Foundation Staff

Christopher J. O'Connor, CFRE
Senior Vice President, Philanthropy
(781) 624-8516, email Christopher J. O'Connor  

Chris comes to the South Shore Hospital Charitable Foundation from Cape Cod Healthcare, where he had been president of its charitable foundation since January 2010. Prior to joining Cape Cod Healthcare, he advised the Foundation while he was a senior vice president of a national health care consulting firm. Chris earned a B.S. at Bentley College and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration.

Fran Cifrino, philanthropy officer
(781) 624-8169, email Fran Cifrino  

Fran joined the Foundation in March 2011.   She spent the previous 17 years in sales and marketing positions in the advertising, apparel, and customized skincare business. Fran earned her B.A. at Rosemont College.

Marc Cregan, philanthropy officer
(781) 624-8607, email Marc Cregan

Marc joined the Foundation in 2013 bringing with him more than 15 years of development and management experience from Suffolk University, Graham-Pelton Consulting, and most recently Xaverian Brothers High School.  Marc earned a B.A. at The George Washington University.

Donna Driscoll, planned giving philanthropy officer
(781) 624-8142, email Donna Driscoll 

Following her role as serving as a senior vice president of Wachovia Bank, Donna joined the Foundation in January 2009.  Prior to Wachovia, she had also served a vice president at both Citigroup and Fidelity Investments.  Donna is a certified financial planner with licenses in health and life insurance, Series 7,63 and 65.

Heather Dwyer, philanthropy officer
(781) 624-8094, email Heather Dwyer 

Heather joined the Foundation in December 2010. She previously held development positions at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, and Rosie’s Place.  Heather earned her B.A. at Catholic University of America.

Susanne Griffin, BSN,  Foundation clinical liaison
(781) 624-8028, email Susanne Griffin 

Susanne joined the Foundation in 2008, after 23 years as a South Shore Hospital nurse working in the pediatric emergency program and Special Care Nursery.  She began her career at Boston Children's Hospital. She earned degrees from both Curry College and Laboure College.

Elizabeth Lynch, donor relations manager
(781) 624-8174, email Elizabeth Lynch 

Beth joined the Foundation in 2007.  She served more than a decade as an executive with public relations firms in Boston and Washington, DC.  Beth earned a B.A. from The American University.

Katie Hayes, philanthropy and emedia coordinator 
(781) 624-8392, email Katie Hayes 

Katie joined the Foundation in 2013.  She brings more than 15 years of Creative Services experience from 7NBC, Fox 25, and Natixis Global Asset Management. Katie earned a B.A. from Westfield State University.

Trisha Pilalas, supervisor, Foundation data management
(781) 624-8302, email Trisha Pilalas 

Joining the staff in 2002, Trisha is responsible for managing the Foundation's name database, coordinating financial tracking systems, and overseeing that all checks received annually are properly deposited and posted. A graduate of Massasoit College, Trisha is completing her B.S. at UMass Boston.

Tamar Schiess, philanthropy officer
(781) 624-8194, email Tamar Schiess 

Tamar joined the Foundation in 2012, brining more than 15 years of non-profit management experience from Children's Hospital Trust, The Greater Boston Food Bank and the Museum of Science. Most recently, she served as director of development at Bay Farm Montessori Academy in Duxbury, MA. Tamar earned her undergraduate degree from Tufts University and her MBA from Boston University.

Colette began her career at South Shore Hospital in our Information Systems division in 1986. Responsible for the development of all donor reports and prospect tracking systems, Colette oversees the Foundation's fund-raising databases, including Raiser's Edge, Wealth Engine, PG Calc, and Convio. She earned a B.A. from Bridgewater State College.