About — Anna's Pals

Kristina Jerome

President ~ Executive Director

As Anna’s mother, Kristina Jerome has turned personal loss into a powerful mission of love and purpose. A lifelong educator and community leader, Kris brings compassion, creativity, and resilience to everything she does. Before founding Anna’s Pals, she spent years as a devoted teacher, inspiring students through empathy, patience, and a deep understanding of children’s needs.

Drawing from her experience as both a parent and an educator, Kris leads Anna’s Pals with exceptional communication, organizational, and leadership skills. As Executive Director, she oversees all aspects of the organization’s growth—coordinating volunteers, managing partnerships, and guiding the vision for the Anna’s Pals Beach House for Immunocompromised Children.

Her ability to unite people around a shared purpose and her unwavering dedication to helping children in need make Kris the heart and driving force behind Anna’s Pals.

John M. Izzo

Chief Development Officer

With over 20 years of distinguished experience in nonprofit fundraising and grant development, John brings proven expertise in securing six-and seven-figure gifts for mission-driven organizations. His track record includes serving as sole development officer at The Forsyth Institute, leading corporate and foundation relations at BostonMedical Center during its major capital campaign, and serving as Director of the OpenWide the Doors Campaign at Saint Paul's Catholic Community, a multi-year, multi-million dollar effort supporting multiple institutions.

John will design and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the Beach House capital campaign and establish long-term financial sustainability. His expertise in foundation relations, corporate partnerships, and major gift cultivation will be instrumental as the organization transforms the historic Ella F. HoxieSchool in Bourne, Massachusetts, into eight apartment-style units with 24/7 medical staff support—addressing a critical gap in care for pediatric patients who receive transplants and treatments requiring extended immune system suppression.

Daniel G. Jerome

Treasurer ~ Financial Director

With more than two decades of experience leading financial operations and investment management teams, Daniel Jerome brings exceptional strategic, operational, and leadership expertise to this role. His career spans top institutions including BNY Mellon, Boston Private Bank, and the Boston Water & Sewer Commission, where he has consistently strengthened financial controls, improved efficiency, and enhanced organizational performance.

As both a hands-on problem solver and a strategic thinker, Daniel is known for building collaborative, high-performing teams and driving initiatives that align finance with broader business goals. His leadership style combines analytical precision with a strong sense of accountability—qualities that make him a natural fit to guide organizations through financial transformation and long-term success.

Carolyn Sullivan

Board Chair

As both a devoted teacher and a proud Pal mom, Carolyn Sullivan brings warmth, leadership, and a deep personal connection to the mission of Anna’s Pals. Her experience in education has shaped her into a patient, compassionate leader who understands the importance of creating supportive environments where children can learn, grow, and thrive.

As Board Chair, Carolyn combines her background in teaching with strong organizational and communication skills to guide the strategic vision of Anna’s Pals. She is deeply committed to ensuring the organization continues to honor its mission—providing safe, joyful experiences for immunocompromised children and their families.

Carolyn’s empathy, dedication, and unwavering belief in the healing power of community make her an inspiring leader and a cherished member of the Anna’s Pals family.