Board of Directors
Dan Tapper — President
Dan’s involvement with the Connecticut Brain Tumor Alliance dates back to his younger brother Jeff suffering a massive stroke in the summer of 2017; as Jeff’s recovery has progressed (and continues wonderfully), Dan has been inspired to work with people who are committed to promoting awareness about brain injuries and providing support to their families. As Senior Director at Sullivan & LeShane Public Relations, Inc., Dan has worked extensively in a number of medical-related areas.
David Lemkuil — Vice President
David Forrest — Treasurer
Katie Trainer — Secretary
Roger Dunlap — Director
Alexandra Flowers, MD — Director
Dr. Flowers has always been an advocate for brain tumor patients and joining the CTBTA Board of Directors allows her to continue this work. She has experience in clinical research and as a Board Member she plans to use her expertise to evaluate research projects to be funded by CTBTA.
Kim Hodnett — Co-Founder and Director
Cheryl Italia — Director
James Italia — Director
Susan Lemkuil — Director
Elisha Lewis — Director
Stacey Mairano — Co-Founder and Director
Christy O'Keefe — Director
Jennifer Pace — Co-Founder and President Emeritus
Don Schiffer - Director
Directors Emeritus
Tracey Gamer-Fanning
Tracey Gamer-Fanning, President Emeritus and Co-Founder of the CTBTA, led an extraordinary life and legacy as she inspired countless numbers of patients and families and impacted the way the world views a brain tumor diagnosis. After being diagnosed with brain cancer in 2006, she thrived and championed the mission so that others would not have to face this journey alone with her larger-than-life smile and grace, until her passing on October 26, 2018. The world was a better place because of her and the CTBTA will continue what she began, and her legacy will live with us eternally.
Terry Gamer
Terry, together with her daughter, Tracey, worked tirelessly to help launch the CTBTA. A life-long entrepreneur with experience in the newspaper and golf industries, Terry will continue to assist the Board by attracting some of the country's most prestigious golf courses for the CTBTA Golf Tournament Live Auction and creating high-profile events to benefit the CTBTA. Terry resides in West Hartford, CT, and has "two wonderful daughters and five sensational grandchildren."
Ron Mairano
Ron lost his mother-in-law Sue Heath to a Glioblastoma Mutliforme in 2004 and helped form the CTBTA as a way to support others affected by this terrible disease. He has held various executive positions in the insurance industry during the last 25 years, is currently a founding partner at Paragon Insurance Holdings LLC, and will continue to be a valued supporter of the CTBTA.
Maria Grove
Maria Grove lost her mother Katherine Wichlac to a Glioblastoma tumor on February 22, 2012. She had been the primary caretaker of her mother during her very brief battle with cancer. Maria has become very committed to raising awareness of brain tumors and raising funds for research and support.
Andy Pace
Andy's wife, Jennifer, was diagnosed with an anaplastic astrocytoma in February 2006 and he served as one of the founding board members through 2023. He is a Hartford native and a graduate of the University of Connecticut and RPI. Currently, Andy is currently a Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager at Conning Asset Management in Hartford.
Greg Shimer
Greg served as the primary caregiver to his wife, Tracey Gamer-Fanning, who was diagnosed with a primary Brain Tumor in September of 2006. Following Tracey's passing, Greg helped with the establishment of the "Tracey Gamer Fanning-CTBTA/Healing Meals Patient Assistance Fund" to honor Tracey's legacy and love of food, while continuing to support brain tumor patients and their families. Greg is an Account Director for one of the top digital marketing firms in Connecticut, Rebel Interactive Group, a top-tier digital group with domestic and international clients.
Former Board Members
The CTBTA thanks the following Board Members for their dedicated service:
- Kimberly Porter Dowie
- Meredith Fratti
- Aisha Khan
- Kelly Rutherford
- Ryan Saul
- Stephanie Simmons