Staff and Board

A team of professionals dedicated to the mission and vision of NCFA

PRESIDENT / CEO

Ryan Hanlon, PhD

With decades of experience in clinical, policy, and professional practice, Ryan is
a trusted leader and go-to expert on all matters of adoption.

DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH

Nicole leads research efforts to gather new information on under-researched adoption issues and to generate accurate, reliable, and up-to-date reports that drive legislative advocacy, and equip professionals, policymakers, and the public with research-based insights.

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Kristen Hamilton

Kristen works to help NCFA communicate with clarity and excellence, to drive constituent engagement, strengthen brand awareness and position, and create new growth opportunities for the organization.

ADOPTION EDUCATION MANAGER

Janelle Ison

Janelle has been personally and professionally involved in local and national child and family advocacy efforts for over 25 years. She provides vital support to NCFA's online training courses and conference planning.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Megan Ritter Judt

Megan's proven expertise in nonprofit fundraising, development, and event planning is a critical part of advancing our mission in collaboration with partners, supporters, and friends of NCFA.

OFFICE & PROGRAMS ASSISTANT

Alison Miller Richards

An experienced administrative professional, Ali brings a host of skills and operational energy to her role at NCFA. With expertise in membership and public-facing services, Ali was an excellent addition to our team in summer 2023.

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Amy Wolfe

Amy's dedication to excellence, combined with her broad skill set and organizational experience enable NCFA's membership program, annual conference, and constituent services to flourish.

Education Intern

Katelyn Moore

Kate is a senior at BYU double majoring in political science and Middle Eastern studies. She is an intercountry adult adoptee with adopted siblings. In this internship, she hopes to be able to use her own personal experiences with adoption to raise awareness for adoption as well as practices that promote the best interest of children.

Policy & Government Relations Intern

Catherine Kunz

Catherine is a junior in the honors college at UNC-Chapel Hill, double majoring in public policy and sociology with the intention of getting her master’s degree in public policy before pursuing law school. Her goal is to practice family law. Catherine is an adult adoptee with adopted siblings.