PC Project Welcomes Juli Bennett and Alicia Cherrington to Communications Team
PC Project is pleased to welcome two new members to its communications team: Juli Bennett, Director of Communications & Community Engagement, and Alicia Cherrington, Communications Specialist.
Juli brings both professional leadership experience and a deeply personal connection to the PC community. As someone who lives with Pachyonychia Congenita, which has afflicted her family for at least six generations, she understands firsthand the importance of connection, support, and clear communication for patients and families. Juli shared, “At age 27, I was the first in my family to receive a PC diagnosis. In 2004, when one of my children exhibited signs of PC, my husband discovered PC Project which provided genetic testing to confirm our family’s diagnosis.”
Juli previously served as Executive Director of Vanderbilt University’s Executive MBA Programs and holds an MBA from Vanderbilt University, bringing more than two decades of experience in relationship building, strategic communication, and community engagement. In her role, Juli will lead PC Project’s newsletters, email campaigns, social media content, storytelling initiatives, volunteer engagement, educational programs, awareness campaigns, and community outreach. “My family’s life has been blessed through our engagement with the PC community,” Juli said. “I’m honored to join the team and help share the stories, resources, and experiences that bring our community together and move our mission forward.”
Alicia joins PC Project with a background in engineering, project management, education, and communications. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering, she previously worked as a Project Manager with Vector Engineers and as an Instructional Design Assistant for BYU Independent Study. Her analytical mindset, organization, creativity, and mission-driven approach will support PC Project’s efforts to communicate more effectively with the global PC community.
As Communications Specialist, Alicia will work closely with Juli and the broader PC Project team on newsletters, social media, website updates, patient stories, awareness campaigns, educational programs, and outreach initiatives. “I’ve always been motivated by work that helps others,” Alicia said “I have immense love and respect for my family members with PC and am eager to help work toward finding a cure. I look forward to helping share their stories and contributing to the organization’s mission.”
“Juli brings an extraordinary combination of professional expertise and personal passion to this role, and Alicia brings technical expertise, creativity, enthusiasm, and a collaborative spirit,” said Jack Padovano, Chair of the PC Project Board of Directors. “Together, they will strengthen how PC Project connects with and serves patients, families, volunteers, healthcare professionals, researchers, donors, and supporters around the world.”
Executive Director Jan Schwartz echoed those sentiments.
“Juli has been part of the PC Project family for many years,” Schwartz said. “She understands our mission, believes deeply in our work, and has already demonstrated a remarkable ability to connect with patients, families, volunteers, and supporters. We’re excited about the experience, creativity, and leadership she brings to this position.”
President & CEO Jan Schwartz is equally enthusiastic about the addition.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Alicia to the team,” Schwartz said. “She has already demonstrated a strong commitment to our mission and a willingness to jump in wherever help is needed. Her positive attitude, attention to detail, and collaborative spirit make her a wonderful addition to the PC Project family.”
Please join us in welcoming Juli and Alicia to the PC Project team. We are excited for the leadership, talent, and perspective they bring as PC Project continues building a stronger, more connected community for everyone affected by PC.
