Nicholas R. DeMauro

Executive Director and CEO

Nicholas R. DeMauro is an internationally recognized expert in law enforcement-led prevention education, spanning school-based programs and broader community initiatives. He joined the New Milford, N.J., Police Department after earning a degree in Human Services, becoming its youngest detective and launching its juvenile division — earning Police Officer of the Year honors twice.

Mr. DeMauro’s career has been defined by a singular commitment to evidence-based prevention. Over more than 17 years, he built the largest law enforcement-aligned, school-based charitable organization in the United States — and has helped establish more than 20 law enforcement-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits nationwide, including a Homeland Security initiative.

In 2015, he was appointed Executive Director and CEO of L.E.A.D. — Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence — a national nonprofit operating in 49 states. Under his leadership, L.E.A.D. launched a groundbreaking partnership with Botvin LifeSkills® Training, elevating the organization to the national leader in police-delivered, evidence-based drug and violence prevention education.

Globally, Mr. DeMauro assisted the United Nations in developing International Standards for School-Based Policing and Prevention, and serves on the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Narcotic and Dangerous Drugs Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Applied Prevention Science International, Inc.

His work has been recognized by the N.J. League of Municipalities, the N.J. Conference of Mayors, and the Italian American Police Society of N.J.

Dr. Jenna Goggins

Chief Operating Officer

Dr. Jenna Goggins is a values-driven leader and the Chief Operating Officer of L.E.A.D., where she advances prevention initiatives to foster safer, healthier communities free from drugs, bullying, and violence. Her career began in ministry, where she served as a pastor for over 25 years. Her extensive experience as a senior pastor and board chair for numerous non-profits led her to her current leadership role in the non-profit sector. Dr. Goggins excels at providing strategic guidance to empower organizational growth and development. Her academic background includes a BA from Grove City College, a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary. Additionally, she has specialized training in conflict resolution, systems theory, and business coaching, reflecting a lifelong commitment to transformative nonprofit engagement.

John G. Finkle

Chief Program Officer

John G. Finkle is the Chief Program Officer for L.E.A.D., where he leads national program operations, curriculum strategy, and business development initiatives supporting law enforcement and school partnerships across the country. A retired Chief of Police with more than 30 years of public safety experience, he previously served 26 years with the Kinnelon Police Department, including 11 years as Chief.

John holds an A.S. in Criminal Justice, completed business management studies at William Paterson University, and is a Certified Public Manager for the State of New Jersey. He is a graduate of the FBI Supervisory & Leadership Program, the FBI LEEDS Executive Seminar, and the West Point Command & Leadership Program, along with extensive specialized training in policy development, academy instruction, and operational leadership.

His career reflects a strong record of organizational growth, community engagement, and national program leadership.

Sheri A. Marino, MA

Chief Development Officer

Sheri A. Marino, MA is Chief Development Officer of L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs and Violence), where she leads national fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and strategic partnerships to expand evidence-based prevention education across communities. She drives philanthropic growth in support of L.E.A.D.’s dual model—delivering prevention education In the Classroom and On the Street—by advancing law enforcement training, community engagement, and youth development initiatives nationwide.

Previously, Sheri served as Executive Director of the Riverview Medical Center Foundation and JFK University Medical Center Foundation within Hackensack Meridian Health. In these roles, she led comprehensive development programs, board governance, and philanthropic strategy, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets and aligning fundraising with institutional priorities. As part of a record-setting $1 billion health system campaign, she secured significant major and principal gifts supporting critical initiatives including emergency care expansion, oncology, neuroscience, rehabilitation, and community health programs. She is known for building high-performing boards, cultivating transformational donor relationships, and driving measurable fundraising results.

Earlier in her career, Sheri founded and led the Autism Healthcare Collaborative, building a nationally recognized clinical and philanthropic model to support individuals with complex medical needs. A formerly practicing Speech-Language Pathologist, she brings a unique clinical perspective to her leadership—combining empathy with strategic and operational rigor. She is a published author, national speaker, and media contributor focused on healthcare, autism, and community-based impact.

Julie Ann Zeigler, MA

Regional Director and Executive Vice President, Program

Julie Ann Zeigler is the Regional Director and Executive Vice President of Programs at L.E.A.D. (Law Enforcement Against Drugs & Violence), where she leads the development, training, implementation, and national expansion of evidence-based drug and violence prevention programs. She began her full-time tenure with L.E.A.D. in May 2023 as Vice President of Programs and has since advanced into senior executive leadership. Zeigler holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice/Sociology from William Paterson University and a Master of Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University. She brings nearly three decades of law enforcement experience, retiring as a Lieutenant from the Rutherford Police Department (NJ). During her tenure, she broke barriers as the first female officer hired by the department and remains the only woman to achieve a supervisory rank. She also served as the Municipal Alliance Coordinator for the Borough of Rutherford, leading community-based and grant-funded prevention initiatives in partnership with Rutherford Public Schools. Zeigler’s expertise includes grant development, program implementation, and training law enforcement, educators, and prevention specialists to ensure program fidelity and measurable outcomes. She is widely recognized as a subject matter expert in prevention science and community-law enforcement partnerships, driving sustainable impact in communities nationwide.

Allison Eckel, MA

Executive Vice President, Marketing

Allison Eckel is a mission-driven marketing leader with more than two decades of experience helping organizations communicate with clarity and purpose. At L.E.A.D., she oversees all marketing operations, leading a team focused on brand strategy, digital marketing, CRM systems, and L.E.A.D. Fest community events that amplify the organization’s prevention mission.

Allison’s career spans agency work, nonprofit communications, entrepreneurship, and publishing. She ran her own marketing consultancy, served as a marketing lead for a major regional Scouting council, and has worked across sectors connecting organizations with the audiences they serve. Her work is grounded in data-informed strategy and a belief that the best marketing leads with mission — not just message.

She holds a Master of Arts in Writing and Publishing from Emerson College and a Bachelor of Arts from Franklin & Marshall College.