meet our board of directors
christen gray
executive director, finn's mom
Christen Gray is a founding board member and the Executive Director of Finn’s Fighters. She and her family started the organization in 2019 after experiencing firsthand the incredible support of the Tampa Bay community during their son Finn’s journey with pediatric cancer. Christen earned her degree in Journalism and Public Relations from Suffolk University and has worked in both the culinary and nonprofit worlds. Outside of Finn’s Fighters, she loves cooking, hanging out with Jim, Declan, and her dog Skye, and finding creative ways to bring people together while supporting the pediatric cancer community.
jim gray
co-founder, finn's dad
Jim Gray is a founding board member of Finn’s Fighters and Finn’s proud dad. After walking through their family’s journey with pediatric cancer, Jim felt called to help other families — especially fathers — find strength and support through the pediatric cancer journey. With years of leadership and operations experience, he brings compassion, and a grounded perspective to the board. When he’s not volunteering or lending a hand at community events, you’ll likely find Jim fishing on the bay, grilling for friends, or spending time outdoors with his family.
declan gray
Sibling Ambassador, finn's brother
Declan Gray is Finn’s big brother and the heart of Finn’s Fighters’ sibling community. Just 17 months older than Finn, the two were inseparable, and Declan walked every step of his brother’s cancer journey with a love and bravery beyond his years. Today, he honors Finn by supporting other siblings and reminding them they’re never alone. Outside of Finn’s Fighters, Declan stays busy being a teenager - spending time with friends, playing videogames, enjoying life with his family and his homeschool community, and carrying Finn’s love with him wherever he goes.
Salima Dhanji
board member, vice president Citi
Salima Dhanji is a mom of two young boys who were close friends of Finn, giving her a meaningful connection to the mission of Finn’s Fighters. After moving from New York City to Tampa, she became active in her community through her neighborhood HOA, the MOMS Club of Tampa/Westchase, and local youth service organizations. Professionally, Salima has over 15 years of experience in legal, compliance, and leadership roles, including positions at Goldman Sachs in New York and London and her current role as a Senior Vice President at Citi. She also works in real estate and brings her professional expertise and heart for service to the Finn’s Fighters Board.
Melissa leonard
board member, Gala chair
Melissa Leonard serves on the board of Finn’s Fighters, bringing her background in education, finance, and community leadership. She first connected with the organization as a teacher who had the privilege of knowing Finn personally, and her compassion for children and families continues to inspire her service today. Melissa holds degrees from St. Petersburg College and the University of Florida and currently works in Payment Operations at PaymentWorks. When she’s not volunteering, she enjoys time outdoors, cheering for the Gators, and connecting with friends over good food and conversation.
dr erin cockrell
board member, medical director
Dr. Erin Cockrell is board certified in pediatric hematology-oncology, pediatrics, and internal medicine. She is part of BayCare Medical Group, where she cares for children and teens with cancer and blood disorders. Dr. Cockrell earned her medical degree from Ohio University and completed her training in pediatrics and hematology/oncology in Ohio. Her career in compassionate, family-centered care connects deeply to Finn’s Fighters — as a member of Finn’s medical team, she continues to honor his legacy by caring for and supporting other families facing pediatric cancer.
regina hord
director of administration, treasurer
Regina Hord serves on the board of Finn’s Fighters, where she helps share the organization’s mission through community partnerships and events. Regina first met the Gray family through FIT4MOM and their families quickly became close friends — her two sons grew up alongside Finn, making this cause especially meaningful to her. A serial entrepreneur, she is also the founder of Kids Market, a platform that empowers young entrepreneurs across Tampa Bay. Regina’s creativity and community spirit drive everything she does. When she’s not working on local events or volunteer projects, she loves traveling and spending time outdoors with her family.
