Tasha Tolliver is Executive Director and Board President of the DRESS Syndrome Foundation, and mother to Izzy McKinney, whom this Foundation honors.
Tasha became aware of the large absence of knowledge surrounding DRESS Syndrome after Izzy’s unexpected death in 2015 from DRESS–induced eosinophilic myocarditis, caused by Bactrim. A year spent researching the condition and making connections with DRESS Syndrome experts led Tasha to believe that a better understanding of DRESS could have saved her daughter’s life. Driven by this knowledge, she became determined to deepen medical awareness, understanding, and treatment of DRESS Syndrome.
In 2016, Tasha met Nancy Szakacsy, whose daughter, Hannah, suffered a similar DRESS tragedy. Several years later, they combined their advocacy efforts to form the DRESS Syndrome Foundation.In addition to running the Foundation, Tasha has worked as a photographer for over 20 years. She also gained nonprofit experience as a board member for Nurture RVA.
Her career experience further includes working in communications and advertising at several agencies, such as the internationally acclaimed Martin Agency. Here, she helped develop strategy and manage advertising for brands such as Rémy Martin, Richmond Symphony, VF Corporation apparel brands, and Marriott International, Inc.
Tasha lives in Richmond, VA, with her husband Raymond, her two clownish French Bulldogs, and her college-aged daughter, Ava. Traveling to visit her family and see the world bring her the most comfort.