Jackie Casey

Jackie Casey

Executive Director, Gastro Intestinal Research Foundation

Jackie Casey’s mother instilled in her a sense of purposeful living where every person can make a positive difference in the world one day at a time and one person at a time. She was a survivor of domestic abuse, a woman of strong faith, and these experiences led her to a life of service, always trying to put herself in someone else’s shoes. Ms. Casey’s mom passed that approach to life on to her. Alongside her, she grew up a fundraiser, collecting money for March of Dimes, collecting clothes for the poor, delivering meals on wheels, taking those without a home or a meal into their home to share what they had. Amidst a challenging home life ruled by the dichotomies of alcoholism, a life evolves. That life has had powerful successes – swimming awards, high academic achievement, meaningful paid and volunteer work – and challenges that shaped her – feelings of deep isolation, domestic violence, and sexual assault as a young woman. Lifelong struggles with clinical depression, feeling constantly judged from within, positioned Ms. Casey for a life of nonjudgmental service to others and gratifying racial and social justice work.

A 30-year career as a nonprofit executive has afforded Ms. Casey the opportunity for service-driven leadership driving toward a return on purpose. Coupled with a passion for lifelong learning, each new work and volunteer role has provided the chance to embrace a new issue, engage with new people and embrace mission and organizational advancement.

Each day Ms. Casey dedicates herself to advancing the organizations for whom she works and with whom she volunteers through a focus on mission, impact and relationships.