Leadership

Keli Coughlin
Executive Director

Keli began in a volunteer capacity with the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund in 1998 primarily focusing on the planning of the Celebrity Golf Classic under the tutelage of Fran Foley. Keli became passionate about the cause when she had the opportunity to meet some of the families helped by the Jay Fund. She gradually expanded her role in the Foundation and increased the services provided to families in need. Keli was named Executive Director for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation August 1, 2004.  Keli has made a significant impact on the growth of the Jay Fund and was instrumental in expanding the Jay Fund’s services to the NY/NJ area.

Keli earned an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Auburn University and received her Masters of Science in Athletic Training from Michigan State University. Keli resides in Atlantic Beach, Florida with her husband and two daughters. Keli served as the Head Athletic Trainer at the University of North Florida prior to joining the Jay Fund full time.

Rita began working for the Jay Fund in 2008. She facilitates all programming for our beneficiaries. This includes processing requests for financial assistance, coordinating and planning the special parities the Jay Fund hosts throughout the year and the Remembrance Weekend for the patient’s families.

Rita received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Youngstown State University, Youngstown, Ohio. She moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 1993 and resides in Atlantic Beach with her husband and two daughters. She has chaired many school fundraisers and has been a school Volunteer Coordinator for several years. She continues to be heavily involved with her two daughter’s school and outside activities.

Julie Walther
Special Projects Manager

Julie began working with the Jay Fund in 2002. She assists Keli Coughlin implementing special events, coordinating volunteers and creating the Jay Fund newsletter. Julie’s background is in tennis where she served as the Head Tennis Professional and Camp Director at Oakbridge Racquet Club in Ponte Vedra for many years before moving into the non-profit world. She feels honored to be a part of such a wonderful organization.   “I have the privilege of seeing up close the difference the Jay Fund is making in these brave, appreciative families.”

Julie graduated from University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Relations. She has lived in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, since 1993.

Donna Augustyniak
Fundraising and Special Events Coordinator

Donna joined the Jay Fund team in July 2012. She has played a very active dedicated role since first volunteering at our Wine Tasting Gala in 2008.  Donna uses her strong interpersonal skills to organize our auctions and third party events.  She has become invaluable and makes our events an even greater success.  Daughter of a New York sportswriter, Donna learned early about drive, detail and going the extra mile.  She was originally motivated to get involved by the strength and courage of her mother who passed away from lymphoma and is now fueled by witnessing how the Jay Fund helps so many families.  “When children are stricken by cancer and their families are in crisis, the Jay Fund is a beam of light that helps them through extremely tough times.”

Donna attended Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in New York City and was the Public Relations assistant for the New York Jets Football Team.   A Long Island native, Donna has two grown daughters and resides in Jacksonville, FL.

Cari McGowan
Administrative Assistant

Cari joined the Jay Fund in October 2012. Cari uses her organizational, computer, communication and interpersonal skills to assist the Jay Fund in numerous projects and day to day operations. With 15 years experience in business administration, Cari handles difficult taks with ease and a smile. She is thrilled to be a part of the Jay Fund team because she is “passionate about helping others and sees the huge impact the Jay Fund makes on so many families.”

Cari graduated from University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Relations. She is married with four children and has lived in Ponte Vedra, Florida, since 1984. Cari is an active volunteer for Act 4 the Nations, where she goes on short term mission trips, most recently to South Africa.