< St. Jude Memorial Foundation

< St. Jude Medical Center

Board of Directors

Driven by passion, our leaders are committed to the Foundation, the Medical Center and the community we serve.

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Leaders who care deeply

Board members don’t just live in our community. They’re invested. They guide the Foundation, ensuring donations deliver leading-edge medical advances and compassionate care for all.

The Memorial Foundation is guided by a volunteer Board of Directors whose members oversee the work of the Foundation on behalf of St. Jude Medical Center.

Please click on the images to view their bios.

Can we count on you?

The needs are many, including a new CT scanner for improved diagnosis and treatment, or nursing scholarships that strengthen the delivery of exemplary patient care.

Yes, I’d like to support St. Jude Medical Center

Can we count on you?

The needs are many, including a new CT scanner for improved diagnosis and treatment, or nursing scholarships that strengthen the delivery of exemplary patient care.

Yes, I’d like to support Providence St. Jude Medical Center
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Nerissa Valdellon

Nerissa Valdellon

Board Member

Nerissa Valdellon grew up in Chino Hills, CA and graduated from California State University, Fullerton. For over two decades she’s worked in the Digital Advertising Industry and is very active volunteering in multiple church committees and non-profit organizations serving communities and families. Nerissa is a second generation Filipino-American whose parents immigrated to the U.S. in 1974. She and her husband Alain currently reside in Yorba Linda, CA with their two sons.

What motivates your desire to give back?

Giving back is my passion, doing so brings me purpose and meaning to life. I want to make a difference in this world in any capacity and inspire others by being a part of building a community that focuses on the overall well-being of humanity. It is not only rewarding, but also enables me to be an example for my children, for them to also have the heart to serve and inspire others as they grow up. 

Why are you supporting the medical center? What motivates your philanthropy?

Providence St. Jude’s mission aligns with who I am, it aligns with the core of my faith and what I want to represent and be a part of. “As expressions of God’s healing love, witnessed through the ministry of Jesus, we are steadfast in serving all, especially those who are poor and vulnerable.” 

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?

When asked to serve this verse came to mind:

“1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

I believe that by serving, I can use the gifts and talents God has graced me with to help others and make a difference in this world.

Ray Stermer

Board Member

Ray Stermer has practiced as a Clinical Hospital Pharmacist and Consultant for over 30 years. He’s worked in several areas of his profession, including sales and marketing, homecare, drug distribution and infusion therapy.

His late wife, Joanne M. Stermer, served as the Executive Director of Surgical Services and Endoscopy at the hospital for 15 years. During this time, she said she loved practicing at St. Joseph Orange better than any other hospital because of its mission and vision, staff and holy sisters.

Ray and his family are now fully committed to the success of SJO.

What motivates your desire to give back?
My desire to give back is a result of my sincere love for the mission and vision of the hospital.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I am committed to maintaining the strong legacy of my late wife.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I joined the board to help it achieve its philanthropic goals. It is very important that our community truly understands the necessity and importance of this board to SJO.

Sr. Nadine McGuinness

Board Member

Sister Nadine McGuinness has taught history, spiritual living practices and theology for many years. She’s also directed teaching institutes for Catholic dioceses seeking to instruct adults on becoming educators.

She’s written several textbooks and teacher’s manuals for adolescent and high school students and teachers.  Presently, she is focused on the contributions of Pope Francis to the reform of structures and styles of interaction in the Catholic Church.

Sister McGuinness is one of three daughters. 

What motivates your desire to give back?
I’ve met wonderful, gifted people who’ve brought so much help to me through St. Joseph Hospital through the years. I’d like to say “Thank you” — and doing so makes me feel that we are all a part of this big ministry of caring for, empowering and appreciating the personal efforts of one another.

Why are you supporting the medical center?  
I have come home to the Motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, which is in the backyard of St. Joseph Hospital, for more than 50 years. 

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I like to learn from people. I am energized by the varieties of gifts I experience in Foundation members.

Ivan Turpin, MD

Board Member

Ivan Turpin received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Utah before studying general surgery at UCLA and plastic surgery at University of California at Irvine.

He served as a medical officer for the Navy during the Vietnam War. He’s currently a surgeon at SJH and Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at UCI.

Ivan and his wife Darlene have one son and one grandson.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I’m motivated to participate in the foundation because it allows me the opportunity to improve the lives of others.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
With the tremendous advances in the technological aspects of health care, it’s critical that new equipment is made available to our physicians. With reimbursement for services being unable to keep up with the costs of modern technology, it becomes vital to seek funding from other sources.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
The St. Joseph Foundation Board plays a crucial role in ensuring funding is available. By joining the Board, I feel I can bring knowledge and expertise to the table and have an opportunity to meet and work with new people that have a similar sense of purpose.

Gemma Seidl

Board Member

Gemma Seidl, RN, MSN, MPH, PHN is Executive Director of Acute Care Services, Nursing Operations and Clinical Informatics Systems at St. Joseph Hospital, where she has worked since 2008.

She has a Masters in Nursing Administration from Cal State Fullerton and Masters in Public Health from Aristotle University. Over her 30 year career, she’s been recognized as an authority on sepsis, critical care best practices and nursing leadership. She’s been nominated several times for St. Joseph Hospital’s Values in Actions awards.

Gemma and her husband Michael have one son.

What motivates your desire to give back?
It is a calling to be a nurse and caring for our dear neighbor is a privilege and obligation to give back not just financially but with time, treasure and talent.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I’m front and center on the needs of the hospital and the population we serve. Supporting the medical center is another way for me to support patients I see every day.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
One of my goals is to provide feedback on donor supported initiatives to ensure that they’re being used to save patients’ lives and improve caregiver work environments.

Dr. Warren “Dave” Johnston

Board Member

Dr. Johnston has been a practicing cardiologist at St. Joseph Hospital since 1983.

He is also Director of St. Joseph Women’s Heart Center, Physician Site Director of St. Joseph Heritage Cardiology Division, Chairman of the St. Jude St. Joseph Heritage Cardiology Department, Medical Director of Orange County/High Desert Providence Heart Institute and Co-Director of the Southern California Providence Heart Institute.

He and his wife have three daughters, two of whom have been nurses at St. Joe’s.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I was an only child. My father left us when I was 5. A lot of people have given to me along the way and I wouldn’t have made it without them, so I feel it’s important to give back now.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
St. Joseph’s has a vibe unlike any other hospital. People really care and everyone matters here – from the people who change sheets to the doctors and nurses.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
My goal is to expand the board to patients and community members who have benefited from our presence and motivate them to continue to contribute and improve the hospital.

Lizanne Ball Monahan

Lizanne Ball Monahan attended UCI and graduated from California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Arts in Business. She has an emphasis in Marketing. She and her husband, Dennis, have 3 children and 6 grandkids.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I feel it is important to care for our community and each other in any way that we can. I learned this at an early age, watching my parents and grandparents generously give of themselves.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
Each of the Ball doctors were proud to serve at a hospital that was on the cutting edge of new medical procedures and innovative technology. As a member of the Ball family, I’m committed to helping the hospital continue this tradition, and have been happy to support St. Joseph’s with both treasure and time.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
My involvement with the Foundation Board has enabled me to maintain the strong relationship between my family and the St. Joseph Hospital community, which has always been a part of my life.

Amy Daugherty

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Amy received her Bachelor’s degree in Communications, with a focus on Public Relations, from California State University at Fullerton. She’s been in the medical non-profit industry for over 25 years in local, regional & national roles.

She started her role at St. Joseph in September 2019 with the belief that people will go above and beyond if treated right and given the proper tools to succeed.

Amy lives in Laguna Niguel and enjoys a very full life that includes her significant other, David.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I love the mission and values of St. Joseph Hospital.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I believe the impact of philanthropy changes the footprint in our community by ensuring that our ministry has the best technology, education, caregivers, research and ultimately patient outcomes.

I have a strong background in strategic planning, physician/surgeon cultivation and fundraising through grateful patient giving and love working with donors and volunteers.

Tanja Cebula

Chair-Elect

Tanja Cebula graduated from Oregon State University with a B.S. in accounting, then earned her M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

She co-founded the Be Aware Foundation in 2004 and has served on the boards of the Oregon State University Foundation and the Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement.

Prior to retirement, she was Executive Vice President of Talent at Resources Global Professionals where she was a founding leader and member for over 21 years. She and her husband John have twin sons and one daughter.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I’m a breast cancer survivor. Having a community hospital in our backyard that gives us access to some of the best care and doctors in the U.S. means a lot to me.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
St. Joseph Hospital stands out because of its commitment to serve all patients with compassion and dedication. The Sisters of St. Joseph’s value system is felt throughout the walls of the hospital and people who work there.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I’m passionate about people and having an opportunity to serve and work alongside them, all united to achieve the mission of the hospital.

Curtis Kauffman

Board Member

Curtis Kauffman earned a B.A. in Communications from Cal State Fullerton and completed graduate studies in theology at Mount St. Mary’s in L.A.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Curt launched a career in healthcare and business communications. He’s been the owner of his own publishing company since 1988 and is a current strategic planning consultant for medical imaging leaders.

Curtis and his wife Mary have 6 children and 18 grandchildren.

What motivates your desire to give back?
As a health care writer and publisher, I’ve always been in awe of the people on the front lines of medicine who work so hard to keep our population healthy.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
Being involved with St. Joseph Hospital is an extension of ministry for me and an opportunity to give back to the profession of health care that sustained me professionally for over 40 years.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
The board is a very professional organization and I was eager to be part of such an extremely gifted and motivated team.

Charlene Immell

Board Member

Charlene attended the University of California at Berkeley before returning to her hometown of Santa Ana and getting involved in her community.

She has won numerous awards including the Panhellenic Athena Award, the Spirit of St. Joseph Award with her husband, Mike, and the Woman of the Year Award from the Boys and Girls Club of Central Orange Coast where she is a long-time Board member and Past President. She is also active in a variety of groups including the Board of Special Olympics, Orange County, and Chapter AB, PEO.

Charlene and her husband Mike have three children.

What motivates your desire to give back?
My parents were the best example of supporting the causes they believed in, advocating for positive changes, and serving the community. Their hard work and generosity knew no limits.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
Two of our three children were born at St. Joseph. From a lifetime of care here, I have great respect for the physicians and caregivers who truly are the heart of the hospital.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I love the mission and the caring people I encounter, including the doctors, the staff, and my fellow volunteers.

Marc Harper

Board Member

Marc Harper earned his B.S. in Business Administration with an option in professional accountancy from California State University, Long Beach, and a J.D. from Western State University College of Law.

He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, American Bar Association, and the California Society of CPAs.

Marc and his wife Lura have three children together, and three grandchildren.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I was taught from an early age that we don’t do anything alone. Supporting our neighbors, community and beyond is important to being a productive and good member of society. I believe that if we are fortunate enough to be able to give back, we have an obligation, and privilege, to do so.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
Health care is an essential service and one which should be available to everyone. St. Joseph provides a safety net for so many in our community.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
The compassion and passion for caregiving I witnessed from the sisters, the hospital staff, and the Foundation staff before joining.

Alison Gooding

Board Member

Alison Gooding attended Northeastern University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. She’s worked for numerous dental and medical sales companies, including Pfizer, Warner Lambert and Proctor & Gamble.

She is now a busy mother of two teenagers, and active in various community groups including PEO, Women of Vision and Boys and Girls Club.  

What motivates your desire to give back?
My family’s legacy of involvement is important to me. St. Joseph continues to do an incredible job providing care to the community and has also had a huge impact with me personally, and with family and friends that have been treated at the hospital.

Why are you supporting the medical center?  
I was born at St. Joseph Hospital and I believe in its Mission.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
When invited to join the foundation board, I was happy and honored to do so. It has given me many great opportunities to become involved and give back to my community.

Eileen Doody

Board Member

Eileen Doody has been a Senior Vice President with Madison Marquette — formerly known as PMRG — for over 20 years, specializing in all aspects of Medical Real Estate.

She has worked with St. Joseph hospital on a business level for 17 years.

She and her husband have lived in Huntington Beach and raised their family there for over 40 years.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I believe in the old saying “what goes around comes around”. I have found that service to others and giving back provides food for my soul.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I have had the privilege to interact with many of the physicians that serve this Hospital. They have inspired me on a daily basis with their dedication and empathetic care of patients.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
Over the years I have seen first-hand the commitment and collaboration that the Board has contributed to the success of the Hospital and its programs. I also appreciate how the board thoughtfully maximizes the return of each dollar back into the hospital.

Lisa McGregor

Board Member

Lisa McGregor is the owner of Windrose Travel.

She is active in several professional and trade groups and over the past 25 years has held various leadership positions at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She’s also served on the City of Anaheim Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Committee, the Orange Chamber of Commerce and various PTA Board positions including a district position.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I am motivated to give back in order to express gratitude for the blessings I have received.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I trust St Joseph Hospital and know it does good work that enhances the quality of life in the community. My youngest child and three granddaughters were born here, my grandmother and parents have been patients, and my daughter was a volunteer for two years before deciding to pursue a career in healthcare.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I have always had a positive experience with St Joseph Hospital and the Foundation staff and am proud to be associated with the team.

David Margileth, MD

Manager, Business Development at St. Joseph Hospital of Orange

Dr. David Margileth has been on the Medical Staff of St Joseph Hospital for 44 years. He earned his Bachelor’s in Chemistry at Occidental College before attending med school at Baylor College.

He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology and has held a private practice at St. Joseph hospital since 1976. He served as the Director of Cancer at the hospital until 1989 and is presently Medical Director of Genetics Services.

Dr. Margileth and his wife have five children and 13 grandchildren.

What motivates your desire to give back?
To maintain St Joseph Hospital as an excellent community hospital. The foundation benefits the Medical Staff and the support staff at the hospital but more importantly, benefits patients taken care of at our hospital.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
The funds provided by the Foundation through philanthropy are crucial to making it possible to provide new services, including our new linear accelerator in the Radiotherapy Department and the structural heart program.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I joined the Foundation Board to help the hospital provide funds to update facilities and obtain the most up-to-date equipment to maintain the excellence of our hospital.

Dr. Jeff Johnsrud

Board Member

Dr. Jeff Johnsrud attended undergraduate and medical school at USC, before serving his residency at LAC-USC Medical Center.

He practiced at St. Joseph from 1987 – 2016 as a general surgeon.

Dr. Johnsrud now splits time between Newport Beach and Idaho with his partner Mary and Yellow Labrador Gracie.

What motivates your desire to give back?
The compassionate mission of St. Joseph to care for everyone regardless of ability to pay and the generous hearts of the Sisters of St. Joseph.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
Because I believe in the mission and know that it takes more than just operating revenue to make our hospital the best it can be.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I practiced at St. Joseph for a long time, knew a lot of employees there and wanted to be a liaison between the foundation and the physicians. I also wanted to help inspire other physicians to be a part of our philanthropic mission.

James G. Hart

Board Member

James Hart has been in executive management for over 15 years, working in the global technology industry. During this time, he’s built strong working relationships with many leading governmental agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), International Red Cross and Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

In 2019, he was inducted into the Irish Technology Leadership Group’s Hall of Fame at Stanford University. And as a co-chair in 2002, he was responsible for helping the Irvine Residents with Disabilities Advisory Board earn a $25,000 grant.

James and his wife Tracey have been married for 19 years. They have four children.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I was raised in a devout Irish Catholic family and my parents instilled the responsibility to always work on behalf of others, especially seniors, disabled and those in need.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I believe in the story of the Sisters of St. Joseph and their mission of “Serving thy dear neighbor.” I’m also a member of St. Joseph’s Spiritual Care team.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I was asked by a friend. It’s something I’ve really jumped into.

Jennifer Kovac

Board Member

Jennifer Kovac received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon before entering a career in healthcare management and consultation.

She is currently Manager of Business Development at St. Joseph Hospital and has worked with physician relations there for over 14 years.

Jen and her husband Gary have two children.

What motivates your desire to give back?
The exceptional clinical and spiritual care I’ve witnessed patients receive at St. Joseph through my years as an employee.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
Three generations of my family have celebrated the beginning and end of life care at St. Joseph Hospital. I want to pass this legacy of care to other families.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
When a patient’s life has been renewed and they want to honor the physician, an impact is made on the hospital and recognition is given to our amazing doctors. I’ve seen first hand how equipment and facility upgrades would not have been funded if it weren’t for these gifts from grateful patients.

Randy Davis, PhD

Board Member

A licensed psychologist, Dr. Davis has been both a healthcare practitioner and Senior Executive throughout his career. This includes being the Founder, CEO and President of Statewide Behavioral Health Management Company, College Health IPA, and Comprehensive Behavioral Health Management. He’s also Division President of Beacon Health Options — the largest nationally managed behavioral healthcare organization.

As President of RCD Consulting, Dr. Davis assists regional and national behavioral health companies with strategy and growth and helps private equity companies with behavioral health-related initiatives. He’s also a member of the Board of Counselors for Argyros School of Business at Chapman University and a Trustee for Semester at Sea.

What motivates your desire to give back?
While my primary interest continues to be in Behavioral Health, I am committed to helping integrate these important services with the total healthcare experience.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I looked at many opportunities to help after retirement and find St Joseph’s like-minded with their mission and commitment to quality care.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
My prior neighbor invited me to consider joining the Foundation Board and I have enjoyed the people and the experience over the last few years.

Jeremy Zoch, PhD, MHA, FACHE

Chief Executive

Jeremy Zoch received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Management from Iowa State and his Master of Health Administration from Washington University in St. Louis. He completed his PhD in Health Related Sciences, Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

He began at St. Joseph Hospital in 2012 serving as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, and in 2017 became Chief Executive. Additionally, he has served as a board member and chair of United Cerebral Palsy and as an adjunct instructor at USC.

Jeremy and his wife Jenette have two children.

What motivates your desire to give back?
My personal values and faith – serving in body, mind, and spirit.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
St. Joseph Hospital feels like “home.” I appreciate it as a place that not only connects with excellence and innovation, but also in “how” the care is provided and how patients are served in a holistic manner.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
Serving on the board allows me to make the most impact in our community and in my everyday work.

Bob Baldwin

Chair

Bob is the Foundation Board chair, championing the mission of St. Joseph Hospital throughout Orange County.

Bob Baldwin spent thirty years with The Walt Disney Company, starting in operations and eventually moving into marketing and sales with Parks and Resorts in California, Florida, Tokyo and Paris.

He’s spent the past twenty years with a leisure industry consulting firm dealing with theme parks, museums, world expos and similar venues.

Bob has been married to his wife Sandi for forty years. They have two children and two grandchildren, both of whom were born at St. Joseph.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I feel it’s important to give back to your community and I like the opportunity to contribute my marketing skills in a meaningful way.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I hadn’t known much about St. Joseph Hospital but came to realize it was an important resource for our local community and needed to be supported.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
A friend who was very involved with the hospital introduced me to the Foundation Board and it was a natural fit.

Alejandro E. Ramirez, MD

Board Member

Dr. Ramirez has worked as an anesthesiologist at St. Joseph Hospital for over 31 years. He currently is the Medical Director of Surgical Services, St. Joseph Hospital and Medical Director, Pavilion Surgery Center.

As the birthplace of his youngest daughter and both of their grandsons, he and his wife Vicky have many professional and personal memories at St. Joe’s.

Appreciative of how much the hospital means to the community, Alex is eager to promote that sense of community and influence the greatest number of people to do good.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I’m constantly inspired by the caregivers I work with each day. They’re all so committed to the hospital and what we stand for. Seeing them in action gives confidence in what we do for humanity – there is a specific culture of kindness here.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
If my teammate in another department doesn’t have the best of everything, we’re not as strong as we could be. I give to areas with the highest need to build the strongest team possible.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
Over the years I have seen firsthand the important work the Foundation has done for our hospital.

Ron Thon

Board Member

Ron Thon has worked in the financial services profession – including banking, retirement planning, estate and financial planning – since the early 1970’s.

He fully retired as Chairman and CEO of Bankers Pension Services 14 years ago, after selling his company. Since then, he and his wife have dedicated themselves to giving back to faith-based organizations like St. Joseph’s. 

What motivates your desire to give back?
My wife and I were looking for deserving charities and discovered that working with St. Joseph was an excellent way to truly understand the need for giving.

Why are you supporting the medical center?  
Our family has experienced the outstanding medical care at St Joseph’s since the birth of my brother-in-law in 1938. Both our daughters and grandchildren were also born here and anytime our family has been in need of medical care, St. Joe’s has always come through with the best.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I joined largely because of my association with banking board associates who also serve on the St. Joseph Board. 

Donald A. Hunsberger

Board Member

Don Hunsberger is founder and Senior Principal at Hunsberger Dunn LLP, attorneys in Tustin, California. His sole areas of practice include Estate Planning, Trust Administration and Probate Administration.

He has volunteered in various advisory and board capacities with four schools, two colleges, three hospitals, six Catholic entities, two prison ministries and five children’s programs.  He’s also published articles in twelve journals, co-authored an Estate Planning Encyclopedia, and served as an editor for The Journal of Financial Service Professionals since 1989.

Don and his wife Cathie have four children and eight grandchildren. 

What motivates your desire to give back?
Helping the sick and feeding the hungry are embedded in my religious values.

Why are you supporting the medical center?  
I look at the work of the hospital as a ministry which is clearly included in the Scriptural mandate of helping those who cannot help themselves in their lives.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
My resolve to join grew when my daughter came to St. Joseph’s during the loss of her twin daughters. The Catholic-based care that she received warmed both my wife’s and my hearts.

Peggy Huang

Board Member

Mayor Peggy Huang is a 15-year resident of Yorba Linda who is passionate about serving the community, with a focus on advocacy for abused, neglected, and developmentally delayed children.

She was involved in two bills, signed into law, that protected abused and neglected children.  In addition, she successfully advocated for the decoupling of the Child Welfare Entitlement from the Federal Welfare Reform Act and protecting the Social Security Block Grant from reduction to ensure funding for at-risk and foster children.

Mayor Huang received her undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley, and her Juris Doctorate, as well as a specialized certificate of governmental affairs from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law.

What motivates your desire to give back?

I grew up in a Christian family.  My parents taught me community service is one of the ways to share Jesus’s ministry with the community. God has blessed me, and it is important to share these blessings with others.

Why are you supporting the medical center?

I am a breast cancer survivor and received my treatment at Providence St. Jude.  I am so grateful to the medical staff for the excellent care that I received. In 2019, my husband was critically ill.  The Providence St. Jude family saved his life and rallied around him during recovery. By supporting the medical center, it is an opportunity for me to support the Providence St. Jude staff in providing care to the patients.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?

I want to help Providence St. Jude provide excellent care for all those who seek it.

Kathy Salter

Kathy Salter

Board Member

Kathy Salter has 35 years of experience in the financial services industry and is frequently asked to present in-depth financial seminars to organizations, corporations, and small-business owners. She has a passion for educational conferences to stay ahead of new trends in investment management and financial planning practices.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I receive a lot of pleasure in giving back. My knowledge and ability to donate to the cause is very important to me.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
My husband Earl recently passed away. We were in the emergency room and as a patient more times than I can remember. Every time we were treated with empathy and kindness. The physical therapy group was especially understanding in helping my husband to learn to walk again.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
To Give Back in any way I could. I feel I can add value to the St. Jude Memorial Foundation board through my many years of experience and expertise volunteering and serving on numerous local non-profit boards.

Cindy Shin

Cindy Shin

Board Member

Cindy Shin is an entrepreneur businesswoman who founded and ran SHIN Imaging Center for 20 years in Los Angeles and Orange County.

Previously an English teacher in Korea, Cindy immigrated to the US in 1998 and became a certified MRI tech in 2000. In 2002, she founded SHIN MRI in Koreatown, starting with her savings of $28,000.

Cindy has always had a commitment to quality patient care, the compassionate personal side of diagnostic care as much as the technical side without the interference of the corporate bottom line and affordable price to bring the best radiology service to everyone.

What motivates your desire to give back?

A sense of obligation to help those less fortunate in our community to access advanced medical care at Providence St. Jude Medical center and improve their quality of life.

Why are you supporting the medical center?

I believe in Providence St. Jude Medical Center’s compassionate, reliable, and highest commitment to patient care for the community.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?

Sharing Providence St. Jude’s mission, vision and values with Korean community and helping Korean community to participate and collaborate for fund raising and community activities.

Eileen McNerney

CSJ

Eileen McNerney, CSJ is a Sister of St. Joseph of Orange. She has served on the Community Mission Board for six years.

Twenty-five years ago she started a non-profit organization in Santa Ana that has since expanded to Anaheim called Hope Builders.

The goal of this program is to walk young people out of generational poverty by providing intensive job training with employment to follow.

What motivates your desire to give back?
Much has been given to me throughout my life. This is my time to give back.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I know the long history of St. Jude’s and its stellar reputation. It truly belongs to the community that surrounds it.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I am serving on the Foundation Board because I think this board can make the best use of the gifts that God has given me.

Dub Drees

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Dub Drees joined St. Jude Memorial Foundation in 2019 from Verity Health System where she served as the Vice President of Communications and Philanthropy.

She has 20+ years of fundraising experience with an extensive background in managing highly successful healthcare foundations. Dub has a strong track record of leading high performing teams to consistently meet or exceed annual fundraising goals. That knowledge and her dedication to mission-centered service have prepared her to lead the next chapter of the foundation’s growth.

As a volunteer fundraiser, she served three terms as President and held leadership positions for ten years in a fundraising guild of Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).  Dub also chaired parent volunteer committees, executing major special events for Servite High School, Cornelia Connelly High School and St. Angela Merici School.

 

GC Alabastro

GC Alabastro

Board Member

GianCarlo (“GC”) Alabastro has spent over 19 years in the Retail Automotive Industry. He founded Fox Dealer, an automotive digital marketing company in 2013. Previous to founding Fox Dealer, he managed a Retail Automotive Group primarily focused on Digital Marketing and developing large-scale departments for Internet Sales and Business Development.

GC also previously worked on the first Nissan Digital Marketing Field Team at the Cobalt Group (CDK Global) launching the OEM’s founding Digital Lead Management Team.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I have been blessed with much success, and now have the opportunity to give back, and I feel really good about it.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
St. Jude has helped my family in times of need and I’m very grateful to have had such great care and people around us during those times. I want to make a big impact on behalf of my entire family.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
It is truly a privilege for me to serve alongside other community leaders on the Foundation board. I was raised by my grandmother, who had a special devotion to St. Jude. I want to connect others to the mission and have them experience the passion that is within the St. Jude family as I have.

Mike Verity

Mike Verity

Board Member

Mike Verity grew up in Fullerton and attended Claremont McKenna College, where he met his wife Amy. They both had ROTC scholarships and became active duty Army officers after graduation. Amy was stationed in Hawaii, so he joined her when his time was up and went to business school at the University of Hawaii. Then he started a career in investment management at First Hawaiian Bank.

Mike and Amy had kids and never intended to leave paradise but he received a job offer he couldn’t refuse from Lighthouse Financial Services in Brea. The firm’s founder introduced him to St. Jude Memorial Foundation in 2012 and suggested he get involved. He has served on the board ever since.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I grew up in Fullerton, and St. Jude has always been my family’s hospital.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
We have been well cared for not only by the medical center but also by Heritage for decades.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I’ve seen first-hand how dedicated, caring and flexible the hospital’s leadership team is. Their hard work is evidenced by the continuous flow of industry awards and accolades.

Stephen Straub

Steve Straub

Board Member

Steve Straub graduated from San Diego State University with a BS in Finance. He is a retired Chief Financial Officer for Price Transfer Inc., the largest provider of CBP CES Examination Services in the United States.

He and his wife Barby like supporting Care for the Poor programs and Neighbors Helping Neighbors is their favorite event.

What motivates your desire to give back?
My parents from an early age instilled in me the importance of giving back.

Why are you supporting the medical center? What motivates your philanthropy?
When my wife, Barbara, was diagnosed with breast cancer at St. Jude, they did everything in a compassionate and thorough way to remove the cancer, and now she is over 10 years cancer-free. We have been active contributors ever since.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
When I was asked to join the foundation I accepted because I thought my background in finance might be a good fit for the foundation.

Cathy Shircliff

Cathy Shircliff

Board Member

Cathy Shircliff was an employee with St. Jude Medical Center for over 25 years as the Executive Director of Imaging, Non-Invasive Cardiology and Breast Services until her retirement in 2018. She oversaw the dramatic growth of programs and services, the continuous introduction of new technology, and numerous successful accreditation processes. Equally important, she created a culture of excellence and continuously invested in the growth and development of the caregivers within the departments. Throughout her time as an employee, Cathy supported multiple fundraising initiatives.

She has two daughters, four grandchildren and has been married to her husband, Skip, for more than 47 years.

What motivates your desire to give back?
Helping others will bring comfort and joy to anyone’s life.

What motivates your philanthropy?
I was a St. Jude caregiver for many years and saw directly how philanthropy helped St. Jude become one of the top medical centers in the nation. I wanted to join that community of supporters.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
It is my time to give back to the memorial foundation in a way that will help secure funding for technology that will benefit the physicians and patients who choose St. Jude for their care.

Susan Shaw

Susan Shaw

Board Member

Susan Shaw has been a member of the Memorial Foundation Board of Directors for over five years. She was a teacher, co-owned an interior design company and later started an art gallery. Susan retired once she had her children, Jeff and Suzanne.

She has served as President of Damas de Caridad, a philanthropic group that supported various local organizations, such as St. Jude, and charities in the Fullerton and Orange County area. The group was active for over 50 years. Both Susan and her husband have been treated at St. Jude and continue to use its services.

What motivates your desire to give back?
The leaders and the commitment of every person involved within the foundation motivate me. I’m proud to know we seek to provide excellent care, equipment and physicians for our community.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I enjoy working within our community and asking and educating people to keep this momentum going through fundraising and personal giving.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I feel blessed to have the opportunity to be an advocate of motivating the gifted to give. I also enjoy having the association in my life and the fine leadership to ensure medical care for all.

Thad Sandford

Thaddeus (Thad) Sandford

Board Member

Thad Sandford is a retired Colonel with 26 years of service in the Air Force with assignments almost exclusively in Research and Development. He was awarded the Legion of Merit and the meritorious service medal.

Born in Fairbanks, Alaska and raised in Cleburne, Texas, he retired from the Boeing Company in May 2004 as vice president for Engineering for the Boeing Integrated Defense Systems.

Thad and his wife Ann live in Fullerton. They have two grown children and four grandchildren.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I have been blessed with family, education and job experiences. I feel that even in retirement, there is much I should be able to do to support the community’s institutions including its church life, city government, and hospital with my time and resources.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
St. Jude is an important institution in Fullerton. As it grows and develops, it increasingly supports the life and health of our community.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I joined the St Jude Memorial Foundation when asked, thinking that my varied background might provide a supporting perspective to help our community and its health care.

Dorothy Lippman Salovesh

Dorothy Lippman Salovesh

Board Member

Dorothy Lippman Salovesh has Nursing Degrees from Chaffey College and Cal State Fullerton, a Master’s Degree from UCLA, and was in the Nursing program at UCI Medical School.

The concept of Palliative Medicine and Palliative Care intrigued her so profoundly she began a campaign to heighten the awareness of the need for a Palliative Care Service. In 2003, St. Jude funded a position that inaugurated a Palliative Care Nurse Consultant Service and she was offered the position.

Dorothy raised three children while completing education with Post-Masters FNP. Now in retirement, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren.

What motivates your desire to give back?
Supporting our local hospital is crucial to the community, so we have the best care right in our backyards.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
My husband said it best, “The choice to donate is made on the heart, not on the dollars.” When we decided to make our gifts, our hearts were already with St. Jude.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I understood the importance of the members of the larger community contributing their time and treasure to fulfill some of the hospital needs.

John Dal Poggetto

Board Member

John has worked in healthcare technology and provider services for over 20 years. John, his wife Tammy, and his daughter Giana reside in San Juan Capistrano.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I’ve been in the healthcare industry for most of my career and it’s been very good to me. I feel at this point in my career, it’s time to give back and to do so with a mission and faith-driven organization.

Why are you supporting the medical center?  
My daughter was born at St. Joseph’s and my mom’s family has been in Orange County for two generations. St. Joseph’s has been my family since the 1930’s, when my great aunt was one of the first female pharmacists at there.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
Being on the foundation board allows me to see my work and contributions up close while participating in a great organization with amazing people

George McDaniel

George McDaniel

Board Member

George McDaniel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University Long Beach. He also graduated from the Denver College of Financial Planning where he received his Certified Financial Planner designation.

He was a Regional Manager for Engineering and Construction in the Telecommunication industry and was the founder and principle of Lighthouse Financial Services, Inc.

George has been married for 55 years to Sarah, his high school sweetheart. They have two children and five grandchildren.

What motivates your desire to give back?
Giving back to your community, in professional ways and philanthropic ways, is always a good choice and you want to support your local neighbors.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
Having the best health care close to home is important for everyone’s family no matter the point in your life.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I want to have the very best medical organization in our neighborhood and I feel we have that. This was the result of a great deal of effort and commitment by generous people in the past. I want to be a part of helping provide the same type of advance to the next generation.

William Lawler, MD

Dr. William Lawler

Board Member

Dr. William Lawler has served as a physician at St. Jude since 1974, practicing hematology and oncology as part of the medical staff, then exclusively at the St. Jude Virginia K. Crosson Cancer Center when it opened in 1998. He continues to practice part-time with most of his efforts going into clinical research and administrative duties. He has been a member of the St. Jude Memorial Foundation Board for the last three years.

Dr. Lawler and his wife Valerie have three sons and have lived in Fullerton since 1974.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I have always supported the philanthropic efforts for St. Jude, believing it the duty to return benefit to others that I have received from this very worthy institution.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I know first-hand the advantages of having quality care right here in our community.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I feel that serving on the Board of Directors is another way of helping St. Jude. Specifically, I can share my knowledge about the needs in the field of oncology.

Bradley A. Jackson, MD

Bradley Jackson

Board Member

Bradley Jackson is a board-certified physician in Interventional Radiology/Diagnostic Radiology and has been in practice at St. Jude Medical Center for over eight years. He has served as the Medical Director for the Department of Radiology for the past four years and is currently the Vice Chairman for the Department.

He also serves as President for St. Jude Radiology Medical Group, which provides Diagnostic and Interventional Radiologic Services for St. Jude and its affiliated physicians. When not busy providing care for patients, Bradley is a devoted husband and father to his amazing wife and three busy boys.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I’m motivated by an aspiration to go above and beyond for our patients and our community.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
This is “my hospital.” Not only do I work here and have extreme pride and joy in that, this is the hospital that I go to for the care of my own family and where I refer my friends.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
After speaking with board members, I felt such a genuine sense of the selfless nature and true passion they all have for St Jude. It was truly inspiring.

Terry Brick

Terry Brick

Board Member

Terry Brick grew up in Inglewood and graduated from college in Claremont. A third generation California native who has lived in Fullerton for 42 years, she has been a teacher, a fundraiser, and founded a children’s theater group. She has volunteered for numerous non-profits including St. Jude Memorial Foundation, P.E.O., Fullerton Sunrise Rotary and the Philharmonic Society of Orange County.

Terry and her husband Carl have two daughters and two grandchildren.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I find that giving back has made me a much better person. Being involved in activities that benefit others gives me great satisfaction and helps me learn about others.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
It makes me feel so good to be a part of making health services available to our community. It truly gratifies me to be able to let my friends know what an absolute gem St. Jude is and how lucky we are to have the medical center right here.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I thought it would be a wonderful chance to learn what was going on health wise in our community. I have been a fan and a cheerleader for St. Jude ever since.

Brian Helleland, Chief Executive

Brian Helleland

Chief Executive

Brian Helleland has a Master’s degree in Health Administration from Arizona State University and his undergraduate degree from Concordia University, St. Paul. He is the Chief Executive at St. Jude Medical Center in Fullerton where he oversees the daily operations of the hospital, including the provision of quality patient care and strategic direction of the medical center.

With 25 years of experience in healthcare administration, Brian came to St. Jude in 2006 as the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, after having served in a similar role at Eisenhower Medical Center (EMC) in Rancho Mirage, California. Prior to his three years at EMC, he was the Chief Operating Officer at Phoenix Baptist Hospital, a 217-bed community teaching hospital.

Dennis Buchanan, MD - SJMC Vice Chair

Dennis Buchanan

Vice Chair

Dennis Buchanan went to college at University of Notre Dame before going to Medical School at USC and residency there at USC-LA County Hospital. An OB-GYN physician, he has been practicing in Fullerton and St. Jude since 1983.

He has held various leadership positions at St. Jude including Chairman of the Women and Children’s department, Chief of Staff of the Medical Staff, and a Member and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Medical Center.

Dennis has five adult children: two older sons and a set of triplet daughters born at St. Jude and cared for so well in the NICU after their birth.

What motivates your desire to give back?
St. Jude has meant so much to me professionally and personally it seemed important to give back.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
Many of my immediate and extended family have been cared for at St. Jude. Some of which came from outside of the region because of the expertise of the physicians and staff at St. Jude

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I’ve been involved with the Memorial Foundation for many years and in a number of ways, including serving a few terms on the Memorial Foundation Board.

Scott Rojas SJMC

Scott Rojas

Chair

Scott Rojas received his BA in Business Administration from Biola University and his MBA from Cal Poly Pomona. He is the past president of the Rotary Club of Brea, a past member of the Orange County Food and Wine Festival, and the Envision Brea Committee.

He is co-owner of Eclectic Associates, Inc. and a certified financial planner. He has been a Board of Directors member at St. Jude Memorial Foundation for five years and involved on the Finance Committee. Scott and his wife, Michelle, live in Brea, California and have four children: three girls and a boy.

What motivates your desire to give back?
I have been blessed with a great family, friends, job, and St. Jude is a big part of our lives. My wife worked at St. Jude and three of my children were born there.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I want to be an example to my family. This not only involves supporting St. Jude financially but also with my time.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I never thought I’d be part of the St. Jude team, so it was an honor to be asked to join the board.

Jeff DeMaio

Board Member

Jeff has over 28 years of experience providing personal financial advisory work at a leading global financial services firm.

He first became connected to St. Joseph Hospital when his Dad was being treated at the hospital.

Jeff and his wife, Elle, have three children.

What motivates your desire to give back?
Helping others can be very fulfilling. There are many great organizations and people who do amazing things, and have tremendous programs in place, but just don’t have all the resources they need.

Why are you supporting the medical center?
I admire the environment at St. Joe’s where there’s a sincere focus on the patient experience and care for all among a diverse community of patients.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
The mission of the foundation and caregivers at St. Joseph Hospital is genuine and impactful to many. The culture of the board and dedication to helping the hospital serve the patients, inspired me to be part of the board to help others where I can through my skills and experience.

Joe Conway

Board Member

Joe Conway received his Bachelor of Science in Finance at California State University, Fullerton.

He is currently president of Diversified Investment Services, Inc., a full-service financial planning firm.  He’s also been the Chair of the Foundation’s Golf Committee for the past six years.

Joe and his wife Vickie have four children and two grandchildren.

What motivates your desire to give back?
Anyone can give their treasure, but giving your time is the extra step.

Why are you supporting the medical center?  
Both my parents had cancer and were treated very well at the hospital years ago, so it will always have a soft place in my heart. The employees at St. Joseph Hospital really seem to care about their patients above and beyond, it’s not just a job. 

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
I agreed to be on the foundation board because it gives me the opportunity to give back and also participate with ideas and events that will hopefully make St. Joseph’s Hospital an even better place than it is today. 

Paige Baker

Board Member

Paige Baker is a practicing attorney, wife and mother. She graduated from USC with both a bachelor’s and master’s in Education.

She earned her law degree at Western State University College of Law, where she graduated with honors and was Managing Editor of Law Review. She’s currently a senior partner of Baker & Baker, emphasizing her practice of Estate Planning and Trust litigation.

Paige and her husband William have three adult children.

What motivates your desire to give back?
My mother’s message was “be kind to others when you leave this house.” I am happy to say that though my mother is gone, her message is alive and well in her children.  

Why are you supporting the medical center?  
There is no place on earth I support more than St. Joseph Hospital, the nuns, the doctors and the staff who complete the picture of a place of healing and health — a true mission. My fondest memories are of our children being born there.

Why did you agree to join the foundation board?
In light of the fact that the Foundation invites others to give, it seems natural to me that I would want to do this work and I love doing it.

Contact Us

Call: 714-992-3033
Address: 100 W. Valencia Mesa Drive, #205, Fullerton, CA 92835
Email: SJMF@providence.org

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