Staff

Julie Burns

President & CEO

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Julie is the founding executive of RIZE Massachusetts and leads the foundation’s work researching, investing in, and expanding evidence-based treatment solutions as well as building coalitions across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors to end the opioid overdose epidemic in Massachusetts.

Previously, Julie was a senior director at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation overseeing communication strategy, strategic planning, and administration. Prior to her work with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Julie worked for former Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino in several roles including deputy chief of staff; director of the Office of Arts, Tourism, and Special Events; president of the Fund for Boston Neighborhoods; and executive director of Boston 2004 Inc., an organization created to host the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

Julie served as member of the city of Boston’s Office of Recovery Services Substance Use Prevention Advisory Board under former Mayor Marty Walsh and was appointed as a member of the Commission on Methamphetamine Use by Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker in October 2021. She also serves her community on several nonprofit boards and commissions.

She received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Virginia Commonwealth University, has a graduate certificate in public relations from Emerson College, and has completed senior executive programs at Babson University, Bentley University, and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

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Alanna Fusco

Associate Engagement Officer

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Alanna manages communications and public affairs at RIZE, working collaboratively with our program and development team members on initiatives to help achieve our mission. In this role she oversees content development and brand awareness, and supports the enhancement of relationships with RIZE’s board, elected officials, business leaders, media, and other external stakeholders.

She brings experience in community engagement and government relations in higher education, working previously at Northeastern University and Tufts University. In these roles she gained a broad range of experience in the areas of marketing, communications, local community and city relations, and management of grants, events, and budgets. Prior to her time in higher ed, Alanna served as a congressional staffer in her home district of Middlesex County, helping to build and maintain relationships with constituents and local elected officials. She has also worked as an organizer for several political campaigns and volunteers for Get Out The Vote efforts during election season. She currently serves on the advisory board of an AmeriCorps program, the Massachusetts Promise Fellowship, which delivers academic enrichment and career exploration programming to youth across the state.

Alanna received a bachelor’s degree in Government from Connecticut College and a master’s degree in Media Advocacy from Northeastern University.

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Matthew Harrington

Finance and Operations Manager

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Matthew is responsible for the accounting, business, administrative, and operations functions at RIZE.

Prior to joining RIZE, Matthew was the Director of Operations for the Foxborough Regional Charter School overseeing all areas of operations within a K-12 school and was a member of the school’s leadership team. Previous to his work in Foxborough, Matthew helped create and launch an independent elementary charter school in Brooklyn, New York as the Founding Director of Operations and was responsible for the finance, human resources, technology, and transportation departments as well as managing the capital projects for the school.

Matthew serves as the treasurer for The New American Academy Charter School Board of Trustees and is an elected official on the School Committee for the Manchester-Essex Regional School District where he is a member of the finance subcommittee.

Matthew received his Master of Arts in Education & Social Policy from New York University, and his Bachelor of Science from Johnson & Wales University. He has completed coaching and leadership programs at Harvard University Graduate School of Education and NextJump Leadership Academy. 

Kimberly Zelaya

Executive Assistant and Office Manager

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Kimberly is responsible for providing daily critical administrative support to the president & CEO and managing the organization and efficiency of office operations.

Before joining RIZE, Kim spent over five years assisting C-suite level executives in various industries including finance, real estate, and accounting. While she gained experience in office administration, she also attended Bunker Hill Community College where she earned her associate degree with a concentration in accounting.

Early in her career, Kim developed her skills in both personal and business finance as an intern at the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, as well as State Street Bank, and H&R Block.