Kathy Casmer - President

Kathy Casmer has more than 30 years of leadership experience in education, non-profit management, public policy and as a community volunteer.

She holds a Masters degree in Public Administration from Hamline University in St. Paul and has served as the Executive Director of the MN Foundation for Student Organization and as Vice President of Education for Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest. In addition, Kathy served for ten years as a locally-elected school board member in the Minnetonka school district and chaired that board for three years. She was appointed to six 2-year terms on the board of Intermediate District 287 and chaired that 26-member board.

Her wealth of experience in non-profit leadership and education along with many community contacts developed throughout her career adds a unique perspective to the A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation board. As a personal friend of July Golz who lost her courageous battle with lung cancer in 2009, Kathy is dedicated to raising funds to support research about this disease, support lung cancer patients and their families, and raise awareness about lung cancer.

Sue Jerutis – Vice President

Susan is an experienced health care professional who has worked in many areas of medical industry as nurse, educator and manager. As a surgical nurse she gained valuable experience working in the operating room of a major Chicago hospital. As an educator, Susan was on staff at Northwestern University Passavant School of Nursing training future health care professionals.

Susan spent the majority of her business career with Bristol-Myers Squib retiring in 2004 after 10 years as the Midwest Hospital District Manager. Susan directed the sales and training activities of Bristol Myers representative in seven Midwestern states.  She continues to be involved with the Minnesota Visiting Nurse Agency on an as needed basis.

In 2002 Susan was elected president of the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association St Paul Chapter. She has participated in AHA Heart on the Hill Days most recently lobbying the Minnesota State Legislature for the smoking ban in bars and restaurants.

As a community volunteer, Susan has been on and led various committees in Deephaven MN where she resides.

Her interest in fighting lung cancer began in 2006 when a close friend, Judy Golz was diagnosed with lung cancer. She has become active in the A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation working on various initiatives. Most recently she participated in the 2009 Wellness Conference hosted by A Breath of Hope Foundation and cosponsored by the American Lung Association in Minnesota.

Mary Jane McKeon – Secretary
MJ’s professional background includes over 25 years experience with a Fortune 500 company in general administration and the incentive travel/ meetings area. During that time she served on various related committees and had the opportunity to travel the United States, Europe and Asia.

She was diagnosed with Stage 4 inoperable lung cancer in 2006. After 5 months of chemo and radiation therapy her PET and CT scans show that her cancer has stabilized and she is living well with Stage 4 lung cancer.

At the time of diagnosis, MJ vowed that if she made it through the treatment and recovery period that she would do her best to contribute time and talent to working towards a cure for this devastating disease. She feels that working with A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation and the Twin Cities Lung Run/Walk helps her work towards this goal that will give comfort and assistance to patients and families who need it most.

William Fitzgerald – Treasurer

Bill brings over thirty years of executive experience in the computer and technology industry to A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation.

He holds a Bachelor of Science, Accounting, from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.  His career achievements include serving as Vice President and General Manager at Control Data Corporation where his responsibilities included managing international finance and systems operations in over 35 countries (CDC), He also headed the U.S. Operations of Computing Devices Internationl, a subsidiary of CDC. Bill also served as Chief Operating Officer at Factory Motor Parts Company (FMP), a privately-held distributor of auto parts.  He now shares his expertise as a consultant for Insigniam Performance an international consulting firm. His career has included extensive speaking engagements in the computer and technology industries.

On a personal level, Bill loves spending time with his wife of five decades along with two daughters and their husbands. The entire Fitzgerald clan has traveled the world together.  Bill and Emilia became interested in our cause when a dear friend was diagnosed with Stage 4 inoperable lung cancer (fortunately the friend survived and is thriving.) Because of this eye-opening diagnosis, they have been involved in our Twin Cities Lung Run/Walk since its inception in 2007.

Shanna Ballsrud – Assistant Treasurer

Shanna’s professional background includes 4 years experience in the incentive travel industry and has been in the accounting field since 2005. She graduated St Cloud State University cum laude with a degree in geography and a minor in photojournalism. She was involved in a local sorority and the Geography Honor Society and held many various positions in these organizations. During her time at SCSU she spent a semester in England on a study abroad program and had the opportunity to travel around Europe and the Middle East.

Shanna and her mother, Judy Golz, were instrumental in starting the 2007 Twin Cities Lung Run/Walk and also establishing A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation in 2008. In 2009, Judy lost her courageous battle with Stage 4 lung cancer.  Shanna is dedicated to the cause and will continue to work towards raising funds for lung cancer research, vowing to do everything she can to help find a cure for this disease that has touched her life and the lives of many others.

Richard Ansel
Richard has worked in the Financial Services Industry for 17 years as
Financial Advisor Representative.

Richard has been affected by lung cancer through immediate family
members, clients and friends.

“I am proud to be apart of The Breath of Hope board, a fine group of
volunteers all working towards a common goal, supporting patients and
fighting this horrible disease”.

Lorie Beerling
Lorie Beerling’s focus has always been on volunteerism. When her mother, who is a lung cancer survivor, was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2006, she connected with others who wanted to focus on doing something to bring lung cancer to the forefront.

Lorie has gone on to be involved in our Twin Cities Lung Run/Walk and the establishment of A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation.  She is dedicated to fund raising to support research regarding lung cancer, support lung cancer patients and their families, and raise awareness about lung cancer in general.

Her community service involvement also includes serving in her Parent Teacher Organization, Site Council Member at the Burnsville elementary school where she is employed in the food services area, as well as being the Wellness Coordinator at the school.

Lorie really has a desire to make a difference for all those who have been touched by lung cancer.

Arkadiusz Dudek, MD, PhD
Dr. Dudek is an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Trial Office in the Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation (HOT) Division at the University of Minnesota.

Dr. Dudek received his M.D. in 1989 from the Medical University of Warsaw, Poland. He received internal medicine residency training in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and subspecialty training in Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation at the University of Minnesota. He received his Ph.D. from Military Medical Academy of Warsaw in 1998. He joined the Faculty of University of Minnesota Medical School in 1997.

Dr. Dudek’s clinical interests include phase I and II clinical trials in solid tumors; thoracic malignancies, pancreatic cancer, malignant melanoma, and kidney cancer. His laboratory research is focused on cancer angiogenesis, tumor vaccines and preclinical novel drug testing.

Bob Ezrilov
Bob Ezrilov, a Minnesota native, graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Accounting in 1966 and was a Partner with Arthur Andersen for 20 years. Upon retiring from his career in Public Accounting, Bob joined the Boards of Directors of 3 public and two private companies. In addition, he serves as an advisor to a Family Office with respect to investment and financial matters.

Bob was diagnosed with stage 2 lung cancer in 1997. Following successful surgery/chemotherapy, he has recognized the need to try to help others battling this disease and is committed to raising the funds necessary to  find a  cure.

Richard Ezrilov
Richard has spent over 20 years in the telecommunications field. He is the founder and President of Impact Network Services, Inc. a consulting firm specializing in cost reduction, advisory and cost management services related to network and IT expenses.

Prior to founding Impact in 1999, Richard worked for a public telecommunications company for over 12 years where he started and managed their network wholesale business.

Richard holds a bachelors degree in Economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and an MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas.

Richard’s father is Bob Ezrilov and through him, and his dedication to this cause, has realized the pressing need to raise money and awareness for lung cancer research.

Neal Kraemer
Neal Kraemer, Co-Owner and President Carrousel Travel, graduated from Minnesota State University in 1982 with a bachelor degree in Business Administration. He founded an adventure travel company Outdoor Adventure Travel in 1987 with partner Robert Harris. They purchased Carrousel Travel in 1989 and Outdoor Adventure Travel was rolled into Carrousel Travel. Carrousel grew from an agency with $2 million in annual revenue to one of the largest American Express Rep Offices in the country.

Neal served 8 years on the financial oversight committee for the American Society of Travel Agents, 6 years on the AMSI Board, several years as an Upper Midwest ASTA chapter officer, and was elected Upper Midwest ASTA Chapter President in 1998 and is a member of the Richfield Chamber of Commerce.

Neal lost his wife, Lise, who was also a Board Member, to stage 4 lung cancer in 2009, He has three daughters and still finds time to be active in many local charities.

Michele O’Brien
Michele is a Thoracic Nurse Navigator with Minnesota Oncology.
She received her Associates of Arts in Nursing at Minneapolis Community College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management/ Communications at Concordia College in St. Paul and pursued her Masters in Oncology Nursing at the University of Minnesota graduating with honors.

Richard Pedtke
Mr. Pedtke retired in late 2007 after a 37 year career in business. In May, 2005, he was promoted to the position of President & CEO, Bobcat Company, and President of Ingersoll Rand Compact Vehicle Technologies sector. He served as a corporate officer, Senior Vice President and a member of the Enterprise Leadership Team of parent company, Ingersoll Rand. Dick was a board director of the Greater Fargo-Moorhead Economic Development Corporation as well as several corporate internal business boards.

Formerly from mid-2003, Mr. Pedtke was President, European Served Area (ESA) for Ingersoll Rand Climate Control Sector, based in Brussels, Belgium. This position held responsibility for businesses under the Thermo King, Hussmann and Koxka brands in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Dick has over 20 years of experience in running businesses outside of the USA.

Mr. Pedtke, a Chicago, Illinois, USA native, graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a Bachelors of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. He also attended Northwestern University’s Masters in Management program.

Paul J. Thurmes, MD
Dr. Thurmes has been on the physician staff of Minnesota Oncology since 2007. He graduated from the University of Minnesota in Medical School in 2001. He subsequently completed his internship & residency at Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN before graduating from Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Medicine, Rochester, MN where he did fellowship training in oncology and hematology. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology.

Dr. Thurmes is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), American Society of Hematology (ASH), and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC).  He is active in providing patients access to clinical trials, and has a strong interest in lung cancer.

As a lifelong resident of Minnesota, he appreciates the change of seasons (there’s no such thing as a bad day!) and also enjoys hiking, biking and cross-county skiing. Dr. Thurmes came to medicine as a second career after seminary training and parish ministry. His partner and he enjoy gardening and cooking at their home in Minneapolis.

Sonia Katz Ungerman
Sonia’s has worked in the radio industry for more than 21 years Her experience includes 3 years working on promotions and marketing, working as an account manager,(sales rep) and for the past 12 years as a General Sales Manager. Sonia currently works for Hubbard Broadcasting and FM 107.1 female talk as their General Sales Manager.

Sonia was introduced to “A Breath of Hope” Lung Foundation when her father- in-law, Ron Ungerman,was diagnosed with Lung Cancer in 2007. It was a blow to the entire family and after a rough road of both chemo and radiation, Ron has been living “healthy” with Lung Cancer since! Sonia and FM 107.1 jumped in last minute for the 2008 Twin Cities Lung Run/Walk to help promote the event, when asked to join the board Sonia quickly said YES as she is committed to helping find a cure for this disease – sooner than later!