Our Team
Meredith Seacrest Leach
Executive Director + CEO
Meredith has been a driving force behind the foundation’s growth since its inception, leading its mission to inspire and uplift pediatric patients through innovative programs in education and entertainment. In her leadership role, Meredith is focused on ensuring the foundation’s long-term sustainability, which includes supporting all Seacrest Studio locations across the country. She is also responsible for the foundation’s philanthropic strategies and building key partnerships to further the organization’s impact.
Before her work with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, Meredith served as Director of Creative Affairs at the production company Reveille (now Endemol Shine North America), where she contributed to the development of popular television shows such as Nashville Star, MasterChef and The Buried Life. She also gained experience in public relations managing luxury resort accounts at Murphy O’Brien and by serving as Manager of Communications for Entertainment Tonight and The Insider, where she oversaw national press for two top entertainment news programs.
Meredith is also a published author, co-writing the children’s book The Make-Believers with her brother, Ryan Seacrest. The book, which celebrates the power of imagination and creativity, aligns with her passion for inspiring young minds and encouraging creativity in children.
A graduate of the University of Georgia, Meredith holds a B.A. in Journalism from the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Nicole Mead
Senior Vice President of Operations + Communications
Nicole has played a pivotal role since joining the team in 2017, helping to expand the foundation’s imprint and vision. With a longstanding career in the non-profit sector, Nicole brings expertise in strategic planning, project and construction management, media relations, hospital partnerships, operational leadership and staff development. Prior to joining the Foundation, she held positions at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, further strengthening her background in healthcare and non-profit operations.
In her current role, Nicole is responsible for overseeing a wide array of critical functions, including operational and budget planning, managing tech support and operations, staff development and training and cultivating strong relationships with key partners, including hospitals, media, corporate sponsors and donors. Her work focuses on ensuring the Ryan Seacrest Foundation’s initiatives not only run smoothly but also make a lasting impact by bridging the worlds of pediatric healthcare and entertainment.
Nicole holds a B.A. in Communication from Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, a Master’s Certification in Non-Profit Management from the University of Washington and an Annual Fundraising Certification from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Clark Sweat
Senior Vice President of Partnerships + Marketing
Clark Sweat is a highly accomplished executive with a distinguished career in nonprofit leadership, corporate partnerships, and strategic fundraising. As the CEO of Cause4Good, Clark leverages over 30 years of experience to help organizations drive sustainable impact by building innovative partnerships between corporations, nonprofits, and donors. His expertise spans revenue diversification, corporate social responsibility, and donor engagement strategies that create long-term, mission-driven success.
Clark’s leadership has been instrumental in raising over $8 billion for philanthropic causes, securing and managing partnerships with Fortune 500 companies such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Marriott, RE/MAX, Johnson & Johnson, CVS, Walgreens, and Delta Air Lines. His deep understanding of stakeholder engagement and corporate philanthropy has helped organizations align their business objectives with impactful social initiatives.
Prior to founding Cause4Good, Clark held executive leadership roles at Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, where he served as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer and previously as Chief Revenue Officer. Under his leadership, annual revenue surpassed $450 million, and corporate partnerships flourished, significantly increasing the organization’s national footprint and brand loyalty. Clark also played a pivotal role at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, spearheading corporate alliances and international development strategies that led to multimillion-dollar funding initiatives.
Clark holds an Executive MBA from the University of Memphis and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the University of Utah. He is actively involved in thought leadership circles, including the Forbes Nonprofit Council and the Fast Company Executive Board, where he shares insights on corporate philanthropy, strategic partnerships, and nonprofit innovation.
Throughout his career, Clark has been driven by the philosophy that meaningful impact happens at the intersection of purpose and partnership. His ability to blend strategic vision with actionable solutions continues to shape the future of nonprofit growth and corporate social responsibility.
Dan Skirpan
Director of Engineering
Dan brings more than 25 years of experience in sales, account management and technology integration to his role as Director of Engineering and Innovation. He has a proven record of building new markets, leading large-scale projects and developing creative solutions across the broadcast, sports and education technology sectors.
Before joining the foundation, Dan served as National Sales Manager – Sports at JVCKenwood, where he spearheaded the company’s entry into the sports market and grew it to nearly $2 million in annual revenue. He has also held leadership roles at Advanced Broadcast Solutions, Digitiz Inc. and AZCAR USA, managing complex integrations for higher education, corporate and professional sports clients.
Dan began his career in technical integration, giving him a strong foundation in AV systems and broadcast technologies. Known for blending technical expertise with business strategy, he is passionate about creating tools and experiences that make technology seamless and impactful.
Laura Crawford
Director of Entertainment Relations
Laura has over 15 years of experience in the music industry. A Nashville native, Laura brings a wealth of expertise in partnership management, event strategy and artist relations.
In her current role, Laura supports the foundation’s hospital partners with talent bookings, while overseeing the Industry Advisory Committee and Celebrity Ambassador program. She serves as the direct liaison between the foundation and the entertainment industry, collaborating closely with other staff on fundraising initiatives, special events, digital campaigns and content capture.
Prior to joining the foundation, Laura held positions at MusiCares and the Recording Academy (GRAMMY Awards). During her time at the Recording Academy, she was the key liaison between the Academy and a broad network of artists, songwriters, musicians and industry professionals.
Earlier in her career, Laura worked as a publicist at Provident Label Group/Sony Music Entertainment, where she honed her skills in media relations and artist promotion. Laura holds a B.S. in Communication from the University of Tennessee, with a focus on Journalism & Electronic Media.
Katie Klochany
Director of Engagement + Creative
Katie’s journey with the foundation began in 2014 as a student, interning in Seacrest Studios at both Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte and at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. These early experiences sparked her passion for the foundation’s mission and media programming. She joined the RSF team officially in May of 2018.
In her current role, Katie manages the foundation’s website, social media channels, branded materials and content partnerships. She has developed a robust library of pre-recorded content for Seacrest Studios, ensuring 24/7 programming that engages young audiences across the country.
With a background in digital marketing, video production and content creation, Katie brings a strategic approach to content development and digital strategy. Prior to joining the foundation full-time, she worked as a Content Coordinator at Wander Creative, where she helped clients engage their audiences through dynamic videography, graphic design and long-term digital strategies.
She holds a B.A. in Communication from Elon University, with a focus on Cinema and Television Arts.
Megan Wordsworth
Talent Coordinator
Megan brings extensive experience in artist relations, executive support and media strategy across entertainment, publishing and digital media. She has supported high-profile talent through direct executive partnership and day-to-day artist relations, serving as a primary liaison between talent, management teams and external partners.
In her current role as Talent Coordinator, Megan supports all Seacrest Studios with talent bookings, visit logistics and social media coordination for entertainment-based moments across the network. She collaborates closely with internal teams, hospital partners and industry representatives to help ensure each visit is seamless, thoughtful and impactful for patients and families.
Prior to joining the foundation, Megan worked across creative, marketing, production and literary teams to support content development, brand partnerships, podcast production and public-facing initiatives. She also planned and executed live events, book signings and speaking engagements, building trusted relationships grounded in discretion, organization and clear communication.
Earlier in her career, Megan held roles at HarperCollins Publishing, INSP/Imagicomm Entertainment and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, where she supported media relations, awards publicity and large-scale live events, including the 90th Academy Awards. In 2019, she was recognized by PR News as a 30 Under 30 Rising Star honoree.
Megan holds a B.A. in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Charlotte Torquato
Program Coordinator
Charlotte joins the Ryan Seacrest Foundation as Program Coordinator, where she supports program operations and helps enhance the experience across the Seacrest Studios network.
Originally from São Paulo, Brazil, Charlotte has had the opportunity to live in a variety of places, shaping her global perspective and adaptability. She discovered her passion at the intersection of youth development and administrative work, bringing a thoughtful and people-centered approach to everything she does.
For the past five years, Charlotte has been based in the Nashville area, where she has gained experience as a full-time educator while also supporting event coordination efforts. She thrives in environments that allow her to tap into her creativity, build meaningful relationships and elevate the experience of those around her.
Charlotte holds a degree from California State University, Chico.