DGL's founding team met at the University of Chicago during their graduate studies at
Booth School of Business and Harris School of Public Policy. In early 2017 they formed
Direct Giving Lab as a concept that became a finalist in Booth’s Social New Venture Challenge.

Lori Knapp

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, CO-FOUNDER

Lori has a background in behavioral economics and spent several years at ideas42 where she implemented and tested behavioral science interventions. Lori graduated with an MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, in 2017. She is currently a Product Manager in Alexa at Amazon. 

Jordan Bell-Masterson

BOARD CHAIR, CO-FOUNDER

Jordan has a background in economic research and grant-making.  He spent several years at the Kauffman Foundation, where he was a Research & Policy Analyst.  Jordan graduated with an MBA from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business, in 2017. He is presently a Product Manager in Supply Chain Simulation at Amazon.

Daniel Gold

BOARD SECRETARY, CO-FOUNDER

Daniel has a background working with resource-constrained and mission-driven organizations in both Illinois and across the country. He was a Teach For America (TFA) Chicago 2013 Corps Member. Daniel graduated with an MPP from the University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy, in 2017. He is currently an Investment Banking Associate in the Health Systems M&A group at Cain Brothers.

Julie Williams

BOARD DIRECTOR

Julie has a background in helping organizations reach their full potential through benchmarking and comparative analysis. Most recently, she worked for McKinsey & Company across the banking and telecom industries in both Chicago and London. Prior to that she spent several years at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City working on strategic planning.