Laura Fagen
Co-Chair
Laura Fagen (she/her) serves as Co-Chair of YNPNdc. She currently works as the Associate Director of Digital Communications and Marketing at the Land Trust Alliance, the national leader for land trusts in policy, standards, education and training. Laura joined YNPNdc in October 2020 as the Director of Communications. A native Kansan and proud Jayhawk, she holds a Masters of Digital Content Strategy, and bachelors degrees in strategic communications and theatre, respectively, from the University of Kansas. In her free time, Laura enjoys live theatre, cooking and baking, reading, kayaking, travel, and spending time with her cats.
Elizabeth Fries
Secretary
Elizabeth Fries (she/her) serves as Secretary of YNPNdc. She currently works as Senior Manager of Affiliate Launches at Rebuilding Together, a national housing nonprofit dedicated to repairing homes, revitalizing communities and rebuilding lives after disaster. Elizabeth joined YNPNdc in July 2023. A native Marylander and proud Buckeye, she holds a Masters of Social Work and Masters of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh, and a bachelors degree in Social Work, from the Ohio State University. In her free time, Elizabeth enjoys painting, trivia, and traveling — she’s currently working toward a goal of hitting all 50 states by 30!
William Hurd
Treasurer
Will Hurd (he/him) serves as Treasurer of YNPNdc. He currently works as Senior Director of Strategic Services for Integral, a company that provides data and strategic insights to nonprofits. He previously worked in seniors roles on political campaigns across the country. In his free time, Will enjoys biking around the DMV, exploring restaurants with his wife, and trying to keep his cat out of trouble.
Belle Chiu
Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Belle Chiu (she/her) serves as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) for YNPNdc. She currently works as the Learning and Development Coordinator at Solidarity Center, an international NGO dedicated to promoting and protecting worker rights worldwide. Belle holds a Masters degree in Organizational Leadership and Learning from the George Washington University. Outside of the workplace, she teaches group fitness classes at SweatBox and BOOMBOX Boxing Club in D.C. Belle also serves as an advisor for the George Washington University chapter of the Chi Omega Fraternity. Originally from California, Belle has lived in D.C. since 2017 and enjoys taking walks, working out, spending time with friends, traveling, and trying new things.
Alyse-Noël Hicks
Director of Communications
Alyse-Noël Hicks (she/her) serves as the Director of Communications at YNPNdc. She is a Strategic Communications Specialist at the American Institutes for Research and although she is from Atlanta, GA, she currently resides in Arlington, VA. Before assuming this role, she obtained her Master’s degree in Public Relations and Corporate Communications from Georgetown University. Prior to receiving her Masters, Alyse-Noël obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with a Public Relations concentration and a Marketing minor from the University of West Georgia. She also acquired an Advertising certificate from the university’s business school. Alyse-Noël is currently pursuing her second Master’s degree from University of Maryland Global Campus in Strategic Communication and loves to shop, spend time with friends and family, workout and volunteer in her free time.
Ashley Gordon
Director of People and Culture
Ashley Gordon (she/her) serves as the Director of People & Culture at YNPNdc. She originally joined YNPN in 2020 as the Director of Talent & Recruitment for the Boston chapter. She was born and raised in Boston and moved to the DMV in 2021. Ashley earned her Bachelor’s degree in Travel and Tourism Geography from Salem State University and her Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Northeastern University. She also completed the Institute for Nonprofit Practice’s Community Fellows program and earned a certificate in Community Leadership and Social Change. When not working, Ashley enjoys traveling, going to the beach, and taking naps.
Billy Kennedy
Director of Networking
Billy (he/him) serves as Director of Networking at YNPNdc. He currently works as the Operations Associate at Spark Point Fundraising, a consulting firm that serves nonprofits across the country. Billy joined YNPNdc in 2021 as a social media volunteer. He also serves on the board of the Greenbelt Farmer’s Market. A lifelong Marylander, he holds a bachelors degree in Government & Politics from the University of Maryland. In his free time, Billy enjoys reading, traveling, weightlifting, and exploring the DC cultural scene.
Claire Pandaleon
Director of Membership
Claire Pandaleon (she/her) serves as the Director of Membership at YNPNdc. She currently works as the Assistant Manager of Donor Communications and Stewardship at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Presenting over 2,200 artistic programs and events each year, the Kennedy Center is the nation’s vibrant cultural center and presidential memorial to John F. Kennedy. Claire grew up in the northern suburbs of Chicago and moved to Washington, DC in 2018 after graduating from Colgate University with a BA in Art History and Museum Studies. In her free time, Claire volunteers with City Dogs & City Kitties Rescue and also creates custom graphite portraits through Pandaleon Portraits, her Instagram-based art shop. On the weekends, you can find Claire exploring the city with her dog Humphrey, enjoying the delicious DC food scene, hosting events with friends, or strolling through a museum.
Preston James Ross
Director of Mentorship
Preston James Ross serves as the Director of Mentorship at YNPNdc. He currently works as the Senior Executive Manager at All Voting is Local. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Preston holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Canisius College. He has expertise in nonprofit operations, strategy execution, and project management. He enjoys supporting teams through skilled organization management with a deep commitment to public service. In his spare time, you can find him at concerts, hosting dinner parties, and spending time with his cat, Zemiria.