Meet TBBCF’s 2024 Executive Board Leadership Powerhouse
By ELLYN SANTIAGO
Last month, the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation Board of Directors elected its new executive officers to its 16-member board.
Debbie Yother was elected TBBCF’s Executive Committee President. She takes the baton from outgoing, longtime President Patti Burmahl. Yother is the Vice President of Personal Lines at SAVA Insurance Group. Licensed in Connecticut and Rhode Island, she’s been in the insurance industry for over 20 years. “I love being able to help my existing clients solve problems as well as build new relationships with prospective clients and the greater community,” she noted.
Yother is deeply involved in various committees and networking groups, she said. “Community service is one of my passions.”
Pamela Morris Watt was reelected as TBBCF Executive Committee Vice President. Now serving her third year in this vital role, she’s a 15-year breast cancer survivor, marathoner, volunteer, and patient advocate. Chief Clerk of the Court of the Mohegan Tribal Court, she became a Foundation board director in 2015.
In 2008, just diagnosed with two types of breast cancer, she and a group of her friends formed a walk team, Pam’s Pink Posse, and walked the full marathon. Watt joined the team in 2009 and has walked full or half-marathons for the past 14 years. She was awarded the TBBCF 27th Mile Club Award in 2017.
She’s been a year-round volunteer since 2010 holding the position of TBBCF’s Matching Gift Administrator, and in 2023, she was named Honorary Walk Co-Chair for the Walk for a Cure. She was also featured in TBBCF’s Survivor Series in March.
Stacey Gualtieri was reelected as Executive Committee Treasurer. A CPA and partner at Doherty, Beals & Banks in New London, she is the founding Treasurer of TBBCF. Stacey also serves as Foundation Grants Administrator and is a member of the Walk Leadership Team. She is one of the original board members, personally recruited by Norma Logan. Stacey and her family have walked in marathons, volunteered at pit stops, and put out signs to support other walkers. Her daughter, Gabby Gualtieri, is a grant administrator for the Scientific Advisory Board, and Stacey’s firm, Doherty, Beals & Banks, provides in-kind business services including office space.
Ellen Swercewski was reelected Secretary. An 18-year TBBCF volunteer, Ellen has worn many hats for the annual Walk, including team lead for Procurement, Massage, and Spirit Team. She served as Walk chair and Walk co-chair for several years. As a volunteer and walker, she’s raised close to $50,000. A member of the TBBCF communications team, Ellen is responsible for the Foundation’s social media account posts. She brings a passion for TBBCF and its mission of finding a cure for breast cancer. Ellen is a longtime community volunteer and secretary of the Ledyard Rotary Club.
A few words about Patti Burmahl
We are filled with gratitude for Patti, who has been with TBBCF since the beginning. Inspired by Norma Logan to become involved with TBBCF, she’s an original Logan’s Hero, earning that distinction as a member of Logan’s 2005 3-Day walk team.
She has served as TBBCF’s Executive Committee President, Executive Committee Vice-President, and Secretary. For many years, she volunteered as a human resources consultant to the Board of Directors. She has and continues to serve as a Walk Leadership Team member.
Patti was presented flowers at the 18th Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation Annual Meeting.
