Our Team

Senior Leadership

Learn more about the dedicated staff leadership working every day to improve the lives of those affected scleroderma.

Our Team

Thomas Nigrelli

Senior Director, Finance

Chief Executive Officer

Mary J. Wheatley, IOM, CAE

Mary joined the Foundation team as CEO in July 2021. She has more than 15 years’ experience in nonprofit and research administration and leadership. She is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and is passionate about serving people living with chronic illness. Mary is grateful to serve the Foundation and advance its mission.

Vice President, Finance

Michael B. Hyde

Mike joined the team in 2019. He is a graduate of Northeastern University where he earned a bachelor’s degree, concentrating in Finance. Mike brings more than 30 years of private and non-profit finance and accounting experience to his role. His functional areas of oversight are the general and administrative areas of operations including finance and accounting, human resources, and facilities. Mike is extremely grateful to be of service to the Foundation.

Vice President, Community Engagement

Ashley M. Pruett, MEd

Ashley has been with the National Scleroderma Foundation since January of 2022. She has 20 years in non-profit leadership, including extensive work with volunteers, grassroots and chapter-based organizations, and development operations. She earned her undergraduate degree from Coker University and her graduate degree from James Madison University.

Vice President, Philanthropy

Robert Riggs

Robert brings more than three decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, cand organizational development. Throughout his career, he has strengthened mission-driven organizations through startup leadership, merger integration, organizational turnaround, and sustained growth. Robert’s work is deeply connected to the patient advocacy community. He previously spent more than two decades in leadership within the Foundation, where he helped advance patient engagement and amplify the voices of those living with this rare autoimmune disease.

Senior Director, Mission Delivery

Elizabeth Mulroy

Liz joined the Foundation in January 2022 as the executive director for the Lower Great Lakes Chapter. She has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management and is focused on promoting the mission and increasing the effectiveness of key programs. Her top priority is to ensure operational excellence, lead with integrity and foster a community where everyone can openly share and engage authentically.

Senior Director, Chapter Advancement

Amanda Graham

Amanda joined the Foundation in January 2023 as the executive director for the Rocky Mountain Chapter. She has more than 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, and donor development. At the Foundation, she is focused on strengthening and advancing the Chapters through philanthropy, volunteer management, support, and awareness. She received her master’s in public administration from New York University.

Senior Director, Finance

Thomas Nigrelli

Tom joined the team in 2023. He is a graduate of Boston College and Merrimack College, concentrating in Accounting and Management. Tom brings more than 20 years of private and non-profit finance and accounting experience to his role. As Senior Director, Finance, Tom provides oversight and leadership in finance and accounting and human resources. Tom is grateful to be of service to the Foundation.