Board & Staff

Our Board

Louis V. Gerstner, Jr., Chairman

Mr. Gerstner was chairman of the board of IBM Corporation from April 1993 until his retirement in December 2002. He served as chief executive officer of IBM from 1993 until March 2002.

Dr. Elizabeth Gerstner, Vice Chair, VP Programs

Dr. Gerstner is a clinical neuro-oncologist at the Mass General Cancer Center and Associate Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience from Brown University and pursued her medical degree at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she served as Chief Resident in Neurology while completing her residency training. Dr. Gerstner then attended Harvard Medical School to earn her Masters in Medical Science.

Dr. Gerstner is an NIH funded researcher and her research accomplishments have been recognized by a number of prestigious awards, including the Clinical Research Scholar, awarded by Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and the Claflin Distinguished Scholar Award.

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our staff

Kara V. Klein, Executive Director

Ms. Klein is the Executive Director of the Gerstner Philanthropies. She joined the Gerstner family office in 2006 where she serves as President overseeing the investment portfolio, estate planning, and family office services. Prior to her work with the Gerstner family, she was a management consultant advising Fortune 500 financial companies on strategic sourcing and outsourcing projects.

Ms. Klein is a member of the Cornell University Council and the President's Council for Cornell Women. She serves on Cornell University Committee on Alumni Trustee Nominations.

She holds a B.A. from Cornell University in Economics and Government and an MBA from Columbia University where she graduated Beta Gamma Sigma.

Alice C. Goh, Program Director

Ms. Goh is Program Director of Gerstner Philanthropies. Previously, Ms. Goh worked in philanthropy and education nonprofit management, including Sesame Workshop, where she served as senior vice president of international social impact. Before that, she led cross-foundation strategic initiatives for Ford Foundation and managed strategy and operations at Teach For All. Ms. Goh began her career as an analyst at Goldman Sachs.

Ms. Goh serves on the Board of Directors of LitWorld and is a member of the President’s Council of Cornell Women.

Molly C. Gelinas, Program Officer

Ms. Gelinas is the Program Officer for Gerstner Philanthropies. She joined the Foundation as the Program Assistant in 2019 and was named Program Officer in 2022. As Program Officer, she manages and supports the development of the Foundation’s Education and Helping Hands programs. Prior to joining the Foundation, she provided high-level administrative support to for-profit companies for over seven years.

Outside of her professional work, she has coordinated with local social services agencies and a small group of dedicated volunteers for 10+ years to organize an annual holiday charity drive to support families in need.

She holds a B.A. from Stony Brook University.

Kathy Dzuban, Executive Assistant to the Chairman

Ms. Dzuban is the Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Gerstner family office. Kathy joined the Gerstner team in 2016 with over 30 years’ administrative experience in the executive office of the IBM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Before joining the team, Kathy held numerous positions within IBM.

Deb Caswell, Executive Administrative Assistant

Ms. Caswell is the Executive Administrative Assistant to the Mr. Gerstner. She began her career at IBM in 1984 and joined Mr. Gerstner in 1997 as his assistant and team lead of the IBM Executive Offices in New York City. She continued her career with Mr. Gerstner in his role as Chairman of The Carlyle Group from 2006-2016.

Michael Trabucco, Head of Technology

Mr. Trabucco is the head of technology at the Gerstner family office. He joined the Gerstner team in 2010. He maintains and improves the technical systems of the office to ensure all employees have the technology they need to complete their work and that the organization’s files and information remain safe and intact.

Lorie Stewart, Financial Controller

Ms. Stewart is the Financial Controller for Gerstner Philanthropies and the Gerstner family office, where she is responsible for all aspects of accounting, investment reporting, cash management and tax planning. Lorie joined the Gerstner team in 2018 with over 20 years’ experience in family office accounting and investment administration. Lorie holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from Skidmore College and is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of New York.

Juliana Zepf, Program Assistant

Ms. Zepf is the Program Assistant for Gerstner Philanthropies, providing support for the Biomedical Research and Environment program areas.
She holds a B.A. in Gender Studies and the Program of Liberal Studies from the University of Notre Dame, and an M.A. in Irish Folklore and Ethnology from University College Dublin.

Michael V. Costa, Administrative Assistant

Mr. Costa is the Administrative Assistant for Gerstner Philanthropies, providing administrative support across the organization. He joined the Foundation team in 2022. Prior to joining the Foundation team, he provided administrative support to the NYS Department of Health.

He holds a B.A from Binghamton University.

Louis V. Gerstner, Jr. and Gerstner Philanthropies Team