In loving memory
MEET THE BOARD
Ginny Atwood Lovitt
Executive Director
Mark Atwood
Co-founder / Chair
Mark Atwood has practiced law in Washington, DC for nearly 40 years – first with a now-extinct government agency, and subsequently with several private firms. He is now a member in the firm Cozen O’Connor, specializing in aviation law. His clients are primarily airlines or other aircraft operators, both in the United States and in other countries. He represents these entities before a variety of U.S. Government agencies, as well as Congress and the courts, and occasionally handles matters before foreign government agencies.
After the death of his son Christopher from a heroin overdose in 2013, Mark co-founded The Chris Atwood Foundation, which he now chairs. This organization advocates for persons and families dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, saves lives through training and dispensing of the overdose-reversal medication naloxone, and assists persons to make the transition from rehabilitation into a sober housing situation. He is also working with his family’s church, Pender United Methodist in Fairfax, VA, to establish a Recovery Ministry.
Shelly Young
Board of Directors Member
Mother to three fascinating humans, Chair of The Heroes for Hope Benefit, Speaker, Author, Founder of The Family Recovery Conference, Fierce Advocate for Families impacted by addiction, Family Recovery Consultant and Certified ARISE interventionist. She’s passionate about challenging old paradigms and messaging around prevention, treatment and recovery. When she’s not championing family recovery or chairing benefits she’s hanging out with her kids, sharing stories and eating good food with friends, going to yoga, dancing, laughing, singing along to the radio and exploring new places on retreats.
Sonya DelVecchio
Program Coordinator / Revive Trainer
Sonya DelVecchio
Marie Gallo Dyak
Board of Directors Member
Marie is dedicated to treatment and recovery from substance use disorders. She has served as the Project Director for TEAM Up (Tools for Entertainment and Media) a media component of the California state campaign California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) to reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental health issues. She is an Emmy® Award winning producer, having produced educational and training videos on such topics as substance abuse and addiction. She is currently appointed to serve on the National Advisory Council on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health for a term from December 1, 2015 - November 30, 2019.
Alison Byers Coleman
Board of Directors Member
Allison Byers Coleman is a public relations, social media, and communications specialist in Baltimore, Maryland. For ten years, Allison has worked with educational institutions and non-profit organizations of all sizes to strategize, design, and implement effective communication plans. From graphic design to writing to social media to media relations, Allison is passionate about engaging the public with meaningful causes. She currently works at The Living Legacy Foundation of Maryland, a non-profit dedicated to saving and healing lives through organ, eye, and tissue donation. Allison became involved with The Chris Atwood Foundation due to her close friendship with Ginny and the Atwood family. She is honored to be part of this organization that not only makes a difference for those struggling with addiction and their families, but also keeps Chris' bright memory alive. In her free time, you can find Allison running, traveling, or relaxing with her husband, friends, and dog.