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.

Shanna Ballsrud – Vice President

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.

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.

Jennifer Amdahl, NTP

Jennifer holds a B.A. Degree in Sociology with a minor in Social Science Psychology from the University of Minnesota. In 2008, she continued her education and became certified as a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner through the Nutritional Therapy Association. Her focus is on wellness and addresses her client’s nutritional deficiencies through the use of nutritional supplements, diet, and lifestyle change.

Her mother, Judy Golz, who passed away in 2009 from Stage 4 Lung Cancer, was an instrumental founder of A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation and the Twin Cities Lung Run/Walk. Jennifer’s passion lies within keeping her mother’s vision and dream alive by making a difference in the lives of lung cancer patients and their families, through community support and awareness, outreach, education and research.

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 – Treasurer

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.

Jon Levy

Jon Levy is a partner at Lindquist & Vennum law firm in Minneapolis. He practices corporate securities and has been with Lindquist & Vennum since 1997. His educational background includes a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin at Madison and a J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jon’s wife, Beth Virnig, is a cancer survivor and a cancer researcher at University of Minnesota’s Masonic Cancer Center. His hope is that his work with the foundation will allow him to give something back to the cancer research and support community.

Elizabeth L. Nirenstein

Elizabeth has worked in the retail industry for more than 17 years for Target Corporation. Her experience includes 3 years in merchandising, 12 years in marketing, and has worked for the past 2 years in event marketing as a Senior Manager specializing in experiential marketing for the corporation.

Elizabeth is a native of Minnesota, and graduated from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. degree in American Studies. Her introduction to A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation came through a friend’s involvement in the organization. Elizabeth’s mother-in-law and uncle are lung cancer survivors and she understands the need to heighten the awareness of lung cancer research and help others battling this disease.

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.

Andrew Spence

Andy Spence has spent the last five years with Deloitte as an account manager for strategic global clients. Previous to working with Deloitte, Andy served as the premium seating manager for the Cincinnati Bengals. His educational background includes a Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa.

Andy’s mother, Laurie, lost her battle with lung cancer early in 2010. Her death inspired him to work toward finding a cure for the disease. He started with the A Breath of Hope Lung Foundation as a volunteer for the 2010 Lung Run/Walk. He will serve as a co-chair for the 2011 event. Andy lives with his wife, Stephanie, and dog, Gordon, in Minneapolis.

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!