Megan Milstead, founder of Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank and former CEO of COVERD Greater Cincinnati, has joined The Dragonfly Foundation as vice president of development.
Her hiring leads a wave of staffing changes as the 15-year-old nonprofit expands its work supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families across Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
“We are entering an exciting chapter of growth and momentum at Dragonfly,” said Christine Neitzke, executive director and co-founder. She noted that Milstead brings “the rare combination of experience, visionary thinking and operational discipline” that stems from her leadership background.
“As a founder and former CEO, she knows how to build something from the ground up and how to sustain it,” Neitzke said of Milstead. “That experience gives her a unique perspective on fundraising: she understands not just the ‘how,’ but the ‘why’ behind donor relationships, storytelling and long-term growth.”
Alongside Milstead, Dragonfly also welcomed Tiffany Thomas as director of patient and family events. Thomas, who previously worked with Jewish Family Service of Cincinnati, will oversee Dragonfly’s events and outings, which Neitzke said are designed to bring “families connection, joy and a sense of normalcy.”
Rounding out the team, the foundation brought on Cara Finney as administrative assistant and elevated longtime staffer Lynette Rosati to senior VP of finance and business development.
“These additions bring fresh talent, deep experience and a shared passion for supporting the families we serve,” Neitzke said.
From founding to fundraising
Milstead brings more than a decade of nonprofit leadership to her new role. In 2015, she launched Sweet Cheeks and built it into Cincinnati’s only diaper bank, distributing more than 2 million diapers annually. She later expanded her work by creating Tidal Babe Period Bank and Fly & Dry Basic Needs Bank – a pair of additional initiatives focused on access to other critical hygiene items.
By 2018, she had united those efforts under the COVERD Greater Cincinnati umbrella.
“Managing all three programs under one nonprofit allowed the organization to streamline operations and better focus on its mission to promote dignity and health for people in need,” Milstead said.
As CEO, she oversaw operations, board development, partnerships and the distribution of more than 200,000 diapers per month. She stepped down from COVERD and Sweet Cheeks in June.
“After nearly 10 years it was time for a change, for both me and the organization,” Milstead said. “As a founder, I’ve always been hyper aware of making sure I didn’t get in the way of the success and mission of Sweet Cheeks. And personally, I was ready for a new challenge and new focus.”
New mission, shared vision
Milstead said she was drawn to The Dragonfly Foundation’s mission — and the opportunity to collaborate with another founder she deeply respects. She and Neitzke are both Miami University alums and have worked together in leadership circles through the Leadership Council for Nonprofits.
“I’ve admired both the organization and Christine for a very long time,” Milstead said. “So much overlap and such an amazing opportunity for the minds of two founders to work on one mission together.”
That mission – filling critical gaps in care for children and young adults undergoing cancer treatment – has guided Dragonfly since its founding in 2010. Today, the organization provides families with everything from gas or grocery cards to fulfilling urgent requests. It also offers the Farmer Family Dragonfly Center, a dedicated space where families can take a break, recharge and find comfort away from the hospital.
Since its launch, Dragonfly has served more than 8,200 patients and caregivers through partnerships with Cincinnati Children’s and Dayton Children’s hospitals. It expanded to the Chicagoland area in 2020.
Neitzke hopes to continue that growth moving forward, and she believes Milstead will play a major role in accomplishing that in her new position, which focuses exclusively on development.
“Founders are wired to create, to build momentum and to never stop advocating for what we believe in,” Neitzke said. “Megan brings that same founder’s heart to her work. She understands that development isn’t just about fundraising but it is about cultivating relationships, inspiring belief in the mission and building something that lasts. That mentality is critical as we grow.”
Milstead said she views the role as a natural next step in her career — a chance to take her experience across programs, fundraising, HR, warehousing and legal and make it “laser focused” on development.
“I’ll be able to see the big picture and how all the pieces fit together,” she said.
More importantly, Milstead said, the position allows her to deepen her impact in a familiar community through a new lens.
“I’m so excited to continue supporting children and families in Greater Cincinnati, but in an expanded way,” she said. “Few things are more rewarding than helping pediatric cancer patients and their families experience strength, courage and joy.”
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