Leadership Team

Jessica Lituchy, Executive Director (RRCA Certified Race Director)

Stephanie Shiau, PhD, MPH, Director of Programming and Head Coach (RRCA and USATF Level 1 Certified Coach)

Board of Directors:

Thea Cogan-Drew, DSc, PA-C, President

Nancy Ju Gonzalez, MSc, Treasurer

Ravichandra (Ravi) Ramineni, MS, Secretary

Learn more about the Leadership Team below!

What’s your favorite race? So many fantastic races out there, but the Asbury Half is sooooo fun!
What race are you most proud of? I am proud to say that a board member paced me out to every one of my PRs! So I can’t name a specific race but I can say I’m proud to have such generous friends!
What’s your favorite distance? I love me a half marathon.
What is one piece of running gear can’t you live without? Pockets! No matter the length of the bottom layer.
Why do you run? I love to run! It is a delightful way to explore this earth and to meet its wonderful inhabitants!
What advice do you have for new runners? Don’t wait to join in on a run until “you’re in shape.” Use us to get in shape - that’s what we’re here for! And in the meantime, you’ll make new friends and have all the fun!
What do you love about the SFRC community? The SFRC Community is generous of spirit beyond all reason. They are funny, kind, gritty, and always up for an adventure or to lend a hand!
What does life look like outside of running? I have a wonderful wife, 2 fantastic grown daughters, and a big dog, Bean. I also have a small swimming problem which the club is extremely enabling about, so I probably won’t resolve it anytime soon.

What’s your favorite race? There are so many lovely local races right here in SOMA with amazing energy! I especially love the North Jersey Pride Run (5K) in June.
What race are you most proud of? Boston Marathon 2025, at 7 months postpartum
What’s your favorite distance? The Marathon. So challenging but rewarding.
What is one piece of running gear can’t you live without? A good hat and at least two hair ties!
Why do you run? For my physical and mental health.
What advice do you have for new runners? If you run, you're a runner. Don't worry about your pace, distance, or what anyone else is doing. Just get out the door and be consistent. Some days will feel amazing, some days won't, but every run counts. Start where you are, celebrate small wins, and trust that progress comes from showing up.
What do you love about the SFRC community? The people. It's a community that makes running more fun and reminds you that it's about much more than miles.
What does life look like outside of running? I am a scientist and epidemiologist and I love data. I have lived in Maplewood since 2019 with my husband (who is not a runner) and two boys (TBD if they are runners)!

What’s your favorite race? Usually my LAST race is my favorite!!!
What race are you most proud of? Most proud of taking on a trail marathon last Fall. This also happens to be my last race 😍
What’s your favorite distance? The half marathon - easiest to execute while juggling the rest of life.
What is one piece of running gear can’t you live without? There’s two: a good hat and a good bra.
Why do you run? In no particular order, I run for these benefits: social, emotional, and physical health.
What advice do you have for new runners?Just show up! Then keep showing up, find some people, and pick a goal.
What do you love about the SFRC community? I love how we can get quickly deep and personal on a run, and then the connections extend across other parts of our lives.
What does life look like outside of running? I’m a PA (physician assistant) who works in education and community health. I have taught at Rutgers for the last 11 years, and recently joined the MEND Board of Trustees (yeah 10d10k!). I live in Maplewood with my husband Dan and (sometimes with) two boy-men-children, Leo and Tommy, plus our doggo Rocket. You have probably been to our house.

What’s your favorite race? NYC Marathon 🗽
What race are you most proud of? Wineglass Marathon (ran it smartly and executed it perfectly in a hot day to reach my goal)
What’s your favorite distance? Marathon!! The longer the better! 😅
What is one piece of running gear can’t you live without? WATCH ⌚️
Why do you run? To stay in shape, to clear my mind, to connect with others, whatever the reason, it’s all part of the experience.
What advice do you have for new runners? Every runner was once a beginner, don’t give up! Sign up for a race if you need a little extra motivation!
What do you love about the SFRC community? No matter how fast or slow, how early or late, you’ll always find somebody to run with.
What does life look like outside of running? YOLO - I work hard so I can play hard, but staying active is a big part of it. Over the past few years I’ve really fallen in love with swimming, and now I’m giving cycling a shot as an aspiring triathlete. When winter rolls around, I make it a point to hit as many ski slopes as possible with the family.

What’s your favorite race? Lake Union 10k in Seattle (Free French toast post race 😋)
What race are you most proud of? Seattle Marathon - my first marathon
What’s your favorite distance? Half Marathon
What is one piece of running gear can’t you live without? A knit cap during winter/fall/spring
Why do you run? To stay fit and eat more treats, sweets, and ice cream
What advice do you have for new runners? Find ways to enjoy the process of running no matter the goal. Running is exponentially more fun with company.
What do you love about the SFRC community? Friendly. Inclusive. Run crazy. Fun group.
What does life look like outside of running? I love gardening. I do moneyball in soccer for a living.

A very special thank you to our former Leadership Team Member(s)!

Alissa Jankay, Secretary (2021-2026)