Dwayne Sattler, Chief Executive Officer
Dwayne joined CEF as Executive Director in April 2017. He leads the industry-focused nonprofit’s efforts to inspire today’s students to become tomorrow’s STEM workforce.
Prior to joining CEF, Dwayne served as the Associate Vice President for Policy at The Ohio State University, Office of Research. In that role, he directed corporate and public-sector partnerships for the Ohio Technology Consortium securing funding for research and STEM education programming.
Dwayne previously led industry economic competitiveness, workforce talent and community social responsibility efforts through his own consulting firm, Network Government Relations, LLC and the development of national workforce policy as the Staff Director of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Employment and Training.
Dwayne earned his Master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from The Ohio State University and Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Bowling Green State University.
Brandy Gates, Chief Development Officer
Brandy joined CEF in May 2021, moving from Director of Development to Chief Development Officer. She leads our philanthropic mission to reach students early in life and ignite a passion for STEM careers. Funds raised via sponsorships and grants, developing strategic relationships with corporate and individual donors, creating community partnerships, and encouraging employee volunteerism, further CEF’s quest to reach K-8 students through CEF’s programs and prepare them to tackle real-world issues while learning about careers up and down the career ladder to become our future STEM workforce.
Prior to joining CEF, Brandy was the Events Manager at the Galveston Bay Foundation from March 2017 to March 2020, where she planned and executed multiple annual large-scale fundraising events, such as the Guardian of the Bay Awards Luncheon/Gala and Bike Around the Bay. She was also a member of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Development Team from July 2013 to March 2017 as a Director of Development for Major Gifts during UTMB’s $450 million Working Wonders Campaign. Before joining the UTMB development staff, Brandy worked in the marketing/event planning and fundraising fields for twenty years.
Brandy received both her MBA with concentrations in Marketing and International Business and her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Marketing from the University of Houston Clear Lake.
Maheen Fatima, Project Specialist
Maheen joined CEF in August 2022 as a Project Coordinator. In her role, she provides support to the team and contributes to CEF’s work through the implementation of You Be The Chemist programs and resources, alongside creating marketing material.
Prior to joining CEF, Maheen worked as a coordinator and content creator. Maheen received her Bachelor of Arts in Economics from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.
Nicole Domingues, Senior Program Officer
In August 2023, Nicole joined CEF after many years of volunteering. As a Senior Program Officer, she executes CEF’s programs and contributes to ongoing efforts to deliver exceptional resources that inspire the next generation of scientists.
Prior to joining CEF, Nicole spent 20 years as a middle school science teacher, curriculum developer, and instructional coach in Houston, TX. Focusing on integrating technology and innovative teaching methods, she used her expertise to foster student excellence and professional growth among her colleagues. Nicole also spent 4 years organizing and coordinating the Houston Walk for Apraxia, educating others about Childhood Apraxia of Speech.
Some of Nicole’s notable accolades include receiving United States Congressional Recognition, being named the Hamilton Middle School Teacher of the Year, being inducted into the Cypress Fairbanks ISD Wall of Fame, and being the recipient of CEF’s prestigious Community Champion of the Year Award. She is proud that her students have been the Texas State Challenge winners three times. Nicole earned her Bachelor of Science in Academic Studies with a Science 4-8 specialization from Sam Houston State University.
Sondra Murphy, Brand Manager
Sondra officially joined the CEF team in September 2024, after partnering with CEF on visual design projects for two decades as a consultant. Serving as Brand Manager, she oversees CEF’s visual communications; developing and implementing effective strategies to advance the organization’s mission while building brand recognition across multiple channels.
Sondra brings nearly 25 years of visual design experience, having worked with national non-profit organizations and small businesses on projects ranging from logo development and marketing collateral, to creating cohesive event branding with tradeshow booths and signage. She lives in New England with her husband, three children, and yellow lab, Maverick.
