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About GOLD

We're closing the gap between

access and ability.

GOLD is a North Carolina 501(c)(3) nonprofit. We help organizations solve digital adoption and trust gaps with older adults, through hands-on programs in digital health, scam prevention, and AI literacy.

Older adults learning together at a GOLD community workshop

Our Mission

To replace fear and confusion with confidence and capability for older adults in a digital world.

We do this by helping organizations solve digital adoption and trust gaps with older adults, through hands-on programs in digital health, scam prevention, and AI literacy.

Access ≠ Ability.

Our Story

GOLD was born from a simple truth: access doesn't equal ability.

In 2025, our co-founders watched the people they loved most struggle with the digital systems shaping daily life: patient portals they couldn't access, scam calls they couldn't always spot, technology that felt designed for someone else. They knew there had to be a better way.

Today, GOLD has reached 7,000+ older adults across 15 states. We deliver hands-on digital literacy through residential communities, senior centers, libraries, faith communities, and health systems, built around the way older adults actually learn.

Two friends sharing a moment in a community garden

Our Impact

What hands-on learning makes possible.

92%

Report increased confidence using technology

90%

Feel safer and more prepared to handle scams

35%

Gain first-time access to their patient portal

7 in 10

Use conversational AI after attending an AI literacy class

What We Teach

Three pillars built around what older adults actually need today.

Digital Health

Helping older adults navigate patient portals like MyChart, telehealth, and online health tools, so they can manage their health with confidence.

In collaboration with Epic.

Scam Prevention

GOLD's S.C.A.M. framework (Stop, Confirm, Avoid sharing personal information, Make a report) gives older adults a memorable decision tool they can use in the moment a scam happens.

AI Literacy

Teaching older adults what AI is, how it works, and how to use it on their own terms, replacing fear with practical, everyday confidence.

Leadership

The people guiding GOLD's mission and daily work.

Headshot of RJ Reyes, Co-Founder and Executive Director of GOLD.

Co-Founder & Executive Director

RJ Reyes

RJ has dedicated his career to helping people feel stronger, more confident, and more connected, both physically and digitally. As the co-founder and Executive Director of GOLD, he brings warmth, leadership, and a deep commitment to helping older adults embrace technology without fear. RJ believes that with the right support, anyone can build the skills and the confidence to stay connected and independent at any age.

Board of Directors

  • Ava Campbell, Treasurer

    Junior at the University of North Carolina, studying business.

  • Ronda Howell, Secretary

    Retired healthcare worker dedicated to caring for older adults.

Advisory Board

Senior leaders from healthcare, technology, philanthropy, accessibility, and finance, guiding how GOLD scales with rigor.

Dr. Vishnukamal Golla

SVP and Chief Medical Officer of Oncology

Evolent Health

Dr. Vishnukamal Golla is a physician executive and healthcare leader specializing in oncology, value-based care, and health policy. As SVP and Chief Medical Officer of Oncology at Evolent Health, he leads innovative care models designed to improve outcomes, expand access, and drive greater value across complex healthcare systems.

Oliver Galicki

Vice President of Clinical Applications

Memorial Hermann Health System

Oliver Galicki is a healthcare technology executive specializing in large-scale clinical systems and enterprise integration. As Vice President of Clinical Applications at Memorial Hermann Health System, he leads technology strategy and operations across multiple clinical service lines. He has overseen system-wide integrations spanning 15 hospitals and more than 270 sites of care, and previously led a $700 million Epic implementation, one of the largest in the country. His expertise helps ensure GOLD's model aligns with how healthcare systems actually operate and scale.

Ajai Kumar

Global Executive Advisor

Strategy, Governance, and Partnerships

Ajai Kumar is a global executive leader with more than 30 years of experience across enterprise technology, healthcare, and growth-stage organizations. He has held senior leadership roles and advises organizations on strategy, governance, and building high-impact partnerships that drive growth and scale. His work spans corporate, nonprofit, and private equity environments, where he supports leaders in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder systems. His experience supports GOLD in expanding strategic partnerships and building pathways for national growth.

Matt Nichols

Healthcare AI Executive & Master Inventor

Matt Nichols is a healthcare and technology executive specializing in artificial intelligence, innovation, and large-scale operational systems. He has led the development and implementation of AI-driven solutions and partnered across teams to launch new healthcare products. His background spans operations, contact center strategy, and enterprise transformation, with a focus on turning emerging technology into practical, scalable solutions. His expertise helps guide how GOLD brings AI into the real lives of older adults in ways that are practical, trustworthy, and impactful.

Mark Dobosz

Vice President of Philanthropy, Major Gifts and Planned Giving

Mosaic Senior Life

Mark Dobosz is a nonprofit fundraising executive with more than 40 years of leadership experience in philanthropy, revenue strategy, and organizational growth. As Vice President of Philanthropy, Major Gifts and Planned Giving at Mosaic Senior Life, he leads fundraising strategy and donor engagement to support long-term mission sustainability.

Kathryn Braidic

Former Associate Director of Digital Accessibility Services

The Ohio State University

Kathryn Braidic is a digital accessibility leader with over 30 years of experience advancing inclusive technology and user-centered design. At The Ohio State University, she led accessibility initiatives that ensured technology systems were usable and effective for diverse populations. Her work focused on bridging the gap between complex digital tools and real-world users through thoughtful design, training, and implementation. Her perspective ensures GOLD's programs are not only accessible, but truly usable and intuitive for older adults.

Timothy Parris

Vice President, Financial Program Management & Strategy

Fidelity Charitable (Fidelity Investments)

Timothy Parris is a strategy and operations executive with over 20 years of experience leading large-scale initiatives across financial services and philanthropy. As Vice President of Financial Program Management & Strategy at Fidelity Charitable, he supports senior leadership in driving enterprise strategy, program execution, and organizational growth. He has led initiatives focused on customer experience, inclusion, and operational excellence at scale. His experience supports GOLD in building the operational structure needed for long-term growth and impact.

Sarah Schmit

Former Head of Human Resources

Abbott Laboratories

Sarah Schmit is a senior HR executive who led workforce strategy at Abbott Laboratories, a global healthcare company. She brings deep expertise in organizational leadership, talent development, and scaling teams across complex, regulated environments.

Built on belief in older adults.

Built for the way they actually learn.

Whether you want to support our mission, join a class, or partner with us, GOLD welcomes you.