Meet the OCRA Staff | Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance

Our Staff

OCRA’s dedicated staff members bring passion, expertise, and a collaborative spirit to the fight against ovarian and related gynecologic cancers. Whether spearheading innovative research initiatives or creating engaging support programs, OCRA’s team is devoted to advancing progress and igniting hope. Together, we are committed to improving the lives of patients and their families, ensuring anyone impacted by gynecologic cancer feels understood, empowered, and supported.

Meet Our Staff

Audra Moran

President & CEO

As President & CEO of Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), Audra heads the largest global charity for ovarian and related gynecologic cancer research and advocacy. She directs overall strategy, operations, and fundraising to promote progress and awareness while hastening breakthroughs in diagnostics and treatments with the ultimate goal of finding a cure.

Sarah DeFeo

Chief Program Officer

Sarah DeFeo, OCRA’s Chief Program Officer, joined OCRA in November 2008 and oversees OCRA’s annual grant solicitation and review progress, working closely with the Scientific Advisory Committee. Under her leadership, applications to OCRA’s three research grant programs have quadrupled.

Tracy Moore, LCSW

Vice President, Support & Education

Anne Mette Buhl, PhD

Senior Director, Treatment Access and Scientific Education

Nancy Cincotta, LCSW, MPhil

Senior Director, Social Work Education and Research

Sarah Handsman, LCSW, OSW-C

Director, Patient Support

Susan Leighton

Director, Survivors Teaching Students®

Liza Lundgren, LCSW

Director, Education

Sara Stoffmacher, LMSW

Senior Manager, Patient Support

Kathleen Zajchowski

Senior Manager, Programs

Emily Rakos

Manager, Programs

Grants and Scientific Affairs

Sarah Adams, MD

Scientific Advisor

Jackie Lang, PhD

Director, Scientific Programs

Kristin McGowan

Director, Grants & Scientific Affairs

Advocacy

Chad Ramsey

Vice President, Policy

Julia Thayer

Associate Director, Advocacy

Development

Jon Zeidman

Chief Development Officer

Jon Zeidman is OCRA’s Chief Development Officer and is responsible for the design, implementation, and oversight of OCRA’s fundraising programs including annual giving, major gifts, direct mail, corporate partnerships, foundation relations, and special events. He has more than 13 years of experience in the nonprofit sector.

Nikki Wargo

Vice President, Philanthropic Partnerships & Community Engagement

Jessica Hughson-Andrade

Senior Director, Strategic Alliances

Diana Maynard

Director, Events

Brian Phair

Director, Donor Relations

Jenny Daugherty

Associate Manager, Development

Lindsay Bernier

Development Coordinator

Communications

Lindsey Weeks

Senior Director, Strategic Communications

Erin Cassin

Associate Director, Social Media & Content

Operations

Lydia Smith

Senior Director, Operations

Lydia Smith is OCRA’s Senior Director, Operations. She joined OCRA in 2024 and oversees the organization’s day-to-day operations, maintaining office management, IT, and Human Resources while serving as a member of the finance team and collaborating with various departments and teams. She works to implement new initiatives to improve operational effectiveness.

Josephine Neil

Manager, Operations & Finance

Related Topics

OCRA-Funded Study Provides Clear New Evidence That Opportunistic Salpingectomy Drastically Reduces Risk of Ovarian Cancer

A new study published February 2 in JAMA Network Open provides the clearest evidence to date that opportunistic salpingectomy—the removal of the fallopian tubes during another gynecologic surgery—can dramatically reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Led by a B.C.-based international collaboration known as the Ovarian Cancer Observatory, the study found that people who underwent opportunistic … Continued

(Webinar) – Ask the Experts: Gynecologic Sarcoma

Watch Now: Ask the Experts Webinar on Gynecologic Sarcoma On January 28, 2026, Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) hosted a live Ask the Experts: Gynecologic Sarcoma webinar with Matthew Hemming, MD, PhD. Moderated by Liza Lundgren, LCSW, OCRA’s Director of Education, this free session featured a live discussion and audience Q&A focused on gynecologic sarcoma research, … Continued

Action Alert: Urge Congress to Pass Final Bill on Cancer Research Funding and Early Detection

The Congressional Appropriations Committees have released a combined FY2026 Defense/Labor, Health and Human Services bill—and it includes several critical investments and policy provisions that would significantly strengthen the federal response to ovarian and other gynecologic cancers. This bill represents meaningful progress for our community, but it is not final. Congress must act swiftly to advance and … Continued

OCRA Staff