ABTA Founder Susan Kramer reflects on the last 50 years and her unrelenting pursuit toward finding a cure.
American Brain Tumor Association
8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. Ste 550
Chicago, IL 60631
This group is offered online via Zoom. Please contact Pacific Neuroscience Institute for more information.
This virtual support group is for patients and their loved ones who have been affected by primary brain tumors or metastatic cancers to the brain. Support groups provide an opportunity to connect with others who understand the unique experiences of those diagnosed with a brain tumor. You will have opportunities to connect and share with other patients and their caregivers, as well as talk with knowledgeable guest speakers including healthcare professionals. The group will be facilitated by experiences Pacific Neuroscience Institute and Providence St. John’s Health Center leaders who provide care for people with brain tumors.
Page last updated: 11/21/22
This group is offered online via Zoom. Please contact Jinsy Rogers for the zoom link and to be added onto the monthly email list.
This group will provide the opportunity for family and friends of patients with brain tumors to come together and find common ground to help each other. We hope that each participant will come away feeling more supported in caring for their loved ones and have a safe space to discuss the challenges and victories in being a caregiver.
Group facilitated by a social worker and registered nurse.
Page last updated: 2/15/23
Join the ABTA at our Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k (BT5K) Run and Walk Sunday, November 12 at Hudson River Park in New York City to raise critical funding for research and support services.
Join the ABTA at our Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k (BT5K) Run and Walk Saturday, November 4 at Lake Merced and Sunset Blvd in San Francisco to raise critical funding for research and support services.
Join the ABTA at our Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k (BT5K) Run and Walk Saturday, October 14 at Tongva Park in Santa Monica to raise critical funding for research and support services.
Join the ABTA at our Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k (BT5K) Run and Walk Saturday, October 7 at Como Regional Park in St. Paul to raise critical funding for research and support services.
Wear Gray June 11th while we come together as a community to support & encourage the voice of those who have or had brain cancer.
The walk will take place at Patriot Popcorn Co & Brewrista and the Bean. We will be walking from our place of business to King Commons Park, near Yeehaw Brewing, and then back up and around downtown, ending where we started. It’s a short walk for a big cause and I hope everyone can join us.
A dollar from every coffee purchased between May 24th and June 11th will be gifted to American Brain Tumor Association
The Worcester Red Sox and WooSox Foundation are hosting Brain Tumor Awareness Day at Polar Park on Sunday, May 21, 2023! Tickets purchased through this link double as registration for the WooSox Foundation Brain Tumor Awareness Walk taking place before the 1:05 PM game against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.
Meeting Location: DCU Plaza (Gate D on Madison St.)
Brain metastases, or secondary brain tumors, are the most common central nervous system tumors in the U.S. They begin from another location in the body and then spread to the brain. Attendees at this meeting will gain important knowledge around diagnosis, treatment and quality of life. In addition, attendees will learn how to navigate novel science and clinical trials and their care.
Program Chair:
Priya Kumthekar, MD
Director of Brain Metastases Program, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine
The nation’s largest advocacy-led brain tumor conference for patients and caregivers is returning Friday and Saturday, September 8-9 to the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel, and virtually. Join us to learn emerging treatment and care advances from leading experts, participate in specialized breakout sessions, and network with the brain tumor community!
Join the bass fishing tournament on May 13th at the Devil’s Fork Launch on Greers Ferry Lake in Arkansas. Registration at 6 am and launch at safe daylight. Proceeds will benefit the American Brain Tumor Association for Glioblastoma Research. This is a two person team tournament with payouts for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Places will be added for every 10 teams registered. First place is guaranteed $1,500. $100 per team. Proceeds benefit American Brain Tumor Association for GBM research.
The JAC Memorial Benefit will be at the Nescopeck Township Fire Hall – Station 161 and there will be food vendors, 50/50, basket raffles, prize wheel.
If you want to participate virtually, the online event will be open from June 1-24 at noon
Stay updated on event details here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1317861975702737
Donate to the fundraiser here:
https://give.abta.org/https-give-abta-org-jacmemorial23
A motorcycle ride through the scenic Northern Neck. Donation Accepted. Proceeds go to American Brain Tumor Association. Raffle Prizes.
$20 per rider, $10 per passenger
9:30AM-11AM – Registration
11AM – Kickstands Up
12:30PM – End Ride at Dockside Tiki Bar
Donate on behalf of this event here:
https://give.abta.org/BOW-ABTAAwarenessRide
A motorcycle ride through the scenic Northern Neck. Donations Accepted. Proceeds go to American Brain Tumor Association. Raffle Prizes.
$20 per rider, $10 per passenger
9:30AM-11AM – Registration
11AM – Kickstands Up
12:30PM – End Ride at Dockside Tiki Bar
Donate on behalf of this event here:
https://give.abta.org/BOW-ABTAAwarenessRide
The JAC Memorial Benefit will be at the Nescopeck Township Fire Hall – Station 161 and there will be food vendors, 50/50, basket raffles, prize wheel.
If you want to participate virtually, the online event will be open from June 1-24 at noon
Stay updated on event details here:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1317861975702737
Donate to the fundraiser here:
https://give.abta.org/https-give-abta-org-jacmemorial23
This is the 10th Annual BRAINFEST Festival. The event is dedicated to raising funds and awareness for the advancement in the understanding and treatment of brain tumors. The event is held annually in the Philadelphia area and features educational games, stories, raffles, prizes, and live music from some of the area’s most talented local musicians and members of the brain tumor community of friends, families, and survivors.
Bats for Brains is a Southside Wiffle Ball tournament for ages 18+ created to raise money for American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA).The event organizer, Zach, was inspired by his younger brother Max, whom at 14, was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor. Up to 40 teams compete in an all day tournament with food and raffles.
$200/team BEFORE 6/30/23. $250/team starting 7/13/23.
Only accepting 40 teams! So sign up fast!
Four Maryland Girls LaCrosse State Champions each playing for a cause. Come Cheer on the Liberty High School Lions as they stick it to Brain Tumors. Game times are 9:00AM and 11:00AM
Join the ABTA at our Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k (BT5K) Run and Walk wherever you are to raise critical funding for research and support services.
The 26th Annual Paul Fabbri Golf Classic donates all proceeds from the event to American Brain Tumor Association in memory of Paul Fabbri. Registration options include golf, dinner, and lunch, or dinner only.
This is the 3rd Annual Go Gray in May Fundraiser, held at 1st Street Lounge on May 21st, 2023 from 2PM-4PM. Free entry and a chance to enter to win raffle prices. Proceeds benefit American Brain Tumor Association.
Attend the 17th Annual Jim Hewitt Good Friday Bowl! Registration includes 3 games, shoes, and food. There will be a cash bar, raffle baskets, and dancing. Proceeds benefit American Brain Tumor Association and Hospice of the Calumet Area. Register by mailing a check with your name and the number of bowlers to Serena Hewitt. See the Facebook group or call Serena (708) 323-5123 for more information.
The Second Annual Kelli’s Kegs N Eggs 5K Run/Walk with beer, live music, great food, the opportunity to give back to the community! The goal is to raise $50k for GBM research.
Join the ABTA at our Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k (BT5K) Run and Walk to raise critical funding for research and support services.
After a loved one’s brain tumor diagnosis, learning to navigate the new role of caregiver can be overwhelming as you attempt to juggle practical concerns, like tracking appointments and medications, along with your own personal and professional responsibilities. Join licensed psychologist, Amy Clara, PsyD, in this webinar to gain practical tips, strategies, and resources to help you navigate the world of caregiving.
Presenter:
Amy Clara, PsyD
The Center for Psychiatric Oncology and Behavioral Sciences at the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Newly diagnosed patients with Glioblastoma are often faced with fear and uncertainty. This free webinar aims to educate patients and families in understanding the diagnosis, treatment, and management of Glioblastoma while providing practical tips on coping and playing an active role in your or your loved ones care.
Presenter:
Daniel Cahill, MD, PhD
Massachusetts General Hospital
Join this free webinar to understand the process and benefits of clinical trial participation in your brain tumor care, while also unpacking the barriers to access and the implications for health equity.
Presenter:
Shiao-Pei Weathers, MD
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
A brain tumor diagnosis and treatments can affect a patient’s self-image and intimacy, no matter your gender, sexual orientation, or relationship status. Join this free webinar to learn about sexual health and romance with a brain tumor and coping strategies to improve comfort and confidence in yourself and in the bedroom.
Presenter:
Mary K. Hughes, APRN, RN, CT, FAPOS
MD Anderson Cancer Center
Join the ABTA at our Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5k (BT5K) Run and Walk to raise critical funding for research and support services.
Srisupen Andersen, CFA—ABTA, Member
Srisupen Andersen, CFA, joined the ABTA Board of Directors in 2023 and serves as a member of the Mission Committee and Finance & Audit Committees.
Srisupen is a Credit Products Manager within the Financial Institutions Group at PNC Financial Services. She manages a portfolio of 125+ commercial lending relationships, providing continuous credit and risk analysis. Srisupen is a seasoned credit risk manager with two decades of experience managing a diverse portfolio covering trading/capital market credits and commercial credits. Srisupen has worked at leading financial institutions including The Northern Trust Company, Bank of Montreal, CIBC and Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
She earned her Bachelor of Science in Economics and International Business from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University. Srisupen was awarded a CFA Charterholder in 2005.
Srisupen’s daughter, Louise, was diagnosed with astrocytoma in 2009 at the age of nine. She received her treatment at Children’s Memorial Hospital (now known as Lurie’s Children Hospital) for a little over a year. Louise passed away in June 2010 at the age of 10.
In addition to serving as an ABTA Board Member, Srisupen volunteers in the oncology department at Lurie’s in 2018 as a Parentwise. She has also been involved with Make-A-Wish Foundation as a wish granter
More than 30,000 adults in the U.S. are living with low-grade glioma (LGG), a slow-growing primary brain tumor. Join this free, half-day virtual meeting to learn about new research, and treatments, symptoms and quality of life management, and resources for family planning and navigating disability insurance.
Meeting Chair
Elizabeth Claus, MD, PhD
Attending Neurosurgeon, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Professor, Yale University
Join the ABTA at our Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K Run and Walk to raise critical funding for research and support services.
Join the ABTA at our Breakthrough for Brain Tumors 5K Run and Walk to raise critical funding for research and support services.
Adopting healthy lifestyle changes can help patients to improve their quality of life as they cope with the side effects of brain tumor treatments. This webinar will explore evidence-supported lifestyle and dietary therapies to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
Presenters
Roy E Strowd III, MD, MEd
Dr. Roy Strowd is a neuro-oncologist at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Wake Forest Baptist Health.
L.J. Amaral, MS, RD, CSO
L.J. Amaral is a registered dietitian who is board certified in oncology nutrition. She works at Cedars Sinai as a Clinical Research Dietitian.
Meningiomas are the most common non-malignant benign (non-cancerous) brain tumors in the U.S. Though they are considered benign, these tumors can pose challenges for patients, especially when they recur. Join this webinar to learn more about recurrent meningiomas and their management.
Presenter:
Gelareh Zadeh, MD, PhD, FRCS(C), FAANS
Patti Tsai-Steiner—ABTA, Member
Patti Tsai-Steiner joined the ABTA Board of Directors in 2022, where she serves on the Development, Mission, and Governance & Nominating Committees. She previously served as a patient advocate reviewer for the ABTA Discovery Grants in 2020 and 2021.
A native of Maryland, she completed her bachelor’s degree in physics at Cornell University, and her PhD in physics at the University of California, San Diego.
Patti, now retired, was a tenured faculty member at two California community colleges: Grossmont College in East San Diego County and the College of Alameda in the San Francisco East Bay area. At both schools, she served on numerous committees and as department chair. Over the course of 25 years, she taught all lower division physics, as well as introductory astronomy, physical science, and math. As a result of friendships formed during a sabbatical visit to UC Berkeley in 2001, she changed her style of teaching mid-way through her career to incorporate principles from physics education research, emphasizing the conceptual underpinning of problem-solving, and incorporating metacognition to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of their thought processes.
Patti is using her retirement as an opportunity to pursue projects that have value to her. She is excited about developments in brain tumor research. She hopes to contribute to improving the experience of patients and families, with a special interest in palliative care.
She’s learning to refinish furniture and turn wooden bowls and is training her Shetland sheepdog for obedience competition.
Mindee Plugues—ABTA, Secretary
Mindee Plugues serves as Secretary of the ABTA Board of Directors, and is a member of the Governance & Nominating and Finance & Audit Committees. Since joining the ABTA in 2017, she has served as Chair of the Mission and Development Committees.
Mindee is an experienced executive and senior leader in brand and business management, integrated marketing, and people development. She has a proven track record of driving topline, margin, and share growth on multi-million/billion-dollar businesses. Over the course of her 15-year brand management career, she has led transformative marketing and breakthrough innovation on some of the most universally recognized brands such as Kraft Foods, Oscar Mayer, Lunchables, Halls, Trident, and Applebee’s.
A seasoned brand strategist, Mindee is passionate about mining consumer, customer, and category insights to build businesses, brands, and teams globally and domestically. In her spare time, she continues to consult with start-ups and non-profits on building strong brand foundations and developing effective go-to-marketing strategies. Prior to brand management, she spent a decade in software development and product management leading process improvement and digital innovation in business systems and electronic banking.
A Michigan native, Mindee holds an MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan and a B.A. in psychology from Michigan State University. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA with her husband Matthew and their young daughter.
Mindee’s father was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in 2000 and passed away 11 months later. During that time, the ABTA was a valuable resource to help navigate her father’s treatment plan. She later got more involved with the ABTA by raising money in 2013 with Team Breakthrough for the Chicago Marathon, in memory of her father.
Jacqueline Lemke, CPA—ABTA, Board Member
Jackie Lemke has served as an ABTA Board Member since January of 2017 and has served on both the Audit and Governance and Nominating Committees.
Certified in Public Accounting, Jackie’s expertise lies in financial and strategic planning, financial reporting and mergers and acquisitions. Her career includes senior leadership roles as the global Chief Financial Officer for Remy, Inc., Motorola and the DuPont Company as well as the Chief Executive Officer for a microcap publicly traded Clinical Research Organization, Bioanalytical Systems, Inc.
Jackie is a strategic thinker always looking to re-invent and re-energize a business strategy. She won the DuPont Marketing Excellence Award for her repositioning of a $100 million resins business and received the CRO Excellence Award for each of the four years as CEO of BASi.
Jackie has earned a Bachelor of Science degrees in both Accounting and Finance from Drexel University, where she graduated first in her class, and a Master’s in Management degree from Northwestern University.
A mother of four, Jackie joined the ABTA to support its goals of improving the lives of brain tumor patients and their caregivers. Jackie’s husband of 27 years, Brian, had been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor in 2004, so Jackie and her family are familiar with the struggles that accompanying a brain cancer diagnosis. Her hope is that we can reach a better understanding of the brain, extend lives through this knowledge, provide help for those with a brain tumor and their loved ones and, ultimately, find a cure.
Linda Sikora—Director, Human Resources
Linda Sikora joined the ABTA in 2019 as the Director of Human Resources. Linda leads all aspects of the Human Resources function including developing and implementing HR programs while advancing positive employee relations and best practices in support of organizational growth and strategic initiatives. Linda works at developing and delivering creative, cost-effective human resources solutions in support of the organization’s strategic business plan, culture and core values.
Linda has a broad range of experience in Human Resources, most recently within a medically-based fitness center through Northwestern Memorial Healthcare. She has expertise in benefits, payroll, performance management, training, coaching, employee relations and compliance. She is an advocate of employee well-being for optimal work-life balance of all staff.
Linda maintains professional human resources certifications through the Human Resource Certification Institute and the Society for Human Resource Management.
Maxine Doolittle—ABTA, Sr. Director of Business Operations
Maxine Doolittle joined the ABTA in 2020 as the Sr. Director of Business Operations. Her responsibilities include the implementation and support of business-wide technology resources and establishing and managing efficient and cohesive organizational operations. Maxine works closely with ABTA leadership to provide strategic direction, systems expertise, vendor management and information to support their priorities.
Maxine has a long history of proven success in business process optimization, project and change management, and application implementations. Prior to joining the ABTA, Maxine was the Director of Project Management for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago where she led the technology effort for the migration to their new hospital and served as the regulatory expert for the organization.
Phillip Samuels—ABTA, Sr. Director of Finance & Accounting
Phillip Samuels, Sr. Director of Finance and Accounting, joined the ABTA in 2011. Phil oversees the accounting team, manages budget and operating performance reporting, monitors compliance of operations with budgets and forecasts, evaluates internal controls and provides recommendations of improvements as needed. Phil brings more than 30 years of experience in Accounting and Finance for organizations with annual revenues ranging from $2.5 to $350 million.
Previously, Phil served as Controller for Beth Hillel Congregation Bnai Emunah, Corporate Controller and Manager of budgets and assets for O’Bryan Bros., Inc., and Financial Analyst and Accountant for the Jewish Community Centers of Chicago.
Phil received a B.S. from the University of Illinois at Chicago and an MBA from Keller Graduate School.
Kelly Sitkin—ABTA, Chief Development Officer
Kelly Sitkin, Chief Development Officer, leads the strategic direction and nationwide implementation of an integrated development and volunteer network on behalf of the ABTA. Leading a department of eight development staff, Kelly and her team are responsible for generating more than $6 million in revenue to support ABTA-funded research and patient services.
Kelly has more than 15 years of development experience including strategic planning, major gift solicitation, community-based fundraising and board development. Previously, she served as the Assistant Director for the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center where she managed the Development and External Relations Departments. She also served as the Cancer Center Director of Annual Giving and Outreach as well as Director of Development for the University of Wisconsin Foundation.
Kelly holds a B.A. in Marketing from Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama. She maintains membership with several professional associations including the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the National Association of Cancer Center Development Officers.
Nicole Willmarth, PhD—ABTA, Chief Mission Officer
Nicole Willmarth, Chief Mission Officer of the ABTA, joined the ABTA in 2015 as Chief Science Officer with oversight of the strategic direction, expansion and operation of the ABTA’s scientific and research grants program, which supports the development of innovative ideas across a broad range of disciplines, and fosters collaborative research to improve the lives of people living with a brain tumor. In August of 2018, Nicole stepped into her new role of Chief Mission Officer, where she leads a team in developing and executing ABTA’s investment toward the mission, which includes not only advancing research but also patient support, education and awareness.
Prior to joining ABTA, Nicole worked at Susan G. Komen® where she oversaw the business and science management of Komen’s portfolio of funded research program grants. She worked with patient advocates as well as a team of science managers and grant administrators to ensure the organization’s research investment aligned with the mission and maximized potential to advance the field.
Nicole began her career in scientific grant management with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). She developed, launched and managed several grant mechanisms as part of AACR’s donor-directed research grants programs and provided oversight for the application and scientific review process and science management. She also managed AACR’s Scholar-in-Training Awards, the Associate Member Council and the Molecular Epidemiology Working Group.
Nicole received her Ph.D. in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the University of Michigan where she first developed her passion for advancing treatments in the cancer field. She went on to publish in a number of peer reviewed scientific journals over the course of a decade in oncology research. She currently resides in Chicago, Illinois.
Ralph DeVitto—ABTA, President and Chief Executive Officer
Ralph DeVitto is responsible for leading the ABTA’s dedicated staff, while increasing the value of the organization to patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals, scientists, donors, sponsors, partners and other key influencers. Building upon the ABTA’s strong reputation as the go-to resource on brain tumor science and information, Ralph leads the organization’s strategy to expand brain tumor research and further develop learning resources and programs for patients, survivors and caregivers.
Ralph brings extensive experience in association management, including strategic planning, fundraising, volunteer mobilization and partnership building. Previously, Ralph served in numerous leadership roles during his 21 years with the American Cancer Society, including the CEO of the Florida Division and the interim Executive Vice President of the Southeast Region, where he oversaw the merger of operations in five states and Puerto Rico to create the Region.
Danny Monson—ABTA, Treasurer
Danny Monson serves as Treasurer of the ABTA Board of Directors, which he joined in 2021. Danny serves as Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee and is a member of the Governance & Nominating Committee.
Danny is CEO of States Logistics Services, Inc. He has 29 years of experience in the warehouse and transportation industry, and served as States Logistics Chief Financial Officer for several years prior to assuming the role of CEO. He has held various operational and managerial positions in Warehousing, Transportation, Information Services, Customer Solutions, and Accounting/Finance.
Danny has extensive experience in States Logistics software systems and has been recognized as a Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) by the National Private Truck Council. Knowledgeable in system design and analysis, he has directed teams to improve and enhance transportation management systems and work processes.
Danny is an active member of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA). He received his B.A. in Sociology from San Diego State University in California.
Danny’s 19-year-old daughter Katie was diagnosed with a glioblastoma (GBM) in 2017. The KM Legacy Foundation was created by Katie in 2017 to raise money for brain cancer awareness and research. She passed away in 2018 from a GBM. Danny, his wife Jennifer, and their two daughters continue to lead the Foundation to advance progress in the fight against brain tumors.
Bob Kruchten—ABTA, Vice Chair
Bob Kruchten serves as Vice Chair of the ABTA Board of Directors, Chair of the Mission Committee, and is a member of the Finance & Audit Committee. Since joining the ABTA Board in 2018, Bob has served as Treasurer of the Board, as well as Chair of the Development and Finance & Audit Committees.
Bob is a 30-year sales veteran of the marketing, media and advertising services universe and recently melded his passions of philanthropy, sports and event-building into his Director, Business Development role with BUMP, an industry-leading fundraising engine for non-profit and professional sports organizations and community foundations.
Bob has been advocating on behalf of the ABTA for more than 20 years in tribute to his best friend, Paul Fabbri, who lost his 10-year battle with GBM in 1998. Bob was presented with the ABTA’s Joel A. Gingras Jr. Award in 2015 on behalf of the Paul Fabbri Memorial Fund.
Mitchel S. Berger, MD—ABTA, Member
Mitchel S. Berger, MD, FACS, FAANS, joined the ABTA Board of Directors in 2021. He serves as Chair of the Development Committee, and as a member of the Mission Committee.
Dr. Berger is the Berthold and Belle N. Guggenheim professor and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Brain Tumor Center director. He also served as past chair of UCSF’s department of Neurological Surgery from 1997-2020.
Dr. Berger is a pioneer of intraoperative brain mapping—a technique used to avoid functional areas of the brain during surgical resection of a tumor. His work has enabled surgeons to perform more extensive resection of tumor with less chance of producing sensorimotor or language deficit.
Dr. Berger is a leader of translational research and is the Principal Investigator of the UCSF Brain Tumor Research Center’s Specialized Program of Research Excellence in neuro-oncology, funded by the National Cancer Institute. In addition to speech and motor mapping, his specific research interests lie in identifying molecular markers related to the progression and prognosis of glial tumor; correlating tissue biomarkers with novel imaging characteristics from physiologic and metabolic imaging; and developing in vivo gene editing for brain tumor treatment using CRISPR technology.
During his distinguished career, Dr. Berger has served as President of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), President of the Society of Neuro-Oncology, and President of the American Academy of Neurological Surgery. He has also been a director of the American Board of Neurological Surgery; a member of the Board of Directors of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons; and a member of the Blue Ribbon Panel for the National Cancer Moonshot Initiative.
Ram Subramanian—ABTA, Board Chair
Ram Subramanian is Chair of the ABTA Board of Directors. Since joining the Board in 2015, Ram has served as Vice Chair and Treasurer of the Board, as well as Chair of the Mission Committee.
Ram has over 18 years of experience driving growth and operational excellence through data and engineering across multiple industries spanning Financial Services, Airlines and Consulting. He is currently Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for the $70+ Billion Deposit Business at Discover Financial Services.
Ram has completed the Chief Operating Officer Program from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, and the Chief Marketing Officer Program from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He holds an MBA from Arizona State University, MS in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan State University, and a BE in Mechanical Engineering from Delhi College of Engineering, India.
Ram lives in the suburbs of Chicago with his wife Nimisha and their two daughters – Yuvika and Salonee. Nimisha’s mother is a meningioma survivor having been first diagnosed with brain tumor in 1990. Both Nimisha and Ram have a passion for giving back, and they have been actively involved in serving ABTA and its mission for the past few years.
Carla Varner—ABTA, Immediate Past Chair
Carla Varner is the Immediate Past Chair of the ABTA Board of Directors and a member of the Governance & Nominating Committee. Previously serving as Treasurer of the Board, Carla joined the ABTA in 2014.
Carla is the Chief Legal Officer and Managing Director of Franklin Monroe Administrative Services, LLC, a financial services company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. She joined Franklin Monroe from Guggenheim Partners in 2013. During her time at Guggenheim, she acted as senior transactional attorney for multiple business units.
Prior to joining Guggenheim Partners, Carla practiced law in the Global Finance Group at Sidley Austin in both their Chicago and New York offices. She received her undergraduate degree in Economics and German from Kalamazoo College, cum laude, and a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School. While in law school, she was an award-winning student contributor to Michigan Journal of International Law.
Since joining Franklin Monroe, Carla was nominated to InsideCounsel’s 2015 R3-100 list. She is licensed to practice law in New York, Illinois and Michigan, and is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, the Chicago Bar Association and the University of Michigan Alumni Association.
In addition to Carla’s volunteer work with the ABTA, she serves on the Board of Directors for Greenlight Family Services. She has a love of gardening and flowers, and spends much of her free time with her husband, their two children and family dog tending to her family’s garden center in Niles, Michigan.
Brandon Starkoff—ABTA, Secretary
Brandon Starkoff serves as Secretary of the ABTA Board of Directors. Since joining the board in 2018, Brandon previously served as Vice Chair of the board, in addition to hosting his annual “Cater to the Cure” fundraiser to support brain cancer research.
Brandon is CEO of Transparent Partners, an independent marketing technology and data consultancy. He is constantly helping organizations re-imagine and adapt to support their customers. He is an experienced global leader responsible for building customized and transformative marketing solutions to generate growth for Fortune 1,000 companies.
With strong expertise in strategy and digitally-driven capabilities, he developed and led activation of a new agency and brand operating vision and models to inspire new data-driven capabilities, cultivate top global talent and deliver against growth objectives.
Over the course of his 21 year career, Brandon has formed trusted partnerships with C-suite executives to introduce and implement several new methods of marketing technology and data infrastructure design, integrated partnerships and measurement solutions to improve speed to market, product innovation and customer experiences leading to impact for his client businesses.
As a 10-year cancer survivor and fighter, Brandon is passionate in helping others stay motivated through their battle and ensure they have the resources they need to manage their care.
Jim Reilly—ABTA, Member
Jim Reilly joined the ABTA Board in 2015, where he served as the previous Chair. Jim is currently Chair of the Governance & Nominating Committee and a member of the Finance & Audit Committee.
Jim is Chief Human Resource Officer, Vice President of Human Resources and Corporate Communication for WinCo Foods—a leading supermarket chain with over $8B in revenue, 20,000 employees and 133 stores in 10 states. Since joining WinCo Foods in 2018, Jim leads the Human Resource and Corporate Communication functions with responsibility for Talent Acquisition, Learning and Development, Total Rewards, Culture, Field Human Resources and communication.
Prior to joining WinCo Foods, he spent 13 years with Walgreens Boots Alliance where he held variety of Human Resource leadership roles including: Talent Management, Recruiting, Leadership Development and Operations. Additionally, Jim was President of JenningsKelly Executive Search. The firm offered retained consulting services for executive level search engagements across the United States.
In addition to volunteering with the ABTA, Jim serves as St. Luke’s Strategic Healthcare Initiatives Committee Member. Jim received a B.A., with an emphasis in Marketing from Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL. He currently resides in Boise, ID, with his wife and daughter. Jim’s mother and mother-in-law were diagnosed with brain tumors which inspired him to volunteer with the ABTA.
