Our Team
J. Rita McNeil Danish, Esq.
Interim Chief Executive Officer
J. Rita McNeil Danish is a seasoned leader at the intersection of law, public service, and civic-minded media, with a distinguished career spanning roles as a nonprofit CEO, Judge, City Attorney, law firm partner, and board leader.
Most recently, Rita served as the inaugural CEO of Signal Ohio, one of the largest and fastest-growing nonprofit news organizations in the country. In that role, she led the launch and expansion of multiple newsrooms across Ohio, building a sustainable, trusted local news infrastructure serving diverse communities statewide.
Rita brings over three decades of legal experience across a broad range of industries and sectors. Her career includes serving as a Judge and Magistrate in Columbus; Chief Legal Counsel for the Ohio Department of Commerce; and City Attorney for both Dayton and Cincinnati, where she was instrumental in implementing significant police reforms through a landmark memorandum of agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice. She also served as a Partner at Taft Law in the firm’s Chicago and Columbus offices, advising clients across multiple industries.
Rita has been recognized nationally for her leadership and civic impact. Honors include Women We Admire’s “Top Women Chief Executive Officers” (2026) and “Top 50 Women Leaders in Media” (2024 & 2025), Best Lawyers in America, Who’s Who honoree across Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, and a Columbus Monthly cover feature. She was most recently honored by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce with the 2025 Community Builder Award.
Sara Brintnall
Director of Development and Operational Strategy
Sara helps to shape and drive the organization’s fundraising efforts and operational initiatives in alignment with The Matriots Education Fund mission and vision. Sara grew up in Cleveland, Ohio where she was fascinated by local- and state-level politics. In high school she spent her evenings and weekends phone banking and canvassing for local candidates and dreamed of one day running for public office herself. Sara is passionate about supporting women and is excited to engage in this work encouraging representation in Ohio government.
Sara holds a BA in Biology from the College of Wooster and a JD from the Cleveland State University College of Law. Prior to coming to The Matriots, Sara was most recently the Operations Manager at The Education Trust-Midwest in Detroit, Michigan; an organization advocating for high academic achievement for all students, particularly those of color and living in poverty.
Sara’s preferred pronouns are she/hers.
Kaylee McKee Mahood
Programs Coordinator
Kaylee McKee Mahood is the Program Coordinator at The Matriots, where she brings a background in public health, second-language education, and nonprofit leadership to advance the organization’s mission to increase the number of women involved in all aspects of Ohio’s political system. She earned her M.A. from Ohio University, where she also taught as a Spanish Instructor of Record. Prior to joining Matriots staff, she completed a two-year fellowship supporting the organization’s programs and communications.
Kaylee is a long-time member within Rotary, where she has spearheaded international service projects, organized innovative fundraising events, and expanded opportunities for young professionals to engage in service. Her public health and cross-cultural experience include translation for gender affirming care, community health research, and engaging in international volunteer work focused on child development and education.
Kaylee’s preferred pronouns are she/her.
Lilly Gintert
Endorsements Fellow
Lilly Gintert is the Endorsements Fellow at The Matriots, where she supports the organization’s efforts to elevate and endorse women candidates across Ohio. In this role, she contributes to the development and execution of endorsement processes, working to advance The Matriots’ mission of increasing women’s participation in politics.
Lilly graduated from Indiana University in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She genuinely valued her time as an IU student athlete and the way it shaped her ability to effectively lead while being part of a close-knit, high-performing team. She also served on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, where she helped lead voting initiatives across the Big Ten.
Before becoming the endorsements fellow, Lilly interned with the Matriots, where she supported key projects and endorsement initiatives. Her experience with the organization has strengthened her commitment to expanding opportunities for women in politics and civic leadership.
Lilly’s preferred pronouns are she/her.
