Leadership Team
The Team Turning Vision Into Action
Behind every Global DARE initiative is a dedicated team committed to advancing research, strengthening the community, raising awareness, and improving the lives of people living with Adult Refsum Disease.
Working alongside our Board of Directors, Medical & Scientific Advisory Board, and volunteers around the world, our leadership team transforms strategy into meaningful action. Together, we are building a stronger organization and accelerating progress toward better treatments—and ultimately, a cure.
Collaborative Leadership
Working across research, fundraising, communications, and operations to advance one shared mission.
Global Perspective
Supporting patients, clinicians, and researchers across an international community.
Patient Focused
Every decision begins with improving the lives of people living with Adult Refsum Disease.
Mission Driven
Building a sustainable organization capable of accelerating research for years to come.
Susan Propst, Director of Communications
Susan is part of the Global DARE Impact Team. Along with Kristie DeMarco, President, and Faith McGown, Development Director, the team is responsible for creating persuasive marketing communications and strategies to drive awareness, engage and grow our Refsum community, and support fundraising events that provide the basis for the Foundation’s work.
Susan earned an MBA in Marketing and worked with two major California universities as well as Pearson Media to develop educational resources for the K-12 community and college students, as well as Professional Development Programs for the San Francisco professional community. She also works with small businesses to create successful marketing and branding strategies. Susan joined the Global DARE Foundation as a volunteer in late 2021 and has been active with the Foundation ever since.
Dr. Dianne Mitchell, Scientific Director
Dr. Dianne Mitchell is the Scientific Director at the Global DARE Foundation. She holds a Ph.D. in Genetics from Texas A&M University and completed a fellowship at Harvard Medical School in the Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology. Early in her career, Dr. Mitchell played a key role in the development of Sotatercept for pulmonary arterial hypertension and Reblozyl for beta-thalassemia and myelodysplastic syndromes.
Dr. Mitchell has led genomics laboratories in both academic and industry settings and founded a genomic sequencing company. In recent years, she has consulted for cell and gene therapy companies, advising on regulatory compliance. Her career has been focused on advancing therapies for rare diseases, including inherited blood disorders, angiosarcoma, and blood pressure disorders. She brings this wealth of experience in therapeutic development to her role at the Global DARE Foundation.
Faith McGown, Development Director
Faith McGown is the Development Director for Global DARE Foundation, bringing nearly two decades of experience building high-impact fundraising programs for mission-driven organizations. A seasoned philanthropy champion, she has led major, principal, and planned giving efforts for national and international nonprofits, including senior development roles at the American College of Rheumatology, Clinton Foundation, Planned Parenthood, and United Way.
A former journalist turned philanthropic strategist, Faith is known for designing efficient, relationship-centered fundraising strategies that align donor values with bold, measurable impact. She has grown portfolios by double digit percentages, launched innovative campaigns and events, and trained CEOs, boards, and staff to engage donors with clarity and confidence. She first worked with Global DARE Foundation as a consultant during a fundraising bootcamp in 2022 and is thrilled to join us in her new role.