The National Scleroderma Foundation is welcoming three new members to the Board of Directors. Tera Carter, Scott Ceresnak, MD, and Falguni Desai will join the Board effective July 1.
The Board of Directors is a volunteer leadership group that serves as the Foundation’s governing board. The Board oversees all Foundation programs and services and exercises its fiduciary responsibilities to ensure the success of the Foundation.
Tera Carter is a scleroderma warrior who has faithfully served her country for over 23 years in the Air Force Medical Service Corps. She feels a personal connection to the Foundation’s mission. “I understand the importance of researching this disease until we find a cure,” Carter said.
Scott Ceresnak, MD, and his family have been involved with the Foundation in many ways over the years. His oldest daughter was diagnosed with scleroderma at age 5. “I believe in the National Scleroderma Foundation’s mission,” Dr. Ceresnak said. “I want to do whatever I can to advance the mission of helping others with Scleroderma and finding a cure!”
Falguni Desai is a scleroderma patient and advocate who spends her time volunteering to educate others about scleroderma and the Foundation’s mission. “My lived experience has given me the voice to promote disease awareness, provide support and educate patients on what I have learned through attending support groups and reaching out 1:1 with patients,” Falguni said.
“I am incredibly excited to welcome our new members of the Board,” the Foundation’s CEO, Mary Wheatley, IOM, CAE, said. “Tera, Falguni and Scott will bring their unique experiences and passion to these new leadership positions.”
The Foundation also wants to express its deep gratitude to Mike Levengood, Esq., and Cos Mallozzi, who will be rotating off the Board. Mike and Cos have dedicated years of service and leadership to the Foundation.
“I think I speak for the entire Foundation community expressing the deepest gratitude to Mike and Cos for their years of service as leaders,” Wheatley said.
The first meeting of the new Board of Directors will be held in Bellevue, Washington just before the National Scleroderma Conference in July.
Board of Directors
Kevin Boyanowski, Chair
Carol Feghali-Bostwick, PhD, Vice Chair
Marcia Walker, Secretary
Blake Embree, Treasurer
Linda J.B. Bornstein Baum, OD
Mary Blades
Courtney Caliendo, Esq.
Tera Carter
Scott Ceresnak, MD
Falguni Desai
Zeba Hyder, MBA
Christina Loccke
Aaron (AJ) Nahmad
Mark Orozco, III, MBA
Tracy Porter, MEd, SPHR
Ex Officio
Peggy Collins, Chair, Chapter Leadership Council
Evamarie Cole, Co-Chair, Patient Advisory Board
Jane Ladas, Chair, New England Chapter
Kathryn Torok, MD, Chair, Medical and Scientific Advisory Board
Nancy Waltermire, Chair, Mid-Atlantic Chapter
Mary J. Wheatley, IOM, CAE, Chief Executive Officer