Meredith Seacrest Leach is the Executive Director & CEO for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. She was a driving force behind the conception and development of the foundation since its inception in 2009. In her current role, she manages and cultivates relationships with key partners and donors in entertainment, healthcare, education and technology, while strategizing financial campaigns and programs to help continuously advance the organization. Prior to overseeing the foundation, Meredith was the Director of Creative Affairs at Reveille, now known as the production company EndemolShine North America. Some of the programming she was responsible for included Nashville Star, MasterChef and The Buried Life. She also worked in hospitality public relations, managing several luxury resort accounts at the agency Murphy O’Brien and worked as the Manager of Communications at Entertainment Tonight and The Insider, where she oversaw national press for two top entertainment news programs. Meredith attended the University of Georgia, receiving a B.A. in Journalism from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, hiking and cheering on the beloved Georgia Bulldogs as well as serving on several non-profit boards supporting youth, music and education initiatives. 

Nicole Mead is the Senior Vice President of Operations for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. She joined the team in November of 2017, after working for several U.S. News and World Report ranked healthcare institutions. Nicole’s primary responsibilities for the foundation include building and managing relationships with donors, corporations, hospitals partners, vendors and the entertainment community. She holds a B.A. in Communication from Washington State University and a Master’s Certification in Non-Profit Management from the University of Washington. 

Nicole is passionate about bridging the worlds of pediatric healthcare and entertainment and finding ways to create the greatest impact for both groups. She brings with her a background in strategic planning, cause marketing, digital marketing, signature events, database management and leadership coaching. Nicole enjoys spending her free time traveling, exploring the National Parks system, attending live music events and volunteering with a handful of Nashville non-profits.

Carin Zaleski is a dynamic leader with over 25 years of experience spanning the entertainment, sports, and nonprofit sectors. As Co-National Director of Right To Play, Carin spearheaded strategic fundraising initiatives and managed high-profile donor portfolios, raising millions annually to support transformative programs for disadvantaged children worldwide.

With a strategic mindset and expertise in fundraising, operations, and partnership development, Carin has a strong record of elevating brand visibility through high-impact events and partnerships with global stakeholders, including renowned organizations such as the New York Yankees and NBC Olympics.

In addition to her work in development, Carin has a rich background in media and entertainment. She launched her career as a publicist at indie film company October Films, worked in the Talent Department at the legendary Saturday Night Live, and served as Director of Business Development at Competitor Group, a leading active lifestyle media and entertainment company.

Carin holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Pittsburgh and has recently relocated to Nashville from New York City.  She is a passionate world traveler, music lover and proud Military Mom.  

With over 15 years of experience in the music industry, Laura Crawford, a native of Nashville, is excited to join the Ryan Seacrest Foundation as the Entertainment Relations & Engagement Manager. In her most recent role at MusiCares as the Director of Sponsorships, she oversaw the organization's brand partnerships for events such as the esteemed Person of the Year gala, and programs such as Humans of Hip Hop and The Day That Music Cares. Prior to this, Laura spent over a decade at the Recording Academy (GRAMMY Awards), as a Membership Manager in the Membership & Industry Relations department where she served as a liaison to artists, songwriters, musicians, and music industry professionals.

Prior to working at the Recording Academy, Laura served as a publicist at Provident Label Group/Sony Music Entertainment. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication from the University of Tennessee, majoring in Journalism & Electronic Media.

Laura has participated in several music industry organizations based in Nashville, including SOLID (Society of Leaders in Development), NOW (Nurturing Outstanding Women), and SOURCE. 

In her free time, Laura actively participates as a dedicated volunteer for two community-based organizations, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee and Survivor Fitness Foundation. She also has a passion for visual arts and is constantly honing her craft as a skilled metalsmith jewelry artist.

Katie Klochany is the Creative Manager for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. She joined the team in May of 2018, following internships in Seacrest Studios at Levine Children’s Hospital and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Katie’s primary responsibilities include management of the foundation’s website, branded materials, social media accounts, and content relationships. Through content relationships, she has built a robust library of pre-recorded content for Seacrest Studios to air during off hours, ensuring that programming runs on a 24/7 schedule. She brings with her a background in digital marketing, video production, content creation and social strategy. Prior to her role with the foundation, Katie was a Content Coordinator at Wander Creative. In an age where content is king, she aided clients in creatively engaging audiences through dynamic videography, editing, graphic design and long-term strategy. Katie is always up for trying a new Nashville restaurant, particularly one with a patio for her golden retriever Lucy.

Faith is the Executive Assistant for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. She joined the team in May 2022 after graduating from Belmont University. Faith has had internships in management, publishing, and digital marketing. Among these, she also interned with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation headquarters. Faith loves attending live music events and traveling.