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OCRA Staff

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 smiling

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.

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Programs

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.

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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.

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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.

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Communications

Photo: Headshot of Amanita Duga-Carroll

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.

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Related Topics

KVIA-TV ABC-7 Features OCRA-Funded Research Developing Nanotechnology for Ovarian Cancer Detection

KVIA-TV ABC-7 Features OCRA-Funded Research Developing Nanotechnology for Ovarian Cancer Detection

KVIA-TV ABC-7 News El Paso recently spotlighted the groundbreaking work of OCRA-funded researcher Daniel Heller, PhD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, whose research lab is working to develop a liquid biopsy that uses nanotechnology and artificial intelligence (AI) to detect ovarian cancer earlier. We’re developing a liquid biopsy that uses nano sensors and AI … Continued

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Free Educational Videos on Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer Now Available

Free Educational Videos on Ovarian and Gynecologic Cancer Now Available

Videos from the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) 2025 International Gynecologic Cancer Conference are now available to watch online — offering free educational sessions on ovarian and gynecologic cancer research, treatment, and patient care. For the first time, OCRA is releasing the full suite of videos shortly after the event — removing barriers to access so that anyone can learn directly from top experts. … Continued

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