The FSH Society Board welcomes two new members, who were elected at the May 2016 Board meeting. They bring considerable business, financial, governance, and marketing knowledge with them, along with the deep commitment that comes from having loved ones who are affected by FSHD.
Christine Ford is a business graduate of California State University, Sacramento. She earned her CPA license in 1984 and worked as an auditor with the California State Auditor. She then moved on to various management positions with the California Lottery and the California State Teachers’ Retirement System, where she was the CFO and then chief of staff. Chris serves on the finance committee for the FSH Society.
Since retiring in 2012, Chris has been able to more vigorously pursue her interests in travel and volunteering. She has held volunteer positions with her city’s personnel board and as a tax preparer with AARP. She currently volunteers in a library program, assisting grade school children and their parents in understanding California’s new core curriculum.
Having a sister who has been affected by FSHD for over 30 years, Chris is very committed to furthering the Society’s education, research, and development goals so that there can be a future with treatments and a cure. Chris belongs to the Sacramento FSH Society member network, where she continues to educate herself about FSHD and reach out to others who may be newly diagnosed. Chris, a native New Yorker, currently resides in Roseville, California, with her husband Jim.
Tom Ruekert is vice president for Palo Duro Hardwoods. He assisted with the development of a new charter school in his community that opened in 2013 and now sits on the governing board. Tom spends his free time coaching his children in sports. He aims to work closely with our development and investment committees to bring awareness and additional funds to FSH Society programs.
Tom’s wife Katie was diagnosed with FSHD in 2011 and has become a strong advocate for the FSH Society. She founded and is co-chairing the Walk & Roll to Cure FSHD in Castle Rock, Colorado, this September 10.
Amy Bekier, who joined the FSH Society Board of Directors in 2014, was elected secretary of the Board in May 2016. Amy has stepped ably into the role vacated when Beth Johnston retired from the Board earlier this year.
Linda Laurello-Bambarger stepped off the Board in June 2016. Linda took considerable time and effort to serve on the finance committee while juggling the growing demands of her position as CFO for Delta Railroad Construction and parenting a toddler and a new infant. During her tenure on the Society’s Board of Directors, Linda co-organized the Cosie Laurello 10K memorial run in honor of her late grandfather and attended the 2015 Ms. Wheelchair USA competition as the Society’s representative in support of FSH Society ambassador Skylar Conover, who won the contest.
We are deeply grateful to Linda for her service, and we look forward to a new chapter in the Society’s long-standing relationship with the Laurello family.
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