Our People

Board of Trustees

Martin G. Knott, President

Kelly Harris, Vice President

Emmet Voelkel, Secretary

John Riehl, Treasurer

Andrew Ellis

Dan Gallagher

David Gallagher

Lindsay Gallagher

Michael Gallagher

Emily Hanssen

E.B. Harris

Thomas Harris

Marion Hashim

Erin Knott

Marion Knott

Martin Knott, Jr.

Owen Knott

Teresa Knott

Brian McDonald

Meghan McDonald

Carroll McGill

Peter McGill

David Porter

Joanna Porter

Laurel Porter

Martin Porter

Margie Riehl

Morgan Riina

Brooke Rodgers

Patrick Rodgers

Geralynn Smyth

John Smyth

Jamie Stodd

Erin Tielsch

Executive Team

Kelley Kilduff

Executive Director

Jessica Feldt

Grants & Database Administrator

Kathleen McCarthy

Program Director

Christina Rickman

Business Manager

Kelley Kilduff

Position: Executive Director
Kelley Kilduff joined the Knott Foundation as Executive Director in June 2023. She received a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Northwestern University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining the Knott Foundation, she served as Vice President for Institutional Advancement and University Communications at Notre Dame of Maryland University. Kelley has over 30 years of experience in non-profit management and leadership, primarily in the areas of catholic secondary and higher education, healthcare, international relief and development, and social justice. Since her arrival to Baltimore in 1991, Kelley has valued and admired the legacy of the Knott family and founders and is honored to partner with the Foundation trustees, executive team, and grantees to strengthen, build, and support the Maryland communities served within the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

Originally from the Midwest, Kelley now resides in Timonium, Maryland with her husband, Shaun, in the home where they raised their three grown children. An avid runner, Kelley also enjoys reading, trips to the beach, cheering for the Orioles, Ravens, and Green Bay Packers, and spending time with family.

Jessica Feldt

Position: Grants & Database Administrator

Jessica Feldt joined the Knott Foundation in 2023 as the Grants and Database Administrator. She has a Masters degree in American Studies from Penn State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Theater from Western Michigan University. Prior to joining the Knott Foundation, Jessica worked primarily in the field of Historic Preservation. Entering the world of philanthropy has provided a rewarding opportunity to explore the issues present in communities and the organizations working to create a stronger future.

Born in northern Virginia and raised in Michigan, Jessica has lived in Baltimore since 2006 and quickly fell in love with the City. She lives with her husband, daughter, and their dog and two cats.

Kathleen McCarthy

Position: Program Director

Kathleen McCarthy joined the Knott Foundation in 2007 and, in 2023, was promoted to the role of Program Director. With a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia and a Masters of Public Affairs from the LBJ School at the University of Texas at Austin, Kathleen brings a rich background to her role.

Her journey in policy and administration has been diverse, taking her from a women’s micro-credit group in Dhaka, Bangladesh, to a policy think tank in Austin, Texas, and an artist’s studio in Burlington, Vermont. Originally from New York, Kathleen has called Baltimore home for over 20 years, finding endless charm in the city that continues to surprise her.

In her current capacity as Program Director, Kathleen is instrumental in shaping and implementing the Foundation’s strategic grantmaking initiatives.

Christina Rickman

Position: Business Manager

Christina Rickman joined the Knott Foundation in 2022 as the Business Manager. Christina holds a Masters of Business Administration from University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Previous to joining the Knott Foundation, Christina served as the Accounting Manager at Baltimore Lab School. She is honored to bring her accounting and non-profit administration experience and passion for philanthropy to her role at the Knott Foundation.

Originally from Towson, Christina now lives in Hampden and enjoys reading, volunteering, hiking with her dog, and trying new restaurants.