Board of Directors

Jay D. Ferraro

As the loving husband of Barbara and a co-founder alongside their children, Jay Ferraro‘s role on the board of the Barbara T. Foundation is deeply rooted in love and a shared vision. His extensive experience in establishing and running successful businesses, coupled with his position as Vice President of the Dale Corporation, a respected industry leader for over six decades, brings a wealth of practical business acumen to the foundation.

Jay’s entrepreneurial background provides the board with invaluable insights into organizational development, strategic planning, and operational efficiency. His experience at the Dale Corporation encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, giving him a nuanced understanding of how to build and sustain a thriving entity. This expertise is crucial for the foundation as it establishes its infrastructure, develops its programs, and strives for long-term viability.

One of Jay’s most significant contributions lies in his vast network of professional relationships. As a seasoned business leader, he has cultivated connections with top-tier individuals across various fields. These relationships represent a powerful resource for the foundation, offering potential avenues for partnerships, collaborations, and access to expertise that can significantly enhance its reach and impact. Jay’s ability to leverage these connections can open doors to fundraising opportunities, pro bono services, and strategic alliances that would otherwise be difficult to secure.

Beyond his professional contributions, Jay’s intimate connection to Barbara ensures that her values and vision remain central to the foundation’s work. His deep understanding of her passions and priorities will guide the board in making decisions that truly honor her legacy. Jay’s role is therefore a powerful blend of business leadership, strategic networking, and heartfelt dedication, making him an indispensable force in ensuring the Barbara T. Foundation’s enduring success.

Bradley E. Ferraro

As a co-founder and Barbara’s eldest step-son, Bradley Ferraro brings a deeply personal connection and commitment to the Barbara T. Foundation’s mission. His extensive background as a Branch Manager at Bank of America, spanning over two decades, infuses the board with invaluable expertise in several key areas.

Bradley’s deep understanding of retail and banking management equips him with a sharp analytical mind. He possesses a proven ability to critically assess complex situations, identify potential challenges, and meticulously develop strategic solutions. This skill set is crucial for the foundation as it navigates its operational and programmatic endeavors, ensuring resources are allocated effectively and initiatives are designed for maximum impact.

Furthermore, Bradley’s experience in managing teams and overseeing financial operations translates directly to his role on the board. His insights into organizational efficiency, risk management, and fiscal responsibility are instrumental in maintaining the foundation’s stability and ensuring its long-term sustainability. He likely plays a key role in financial oversight, helping to develop and monitor budgets, and ensuring the foundation adheres to best practices in financial management.

Nicole M. Engelhardt, MS LCGC

As a co-founder and Barbara’s eldest daughter, Nicole Engelhardt brings a profound personal connection and a unique professional perspective to the board of the Barbara T. Foundation. Her role as a genetic counselor specializing in pediatrics and metabolic disease at the esteemed Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides the foundation with invaluable expertise in the realm of healthcare, particularly concerning rare diseases.

Nicole’s six years of dedicated experience within the genetic healthcare community equips her with a strong scientific background and honed critical thinking skills. Her daily work involves navigating complex medical information, understanding intricate genetic conditions, and communicating sensitive information with empathy and clarity to families facing challenging diagnoses. This experience translates directly to the foundation’s work, ensuring that its initiatives are grounded in scientific understanding and address the genuine needs of the community it aims to serve.

Nicole’s passion for working with families experiencing rare diseases is particularly significant. This deep commitment aligns perfectly with the potential mission of the Barbara T. Foundation, especially if it aims to support individuals and families affected by such conditions. Her firsthand experience in providing counseling and care gives her a nuanced understanding of the challenges these families face, including the emotional, financial, and logistical burdens. This empathy and insight will be crucial in shaping the foundation’s programs and ensuring they are both effective and compassionate.

Nicole’s role bridges the gap between scientific expertise, compassionate care, and the personal commitment of a co-founder. Her deep understanding of the healthcare landscape, particularly in the context of rare diseases, combined with her analytical abilities and heartfelt dedication, makes her an indispensable asset to the Barbara T. Foundation’s board.

Christopher P. Ferraro

As a co-founder and Barbara’s step-son, Christopher Ferraro brings a valuable and distinct perspective to the board of the Barbara T. Foundation, stemming from his leadership role in the complex world of international supply chain logistics. Leading an International Intermodal Execution Team, Christopher is adept at overseeing and coordinating intricate processes involving numerous stakeholders across the Pacific coast. This extensive experience in large-scale logistics translates into a unique and highly beneficial asset for the foundation.

Christopher’s expertise in supply chain management equips him with exceptional organizational and coordination skills. His daily responsibilities involve strategic planning, meticulous execution, and the ability to navigate multifaceted systems to ensure successful and profitable outcomes. This experience is directly applicable to the foundation’s operations, particularly in areas such as event planning, resource allocation, and the coordination of complex projects or initiatives. His ability to manage intricate details and ensure seamless execution will be invaluable in the foundation’s endeavors.

Christopher’s role necessitates strong leadership and the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse groups of stakeholders. His experience in aligning the efforts of various entities to achieve a common goal will be crucial as the foundation builds partnerships, engages volunteers, and works with other organizations to advance its mission. His proven ability to drive successful performance through effective coordination and communication will be a significant strength on the board. Christopher’s logistical prowess offers a fresh and valuable lens through which the foundation can approach its challenges and opportunities, ensuring smooth operations and maximizing its impact. His personal connection as Barbara’s step-son, combined with his unique professional skills, positions him as a vital contributor to the Barbara T. Foundation’s long-term success.

Eric R. Engelhardt

As a co-founder and Barbara’s youngest son, Eric Engelhardt brings a critical and increasingly vital skillset to the board of the Barbara T. Foundation: extensive experience in Information Technology. His current role as the Director of Information Technology at Scantron Corporation underscores his deep understanding of the digital landscape and its power to connect and engage with a global audience.

Eric’s many years in the IT field provide the foundation with invaluable expertise in navigating the complexities of the digital age. In today’s world, a strong online presence and efficient technological infrastructure are paramount for any organization seeking to maximize its reach and impact. Eric’s leadership in IT at Scantron Corporation signifies his ability to develop and implement effective technology strategies, manage complex systems, and leverage digital tools for organizational success.

His expertise is particularly crucial for the foundation’s outreach efforts. In his role on the board, Eric will be instrumental in shaping the foundation’s online presence, including its website, social media strategy, and digital communication channels. His knowledge will be essential for developing effective strategies to connect with potential donors, volunteers, and the communities the foundation aims to serve. He can guide the foundation in utilizing technology to raise awareness, share its mission, and facilitate engagement on a global scale.

Eric’s IT acumen can ensure the foundation operates efficiently and securely in the digital realm. He can provide guidance on data management, cybersecurity, and the implementation of technologies that streamline internal processes and enhance overall productivity. His ability to leverage technology strategically will be a significant asset in maximizing the foundation’s resources and impact.


Board of Advisors

Rosa Hwang – Grants

Rosa Hwang brings a wealth of invaluable experience to the Barbara T. Foundation as our Grant Writer, stemming from her impactful role as a Research Project Manager at the esteemed Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). At CHOP, Rosa has been instrumental in the strategic programmatic development of the General Surgery Clinical Research Program. Her responsibilities have encompassed a broad spectrum of critical activities, including the formulation of strategic plans, the establishment and optimization of research infrastructure, and the skillful coordination of multidisciplinary initiatives aimed at expanding clinical research capacity and providing robust support for investigator-led studies. Crucially, Rosa has a proven track record of success in the realm of grant writing. She has authored and made significant contributions to numerous successful grant proposals, securing vital internal and external funding that has directly fueled clinical research initiatives. 

Dawn Gillin – Events Coordinator

Dawn Gillin is Executive Administrative Assistant for Dale Corp. Dawn steps into the pivotal role of Events Coordinator at the Barbara T. Foundation, bringing a wealth of experience honed during her tenure as an Executive Administrative Assistant at Dale Corp. In her capacity at Dale, Dawn adeptly managed a diverse portfolio of responsibilities, ranging from the intricacies of contract administration to the seamless coordination of all executive-level events. This broad exposure has equipped her with a sophisticated understanding of the logistical demands, meticulous planning, and proactive problem-solving essential for orchestrating successful and impactful events. We recognize Dawn’s proven ability to concurrently manage multiple high-level tasks, consistently driving them to successful completion. This exceptional organizational prowess and her unwavering commitment to achieving desired outcomes make her an invaluable asset to our mission.

Eva Jennings – Production Coordinator

Eva Jennings serves on the advisory board of the Barbara T. Foundation as Production Coordinator, Eva brings a wealth of organizational prowess and meticulous attention to detail honed through her role as an Administrative Assistant at a local nationally recognized financial network firm. While her primary responsibilities focus on supporting executive management and ensuring a smooth office environment, these very skills are incredibly valuable in the context of the foundation’s operational needs, particularly in the realm of production coordinator. In this advisory capacity, Eva’s expertise will be instrumental in the planning and execution of the foundation’s various productions. Her experience in creating content and managing multimedia venues translates directly to the coordination of foundation events and media publications, ensuring that all content is well-organized, accurate and effective for the foundations mission.