Our Story | Britt

A Letter From Our Founder

Britt’s National Foundation For The Missing (6).png

Dawn Conley

Board President and Founder

My name is Dawn Conley, and I am a dedicated advocate for missing persons, driven by a personal mission that has shaped the very core of my being. My life took an unimaginable turn when my daughter, Brittanee Drexel, went missing in 2009 during a trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The anguish and uncertainty of that experience ignited a passion within me to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves and to ensure that no parent endures the same heartbreak I have faced. I have had 16 years of experience in advocating for my daughter and also other victims and their families, navigating the media, and also dealing with law enforcement.

As a mother, the disappearance of my beloved child has profoundly impacted my life and has become the catalyst for my advocacy work. I have channeled my grief into raising awareness about missing persons cases, emphasizing the need for community involvement and support for families left in the wake of such tragedies. I believe that every missing person deserves to be remembered, and every family deserves hope and assistance in their search for answers.

Through my advocacy efforts, I strive to educate the public about the realities of missing persons cases and the challenges families face. I have collaborated with various organizations, law enforcement agencies, and community groups to promote initiatives that aim to prevent disappearances and improve search efforts. My work includes speaking engagements, participating in panel discussions, and utilizing social media platforms to disseminate vital information about missing persons.

I have witnessed firsthand the power of community and support in the journey of searching for a loved one. The connections I have formed with other families of the missing have been both heartbreaking and uplifting. Together, we share our stories, support one another, and work tirelessly to ensure that our loved ones are not forgotten. I am committed to advocating for better resources and legislation that will aid in the search for missing individuals, as well as providing emotional and individual support to families navigating this harrowing experience.

Every day, I wake up with a renewed sense of purpose and determination to make a difference. I carry Brittanee's spirit with me in everything I do, and I honor her memory by continuing the fight for justice and awareness. My goal is to create a world where families do not have to endure the agony of unknowing, and where every missing person case receives the attention and resources it deserves.

I believe that through compassion, collaboration, and relentless advocacy, we can bring about change and provide families with the answers they seek. My journey is far from over, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to raising awareness and supporting those affected by the devastating realities of missing persons. Together, we can shine a light on the path to healing and hope.

Key Highlights of Dawn's Advocacy and Efforts:

Relentless Justice Advocacy:
Dawn repeatedly pushed for investigations, publicly demanded accountability, and was described as a relentless advocate for justice for her daughter. Her efforts included confronting legal systems and seeking justice not only for Brittanee but for others affected by similar crimes.

Ongoing Support to Investigations:
After Brittanee's disappearance, Dawn relocated to Myrtle Beach to stay close to the case and work closely with investigators, directly involving herself in the search and keeping public attention focused on Brittanee’s case.

Public Education and Awareness:
Through speaking with the media, appearing on national television (Dr. Phil, News specials), and participating in community events, Dawn worked to educate the public about the reality of missing persons cases and the challenges faced by families.

Community and Law Enforcement Collaboration:
At a 2022 memorial for Brittanee, Dawn publicly recognized and thanked the FBI team involved in solving the case and emphasized the importance of law enforcement and community collaboration.

Broader Impact:
Dawn's advocacy has highlighted the risks of human trafficking and the need for continued efforts to solve other missing persons cases, particularly in South Carolina, where she has shown interest in justice for other families as well.

Civil Litigation as Advocacy:
Dawn pursued and won a civil judgment against Raymond Moody, her daughter's killer, reinforcing her dedication to accountability and using every possible means to seek justice.

Meet The Team

Dawn Conley

Board President and Founder

Dawn Conley is the mother of Brittanee Drexel and a nationally recognized advocate for missing persons and victims’ families. After Brittanee went missing in 2009, Dawn dedicated herself to finding answers, spending over 16 years navigating media, law enforcement, legislation, and victim advocacy. Her relentless efforts helped bring resolution to her daughter’s case and have since expanded into supporting countless other families facing similar heartbreak. Dawn has collaborated with the FBI, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, and legislators to improve investigative support, raise awareness, and strengthen resources for families of the missing. She has appeared on national platforms including NBC, Dr. Phil, and CourtTV, using her voice to promote change and education around missing persons and human trafficking. Through Britt’s National Foundation for the Missing and Forgotten, Dawn continues her mission to ensure every missing person is remembered, & every family is supported.

Jennifer Spears

Board Vice President & Program Director

Jen is a sworn law enforcement officer in Florida with a distinguished career spanning two decades. Her law enforcement career began in 1999 with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office, starting in a long-term undercover narcotics assignment while still in high school. She went on to serve in multiple investigative roles, focusing primarily on violent crimes and cold case investigations.
Jen serves on the Florida Sheriff’s Association Cold Case Advisory Commission and the National Advisory Board for ViCAP. She is also the President and Founder of the Southeastern Homicide Investigators Association (SEHIA). In addition to her investigative work, Jen is an instructor with Advanced Police Concepts and Blue Shield Tactical Systems, teaching Homicide and Cold Case Investigations. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Psychology and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy from the University of New Haven.

Jennifer Imran

Board Treasurer/Secretary & Director of Operations

Jennifer brings over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, business management, financial operations, and community engagement. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida and has applied her expertise in roles with Darden Restaurants, Consumer Credit Counseling Service, and commercial property management. She has served on the Board of the Foundation for Central Florida Tang Soo Do, managing studio operations, bookkeeping, and regional tournament logistics. A passionate advocate for youth development, she homeschooled her twin sons and volunteered in local education and sports programs. At Britt’s National Foundation for the Missing and Forgotten, Jennifer combines her organizational skill, financial insight, and compassionate heart to help strengthen advocacy, support families, and sustain the Foundation’s mission.

Jessica Fico

Fundraising Director

Jessica’s dedication to missing persons advocacy is rooted in personal experience—her best friend, Brittanee Drexel, went missing in 2009. That life-changing event shaped her purpose and ignited her passion to support families searching for answers. With a background in healthcare leadership, executive operations, and real estate, Jessica brings strong strategic planning, networking, and relationship-building skills to her role as Director of Fundraising. She focuses on expanding partnerships, generating resources, and elevating awareness for families affected by disappearance and trauma. Jessica believes every missing child deserves to be found and every family deserves answers.
“Brittanee was a bright light in my life, and I carry her spirit into everything I do,” she shares. Through her work with the Foundation, Jessica is committed to ensuring families feel seen, supported, and never forgotten.

Robert Cea

Program Coordinator

Robert Cea brings a powerful blend of law enforcement experience, storytelling, and advocacy to the board. A former New York City police officer and detective for thirteen years, he received 136 commendations for bravery, courage under fire, and meritorious police actions—including four active gunfights—and is proudest of assisting in the delivery of seven babies, three of whom bear his name. Robert later turned his real-life experiences into widely acclaimed books, films, and television projects. His bestselling memoir No Lights, No Sirens was published by HarperCollins and is now in development as a network TV series, where he serves as Executive Producer. His additional works, Circle of Six and Confidential Source 96, are also being developed for film and television. Through his lived experience and storytelling, Robert elevates awareness around victims, justice, and the realities of law enforcement.

Jill Bopp

Forensics Director

Jill’s commitment to missing persons advocacy began at just 18, when she volunteered at the Adam Walsh Center (now NCMEC), working directly on missing child cases. Since then, she has served as a victim advocate, investigator, educator, and cold case trainer, partnering with law enforcement agencies to support active and unsolved cases. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminal Justice, Interdisciplinary Studies, and Education and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Forensic Science. Jill also teaches forensic science and criminal justice at the collegiate level, creating training programs and curriculum focused on cold case investigation and victim advocacy. Through education, investigative work, and compassionate outreach, she is deeply committed to giving victims a voice, helping families find answers, and advancing justice for the missing and forgotten.