DIFFA Welcomes Mark Popadick as Event Director

July 18, 2018 (NEW YORK) This month, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) welcomed Mark Popadick to the team as the new Event Director. He will take the place of Dawn Roberson who served in the position for five years prior to being appointed as Executive Director at DIFFA. Mark will manage and expand DIFFA’s fundraisers, events, and initiatives including The Foundation’s signature events DINING BY DESIGN and Picnic By Design.

“I am happy to join DIFFA’s dedicated team and work with its compassionate supporters. I look forward to using my diverse background to continue to expand DIFFA’s vision and mission. This is a great time to re-imagine DIFFA’s potential and take the organization to new heights,” Mark said.

As DIFFA’s new Event Director, Mark brings more than ten years’ experience in marketing, public relations and event management from his work with the New York Knicks, Madison Square Garden, and the National Basketball Association. He has extensive experience working events including the NBA Finals, All-Star Games, and the 2000 Olympics. In addition to working freelance providing strategic planning, communications, and event expertise—Mark also has 10 years of business and contract management acumen to successfully navigate his new position.

Mark is not new to the “world of DIFFA.” He was initially introduced to DIFFA as a contracted Events Coordinator for the 2017 and 2018 DINING BY DESIGN, where he worked side by side with the DIFFA team from set-up to break-down. Mark managed more than 100 volunteers for the 5-day event and solved any issues that occurred.

“Mark has been an invaluable addition to the DINING BY DESIGN events team for the past two years. He has fostered and maintained excellent relationships with designers, guests, and volunteers required to run a successful event. He brings a tremendous amount of diverse experience and connections that will be an asset to the organization. We are so grateful to have him as a permanent member of the DIFFA staff!” Dawn Roberson, DIFFA Executive Director said.

To learn more about DIFFA’s work and mission visit www.diffa.org/mission