Devils Youth Foundation Announces Two Additions to Board Members
Kate Madigan and Nicole Zajac to join Foundation’s Board of Directors
NEWARK, NJ (December 19, 2025) – The Devils Youth Foundation announced today the additions of Kate Madigan and Nicole Zajac to its Board of Directors. In their respective roles, Madigan and Zajac will provide guidance and assist with advancing the mission and visibility of the Devils Youth Foundation. Their appointment was announced by Allison Blitzer, Chair of the Devils Youth Foundation.
As the Foundation continues to increase its community impact, the addition of Madigan and Zajac’s leadership, guidance, and expertise will strengthen the Foundation’s mission of providing access to life-changing experiences for New Jersey’s youth through sports, entertainment, and music.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kate and Nicole to the Devils Youth Foundation Board,” said Allison Blitzer, Chair of the Devils Youth Foundation. “These women bring not only a deep knowledge of the sport and organization, but a great passion for the development of our youth. We are so excited to work with them and help grow the Foundation with their dedication.”
Kate Madigan currently serves as the Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the New Jersey Devils, the first female AGM in franchise history. Madigan serves as part of the small group that President, Hockey Operations and General Manager Tom Fitzgerald leans on for key input, strategy and decision making, which includes business liaison, roster construction at the pro and amateur levels, transactions, hockey personnel decisions, team operations, process management, budget and as part of the team’s management travel party. She previously served as Assistant, Player Information/Video from 2017-19, Director of Pro Scouting Operations from 2019 through 2021 and Executive, Director Hockey Operations/Management from 2021-22.
Nicole Zajac is currently the head coach of the New Jersey Colonials 8U girls hockey team and also coaches 12U girls hockey at the Beacon Hill Club. Her strong educational foundation includes a Master’s in Teaching and combines her academic expertise with an impressive hockey background to create a positive, player-focused coaching environment. Her philosophy emphasizes enjoyment of the game while fostering growth in skating, positioning, conditioning, and overall skill development. Zajac captained the University of New Hampshire women’s hockey team during her junior and senior seasons and under her leadership, UNH secured two Hockey East Championships and made a Frozen Four appearance. She was the Hockey East Scoring Leader, earned All-Hockey East First Team honors, and was recognized as a top-10 finalist for the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award, given to the nation’s top female Division I hockey player.
“It is a tremendous honor to join the Devils Youth Foundation Board and to help transform the lives of children through the meaningful experiences our organization provides both on and off the ice,” said Kate Madigan, Vice President/Assistant General Manager, New Jersey Devils.
“This is an incredible opportunity to build on the inspiring work the Devils Youth Foundation has done for the community already and I’m honored to contribute to its growth and the impact it has on New Jersey’s youth,” said Nicole Zajac, New Jersey Colonials Head Coach.
The Foundation recently hosted a successful Devils Youth Foundation Day last weekend, December 13. For the second year, the New Jersey Devils amplified the efforts and awareness of the impactful work done by the Foundation, highlighted community partners for their local and statewide efforts, and welcomed New Jersey-based kids to participate in a number of in-game features. The Foundation will host Devils Sweep the Deck, its signature annual fundraising event, on Monday, February 2, 2026. The Devils’ home ice will be transformed into a professional curling rink, and the arena floor into a casino lounge. Gala attendees will have the opportunity to curl alongside Devils current players and alumni. All curlers and guests are invited to partake in poker, roulette, craps and more at the event’s casino section. For more information, individual or group tickets, sponsorship opportunities for the Devils Sweep the Deck Gala or to donate, please click here.
About Devils Youth Foundation
Devils Youth Foundation (DYF), a 501(c)(3) organization, enriches the lives of New Jersey’s youth by creating life-changing opportunities and inspiring youth in our communities through the power of sports and entertainment. The Foundation has donated over $4 million in funds to help nonprofit partners address issues such as food insecurity by working to provide access to nutritious meals and education; growing the game through inclusive sports and fitness programming; creating safe spaces for improved physical and mental well-being and life skills; and enhancing art education by increasing student participation and access. For more information or to donate go to DevilsYouthFoundation.org or find us on Instagram at @devilsyouthfoundation.