As one diagnosed with Alzheimer's along with Lewy Body Dementia and Cerebrovascular Disease, Dan exemplifies the very spirit of the Hope in Action Award through his extraordinary commitment to amplifying awareness, compassion, and advocacy for all those impacted by Alzheimer's and other dementias. His leadership, lived experience, and unwavering dedication have transformed programs, inspired other volunteers, and elevated the voices of those living with the disease in ways that cannot be measured.
A lifelong community-builder-from his Peace Corps service to decades as a respected management consultant, academic, and nonprofit leader-Dan brings a rare combination of intellect, humility, and heart to everything he does. His extensive academic background (Yale, Harvard Law School, and a Harvard Ph.D. in Psychology) reflects a lifetime devoted to understanding people and systems, and he channels that wisdom directly into his advocacy.
Within the Alzheimer's Association, Dan's impact has been profound. He is an active member of the New England Early-Stage Advisory Group, a powerful mission speaker who moved audiences at the Hope on the Harbor Kickoff and multiple Walk to End Alzheimer's events, and a frequent contributor to the Voices of Alzheimer's program, helping educate professionals in health and senior care. His appearances on the CONNECT TV series and at corporate events like the Biotech Networking Night, Alnylam patient series, and Novartis patient series have helped bring visibility and humanity to the lived experience of dementia.
As one of the top fundraisers for the 2026 Greater Boston Walk to End Alzheimer's and our proud Blue Flower representative, Dan uses his voice and influence to energize others and expand the mission of the Alzheimer's Association. His thoughtful and impactful remarks at the 2025 Massachusetts Advocacy Day inspired widespread engagement, and he continues to deepen his role as an advocate, with plans to attend Advocacy Forum in Washington DC this year.
Dan is also a champion for representation, consistently advocating for the inclusion of people living with dementia in key events, conversations, and decision-making spaces. His leadership helps ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard, respected, and centered.
Beyond our organization, Dan also contributes to the broader field as a Research Ambassador with the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and as a Council Member on the Dementia Solutions Advisory Council at Brigham & Women's Hospital, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing research, care, and understanding.
For his sustained service, his powerful storytelling, his tireless advocacy, his generosity of spirit, and his ability to inspire hope through action, Dan is exceptionally deserving of the Hope in Action Award.