The Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the election of new Board members to support its strategic efforts to increase the number of lives saved through clinical advancement, family support, public awareness and education about the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation and transplantation.
Effective immediately, Lakisha Bray of Plainfield, Mitch Kogen of West Orange, and Michael Rizzo of Upper Saddle River have joined, and Phil Kolm of Fort Lee has been re-elected to serve on the Board.
The Sharing Network Foundation Board of Trustees comprises a diverse group of individuals from both public and private sectors, many of whom have been touched by donations, including donor families and transplant recipients.
"Lakisha, Mitch, Michael and Phil are all dedicated volunteers and advocates who hold a true passion for organ and tissue donation," Elisse E. Glennon, Executive Director, Sharing Network Foundation, said.
"They bring a wealth of diverse experiences and talents to further our mission to save and enhance lives."
Lakisha Bray
Lakisha Bray of Plainfield is a robust and resilient woman who is spreading the importance of organ donation through her story of losing her daughter and sister.
Bray's daughter, Talea, was born with cerebral palsy and passed away just before her 21st birthday, but she was able to save three lives with her donations.
Just six months later, Bray's sister Tabitha died while waiting for an intestinal transplant.
"I became an advocate for organ donation to honor both of their memories," Bray said. "I am proud to join the Sharing Network Foundation Board to help develop new ways to raise awareness and educate our communities about our life-saving mission."
Mitch Kogen
Mitch Kogen of West Orange is the Executive Vice President of Originations at Landmark Dividend. He has more than 20 years of telecommunications infrastructure and commercial real estate experience.
In 2012, Kogen's daughter Riley passed away just a few days after her fifth birthday. Kogen and his family members decided that Riley should be an organ donor to give the gift of life to others and ensure that Riley's memory lives on.
Riley's kidney donations saved the lives of two women. In 2013, Kogen and his family established Riley's Dance, a program of the Sharing Network Foundation, to focus on improving the quality of life for transplant recipients and those waiting for a transplant.
"Riley's final act of love is what has inspired us to continue to support organ and tissue donation and transplantation," said Kogen.
"I am honored to join the Board to help save more lives and help others continue to dance as our Riley loved to."
Michael Rizzo
Michael Rizzo of Upper Saddle River has been touched by organ and tissue transplants. Twenty years ago, Rizzo badly fractured his arm, and it was rebuilt with the help of donated tissue.
This surgery allowed Rizzo to continue his heroic work as a paramedic and police officer to save and protect many lives. Several years later, Rizzo began having significant chest pain and was diagnosed with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy.
His life was saved five years ago thanks to a successful heart transplant.
"I am forever grateful to my heart donor for giving me the gift of life," said Rizzo.
"I am proud to be elected to the Sharing Network Foundation Board. I will do whatever I can to encourage everyone to register as an organ and tissue donor to help save and enhance lives."
Phil Kolm
Phil Kolm of Fort Lee is a banking and finance industry professional with more than 30 years of experience.
He is returning to serve on the Sharing Network Foundation board. He was previously a Sharing Network Foundation Board member for ten years, including three years as Board Chairman.
Kolm has inspired countless others to support the Foundation's mission. His expertise in budget management has also made him an important steward of the Foundation's philanthropic resources.
"It is an exciting time to be involved with the Sharing Network Foundation," said Kolm.
"A person who receives a much-needed organ truly receives the gift of life. I am happy to use my skills to help save and enhance lives."