Leadership

The Hope Ignites Board of Directors and leadership team work together to ensure mission fidelity, financial stewardship, and transparency. Together, we are committed to continuous learning, effective programs and outcomes, and ongoing improvement through evaluation and innovation.

Kristin Ostby de Barillas

Kristin Ostby de Barillas

President & CEO

As President & CEO of Hope Ignites, Kristin leads the Network Headquarters team and works with local affiliate leadership to ensure that every young person in the program receives similar access to educational experiences, opportunities, and a Network of support. Kristin lives in the Bay Area with her husband and two sons.

Melanie Burden

VP of People & Culture

Brian Hipp

VP of Mission Effectiveness

Bill Fronczak

VP of Advancement

Jennifer Starkey

Jennifer Starkey

Senior Director of Marketing & Communications

Jennifer oversees the Network Headquarters Marketing and Communications team and projects, including the branding, website, public relations, and social media efforts. She serves as a key strategist for the organization’s marketing and communications planning. She lives in St. Louis with her two sons.

Laura Stevens

Senior Director of Organizational Impact

Senior Director of Organizational Impact

Dana Nichols

Senior Director of Donor Engagement

Ashley Scoville

Director of Finance and Accounting

Erin Beezley_2026

Erin Beezley

Director of Experiential Learning & Youth Development

James Williams

Director of Post-Secondary Success & Strategic Partnerships

Pete Schweiss

Director of Technology Services

Xiá Simmons

Director of Grants & Stewardship

Vivian Mendoza

Vivian Mendoza

Latin America Program Advisor

Stephanie Cabrera

Human Capital Manager

Aly Marin

Brand & Design Manager

Martin Totland

Communications & Media Coordinator

Gigi Burgos

Program Data Coordinator

Lynn Trieschmann

Development & Database Coordinator

Jenn Garris

Payroll Specialist

Janée Artis

Infrastructure Support Specialist

Bridget Reuter

Accounting Specialist

Debbie Shelton

Administrative Assistant Specialist

Julie Fabien

Julie Fabian

Benefits Administrator