The Martin Richard Charitable Foundation has hired a 26-year-old Boston native to serves as its first executive director. Kijana Rose, a Roslindale resident who is originally from Dorchester, began her duties on Jan. 23. Her appointment was announced by Bill Richard during an event at Fenway Park last Friday that celebrated the launch of the Team MR8 2017 Boston Marathon team.

Rose, a graduate of Northeastern University and Boston Latin School, was already involved in the foundation’s work through her previous role at Northeastern’s Center for the Study of Sports and Society. She said she was particularly impressed by the foundation’s work to launch the Challenger sports programs in Savin Hill.

“I met Bill and Denise [Richard] and some members of the board through that project,” said Rose. “I felt really connected to the work they were doing to support kids who are physically or cognitively disabled, because I have a little brother who has a cognitive disability and two cousins with autism. I was really inspired by the work.”

Rose, who earned a master’s in public health from Northeastern, says her role will be to strategically implement the mission of the foundation, which is named for 8-year-old Martin Richard, who was killed in the terrorist bombing on April 15, 2013. The foundation honors Martin’s message of “No more hurting people – Peace” by investing in education, athletics, and community.

Much of the foundation’s work to date has focused on directing funds raised through running teams in Boston, New York, and Falmouth. Since its launch three years ago, the foundation has supported 75 programs in seven states. But, the majority of its work has been focused on Dorchester. It has funded the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, Savin Hill Baseball, St. Ambrose Family Shelter, All Dorchester Sports League and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester, among many others.

“You have to start at home and [the Richards] are strong believers in that,” said Rose. “It’s so important to take care of what’s going on right outside our doors. We will not stop our work and support for the Dorchester community.”

Youth board of directors: Pictured l-r: youth board chair Henry Richard, Peter Datish, Mayor Walsh, Jack Burke, Ava O’Brien, Jane Richard, Annie Jackson, Liley Damatin, and Gov. Baker. Not shown: Board member Eamon Baker. Photo by Mike Ritter/ritterbin.com

Rose will also spend some of her time cultivating the foundation’s youth advisory board, which is chaired by Henry Richard, Martin’s older brother. His sister Jane serves on the board as well.

“They support the adult board in many ways. They are a sounding board, but they also bring the work we do to life, making sure the work we do is relevant,” said Rose, who is working from office space in Fields Corner.

She will also work to support the ongoing efforts of Team MR8— the 100-member BAA Marathon team that was introduced to the public at a Fenway Park celebration last Friday. Team MR8 is currently ranked eighth among all charitable teams in fundraising for this year’s marathon, according to Bill Richard.

The team— which includes 10 Dorchester residents— has already raised more then $300,000 this season. Each runner commits to raising at least $2,000 for the charity with some having raised more than $30,000 each.

“Friday was a great example of the energy we have,” said Rose. “There are so many people who connect with this foundation.”

For more information on the foundation— or to donate to members of Team MR8 — visit martinrichardfoundation.org.