PULMONARY FIBROSIS FOUNDATION - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
- Member of the Medical Team
- Senior Medical Advisor, Education and Awareness
Dr. Amy Case established the ILD program at Georgia Lung Associates, which became part of the Piedmont Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Division in 2013. She leads the Advanced Lung Disease at Piedmont directs the ILD program, which became part of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation's Care Center Network in 2014. Dr. Case also serves as principal investigator for numerous clinical trials for pulmonary fibrosis.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Development
Amy Wardzala lends her expertise to all things development and oversees PFF's fundraising events. She enjoys working with donors and finding ways that she can support them in their journeys.
Since joining the PFF five years ago, Amy has held multiple roles within the organization. Amy launched the PFF Walk program in 2017 and has supported the continued expansion of the program since its inception.
Amy has spent the majority of her career in the non-profit sector with an emphasis on peer-to-peer fundraising and events.
Amy graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in Public Relations.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Medical Advisory Board
- Chairman, Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee Chair, Medical Advisory Board
Dr. Limper has long been involved with the PFF. He is currently serving as Chair of the Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee, Chair of the Medical Advisory Board, and is past-Chair of the former Scientific Advisory Committee, which is now the Research Review Committee (RRC). He has also been actively involved in each of the PFF Summits and has served on the committee to peer-review all academic abstracts for poster presentation and award selection.
Dr. Limper is with the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and studies lung defense and elimination of fungal infections, such as pneumocystis pneumonia, in patients with impaired defense systems. Dr. Limper and his team seek to find new ways beyond traditional antibiotics to prevent and fight lung infections in these individuals.
Additional research interests focus on interstitial lung diseases and pulmonary fibrosis. Dr. Limper's laboratory studies the causes and mechanisms of pulmonary fibrosis in an effort to identify new drug combinations that may be beneficial for patients with these disorders.
In 2017, Dr. Limper was named the Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery Associate Dean of Practice Transformation. In this role, he leads a team highly focused on the science of care delivery, not simply on anecdotal evidence. Using innovative pilot projects, novel methodologies combined with patient-centered approaches, and robust data mining and management technology, the team works closely with Mayo Clinic practice to discover new ways to improve health and the way people experience health care.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Executive
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Chairman / San Francisco, CA
David McNinch is an executive in the biopharma industry with extensive experience in orphan diseases. Over his 20 plus year career he has worked with a number of large and small companies including AstraZeneca, Novartis, Genentech, and InterMune. He is currently Chief Business Officer of Encoded Therapeutics, a gene therapy company focused on development of transformative genetic therapies for pediatric epilepsies and neurodevelopment disorders. David has worked on the development and commercialization of drugs for orphan diseases including Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease, acromegaly, and cystic fibrosis. He served on the Board of Trustees for the Huntington's Disease Society of America from 1999 - 2006. David is a native South Carolinian and graduate of the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Diana DeRosa works closely with the development database, adding new information and ensuring existing information is managed effectively. Diana has a special focus in supporting TeamPFF events, community walks, and the tribute program. She also assists with email mailing list generation as well as donation acknowledgements.
Diana was new to the non-profit sector when she joined the PFF after working over 10 years in onsite residential property management in administrative and accounts payable roles.
She graduated from Northern Illinois University with a BS in psychology.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
- Member of the Medical Team
- Associate Professor of Pulmonary Sciences
- Senior Medical Advisor, Research and Health Care Quality
Dr. Joyce Lee is an Associate Professor of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care and Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. She established the University's ILD program which is now part of the PFF Care Center Network. Dr. Lee has developed clinical-translational research programs with both NIH and non-NIH funded investigator-initiated studies and clinical trials.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
- Member of the Medical Team
- Senior Medical Advisor, PFF Care Center Network
Dr. Sonye Danoff is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Co-Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Clinic at Johns Hopkins Medicine. Dr. Danoff is a specialist in diseases causing fibrosis in the lung, particularly those associated with autoimmune diseases including myositis. She actively participates in local, regional, and international collaborative groups in the study of ILD.
Job Titles:
- Senior Coordinator, Volunteer Programs
Ephraim is responsible for coordinating PFF Ambassador events and works closely with the Support Group Network. He manages the administration of the Leanne Storch Support Group Fund and supports the PFF Help Center with inquiries from the Spanish-speaking community. He assists the monthly PFF telephonic support groups including PFF Coloquio.
Before joining the PFF's Programs department, Ephraim worked at Loyola University Chicago's Cudahy Library where he assisted library patrons in identifying relevant databases and resources for their research. He was also working on his master's degree at the time.
Ephraim completed an MA in Spanish at Loyola University Chicago and he holds a BA in Spanish from Denison University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
George Eliades is Senior Vice President for Corporate Development and the Chief Transformation Officer for Jazz Pharmaceuticals. He brings significant global management consulting expertise from his 15 years at Bain & Company, where his work focused on biotech and pharmaceuticals industries. He has worked across multiple therapeutic areas, with deep expertise in oncology, neurology, endocrinology, ophthalmology, respiratory, and several other specialty categories. Dr. Eliades' nonprofit work has included support for the merger integration of CHI and BayBio into the California Life Sciences Association, and is currently a member of the board and the compensation committee for Oyster Point Pharma. He has also led work with the American Society of Retina Specialists, focusing on helping the ASRS membership grow their practices in an era of declining reimbursements. Publications include "Healthcare 2020"-a perspective on the key trends shaping the global healthcare market and "Opportunities in integrated care for pharma and biotech." Dr. Eliades graduated magna cum laude with highest honors from Harvard College where he received a Bachelor of Arts. He also holds a Master of Arts and PhD from Harvard University.
Heather Kagel lives in northern New York and has been engaged with the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation since 2015. A retired attorney and Privacy Compliance Professional, Heather is a PFF Ambassador Emeritus and started a Dallas walk called Ready. Set. Breathe. That walk has since become the PFF Dallas Walk and continues to raise substantial funds for the PFF.
Heather was diagnosed with IPF with a TERC mutation in 2013. In 2016, she was diagnosed with, and beat, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), representing another complication arising from her genetic mutation. Thankfully, and with much gratitude to her donor, in October 2019, Heather received a double lung transplant at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas.
Heather is also on the Board of Directors of Team Telomere, whose focus is on patients with telomere biology disorders (TBDs). Heather is passionate about raising awareness of, research for, and supporting those with pulmonary fibrosis and TBDs. Through awareness campaigns, fundraising activities, and speaking with patients, medical providers, and pharmaceutical companies, Heather continues to work to better the lives of, and treatments for, those with these life-threatening diseases.
Heather lives with her husband Rick and their dog Huckleberry. She loves cheering on her children Mitchell (26) and Samantha (24) as they live active and healthy lives.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Manager, PFF Care Center Network
Ingrid is the primary point of contact for communications related to the PFF Care Center Network (CCN), a group of 68 medical centers across the country that specialize in interstitial lung disease to improve the care delivered to patients living with pulmonary fibrosis. Ingrid collaborates with the PFF VP of Clinical Affairs and Quality to support and develop the CCN.
Prior to joining the PFF, Ingrid worked in a number of capacities at Rotary International. She was involved with partnership development, educational programming, grants, and corporate relations.
Ingrid received her BA in French from Xavier University and her MA in French Literature from Vanderbilt University.
Job Titles:
- Director, Development and Special Events
Jake is responsible for the PFF's Annual Giving Program with a focus on tributes and memorials. Jake is committed to helping family members who are looking to create a lasting memory through the PFF's programs. He oversees direct donations, recurring giving, and workplace giving.
Jake has over eight years of experience in nonprofit work and general fundraising. He has experience in both academic and healthcare related fundraising.
Jake earned an MBA from Elmhurst College where he also holds a BA in political science.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Manager, Volunteer Programs and Advocacy
Jamie Hillner is responsible for coordinating the PFF Ambassador Program and Support Group Leader Network. She facilitates trainings and teleconferences, promotes the programs, and cultivates relationships with PFF volunteers. She also manages the PFF Advocates by communicating advocacy alerts and coordinating the PFF's Hill Day efforts.
Prior to joining the PFF's Programs department, Jamie worked at the University of Chicago Law School where she supported the Law School's annual giving, recent alumni, and law firm engagement programs in addition to frontline fundraising work. In her previous role, Jamie managed relationships with alumni volunteers, students, law firm recruiters, and campus partners.
Jamie received her BS in Nonprofit Management with minors in Fundraising & Resource Development, Public Human Resources, and Spanish from Indiana University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Chairman, Nominating and Governance Committee / Evanston, IL
- Officer and Shareholder of the Chicago
- President of the Mary D. Harris Memorial Foundation
Jeff Harris is an officer and shareholder of the Chicago law firm of Figliulo & Silverman, P.C. His business litigation practice of nearly 40 years includes matters relating to construction, commercial real estate, corporate and partnership disputes, professional liability and fiduciary duties.
In addition to his professional activities, Mr. Harris is President of the Mary D. Harris Memorial Foundation, which he founded in 1998 following the death of his wife from pulmonary fibrosis; current member and former Chair of the Board Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, former Chair of the Board of the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis; and Vice-President of LAH Oil, Inc. In 2005, he received the Frank Cabral Humanitarian Award from the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis in recognition of his contributions to furthering education, patient support and research regarding the disease.
Mr. Harris received his undergraduate degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and his Juris Doctorate from Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia.
Job Titles:
- SPONSORSHIPS / for More Information about Sponsorships, Please Contact
- Vice President, Corporate Partnerships
Jennifer Mefford leads corporate partnerships at the PFF in support of mission-driven activities that serve the PF community. This includes developing and managing program and event sponsorship and grants. In addition, she directs corporate engagement for the biennial PFF Summit.
Prior to joining the PFF, Jennifer managed events for the Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans, a mid-size multi-disciplinary arts center, including theater, dance, film, and music.
She coordinated a multi-day theater symposium as part of RADAR L.A., an international festival of contemporary theater produced by REDCAT (Los Angeles) Center Theatre Group (Los Angeles) and The Public Theater's Under the Radar Festival (New York).
Jennifer holds a MA in Arts Administration and Policy from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a BA from California State University, Northridge.
Job Titles:
- Senior Coordinator of the PFF Help Center
- Senior Coordinator, PFF Help Center
As Senior Coordinator of the PFF Help Center, Jennifer Simokaitis responds to all telephone and email inquiries received by phone at 844.825.5733 and email at help@pulmonaryfibrosis.org. She provides reliable information about pulmonary fibrosis and assists members of the PF community in connecting with the range of programs, resources, and educational opportunities available through the PFF. Jennifer also facilitates the PFF Voices and PFF Caring Conversations telephone-based support groups.
Prior to joining the PFF, Jennifer worked on special projects for community-based and patient advocacy not-for-profit organizations.
Jennifer graduated from Miami University with a BA in English. She is also a Certified Professional Coach.
Job Titles:
- Associate Vice President, Conferences and Meetings / Contact Shop
Jeri works across the Foundation overseeing all logistical details of PFF conferences and meetings, including the biennial PFF Summit, annual Volunteer meeting, in-person Board of Directors meetings, and select annual conferences for healthcare professionals. She also manages Shop PFF, and coordinated the PFF Safety Kit program in 2020-21.
Jeri has worked in the non-profit sector since 1994, when she became the retail director for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She later moved to the Field Museum as their retail director, overseeing all aspects of their nine stores, including developing stores and merchandise selections for special museum exhibitions. She spent her last year at the museum as their business development director before joining the PFF.
Jeri graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and holds a BS in political science and history.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Clinical Affairs and Quality
Jessica Shore manages the PFF Care Center Network (CCN), supporting centers across the country that specialize in interstitial lung disease to improve the care delivered to patients living with pulmonary fibrosis.
Prior to joining the PFF, Jessica directed a clinical research office and taught nursing students at Loyola University Chicago. Her research focused on adherence to medication and community engagement with research.
Jessica started her bedside nursing career in the medical intensive care unit at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. She then transitioned into research nursing and administration at academic medical centers.
Jessica graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Loyola University Chicago and received a PhD at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Chief Medical Officer
- VICE CHAIR of the Medical Advisory Board
- Professor
Joe Lasky is a professor and Pulmonary/Critical Care Section Chief at Tulane University Medical School. He serves as the Site Principal Investigator for numerous ongoing clinical trials in pulmonary fibrosis. Dr. Lasky has authored over 100 PF publications spanning basic molecular science to clinical trials. He is a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians and a member of the American Thoracic Society. Dr. Lasky earned his medical degree at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic. He attended Duke University for his fellowship in pulmonary and clinical care.
Julie Halston is an actress with a long list of theatrical and television credits. She began her career co-starring in the comedy plays of Charles Busch in the 1980s, and was a founding member of his theatre company, Theatre-in-Limbo. In 1992 she wrote and performed a series of one-woman shows, Julie Halston's Lifetime of Comedy, which eventually earned her a CBS network development deal for a sitcom pilot. In the late 1990s and 2000s she appeared in a steady stream of Broadway and Off-Broadway shows including The Man Who Came to Dinner (2000), Hairspray (2002), Gypsy (2003), Anything Goes (2012), and Tootsie (2019). She has received the Richard Seff Award for her portrayal of Gay Wellington in You Can't Take It With You (2014). She also has numerous film and TV credits. She earned her BA in Theatre Arts from Hofstra University.
Julie's husband Ralph Howard, celebrated and veteran radio news anchor, was diagnosed with PF in 2008. He received a life-extending lung transplant 2010, but ultimately lost his battle in August of 2018. Julie is the host of the largest PFF fundraiser Broadway Belts for PFF!, which has raised over $2M since its debut in 2011. Julie recently launched a new half-hour comedy talk show, Virtual Halston, during the COVID-19 2020 pandemic, and has used the show in part to encourage support of the PFF.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, PFF Registry
Junelle Speller oversees all aspects of the PFF Registry, an unparalleled research program that collects, analyzes, and reports clinical and participant-report data to advance research on pulmonary fibrosis. Junelle manages various relationships with participants, investigators, funders, and other stakeholders. She also serves on PFF taskforces on Strategic Planning and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
Junelle brings a unique mix of for- and non-profit health care experience, including early work in outcomes improvement policy and more recent leadership positions in health care management consulting, digital solutions, and clinical data registries. She has worked with multiple organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics, Cerner Corporation, and Navigant Consulting.
Junelle holds an MBA from Kellogg School of Management and a BA in biology from Yale University, serving as an active alumnus to recruit and interview prospective students. She also is Vice Chair for Snow City Arts, a Chicagoland organization providing arts education to hospitalized children.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Advocacy and Programs
Kate Gates leads the PFF's education and volunteer Programs - including the PFF Ambassador Program; Support Group Leader Network; Disease Education Webinar Series; and Patient Education Materials. She also works with the PFF's government affairs program and PFF Advocates. Kate is responsible for the strategy and development of the Programs to meet the needs of the pulmonary fibrosis community.
Before joining the PFF, Kate oversaw a team that managed healthcare services for children in foster care in New York City. She also has worked as a case manager for adults with chronic diseases. Kate has experience in program development, community outreach, and patient advocacy.
Kate has a Master's in Development Management (MSc) from the London School of Economics and a BA from Taylor University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Manager, Corporate Partnerships
Kelsey is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with external prospects and partners of the PFF. She oversees the Drug Development Pipeline, Clinical Trials Newsletter, sponsors and exhibitors of the biennial PFF Summit, and day-to-day partnership operations, including contract execution and fulfillment.
Prior to joining the PFF, Kelsey worked as the Medicare and lien resolution paralegal for Cooney & Conway, a plaintiff's firm which specializes in asbestos litigation. She ensured the firm and its clients were compliant with federal laws and insurance obligations. This included reviewing claims listings for clients with injuries such as pulmonary fibrosis, and all communication with the clients and insurers regarding the reimbursement process.
Kelsey graduated with a BS in Dance Management and a minor in English from Oklahoma City University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
- Member of the Medical Team
- Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program
- Steering Committee Chair, PFF Registry
Dr. Kevin Flaherty is the Director of the Interstitial Lung Disease Program and Associate Professor in the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at the University of Michigan Health System. His clinical and research interests include lung transplant, COPD, and interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. Dr. Flaherty is an active participant on grants and clinical trials related to the study and treatment of patients with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias, particularly idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Laura Devitt is primarily responsible for volunteer recruitment, training, support, and management as well as the development and production of education materials for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. She is also involved with planning and execution of the Annual Volunteer Meeting and PFF Summit.
Laura began her career as a geriatric case manager, providing homebound senior citizens with vital programs such as Meals on Wheels and the Community Care Program. She also previously worked with two nursing homes located in Chicago, overseeing admissions and discharges from each facility.
Laura graduated from St. Norbert College with a BA degree in Human Services. She earned a MSW from Dominican University. Laura holds an additional certificate in Grant Writing from San Diego State University.
Job Titles:
- Chief Marketing Officer
- for Media Inquiries
Laura Sadler manages the planning, development and execution of the PFF's marketing, communications, and advertising initiatives. This includes directing the Foundation's social media strategy, website presence, awareness campaigns, and public relations efforts.
A not-for-profit executive with more than 30 years of experience, Laura also has expertise in revenue generation, program planning and management, new business development and annual and long-term fiscal management.
Prior to joining the PFF, Laura had a consultancy in which she assisted cultural organizations with developing new programs and activities, while maximizing their brand presence. She was Senior Vice President at The Field Museum where she developed innovative programming to drive engagement and revenue. Before that, Laura was Director, Retail Operations at the Lincoln Park Zoological Society, the most-visited zoo in the United States.
Laura has a BA from Bowling Green State University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Interim Vice - Chair, Treasurer / New Castle, NH
Laurie is a partner at Vigilant Capital, LLC. From 2002 through early 2013, she served clients as both a relationship manager and wealth planner. Prior to joining Vigilant, Laurie was a senior vice president in the private clients group of Fleet Boston Financial for 18 years. Laurie earned her MBA from Southern New Hampshire University, is a Certified Financial Planner™ and a graduate of the Cannon Financial Institute for Trust, Estate, and Financial Planning. In addition to her role with the PFF, Laurie serves as the co-chair of the Patient Family Advisory Council of Portsmouth Regional Hospital. Previously, she served as a board trustee of Southern New Hampshire University, a board member of the Northern New England Financial Planning Association, and as a chair of the Estate Planning Council of New Hampshire. She was also a founding member and chair of the Women's Business Center, a chair and advisory board member of Families First of the Greater (NH) Seacoast, a chair and treasurer of the New Hampshire Commission on the Status of Women, and a trustee of the Crotched Mountain Foundation. Laurie is a graduate of the 2006 Leadership NH program. In 2002, Laurie was honored with the Small Business Administration's New Hampshire Women in Business Advocate of the Year Award. She was the recipient of the PFF's Ralph Howard Legacy Award in 2021 for her efforts in patient advocacy and Board leadership.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Martin Attwell's family has been deeply affected by pulmonary fibrosis as both his father and father-in-law passed away from the disease. Martin became involved with the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in 2014 and currently serves on the Finance Committee. He was a key member of the Strategic Planning Committee that developed the PFF 2020 Strategic Plan. His family has been strong supporters of the PFF Walk since its inception and he has been a frequent attendee at the PFF Summit, Annual Volunteer Meeting, and Broadway Belts for PFF!.
Martin has worked in the Energy and Health Insurance sectors for more than 30 years. He began his career as a Software Engineer in London. He had a long career with BP and Amoco in various roles in Finance, IT and Organizational Change in the UK and the US where he led many large-scale process improvement and organizational change projects. Most recently, he was Director of Organizational Effectiveness at Health Care Service Corporation.
He holds an MBA from the University of Chicago, Law Degree from the University of London, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Imperial College, London. He is certified as both a Project Management and Change Management professional. He currently lives in the Chicago area with his wife, Colleen. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, collecting antique maps, and supporting his favorite "football" team Chelsea FC.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Senior Director, Human Resources and Administration at
Mary Kiener provides overall strategic and daily leadership and guidance to the HR department by overseeing talent acquisition, career development, succession planning, training, employee engagement, compliance, leadership development, compensation, and benefits.
With more than 20 years of HR experience, Mary has worked in a variety of sectors including non-profit, retail, manufacturing, and banking.
Mary studied Liberal Arts with a business focus at DePaul University.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Meredith manages and maintains all aspects of the Development database. She works across departments to ensure data accuracy and integrity. She also oversees registration for events such as the PFF Summit and PFF Walks; the generation of large mailing and email lists; and any Development revenue reporting at the PFF.
Before joining the PFF, Meredith worked at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago managing their donor database and data processes, in addition to working as a social worker. Prior to that, she was employed in information technology at CNA Insurance.
Meredith graduated from Augustana College with a BS in Computer Science. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Illinois, Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- PFF Registry Project Manager
- Project Manager, PFF Registry
As the PFF Registry Project Manager, Misha Cadet works closely with the Vice President of the PFF Registry. Misha coordinates and manages projects related to the PFF Registry, a disease registry comprised of patients, families, caregivers, and lung transplant recipients impacted by pulmonary fibrosis and interstitial lung disease.
Misha has worked in health care since 2003 and has experience in database management, health education and technology for medical centers and health organizations in Illinois and
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Marketing and Communications
Naomi Edwards supports all efforts related to PFF marketing and communications. Along with managing email communications for the PFF, Naomi assists with content development for the PFF social media platforms. Her work promotes the initiatives, programs and events at the Foundation. She also helps maintain communications for brand integrity and consistency.
Prior to joining the PFF, Naomi worked in both nonprofit and business settings in fulfilling roles including Youth Development Specialist, Operations Manager, Social Media Manager, Content Creator and Brand Consultant.
Naomi graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Arts Management and a Minor in Journalism
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Chairman, Development Committee / Charlotte, NC
- Senior Vice President With Wells Fargo & Company
Pat Rosa is a Senior Vice President with Wells Fargo & Company. Pat has 21 years of experience at Wells Fargo in the Operational Risk Management and Information Security fields. She performs key roles contributing to the firm's governance and oversight responsibilities. Pat is an active member of the PFF's Development Committee since 2017. Pat's personal experience with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) was with her late husband, Tony Rosa, who passed away from the disease in October 2007. Pat has made it her personal mission to support the cause in finding a cure and looks forward to contributing to the Board in this endeavor.
Pat has a B.A. in Psychology and Education from College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale, NY. She has a Master's in Education in Reading, Language and Literacy from University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC). Pat has been a volunteer with the non-profit organization Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region (HPCCR) since 2009. Pat lives in Charlotte, NC. Pat is an avid reader and yoga practitioner. She has one daughter, Stephanie, a Golden doodle named Chloe, and a black cat named Luna.
Job Titles:
- CEO of ABC Language Services
PJ Kamani is the CEO of ABC Language Services, a language services provider based in Connecticut. Prior to starting this venture in 2001, PJ was involved in other B-to-B service enterprises in partnership with a Canadian company. Earlier in his career, he managed the Francophone Africa loan portfolio for Equator Bank, a subsidiary of HSBC Bank.
With a family long afflicted by idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, PJ has lost two siblings and a parent to the disease. He, himself, has recently been diagnosed with the disease.
With a long history of volunteerism, PJ has been a member of the PFF Finance Committee since October 2019 and joined the Board in March 2021. Prior to this, he served on the Finance Committee of the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP - BeTheMatch) for 8 years (chairing the Committee for two) and on the Board of Directors of the NMDP for 8 years.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Marketing and Communications
Samantha Simmons is responsible for social media management, graphic design, and overseeing PFF communications to maintain brand integrity. She leads the creation and distribution of digital and print marketing materials. Her work involves developing visual identities for the PFF's programs and events.
Samantha began her career in nonprofit marketing and development at Mental Health America of Illinois (MHAI). There, she focused on social media marketing, graphic design, event planning, and donor outreach. She continued to work with MHAI as a volunteer graphic designer and event planner on its Junior Board for several years.
She previously worked with Chicago-based Heartland Health Outreach (HHO) as the communications coordinator, where she oversaw all of HHO's communications. She led the creation of new communications outlets, including a new website and social media accounts.
Samantha graduated from Ball State University with a BA in Public Relations and a minor in Japanese.
Job Titles:
- Prospect Management and Research
In her role as Manager for Prospect Management and Research, Sarah provides new data, contextual information, and data analysis services to help direct development activity for the PFF. She is involved in many aspects of fundraising, from preparing for donor meetings to offering strategy consultation for events.
Prior to joining the PFF, Sarah spent 11 years with the development office of the University of Chicago, first in administrative roles before becoming an analyst and then a senior analyst with Development Research.
She holds a BA in Theatre Studies from Willamette University and an MA in Performance Studies from the University of Arizona.
Scott Staszak has worked in leadership roles for the PFF since 2011. He oversees the effective execution of the business plan for the organization and manages the day-to-day functioning of the operating units - PFF Registry; Care Center Network; Corporate Business Development; Finance; Human Resources; and Information Technology. He also supports strategic planning for the Foundation.
Prior to joining the PFF, Scott worked at The Field Museum of Natural History for nearly ten years as the director of financial operations. Additionally, he taught a course in financial management within the master's degree program for Arts Administration and Policy at the School of the Art Institute in Chicago.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant
- Project Manager
- Assistant to the PFF
Sean is the assistant to the PFF President & CEO and the Chief Operating Officer. He also manages the IT department and special projects of the Foundation. Sean interacts with and coordinates among all departments at the Foundation, with a focus on operations, facilities, and support for HR.
He began his career in Cleveland in account relations/inventory management in the logistics field, then moved to Chicago and worked in the Strategies and Planning department at Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) of Chicago. He later joined the PFF as Executive Assistant/Project Manager.
Sean graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in Marketing.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Development
Seth is responsible for overseeing the Fundraising operation at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. He provides leadership in guiding staff members in fundraising events, annual fund, and major and planned giving fundraising initiatives. He personally engages with donors and volunteers in fundraising to further the mission of the organization.
Previously, Seth spent 15 years at Children's Memorial Hospital, later Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, in leadership roles in Human Resources as well as Lurie Children's Foundation, where he was the Vice-President of Operations.
Seth graduated from Ohio University with a BS in Health Care Administration and a Minor in Business.
Sharon Reed is responsible for processing online donations and family notifications of gifts received in honor/memory of a loved one. She also assists with the recurring donor and tribute programs and maintaining the integrity of the fundraising database data.
Prior to joining the PFF, she worked as an administrative assistant at Illinois Quadel.
Sharon graduated from DePaul University with a BS in Computer Science.
Job Titles:
- Senior Database Coordinator
Sheena Kelly is responsible for assisting the database team in data processing, maintaining the accuracy within the database, generating advanced reports to assist other departments, and other special projects.
Prior to joining the PFF, Sheena worked at several non-profits, performing roles such as media relations, development, and administrative support.
Sheena graduated with a BS in Business Management from DePaul University.
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
- Research Nurse
Susan Jacobs is a research nurse manager in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine as well as a nurse coordinator in the Interstitial Lung Disease Program, both for Stanford Medical Center; she has been with Stanford since 1998. She is also an assistant clinical professor with the UCSF Graduate School of Nursing. Her primary area of interest is improving symptom management for patients with chronic lung disease.
From 1996 to 1998 she served as project manager for an NIH grant studying Dyspnea with UCSF, and from 1991 to 1996 she was manager and clinical coordinator for the Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at Seton Medical Center. From 1988 to 1991 she was a pulmonary nurse specialist and study coordinator for Veterans Hospital Medical Center. She served as an educational coordinator in the Cardiothoracic Surgical ICU at Stanford Medical Center (1982-1986) after receiving her MS in Pulmonary Nursing in 1982 from UCSF; prior to this she was a critical care nurse at Providence Hospital (1975-1976) and Sequoia Hospital (1976-1982). She received her BS in Nursing in 1975 from California State University at Chico.
Susan is lead author on the first national patient survey of almost 2000 supplemental oxygen users in the US. She is also lead author on the recently published ATS clinical practice guideline on Home Oxygen Therapy for Adults with Chronic Lung Disease. Susan collaborates with policy makers and advocacy groups to address care gaps for patients using supplemental oxygen. She received the National LAM Foundation Leader award in 2014, Outstanding Clinician Award from the California Thoracic Society in 2016, and the ATS PAR Award of Excellence in 2020. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (2019). Susan serves on the PFF Medical Advisory Board, has served as faculty for the PFF Summit since its inception in 2011, and has been an active member of the Summit Program Organizing Committee since 2016.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board of Directors
- Corporate Real Estate Executive
- Secretary / New York City, NY
Terence Hales is a corporate real estate executive based in New York City. He has over 20 years of industry experience and has worked for a number of global Fortune 100 companies including Time Warner, Bear Stearns, Lehman Brothers, CBS Corporation, and Pfizer Inc. In his previous roles he was responsible for real estate strategy, transaction management, and cost efficiency. Terence is currently the Director of Global Real Estate for Zoetis Inc., the former Pfizer Animal Health Division. Mr. Hales is the founder of the NYC Run-Walk-Hike for Pulmonary Fibrosis, which has raised more than $400,000 toward PF research and patient services. Mr. Hales's father was diagnosed with PF and subsequently underwent a successful double-lung transplant in 2007, surviving for 13 years post-transplant. Mr. Hales was previously a board member of the Coalition for Pulmonary Fibrosis, where his work included lobbying members of congress to support research funding for pulmonary fibrosis. Mr. Hales has a Bachelor of Science in Finance and a Masters of Business Administration from Fordham University.
Thomas E. Hales, 83, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife of 60 years and the love of his life, Alice Marie (Power) Hales, his six children and his grandchildren, on Thursday, October 8, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. He was born on October 15, 1936 in North Tarrytown, NY to the late William H. Hales & Phyllis E. Hales. He was also predeceased by his younger brother, William H. Hales, Jr. "Red" on September 25, 1959.
He was well known in Westchester and Rockland Counties and beyond and had a deep sense of commitment to community. Tom never met a stranger and greeted everyone with his famous "million-dollar smile". Wherever he went he happened upon someone he knew.
Mr. Hales graduated from Iona College (cum laude) in 1958 and obtained a Master's in Business Administration from Pace University in 1996. He served in the US Army Signal Corp. He was employed by Price Waterhouse & Co from 1958 to 1963 where he became a Certified Public Accountant. Subsequently he founded Thomas E Hales & Co., a regional accounting firm for 17 years, before he sold it to help in turning around businesses for C. Pappas & Co., of Boston, Massachusetts. There he became the CEO of Image Maker, a photo finishing company, and Town & Country Liquors, the second largest wholesaler in Massachusetts. He joined Union State Bank in 1980, making an investment in USB to help the troubled bank. Under his leadership, Union State Bank grew from $23 million in assets to over $3 billion in assets by 2007. During that time, USB became listed on the New York Stock Exchange. USB was sold to KeyBank in 2007 while he was suffering from the debilitating disease of pulmonary fibrosis. The sale was consummated just after he received the gift of life on November 1, 2007 when he underwent a life saving double lung transplant that gave him almost thirteen years of additional life. For him and his family it was our "miracle".
Left to cherish Tom's memory are his wife Alice Marie, his six children, Lianne (Sean), William, Carolyn (Bruce), Thomas Jr. (Jennifer), Terence (Ryan) and Allison (Donald), his sister Phyllis Weaver, sisters-in-law Virginia Power, Joan Power and Helene (Honey) Bieliewcz (deceased) along with his more than 35 dear first cousins, whom he cherished. He was the "extremely proud" grandfather of nine grandchildren: Robert Shaw, Michael Shaw, Thomas Wilson, Christopher Hales Wilson, Nicholas Wilson, Thomas Hales III, William Hales, Teagan Hales and Althea Marie Gheen.
Mr. & Mrs. Hales were compassionate philanthropists who contributed to numerous organizations. He was committed to community causes. He received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2003 (which recognizes exceptional humanitarian efforts and outstanding contributions to our nation), the William Cullen Bryant Award from the Westchester Medical Center for distinguished leadership in 2008, the John F. Heimerdinger lifetime of service award from Westchester Medical Center in 2017 the Corporate Citizen Award from the Boys and Girls Clubs of New Rochelle and was honored by numerous other non-profits and community organizations.
He received Westchester County Business Journal's Business Leader of the Year Award in 2004. He served on the Board of Trustees of Iona College since 1995, New York Medical College, Nyack Hospital, New York State Independent Bankers, New York State Bankers Association, Independent Bankers of America, Kirschman Corp., Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Leukemia Society of America, Dominican Sisters Family Health Service, Knights of Columbus, and the Westchester County Association. He was a Board Member Emeritus of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, where he was instrumental in the growth of the organization. He helped establish the Maria Fareri Children's Hospital and Trauma Center at the Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla, provided major support for the Thomas E. and Alice M. Hales Endoscopy Unit and the Alice Marie and Thomas E. Hales Pediatric Treatment Area of the Emergency Department at Phelps Memorial Hospital Center.
The PFF Walk NYC was started in his honor by his son, Terence Hales who founded and faithfully organized this event which is now in its 14th year and has raised over $1 million dollars for the PFF. As the grateful recipient of a double-lung transplant in 2007, he was also an avid supporter of Donate Life and advocated for opt-out organ donation in New York State.
Forever grateful to University of Maryland Medical Center and specifically his doctors, Aldo T. Iacono and Bartley C. Griffith, he established in perpetuity the Thomas E. and Alice Marie Hales Distinguished Professorship in Transplant Surgery which is held by Bartley P. Griffith, MD. True to form, he became well known around UMMC which he frequented over the last 13 years. He came to know and love many of the kind, compassionate and inspiring healthcare workers who helped him extend his journey, to which he was eternally thankful. The Hales are ardent supporters for organ donation.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Medical Advisory Board
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- President
- President and Chief Executive Officer / Chicago, IL
William T. Schmidt was named President & CEO of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) in August 2017. In this role, Mr. Schmidt is responsible for the overall management and direction of the Foundation, which is the leading national organization that mobilizes people and resources to provide access to high quality care, and leads research for a cure so people with pulmonary fibrosis will live longer, healthier lives. Prior to joining PFF, for twelve years he was CEO of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, the largest non-governmental source of funding for retinal degenerative disease research in the world.
Mr. Schmidt has had extensive experience as a senior executive for a number of high-profile and respected health research advocacy organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF). An honors graduate of Amherst College, Mr. Schmidt also received his J.D. from the DePaul University College of Law and completed the Kellogg Graduate School of Management's Executive Development Program.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Board and External Relations