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National Staff

Diane Wilush

Interim President & Chief Executive Officer

About Diane

Diane Wilush serves as interim president and CEO until the position is filled permanently. Ms. Wilush brings over 40 years of experience with UCP, including 25 years as president and CEO of UCP of Georgia and UCP of South Carolina. She also served on the UCP Board of Trustees for six years, including four years as Chair, through 2024. Her extensive experience and deep understanding of the organization will be instrumental in ensuring a seamless transition, both internally with staff and affiliates and externally with our partners and supporters.

Kismet Saglam

Vice President of Strategy & Operations

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About Kismet

Previously serving as a consultant focusing on implementation of UCP’s strategic initiatives, Kismet now serves as vice president of strategy & operations. Kismet earned a master’s degree in education in 2005 and has worked in association management since 2008, primarily with nonprofit medical organizations focusing on education, strategy development and organizational effectiveness. Kismet lives in the Chicago area and enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Carrie Cantrell

Director of Affiliate Relations & Programs

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About Carrie

Carrie Cantrell is the director of affiliate relations & programs at United Cerebral Palsy. Since 2020, she has been working with UCP as a consultant prior to joining the team permanently in September 2024. Carrie earned a Master of Social Work and a Master of Public Health from University of Michigan in 2011, and has since worked various community settings including hospitals, community-based nonprofits and government entities with a focus on program development and implementation. She continues to serve as adjunct faculty and an internship mentor for social work and sociology students at Grand Canyon University. Carrie lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband and two pups.

Pam Norman

Director of Development

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About Pam

Pam Norman brings nearly 20 years of experience in nonprofit executive management, including donor and corporate relations, partnership and business development, fundraising, strategy and financial sustainability. Before joining UCP, Pam was the chief philanthropy officer for Kiwanis International. Prior to Kiwanis International, she held executive director positions with two other nonprofits, working to link travelers to volunteer experiences and students with internship opportunities. She has a bachelor’s degree from Butler University and lives in Zionsville, Indiana.

Bryan Abramson

Development Manager

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About Bryan

Based in Wilmington, Delaware, Bryan works to secure vital resources for UCP National and our Affiliate Network. His responsibilities include managing corporate partnerships, overseeing event sponsorships, cultivating new business opportunities, and building out UCP’s major gifts and planned giving programs.

Sarah Peiper

Marketing & Communications Manager

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About Sarah

Sarah Peiper is the marketing and communications manager at UCP, bringing over 20 years of experience in communications, including content development, writing and editing, graphic design, brand management, digital marketing and publicity. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Kansas and has built a dynamic career across diverse industries. Before joining UCP, Sarah led marketing efforts for a nonprofit trade association serving the construction and remodeling sector. Earlier in her career, she worked in publishing, elevating diverse voices and advocating for children’s literacy. Originally from the Midwest, Sarah now resides in Maui, Hawaii, with her husband and their three German Shepherds.

Nicole Arend

Network & Event Specialist

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About Nicole

Nicole has spent the last 14 years designing weddings and events that feel personal, polished, and unforgettable — and she now brings that same level of care and coordination to her role as Network and Event Specialist at UCP. A mom of two and a proud dog lover, she’s passionate about creating meaningful experiences that support UCP’s mission and strengthen connections across the community.

Alexis Sanchez

Business Operations Administrator

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About Alexis

Alexis Sanchez is the Business Operations Administrator for United Cerebral Palsy. Alexis assists in the development department and manages UCP's social media platforms. Graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a major in history, Alexis has worked at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and interned at their Mandel Center for Advanced Holocaust Studies.

Gerald Ong

Executive Assistant

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About Gerald

Gerald Ong is the Executive Assistant to Armando Contreras, UCP President & CEO. With nine years of experience as an administrative professional in the dynamic tech start-up sector of San Francisco, Gerald has honed his skills in managing complex schedules and supporting executive leadership. He graduated with honors from San Francisco State University, earning a B.A. in Communication Studies. Outside of work, Gerald is a devoted fan of Taylor Swift and enjoys spending time with his two dogs, Bruno and Ariana, named after a couple of his favorite musicians Bruno Mars and Ariana Grande.

National Staff

Diane Wilush

Kismet Saglam

Carrie Cantrell

Pam Norman

Bryan Abramson

Sarah Peiper

Nicole Arend

Alexis Sanchez

Gerald Ong

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National Staff

Diane Wilush

Kismet Saglam

Carrie Cantrell

Pam Norman

Bryan Abramson

Sarah Peiper

Nicole Arend

Alexis Sanchez

Gerald Ong

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