Our Founders
Board of Directors
Jill C. Ross
President
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Jill C. Ross
President
Tracy Jacobs
Secretary
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Tracy Jacobs
Secretary
Charlyne H. McWilliams
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Charlyne H. McWilliams
Charlyne H. McWilliams is an award-winning communications specialist with more than three decades of experience in public relations and journalism. She specializes in developing strategic communications initiatives that include message development, thought leadership training and media relationships. Charlyne was a board member of a non-profit organization that ignited the love for STEAM (Science Technology, Art and Mathematics) among young black girls. Charlyne resides in Silver Spring with her daughter.
Christine Freeland
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Christine Freeland
Christy is a retired CEO and Co-Owner of the second largest property management group in the United States where she had responsibility for all facets of the organization from profitability, best practices, risk management, legal, and human resources. Providing a home to people was very fulfilling since it is a basic human need for everyone. Christy is excited to join the board of Comfort Cases and looks forward to helping in projects or committees that will support the foster children across our country.
Ed Sumangil
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Ed Sumangil
Ed Sumangil is a retired Colonel with a distinguished 26-year career in the United
States Air Force. He held key leadership roles, including commanding the 7th Bomb
Wing and serving as the Director of the Secretary of the Air Force Senate Liaison
Office, where he collaborated with Senators and their staff to advance critical priorities for the Department of the Air Force. Currently, as Director of Government Relations at SBCC, Ed advises on federal and legislative affairs and builds relationships with policymakers. Passionate about service and supporting children and youth, Ed is excited to contribute to the Comfort Cases mission. He lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Jennifer, their three children—Amelia, AJ, and Ryan-and their black Labrador Retriever, Crew.
Our Team
Steve Barber
Chief Financial Officer
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Steve Barber
Chief Financial Officer
Barrie Carr
Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator
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Barrie Carr
Community Engagement & Volunteer Coordinator
Barrie first became involved with Comfort Cases in 2014 when her son Miles was preparing for his Bar Mitzvah with the requirement to participate in a meaningful social action project. Her entire family soon learned Comfort Cases was more than just a project. It became their mission and they joined forces with Comfort Cases to provide dignity, hope and love to youth entering the foster care system. Barrie now oversees the logistics of all off-site events, including school events, faith-based events, birthday celebrations, nonprofit fairs and major corporate engagements. She serves as the point person and liaison for all partnerships and special initiatives, as well as works closely with, and leads our volunteers in our production suite.
Kenisha J. Manning, D.D.S.
Vice President of Business Development
Read BioKenisha J. Manning, D.D.S.
Vice President of Business Development
Kenisha Manning serves as Vice President of Business Development at Comfort Cases, where she leads strategic growth initiatives around corporate partnerships and philanthropic engagement. Since first partnering with Comfort Cases in 2018, she has played an instrumental role in strengthening corporate relationships, increasing funding opportunities, and elevating awareness around the challenges faced by youth entering the foster care system.
Kenisha brings extensive experience in corporate engagement and organizational growth. Prior to joining Comfort Cases, she served as President of Operations at Ferguson Manning, a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and inclusionary solutions for corporations, business owners, and nonprofit organizations.
A proud University of Michigan alum, Kenisha holds a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. She is recognized for her collaborative leadership style, deep understanding of corporate structures, and commitment to building long-term partnerships that drive measurable impact and sustainability.
Kenisha is passionate about advancing Comfort Cases’ mission and expanding opportunities for children in foster care.
Nicholas Balestracci
Marketing Director
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Nicholas Balestracci
Marketing Director
Before joining Comfort Cases, Nick spent a decade developing creative media, managing digital campaigns, and helping organizations strengthen their identity through impactful storytelling. His work blends creativity with strategic communication, helping Comfort Cases amplify its mission to ensure that every child entering foster care feels valued, seen, and supported.
At Comfort Cases, Nick leads the development of engaging campaigns, partnerships, and multimedia content that elevate the organization’s national voice and inspire communities to take action.
Angelika Stablow
Volunteer/Group Coordinator