OUR PEOPLE

STAFF

The Staff manages the daily operations of the Sarah Ralston Foundation. They are deeply committed to improving the quality of life for vulnerable and underserved older adults in Philadelphia.

Heather Finnegan

Executive Director

Heather joins SRF following a distinguished tenure at The Community’s Foundation (TCF), where she served as President and CEO. Under her leadership, TCF underwent significant transformation, including rebranding, mission realignment, and geographic expansion. Key achievements included an increase in grant distributions, growth in gross contributions, and the launch of initiatives centered on trust-based philanthropy and participatory grantmaking. These accomplishments reflect Heather’s ability to lead with vision, adaptability, and a focus on strategic goals and community impact.

Heather’s deep commitment to Aging Services aligns seamlessly with SRF’s mission. At TCF, she prioritized senior services in grantmaking, driven by the foundation’s legacy as a former hospital and hospice operator. Her advocacy extended to addressing challenges faced by underserved communities, including older adults navigating health declines, language barriers, and caregiving responsibilities in the wake of the opioid epidemic.

Heather also brings extensive experience in financial management, donor relations, and operational oversight. Her achievements in increasing volunteer engagement, expanding fund offerings, and launching diversity and equity initiatives underscore her commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive nonprofit sector.

Allison Cooper

Grants & Financial Manager
Allison Cooper joined the Ralston Center in the fall of 2012, added Ralston Center Bookkeeping responsibilities to her duties in 2019, and became the Grants & Financial Manager of The Sarah Ralston Foundation in 2023. Allison received her B.A. in History from Pennsylvania State University and completed her M.P.S. in Human Resources from Pennsylvania State University. Allison has been a lifelong member of the Mt. Airy/Germantown community.

Claire Lynch

Communications Manager
Claire Lynch joined the Sarah Ralston Foundation in February of 2023 as Communications Manager.  Her role is to create, manage and execute communications on behalf of the Foundation, including our website, social media, and newsletters. She brings experience as a twice elected School Board Official, and in 2009, founded an education foundation that is still in existence. She has served as Communications Director in the healthcare space and as a communications consultant for nonprofits such as The United Way, Fisherman’s Mark in Lambertville, NJ and a South Florida charitable foundation.

BOARD

The Board of Directors includes prominent local and national leaders. They are deeply committed to improving the quality of life for vulnerable and underserved older adults in Philadelphia.