Our Leadership

Photo by © Harvey Wang.

DAVE ISAY

FOUNDER & PRESIDENT

Dave Isay (I-SAY) is the Founder and President of StoryCorps, a New York Times bestselling author, the recipient of numerous Peabody Awards, and a MacArthur “Genius” Fellow. His life’s work taps into the heart and soul of the human experience. In 2003, Dave founded StoryCorps, an independent nonprofit organization based in Brooklyn, New York, that has brought more than 620,000 Americans together—two at a time—to record intimate conversations about their lives, create a human connection, pass wisdom from one generation to the next, and leave a legacy for the future. Each conversation is preserved at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress—the largest single collection of human voices ever gathered. Millions of listeners hear StoryCorps’ weekly broadcasts on NPR’s Morning Edition, and select stories are also shared through StoryCorps’ podcast, animated shorts, digital platforms, and books. In 2015, Dave was recognized with the $1 million TED prize, awarded annually to one exceptional
individual with a creative, bold vision to spark global change. Dave is currently leading StoryCorps’ work to help decrease political divisions in the United States through its latest effort, One Small Step, which was featured in a segment on CBS’s “60 Minutes” in early 2022. For speaking engagement inquiries, Dave is represented by The Tuesday Agency.

A Story I Love Right Now: My pick is actually a collection. Dr. William (Lynn) Weaver had the most broadcasts in the history of StoryCorps (four!). Over the years, he became family. Rest in peace, Lynn (1949-2019).

Photo by ©Amir Hamja.

Sandra M. Clark

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Sandra M. Clark is a leading voice in journalism and beyond, challenging norms and practices that create barriers to building trust and meaningful, sustainable connections with communities. As CEO of StoryCorps, Sandra helps to advance the award-winning organization’s mission: to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world. Prior to joining StoryCorps in early 2022, Sandra was Vice President for News and Civic Dialogue at WHYY in Philadelphia. There, she led the station’s news operation across all platforms and was at the forefront of expanding and diversifying its audiences and outreach to communities. Her innovative approaches to collaborating with grassroots information providers garnered national recognition. In addition, Sandra worked with teams to grow revenue and build membership while amplifying the station’s branding and positioning. As Managing Editor at the Philadelphia Inquirer prior to joining WHYY, Sandra was a member of both the executive and newsroom leadership team and led the paper to a 2014 Pulitzer Prize for Criticism. She is dedicated to growing future generations of leaders of color and is a contributing trainer and mentor for the Maynard Institute.

A Story I Love Right Now: Labor of Love in honor of the unheralded pillars of our communities.

RON GUNZBURGER

CHIEF Of Staff

Ron Gunzburger joined StoryCorps in 2023—the organization’s 20th year—following an exceptional career in government and politics that saw him working on more than 130 campaigns. Immediately before joining StoryCorps, Ron—a Democrat—served eight years as the Senior Advisor (Political Director) for Maryland Republican Governor Larry Hogan. He also served as the Governor’s Director of Covid-19 Response Strategy throughout the pandemic state of emergency, saving countless lives and businesses. In 1997, Ron created (and still runs) Politics1.com, a leading online directory of statewide and federal candidates from all political parties. An attorney by training, Ron has been a public defender, a state racketeering prosecutor, a litigation partner in a top-100 national law firm, and a governmental general counsel in one of the largest sheriff’s departments in the nation. At StoryCorps, Ron works with CEO Sandra Clark and Founder & President Dave Isay to ensure the maximum impact of One Small Step and other major initiatives. 

I have two favorite stories I currently love: The first is Father Mychal’s Blessing. While it is a story about a tragic death during the 9/11 attack, it is filled with the uplifting spirit, hope, and humanity of Father Mychal, and is also a reminder that even in our darkest days, we can come together as a community and unite for a greater good. The second is Miss Devine, which I enjoy and laugh aloud each time I watch it.

Christopher Norris

STRATEGIC ADVISER TO THE CEO

Christopher Norris joined StoryCorps in February of 2023 as the Strategic Adviser to the CEO, where he works at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and community engagement to maximize the organization’s public service, content distribution, and revenue opportunities. 

Chris is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and media entrepreneur known for his creative thinking, dynamic outreach strategies, and integrated programming for broadcast and live events. Prior to joining StoryCorps, Chris pioneered and scaled several creative projects— including the nationally regarded News and Information Community Exchange—as the Managing Editor for Community & Engagement at WHYY, Philadelphia’s largest public media station.

From 2009 to 2019, Chris served as the CEO/Founder of Techbook Online, a grassroots news and information company. There, he brokered a strategic partnership between Comcast and the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, resulting in the development of a digital channel to distribute mental health resources and information.

A Story I Love Right Now: My current favorite is one about the fearless Rev. Harry Blake, a civil rights leader who worked with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Photo by ©Amir Hamja.

Lisa Stein

CHIEF FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Lisa is StoryCorps’ Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, overseeing Finance; Human Resources; IT; Legal; Administration; and StoryCorps’ fee for service program, StoryCorps Studios. Lisa joined StoryCorps in 2019, bringing with her more than 20 years of nonprofit experience with local and national organizations
devoted to empowering people disenfranchised due to poverty, race, disability, or other barriers. In all her roles, Lisa has focused on supporting staff to do their best work and strengthening organizations so they could grow and thrive. A graduate of Brandeis University, Lisa earned her master’s degree in business administration with a certificate in nonprofit and public management at Boston University.

A Story I Love Right Now: This Thanksgiving, the Faucis on Family and Gratitude. Dr. Anthony Fauci’s conversation with his wife, Dr. Christine Grady, recorded by StoryCorps in November 2020, deeply touched me. I was so appreciative of Dr. Fauci for all of the guidance he gave the nation, and here he was sharing a conversation with StoryCorps!

Lisa NELSON-HAYNES

Acting CHIEF OF PROGRAMMING

Lisa Nelson-Haynes is acting Chief of Programming at StoryCorps, where she fosters the organization’s mission to preserve and share humanity’s stories in order to build connections between people and create a more just and compassionate world. 

Prior to coming to StoryCorps, Lisa was Executive Director of Philadelphia Young Playwrights, where she helped young people discover their potential through the art of the play. During her tenure there, Lisa was also the co-creator and Executive Producer of the organization’s award-winning podcast, Mouthful, which explored the experiences and perspectives of young people to spark important and timely conversations about big ideas and issues. 

Championing the power of personal narrative and stories, Lisa’s work has long centered around empowering others to take control of their stories and voices. An award-winning storyteller and teacher, Lisa has facilitated digital storytelling workshops for Storycenter for more than 18 years. She has worked with Drexel University’s Center for Nonviolence and Social Justice’s Healing Hurt People to facilitate workshops with young people who are victims of intentional injury to craft narratives that celebrate their resiliency and triumphs.

Lisa is also a Leeway Foundation Art & Change grant recipient for the Redline Project, a storytelling initiative that collected first-person narratives about gentrification in the Point Breeze and Graduate Hospital neighborhoods of South Philadelphia. Lisa is a graduate of Hampton University.

A Story I Love Right Now: I love Lessons Learned because it illustrates the importance of community filling in the gaps and providing support for our young people.

Michael Garofalo

Chief Content Officer

Michael Garofalo began his career at StoryCorps in 2004, helping to develop its signature style and sound. Over the course of 15 years, he produced and edited hundreds of NPR broadcasts and launched the StoryCorps Podcast, hosting more than 500 episodes. His work on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks was honored with both a Peabody Award and a Columbia-DuPont award. In 2012, Michael was a finalist for the Livingston Award for Young Journalists. As a freelance editor and producer, Michael has developed shows for a variety of clients and partners outside of public media, including Kickstarter, Religion of Sports, and Novel. Michael returned to StoryCorps in 2023 as Chief Content Officer, overseeing all StoryCorps content including audio broadcasts, podcasts, and animations.

A Story I Love Right Now: I never get tired of Danny and Annie Perasa. Danny was a true poet of the human heart; Annie had her own gift for turning a phrase. Their story has it all—love, loss, humor, and the only line that has ever made me tear up while listening to an interview. 

Photo by ©Amir Hamja.

Mary Beth Smith

CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Mary Beth joined StoryCorps in 2021 and leads brand strategy, marketing, communications, content distribution, and customer service initiatives. Mary Beth has more than 25 years of experience as a marketing and audience engagement executive for some of this country’s most celebrated arts and cultural institutions,
including the Oakland Museum of California, San Francisco Ballet, SFMOMA, and San Francisco’s celebrated multidisciplinary contemporary art space, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. A classically trained actor and an avid reader, the connective thread through Mary Beth’s professional work and personal passions is storytelling, the power of stories to connect people, and the idea that arts and culture are essential to our well-being and the health of our communities.

A Story I Love Right Now: Q&A. I love the humor and Joshua’s sharp insights, but I think what really gets me is how deftly and lovingly Sarah answers her son’s sometimes challenging questions; how grateful she seems for Joshua who has pushed her to become a more thoughtful parent; and how moving it is to be able to eavesdrop on such a meaningful mother/child conversation.

Photo by ©Amir Hamja.

Kathrina Proscia

DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE OFFICE & BOARD LIASON

As a member of StoryCorps’ Executive Team, Kathrina works closely with StoryCorps’ Founder and President, the CEO, its Board of Directors, and the talented and dedicated staff to further the organization’s mission. Kathrina supports the Executive Office and Board with the strategic management of external relationships, ensuring a productive workflow between StoryCorps’ leadership, Executive Team, and staff.

Kathrina began working at StoryCorps in 2006, bringing over 25 years of experience working with C-level executives in 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 with her husband, daughter, and the cutest chihuahua ever.

A Story I Love Right Now: Clean Streets. This heartwarming story from a recently retired sanitation worker who served the community for over 31 years is quintessential NYC in so many ways. And the accents of these two friends, well, those are priceless.