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Scott E. Miller
Chairman |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Birmingham, Alabama
Executive Recruiter, Korn/Ferry International
Development; Executive Committee; Governance
“Having been an underwriter and attendee of the gala for many years, I knew that the organization did excellent work. I wanted to make a positive difference by taking the work that I do with non-profit organizations and put it to good use.” |
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Doug Piper
Vice-Chair |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
White Hall, Illinois
Marketing Communications, Apple Computer
Development; Executive Committee; Marketing
“I got involved with AOF to raise awareness of the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic and to help ease the lives of those currently living with HIV and AIDS. Until we find a cure, awareness and education are our best weapons against this devastating disease.” |
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Neil Cohen
Treasurer |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
North Miami Beach, Florida
Principal, Cohen & Company
Executive Committee; Finance; Marketing
“AOF is providing the support for HIV/AIDS at the grassroots community level where it is desperately needed, giving our community's frontline organizations the wherewithal to provide assistance, comfort and education to those battling this disease on a day-to-day basis.” |
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Scott Bates
Secretary
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Abercrombie, North Dakota
District Manager, Starbucks Coffee Company
Development; Executive Committee; Production
“After working as a volunteer with Academy of Friends the last few years, I witnessed first-hand the impressive results this organization is able to achieve for our community, thoroughly inspiring me to get involved at a greater level.” |
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Nanette Duffy
Gala Co-Chair |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
San Francisco, California
Event Planner
Production Co-Chair; Executive Committee
“I joined AOF because it's the right thing to do.” |
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David Miranda
Gala Co-Chair
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Antioch, California
Manager, Special Productions
Macy's Public Relations
Production – Co-Chair; Executive Committee
“I wanted to make a difference and have
fun doing it.” |
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Charles Bello |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Abbington, Massachusetts
Director of Group Sales - InterContinental San Francisco
Volunteers – Chair
“It is estimated that 39.4 million people worldwide were living with HIV/AIDS at the end of 2007. Last year we also saw more than three million deaths from AIDS all around the world. Year over year, these numbers continue to increase. We need to do everything we can to stop this epidemic and this year I am ready to start doing more and help put an end to it .” |
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Randy Brasche |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Burlingame, California
Director of Product Marketing
Genesys Telecommunication Laboratories, Inc.
Marketing – Chair, Development
“Academy of Friends has consistently been on the front lines in the battle against HIV/AIDS. I joined Academy of Friends to actively contribute to this fight and help deliver the financial support to prevention organizations that have a direct impact in stopping the spread of this insidious disease.” |
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Ray Brizendine |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Houston, Texas
Human Resources Consultant
Development – Chair; Governance – Chair; Executive Committee
“I have been a supporter of the Academy of Friends for nine years. Much has changed in the last ten years but our work is just as important now if not more important. More people with HIV/AIDS today are living longer and healthier lives but the need for support and services for them is not going away, it's growing. We cannot forget the important work and resources required to support those in our own community living with this disease.” |
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Norm Dito |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
San Francisco, California
Boston Properties, Director Retail Management, Marketing & Leasing, Embarcadero Center, San Francisco
Development; Raffle
“Having lived in San Francisco my entire life I certainly have followed the path of HIV/AIDS, it’s impact on the Gay culture and where I fit into the scheme of helping just a bit more. I have been an underwriter for the Academy of Friends for 14 years, but there is more then writing a check I said to myself. So now with my time and talent (keeping treasury in mind too) I have committed to working with an organization that is focused on helping find a cure, I stepped up to the plate
and am ready along with my fine group of Board colleagues support the pursuit of care and cure.” |
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Deb Doyle |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Principal
Stage2 Marketing
Corporate Development – Chair; Beneficiary – Chair
“While working with the marketing committee, I saw the impact Academy of Friends has on local HIV/AIDS charities while simultaneously celebrating life through wonderful events and new connections. It's a powerful combination. Our work last year added a level of sophistication by introducing our first brand campaign. I hope my work on the board will let us continue that growth so we provide even more support to Bay-Area front-line organizations.” |
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Howard Edelman |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Moraga, California
Vice President/Marketing
American Packaging
Silent Auction – Chair; Development
“I am one of the 'lucky ones' who escaped HIV before we even knew what it was. After over 15 years of volunteering with various AIDS organizations, I know that I can make a difference in the quality of life for so many others. Luck has nothing to do with it any more - it takes work.” |
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Alice Espindola |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Visalia, California
Hospital Administrator
Beneficiaries, Auction
“Having had friends affected by HIV and AIDS, I felt it was important to get involved in making a difference. AoF is an excellent organization which funds a diverse group of local agencies and organizations that are on the front lines in the fight against this epidemic. I want to help make a difference. ” |
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Patricia Farrar-Rivas |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
North Bend, Oregon
Director
Frank, Rimerman Advisors LLC
PR; Development
“I believe it is possible to end the HIV/AIDS pandemic with work, commitment, perseverance, love, joy and (of course) dollars. Academy of Friends has all of the necessary ingredients.” |
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Jon Finck |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
New York, NY
President and Founder - Encore Communications
Public Relations – Chair; Marketing; Ticketing
“Academy of Friends is a proven leader in the national campaign to fight AIDS. AOF has consistently maintained a voice of hope, compassion and friendship for individuals with AIV/AIDS, and through innovation, has found a way to raise funds. The struggle is global to be sure, but through our efforts locally, we can offer tangible assistance. It is indeed an honor and a responsibility to do what I can towards that end.” |
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Rob Garcia |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
George Air Force Base, CA
Sales Representative - Baker Knapp and Tubbs, Inc.
Raffle – Chair; Development; Executive Committee
“HIV/AIDS is not prejudiced and continues its destruction in all our communities. Having lost three family members to AIDS, I work their memory and of those others at a time when many feel the crisis is over, I'm honored to have the opportunity to serve on the board of AOF and support organizations directly caring for people suffering from this terrible disease.” |
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Steven Helfand |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
New York, NY
Attorney
Production; Silent Auction; Volunteers
“I wanted to raise awareness and monies to benefit HIV/AIDS research, public education and community support. Academy of Friends is making a meaningful difference in the fight against HIV/AIDS.” |
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Mark Kelleher |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Brockton, MA
Senior Director of Development, SF State University
VIP Underwriters; Corporate Sponsorship; Beneficiaries
“Why I got involved: Because, AOF is distinctive for orchestrating one of the largest HIV prevention and care fundraising efforts in the Bay Area, engaging diverse leading donors – LGBT, Straight, Latino American, Asian American, African American, and so on – in really different, fun, inspiring ways. And, AOF’s resourceful board and intensely committed volunteers succeed with astonishing little duplication of our beneficiary agencies’ regular donors! Until we have successful vaccines and more accessible, lasting, less debilitating treatments, HIV positive individuals will require costly, specialized care to stay one step ahead of the virus. With drastic government funding cuts, the funds AOF raises primarily through our incomparable events is essential.” |
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Mark R. Mayland |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Twin Falls, Idaho
Creative Director, Advertising
Marketing
“Academy of Friends has been a great teacher. I have had the opportunity to educate myself regarding the challenges that face our communities from HIV/AIDS. I have gained first hand knowledge of the changes that are taking place with the epidemic today. And I am able to actively participate in raising that awareness in others and raising funds to address the wide-ranging needs that we face as a result of this terrible disease. I look forward to serving AOF and the community over the next several years.” |
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Michael Montoya |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Bakersfield, California
Principal,
Michael Montoya Graphic Design (MMGD)
Marketing
“Academy of Friends has an extremely talented group of individuals dedicated to raise awareness and support HIV/AIDS organizations in our local community. Because there is still a need for this support, it was an easy decision to increase my commitment from years as an underwriter to active participation on the Board.” |
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Kait Muhlfelder |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Delmar, New York
Marketing Consultancy
Marketing; Development
“AOF is such a profound organization that benefits some of the most worthy HIV/AIDS non-profits in the Bay Area. To be a part of the team that drives financial and public awareness is an honor and a mission that has the utmost importance.” |
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Michele Nessier |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
San Francisco, California
President/Founder, Action Motivation, Inc.
Operations - Chair; Development
“I wanted to personally contribute to an organization that makes such an important difference in the Bay Area.” |
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Craig Noblett |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Fresno, California
Endodontist
Marketing; Development
“As a health care provider, I am acutely aware of the importance of education and prevention. Academy of Friends has consistently donated funds to these traditionally underfunded HIV/AIDS organizations. Donations to HIV/AIDS service organizations also help improve the lives of those living with the disease here in the Bay Area. I want to do my part to help in this most worthy cause.” |
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Robert Pinnix |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Kernersville, North Carolina
Manager of Business Development - Murray Brand Communications
Volunteers; Raffle; Development
“Underwriting and volunteering with AOF over the past couple of years has been a truly rewarding experience and a great way to give back to the community. I wanted to become more involved and do anything I can to help enhance the quality of life of the individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS.” |
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Gregg G. Solem |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Minot, North Dakota
Interior Designer
Production; Beneficiaries
“Through many years of volunteering and raising monies for HIV/AIDS throughout the country, I have never been so honored to work with an organization as I have with Academy of Friends. The tremendous effort to raise funds, awareness and outreach throughout the Bay Area is extraordinarily meaningful - and I know is felt through the many organizations that are touched through the hard work of all the volunteers and underwriters of this group of friends.” |
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Tom Stroik |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
Chicago, Illinois
Director of Marketing, Clift
PR; Development
“As a corporate sponsor, I first experienced the activities of an extraordinary group of people supporting an invaluable cause. I wished to become more personally involved with AOF.” |
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Marc B. Vincent |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
San Francisco, California
Strategy and Marketing Director, UCSF
Marketing
“Public funding of care for uninsured HIV/AIDS patients is unpredictable and too often determined by budgetary cycles and politics. I believe we have a community responsibility to make care accessible to everyone. AOF is a group that understands this and gives directly to organizations that touch patients daily. I'm proud to be a part of this team.” |
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Nina Wang |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
San Francisco, California
Human Factors Researcher, IDEO
Marketing
“Seeing the organization’s dedication to helping the Bay Area HIV/AIDS community, I was inspired to contribute to their efforts. AOF uniquely takes a holistic approach to bolstering the various HIV/AIDS battle fronts. From prevention education to emergency services; AOF helps ensure that comprehensive services are readily available to those affected in the Bay Area.” |
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Richard Wortman |
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Hometown:
Day Job:
AOF Committee(s):
Why I got involved: |
New York, New York
Corporate Sales, CMP Media
Production; Marketing; Development
“I'm honored and proud to work with a passionate and talented team of individuals - who exude creativity, dedication and passion. Academy of Friends presents an opportunity to connect with a community, where one can learn and grow in making a difference in someone's life.” |
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