Back on My Feet National Staff
Updated: April 19, 2012
Anne Mahlum, shoe size 8
Founder and CEO
Anne M. Mahlum is the Founder and CEO of Back on My Feet, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating independence and self-sufficiency within the homeless and other underserved populations by first engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. Anne is responsible for the vision, strategy and national fundraising efforts for Back on My Feet as it expands across the country.
Anne attended graduate school at American University where she obtained her Master’s Degree in Political Communications in 2003. Read more here.
NATIONAL ROLES
Colleen F. Bowman, shoe size 8
Chief Financial Officer
Colleen began volunteering with BoMF in 2007 as a volunteer and then as a Team Leader for St. Johns and RWA in Philadelphia. Her involvement grew in 2009 as she was nominated Treasurer of the organization and served on the national board for two years. Colleen joined the BoMF staff as CFO and continues to be excited about the mission of BoMF. Colleen is a CPA, and previously served as Manager with PricewaterhouseCoopers.
“I love the energy and atmosphere that comes with working at BoMF. I am surrounded by talented individuals who love what they do!”
Colleen graduated from Lehigh University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting.
Rachelle Damminger, shoe size 8.5
Vice President, Communications & Corporate Relations
Rachelle joined Back on My Feet in 2011, and brings both for-profit and non-profit experience to the position. Her versatility spans the spectrum of integrated marketing communication activities including public relations, branding and social media.
“Running teaches you about yourself,” said Rachelle. “The better you know yourself, the easier it is to move forward in all things with confidence. I love that this is at the core of the Back on My Feet program.”
Rachelle earned a master's degree in strategic communications and a bachelor's degree in communications from Villanova University.
Sandi Maro, shoe size 9.5
Vice President of Operations
Maro joined BoMF in 2009 in a role dedicated to expansion, where she helped to define the overall growth strategy of the organization and worked with the VP of Programming to select and launch new chapter cities. As the organization grew, she lent a hand to internal operations and began working with the Executive Directors. In November 2011, Maro was promoted to Vice President of Operations to manage and support BoMF’s Executive Directors, drive organizational projects and manage internal operations.
Maro has been running with BoMF teams since 2008 and has enjoyed every step. “This career is the marriage of my passions: strategy and business development coupled with a social mission I could not be prouder to support,” Maro said. “I believe in always trying to be the best version of yourself and Back on My Feet is a community of people doing just that.”
Maro graduated from Bucknell University with a degree in Business Management.
Wylie Belasik, shoe size 13
Vice President of Programming
As Vice President of Programming, Wylie’s responsibility is to make sure that the BoMF program is operating sustainably and providing the best environment for the members in each chapter. A major part of his role is to establish successful programs as we expand in new chapters. Wylie began running in high school and began training competitively after graduating from college. He’s run 6 marathons with a personal record in Chicago, 2010 of 2:31.
“I have been fortunate enough to have been involved with the BoMF program since day one in Philadelphia. I continue to be inspired by not only our residential members, but also the outpourings of community support as our program continues to expand. The most exciting part about BoMF is watching our members aspire to excellence and achieve it, from the start of just 3 mornings a week.”
Wylie graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in both Political Science and Communication.
Elizabeth Manning, shoe size 8
Senior Program Analyst
Liz joined Back on My Feet in 2011 as a Senior Program Analyst. Liz’s major role is measuring the success of Back on My Feet’s Residential Members. Prior to joining Back on My Feet, Liz worked in the Research and Evaluation department at a Philadelphia non-profit consultancy, Public/Private Ventures.
“I love running because you are totally in control. You decide how far you run, how fast you run and where you run. You own everything about the process—especially the success and feeling of accomplishment when you’ve run father that you ever thought you could!”
Liz graduated from Bucknell University with a BA in Psychology and Spanish. She completed her master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies at Penn State University, where she continues to work on her PhD.
Gloria Miranda, shoe size 7
Human Resource Director
Gloria has a long history as an advocate for the economically impoverished community of North Philadelphia. She held the position of HR Manager for Congreso de Latinos unidos in North Philadelphia for 10 years where she created and implemented policies that benefitted both the employees and the organization’s clients.
“While I might not be what one would consider a ‘runner,’ I am ‘fast on my feet’ when it concerns the needs of the community that I am serving. I have a heartfelt commitment to the mission of Back on My Feet and the community that it represents.”
Gloria has a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Peirce College.
Laura Shumaker, shoe size 7.5
Accountant
Laura began volunteering with Back on My Feet in November 2008 and has been the Team Organizer, Volunteer Coordinator and Team Leader at the Philadelphia-based Our Brother’s Place facility. In her staff role, Laura assists the Chief Financial Officer in managing the accounting functions of Back on My Feet. Previously, Laura worked in accounting at RP Management.
“Back on My Feet has allowed me to expand my boundaries and has taught me that running can be an activity that brings a community of friends and teammates together. I am so honored to be a part of the Back on My Feet staff and to contribute to the cause in another way!”
Laura graduated from Saint Joseph’s University with a degree in finance.
Casey Venella, shoe size 7.5
Assistant to the Founder and CEO
Casey handles the coordination, logisitics, scheduling and correspondence of the CEO as well as our executive staff. Her responsibilities also include communication between our National Board, Chapter Advisory Boards and donor relations.
“There is nothing you can’t overcome with determination, physical exercise and chocolate.”
Casey graduated from Villanova University with a degree in Public Relations.
Jay Giller, shoe size 9.5
Manager, Marketing and Communications
Jay interned with the Back on My Feet Philadelphia Communications and Corporate Relations team prior to joining the national, Shared Services team as the Manager of Marketing and Communications. While interning, he helped to organize and execute the AT&T Back on My Feet Halfway to Broad 5-Miler, the Holiday Campaign and various social media initiatives. Before his time with Back on My Feet, Jay worked in market research, public relations and assisted with research at Drexel University
“It’s great to work for an organization where you see the results and success of the Members. Hearing a Member share great news about moving forward makes my day even better!”
Jay graduated from Drexel University with a Master’s degree in Communication and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Corporate Public Relations.
