Board of Directors

  • Jack McGovern - Chair

  • Lisa Richardson - Vice Chair

  • Negar Souza - Immediate Past Chair

  • Ed McGovern - Founder

  • Tina McGovern, MPA - Founder

  • Joseph Galligan, CPA - Treasurer

  • Russell H. Miller, J.D., PH.D. - Secretary and General Counsel

  • John Bruno - Sgt. At Arms

  • Alison Comer - Board Member

  • Bob Duyn - Board Member

  • Dr. Mary Elizabeth Hartnett - Board Member and SAB Chair

  • Christian Kurtela - Board Member

  • Deborah J. Marron, ED.D. - Executive Director

Scientific Advisory Board

The Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) of the Jack McGovern Coats’ Disease Foundation is composed of top pediatric retinal specialists dedicated to caring for patients with Coats’ Disease, raising awareness, and advancing research in the field. The SAB is primarily responsible for making recommendations to our Board of Directors regarding research priorities and funding.

The Scientific Advisory Board is committed to ensuring that research funded by the Jack McGovern Coats’ Disease Foundation is scientifically rigorous and has the potential to advance the Foundation’s work to find improved treatments and a cure through the latest cutting-edge medical research. Our goal is to offer all children hope as they wage a lifelong battle against Coats’ Disease and blindness.

Our Team

Deborah J Marron, Ed.D.
Executive Director

Sarah J. Kopac
Community Engagement Manager