Introducing the 2026-2028 Foundation Board of Directors
Alpha Phi Foundation is honored to announce the newest members and officers of the Board of Directors.
Congratulations to Lisa Dahl Dwyer (Tau-Oregon) and Cathleen Marine (Zeta Theta-Tufts) on their appointment to the Alpha Phi Foundation Board of Directors for the 2026-2028 biennium.
A Message from Our Outgoing Chair
As she concludes her term as Board Chair, Rebecca Andrew Zanatta (Beta Rho-Washington State) shared her reflections on the Foundation’s progress:
“Serving as the Board Chair for the Alpha Phi Foundation has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. Over these past four years, I have watched our sisterhood come together to support women’s heart health, leadership, scholarship, and crisis aid with unprecedented generosity. While my time in this role is coming to an end, my commitment to our mission will be lifelong. I am beyond thrilled to pass the torch to Janis Coughlin-Piester. Her vision, professional expertise, and deep love for Alpha Phi make her the ideal leader to guide us into this next chapter. Please join me in welcoming her with the same warmth and dedication you have shown me.”
Alpha Phi Foundation is grateful Rebecca will continue to volunteer her time and talent by remaining on the Foundation Board as a Director, ensuring a successful transition and continuity.
A Message from Our Incoming Chair
Incoming Board Chair Janis Coughlin-Piester (Theta Kappa-Rochester) expressed her enthusiasm for the years ahead:
“I am incredibly humbled and excited to step into the role of Board Chair. Alpha Phi Foundation has always been a beacon of support for our sisters, and I am dedicated to ensuring we continue to grow our impact and honor the high ideals of our fraternity. My focus will remain steadfast on advancing our mission—empowering Alpha Phis through leadership and philanthropy. I look forward to working alongside this talented Board to serve our sisterhood and make a lasting difference in the lives of women everywhere.”
Meet Our New Directors
Lisa Dahl Dwyer (Tau-Oregon)
Lisa is a seasoned fundraiser, operations executive, and non-profit leader. At present she leads Georgia Early Education Alliance for Ready Students (GEEARS), which advocates for quality early childhood education and health. She has a professional background in health systems consulting and project leadership. She is also the Chapter Advisor at Kappa Epsilon-University of Georgia. Lisa has a rich volunteer background including Junior League of Atlanta, United Way, and multiple Atlanta area educational non-profits. She is a University of Oregon journalism/English graduate with an MBA from the Owen School at Vanderbilt University.
Cathleen Marine (Zeta Theta-Tufts)
Cathleen Marine recently retired from a career in the insurance industry, where she served as Vice President of Financial Planning and Analysis at global insurance leader Aon and led IT projects at CNA Insurance. In her volunteer life, she has served on non-profit Boards and conducted fundraising for Chicago’s Merit School of Music, Alpha Phi Lake Shore Alumnae, and more. Cathleen is a longstanding Alpha Phi volunteer at Beta – Northwestern where she is currently Chapter Advisor and formerly Finance Advisor, as well as a recently concluded term on the Board of 1872 Properties. A graduate of Tufts University, Cathleen also completed an MBA at the Kellogg School of Management (Marketing and Finance concentration) at Northwestern University. She lives in Chicago, IL.
2026-2028 Alpha Phi Foundation Board
New officers and board members will be installed at Alpha Phi’s 75th Biennial Convention in Tucson, Arizona this June. Please join us in congratulating the entire 2026-2028 Alpha Phi Foundation Board of Directors, an outstanding group of nonprofit leaders who collectively bring outstanding professional and financial management expertise, Alpha Phi volunteer experience, and passion for the Foundation’s mission to their work:
2026-2028 Foundation Officers and Executive Committee
Chair: Janis Coughlin Piester (Theta Kappa-Rochester)
Vice Chair, Development: Janelle DelCarlo (Beta Delta-UCLA)
Vice Chair, Funding Priorities: Jackee Schools (Eta Lambda-George Mason)
Secretary: Shana Goss Smith (Chi-Montana)
Treasurer: Barbara Chappell Tingley (Beta Pi-USC)
Assistant Treasurer: Jennifer Johnston (Zeta Gamma-Santa Clara)
Director: Sheryl Barden (Delta Tau-LSU and Gamma Rho-Penn State)
Director: Dara Goldsmith (Epsilon Upsilon-CSU Northridge)
Director: Rebecca Andrew Zanatta (Beta Rho-Washington State)
Ex-Officio: Incoming Alpha Phi Fraternity International President
A Note from the Nominations Commission
Susan McNeice (Epsilon Nu-Delaware), Chair of the Nominations Committee, shared her gratitude for members of the Nominations Commission and the vast pool of talent this year:
“The Nominations Committee was truly inspired by the caliber of Alpha Phis who stepped forward this year; the sheer depth of professional expertise and heart for our mission made this a rigorous and rewarding selection process. We want to extend our deepest thanks to every applicant and nominee for their willingness to serve, and we are incredibly proud to present a slate of leaders whose diverse skills and dedication will ensure the Foundation’s continued growth and impact.”
2026-2028 Nominations Commission & Years of Foundation Board Service
Susan McNeice (Epsilon Nu-Delaware): 2018-2026
Claire Costin (Omega-Texas): 2018-2026
Sheryl Barden (Delta Tau-LSU & Gamma Rho-Penn State): 2024-2026
Kim Brown Brannon (Gamma Rho-Penn State): 2014-2018
Colleen Sirhal (Theta-Michigan): 2012-2020
Claire Costin (Omega-Texas), Treasurer, and Susan McNeice (Epsilon Nu-Delaware), Director, will be retiring from the Board at the end of their term. Alpha Phi Foundation expresses its unending gratitude for their leadership and many contributions they have provided in their years of service.