President
Joe was appointed to the board in June 2021 when he was elected President, the office he continues to hold. A double-lung transplant saved his wife, Lisa’s life in October 2015. Joe feels serving on the board is one way he can give back and support the “next generation” of lung-transplant recipients. When he is not working, Joe spends his free time with Lisa and takes care of his aging parents
Vice President
Lori was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in March 2014, which led to her double-lung transplant in December 2016. She has served on the board since June of 2018, as Secretary and currently serving as Vice President. Lori also was on the committee to redesign the BNL logo, tagline, and t-shirts, she has chaired the annual golf fund-raising committee and redesigned and published our newsletter in recent years. In her free time, Lori enjoys traveling, gardening, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Treasurer
Deb joined the board and was simultaneously elected as the new Treasurer in July 2022. She immediately began training for her new role at the annual golf fund-raising event at the end of July. She is also a member of the BNL t-shirt redesign committee. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis were the causes of her needing a double-lung transplant, which was performed in March 2019. In her free time, Deb enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, baking & cooking, using her embroidery machine, and learning new crafts. Summers bring rides with her husband in their Chevy Camaro convertible and an annual family vacation with their adult children and grandchildren to a cabin in Chetek, WI.
Secretary
Patty joined the board in August 2021 as a director and presently serves as Secretary. She also publishes our quarterly newsletter and administers the BNL Facebook page. Her underlying disease is cystic fibrosis, and she is grateful for her double-lung transplant in July 1999. Retired for five years, Patty enjoys spending winters in Mesa, AZ, designing and making greeting cards for family and friends, staying in touch with her loved ones via Zoom, and writing short stories or poetry.
Communications Director
Laura joined the board in May 2014 and has held the titles of Communications Director and Technical Support her entire tenure. She has also served on the planning committee for BNL’s annual golf fund-raising event and volunteered for other fundraising activities, such as working concessions at Twins games and bake sales. Laura was her brother, Ralph’s caregiver after his double-lung transplant in Feb 2008 and his subsequent work on the board inspired her to become a director as well. Sadly, Ralph passed away in November 2021, but Laura remains dedicated to BNL’s mission and cherishes the many friendships with transplant recipients she has met. Her interests include live music concerts and festivals, traveling, bowling, and spending time with family and friends.
Board Director
Gary has been with the board since 2013 and held the office of Treasurer from that time until July 2022. Since stepping down from the Treasurer role, he continues to support BNL as a director. He underwent a single-lung transplant in February 2012 due to emphysema. His favorite activities include golfing, fishing, playing pickleball and watching his three granddaughters play volleyball.
Board Director
The board welcomed Tammi as a director in July 2022 and she is a member of the BNL t-shirt redesign committee. Tammi, who had COPD, received her double-lung transplant in October 2020 and likes reading crime and thriller fiction, camping, listening to classic rock music and creating arts & crafts. She also loves all breeds of dogs and enjoys dog sitting.
Board Director
Lisa joined the board in June 2021 as a director. She designed the BNL website and is responsible for its ongoing maintenance. Lisa has cystic fibrosis, and her double-lung transplant took place in October 2015. She enjoys volunteering, reading mysteries and historical fiction, participating in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), taking care of her parents, and spending time with her husband, Joe, family and two toy poodles.
