, and reporting for international projects receiving private funding from US donors and foundations.
Freya has previously worked with Childrens Theatre Foundation of America, managing the administration of their grantmaking, and City University of Seattle, where she provided admissions counseling for the School of Education. She is grateful to be a part of JRS’ mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for refugees, after being involved in social justice and advocacy work through her former parish in Seattle and her alma mater.
Freya is a lifelong beneficiary of Jesuit education. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Arts Leadership from Seattle University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Theatre Arts from Santa Clara University.
Andrea Douglas, Staff Accountant
Andrea is the Staff Accountant at Jesuit Refugee Service/USA. She is responsible for administering all accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit card reconciliations, bank reconciliations, and other day to day accounting and finance activities. Prior to joining JRS, Andrea was employed at the American Psychological Association as an Accounts Payable Specialist in Washington, DC.
Andrea has a Masters degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus, formerly known as the University of Maryland University of College.
Maida Rider, Sr. Data Operations Manager
Maida is the Sr. Data Operations Manager for Jesuit Refugee Service/USA, where she supports JRS staff in all aspects of data management and operations.
Prior to joining JRS in November 2016, Maida worked in several roles in the private sector and federal government including administrative, procurement, and project management positions. Maida was born in Colombia and grew up in Venezuela. Maida Is fluent in Spanish, English and French.
Arianna Pineiro, Administrative Assistant
