Welcoming Janaa Pickard as HealthSpark's new Director of Finance and Administration

Janaa joins HealthSpark Foundation as the Director of Finance and Administration, bringing extensive experience in financial leadership and operational management across the public and nonprofit sectors. Before joining HealthSpark, she served as the Director of Finance and Operations at the Youth Sentencing & Reentry Project (YSRP), where she oversaw financial health and operational efficiency while supporting its mission to advance justice and reentry reform.

Her dedication to HealthSpark’s vision stems from a deep passion for creating stronger, more inclusive communities by addressing the systemic barriers that impact health and well-being. Earlier in her career, Janaa held positions at major firms like Deloitte and Ernst & Young, where she refined her financial expertise. With a strong background in public accounting and consulting, Janaa has worked with organizations ranging from governmental agencies to community-driven nonprofits. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), she brings expertise in internal controls, audit processes, and compliance to her role at HealthSpark. A former Division I basketball team captain at George Mason University, she earned dual degrees in Accounting and Marketing. Her experiences as a student-athlete and professional athlete have instilled in her a deep sense of teamwork, discipline, and a results-driven mindset, all of which shape her leadership approach.

At HealthSpark, Janaa is excited to apply her financial expertise and passion to further the foundation's mission of fostering healthy, equitable, and thriving communities throughout Montgomery County. She is particularly inspired by HealthSpark's commitment to building community power, supporting initiatives that empower residents to influence the policies and systems affecting their lives. She is eager to champion this work through strong financial stewardship and strategic leadership, ensuring HealthSpark’s resources drive lasting impact in the community.