Our Leadership

Dave Isay

Founder & President

Dave Isay is the founder of StoryCorps and the recipient of numerous broadcasting honors, including six Peabody Awards and a MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship. He is the author/editor of numerous books that grew out of his public radio documentary work, including the New York Times best sellers: Listening Is an Act of Love (2007), Mom: A Celebration of Mothers from StoryCorps, All There Is: Love Stories from StoryCorps (2012), and Ties That Bind: Stories of Love and Gratitude From the First Ten Years of StoryCorps (2013) and Callings: The Purpose and Passion of Work (2016). In 2015, Dave was recognized with the TED Prize, awarded annually to one exceptional individual with a creative, bold vision to spark global change. For speaking engagement inquiries, Dave is represented by The Tuesday Agency.

Lisa V. Gale

Chief Program Officer

Lisa V. Gale came to StoryCorps in 2017. She has more than 25 years of experience in the administration and management of nonprofit organizations in the fields of adult education and community development. Prior to joining StoryCorps, she served as Deputy Commissioner, Employment Services, for the Human Resources Administration of the City of New York, a $200 million employment services division, offering city programs such as Back2Work, Business Link, Training Assistance Group, and more.

Before her position with the City, Lisa managed a portfolio of workforce development programs funded by the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone Development Corporation; she worked as the Deputy Executive Director for the Literacy Assistance Center; and held various senior leadership positions at nonprofits focused on adult literacy and community and economic development. Lisa holds a PhD in Social Welfare from The CUNY Graduate Center and an MSW from the Hunter College School of Social Work.

Lisa Stein

Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

Lisa Stein joined StoryCorps in September 2019. She has over 20 years’ experience in various local and national organizations that share a common mission to empower people disenfranchised due to poverty, race, disability, or other barriers, and to assist them to achieve greater self-sufficiency. Prior to StoryCorps, Lisa was the COO at Lantern Community Services where she managed finance, human resources, IT, program operations, and security. She is a graduate of Brandeis University and earned her master’s degree in Business Administration with a certificate in Nonprofit and Public Management at Boston University.

Lisa Kennedy

Chief Development Officer

Lisa Kennedy joined StoryCorps in 2018. She has 20 years’ experience in development and law, beginning her career at a litigation firm in Minneapolis before transitioning to fundraising in New York City. Lisa’s prior fundraising experience includes work at Mount Sinai Medical Center, where she contributed toward a successful $1B campaign. Lisa is a graduate of St. Thomas University, where she also earned her law degree.

Kathrina Proscia

Director, Executive Office

Kathrina Proscia began working at StoryCorps in 2006. With over 25 years’ experience in supporting C-level executives, she has held positions in the industries of advertising, import/export, and airline catering services. Kathrina is a graduate of Empire State College with a major in historical studies. A native New Yorker, born in Brooklyn, she resides in Queens, New York, with her husband, daughter, and the cutest chihuahua ever.