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

Director, Patient Support

Susan Leighton

National Program Director, OCRA’s Survivors Teaching Students

Danielle Peterson, LCSW, OSW-C

Director, Education

KrisAnn Talarico, LCSW, OSW-C

Director, Steps Education

Kathleen Zajchowski

Senior Manager, Programs

Emily Hynes

Manager, Programs

Grants and Scientific Affairs

Sarah Adams, MD

Scientific Advisor

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

Director, Strategic Alliances

Diana Maynard

Director, Events

Brian Phair

Director, Donor Relations

Jenny Daugherty

Development Coordinator

Kim Liao

Senior Development Associate

Operations

Lydia Smith

Director, Operations

Lydia Smith is OCRA’s 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

Communications

Amanita Duga-Carroll

CEO, ADC Strategic Communications

Duga-Carroll is a results-oriented senior level global communications executive with a proven track record of leadership, achievement and delivery in fast-moving, competitive markets. She is CEO of ADC Strategic Communications, and in May 2023, joined OCRA as a consultant, leading OCRA’s communications and marketing initiatives. Recognized for strategic brand launches and stewardship; developing successful public relations campaigns that move the needle on a brand’s business objectives, as well as strategies that tap into new industries and uncharted waters. She is a former reporter with a keen sense of news value; a professional media trainer, seasoned on-camera spokesperson and an expert in crisis communications.