Key Staff

CEO—Michael Piraino
Joined the staff in 1994. Law degrees from Cornell Law School and Oxford University. While practicing law, represented children as a guardian ad litem and served as a consultant to international social service and child advocacy organizations in Europe and Southeast Asia. Has also worked as a juvenile probation officer and was an associate research scientist for the National Center for Children in Poverty at Columbia University

Deputy CEO—M. Carmela Welte
Joined the staff in 1990 and immediately began working on passage of the Victims of Child Abuse Act, which created federal funding for CASA programs. Has worked in fundraising and public relations since 1979 and was formerly a legislative assistant in the US Senate.

Chief Financial Officer—Thomas Dunn
Joined the staff in 2000. Managing the finance functions of the organization, including National CASA extensive grant-making operations. Worked in private industry for 10 years, with experience in accounting, cost analysis and budgeting before moving to nonprofits.

Chief Program Officer—Sally Wilson Erny
Joined the staff in 1998. Over 25 years of experience in the child advocacy field including 13 years as director of the CASA program in Louisville, Kentucky. BS from the University of Louisville School of Justice Administration.

Senior Director of Inclusion and Equity—Chanin Kelly-Rae
Joined the staff in 2010. More than 15 years experience in both education and community advocacy, working in both schools and social service agencies helping them align all functions of their operations with best practices in diversity. Primary interests are with assisting public and community-based agencies, families and all community stakeholders build capacity and effective service systems for children and youth, particularly children of color and the poor in those systems.

Human Resources Director—Jill A. Wiedenhoft, PHR
Joined the staff in 1990. BA in Sociology from Western Washington University. PHR (professional in human resources) certification.