Austin Hatcher Foundation Welcomes Six New Board Members for 2024
- Growing Nonprofit Welcomes New Leaders to Serve on Board
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (Jan. 10, 2024) –"The Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer (AHF) proudly welcomes six distinguished professionals to its Board of Directors, effective 2024. Each new member brings exceptional expertise and a shared commitment to supporting families affected by pediatric cancer. The Austin Hatcher Foundation's Board of Directors are the fiduciaries who steer the organization towards a sustainable future by adopting sound, ethical, and legal governance and financial management policies, as well as by making sure the nonprofit has adequate resources to advance its mission.
The first new board member is Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D., President of Chattanooga State Community College.
“I am honored and humbled to be asked to join the Austin Hatcher Foundation Board,” said Ashford. “I am grateful for the opportunity to play one small role in assisting children and families during difficult times.”
Secondly, AHF is excited to have John Doonan of Daytona Beach, Fla., President of the International Motorsports Association (IMSA), join the leadership team. AHF has been an official “Proud Charity of IMSA” for the last 10 years, which allows them to bring families trackside to motorsports races, fundraise at auctions and more.
“IMSA has been proud to have the Austin Hatcher Foundation as one of our two official series charities for many, many years,” said Doonan. “The incredible and life-changing work that AHF does for pediatric cancer families is something very impactful that happens ‘away from the race track.’ We are simply honored to help support their efforts and be a venue that AHF has leveraged for their on-site auctions and other efforts to spread the message of their important work.”
Doug Evans of Pensacola Beach Fla., President and CEO of High Performance Advisors, is the third new member.
“I am honored to serve on the board of directors of the Austin Hatcher Foundation,” said Evans. “I've had the distinct pleasure of being friends with the Osborns for many years. I have watched them patiently build AHF into an unparalleled organization that helps entire families impacted by pediatric cancer. Jim and Amy Jo's selfless pursuit of improving the lives of others is truly inspiring. It is my privilege to help however I can."
Gary Hathaway, Financial Services Professional Agent at NY Life Insurance, is the fourth addition to the board.
“I am honored and looking forward to serving on the board,” said Hathaway. “I am excited to make a contribution in the fight against cancer and to help the families that are affected by this disease."
The fifth new member is Cindy Lee, President and Founder of LYNC Logistics.
“I have always been passionate about supporting organizations that address the needs of children and their families,” said Lee. “When I met Amy Jo Osborn and learned about the Austin Hatcher Foundation, I was amazed by all that they do to support families during one of the most difficult times in their lives. I am honored to be a member of the Board of Directors and looking forward to working with them in 2024.”
Lastly, AHF welcomes Carol Yim to the board. Yim is an active volunteer and former Dalton State college professor.
"It is my honor to serve as a new board member for AHF for 2024,” said Yim. “My daughter interned with AHF and shared firsthand all the amazing and impactful ways the Osborns and AHF touched the lives of families dealing with pediatric cancer in our community. As a former educator, I am passionate about giving back to the community, and I especially enjoy helping children who need our help the most."
In addition to new board members, AHF welcomes three new committee members: Blake Kinder, Advisory Service Manager from HHM CPAs, joins AHF’s Finance Committee; Rob Carden, Assistant Deputy General Counsel from Norfolk Southern Corporation, joins AHF’s HR + Finance Committee; and Greg Love, Account Executive at Wright Global Graphics, joins AHF’s Development + Marketing Committee.
The foundation extends its heartfelt appreciation to two outgoing board members: Marla Moore (2017-2023) and Eric Fuller (2021-2023). Additionally, Attorney at Patrick, Beard, Schulman, & Jacoway and longtime board member Gary Patrick (2011-2024) is transitioning from board member to "Chief Legal Counsel,” and Rose Kawasaki (2021-2023) is transitioning from board member to AHF’s Governance Committee.
The foundation remains dedicated to providing comprehensive coordinated care for families facing pediatric cancer, offering a range of services such as occupational therapy, counseling, grief groups, art and music therapy, family programs, educational resources and more, all provided at no cost to the entire family facing childhood cancer. To learn more about AHF or to get involved, visit www.hatcherfoundation.org/.
