Our Leadership

President & CEO

Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson

Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson is president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and CDF Action Council. Founded in 1973, CDF builds community so young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. Children’s Defense Fund envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being, and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. It pursues this vision through policy advocacy, community organizing, and a network of CDF Freedom Schools in 100 U.S. cities and thirty states.

Full Bio
Portrait of Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson.

Event Participation Request

Interested in inviting Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson to attend your next event or serve as a speaker? Complete our request form and someone from the Executive Office will contact you directly.

Speaker/Event Participation Inquiry

Leadership Team

Sheri A. Brady

Vice President and Chief Program Officer

Kathleen Flynn

Chief Operating Officer

Cheryle Cook Posley

Rev. Dr. Cheryl Cook-Posley

National Director, Movement Building

Bob Farrace

Bob Farrace, CAE

National Director, Public Affairs

Kristal Moore Clemons

Dr. Kristal Moore Clemons

National Director, CDF Freedom Schools®

Oleta Garrett-Fitzgerald

Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald

REGIONAL DIRECTOR, SOUTHERN REGIONAL OFFICE

David McClure

David McClure

Director, Information Technology

Shaquité Pegues

Shaquité Pegues

MANAGING DIRECTOR, CDF FREEDOM SCHOOLS®

Dustin Pickett

Dustin Pickett

DIRECTOR, EXECUTIVE OFFICE AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Alisha Porter

MINNESOTA STATE DIRECTOR

Lauren Reliford

Director, Policy

Alta Riggs

Alta Riggs

CONTROLLER

Rev. Marvin Silver

Director, Leadership Development & Organizing

Saira Soto

Saira Soto

Interim California STATE DIRECTOR

John Stanford

Dr. John Stanford

OHIO STATE DIRECTOR

Dr Taylor Dede

Dr. Brandy Taylor Dédé

TEXAS STATE DIRECTOR

Kwentoria Williams

Kwentoria A. Williams

DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS