By Ellyn Santiago
On April 11, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation elected its new officers to its 15-member board.
Patti Burmahl was re-elected as TBBCF’s Executive Committee President at the foundation’s April board meeting. A volunteer since 2006, has played a significant role in helping us be successful.
Patti has enjoyed a successful career as a human resource professional. She is the Director of Administrative Services for the Town of Stonington, where her responsibilities include leadership of Human Resources, Information Technology, and Health and Safety.
Burmahl was inspired by Norma Logan to become involved with TBBCF. Indeed, she’s an original Logan’s Hero, earning that distinction as a member of Logan’s 2005 3-Day walk team.
Her TBBCF leadership roles over the years include serving as Executive Committee Vice-President and Secretary, and for several years volunteering as a human resources consultant to the Board of Directors. She has also served as a member of the Walk Leadership Team.
Pamela Morris Watt was re-elected as TBBCF Executive Committee Vice President, her second year in this important role. She is a 15-year breast cancer survivor, marathoner, volunteer, and patient advocate. She is employed as the Chief Clerk of the Court, Mohegan Tribal Court. She became a foundation board director in 2015. She was also featured in TBBCF’s Survivor Series in March.
In 2008, Pam was diagnosed with two types of breast cancer. That year 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. Additionally, she has been a year-round volunteer since 2010 holding the position of TBBCF’s Matching Gift Administrator. In 2023 she was named Honorary Walk Co-Chair for the Walk for a Cure.
Stacey Gualtieri was re-elected 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 has the heart for what she does. Having been one of the original board members personally recruited by Norma Logan is something she treasures to this day.
In addition to serving as treasurer, 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 elected Secretary. She replaces outgoing Secretary, TBBCF co-founder, Sandy Maniscalco. An 18-year TBBCF volunteer, Ellen has worn many hats for the annual Walk including team lead for Procurement, Massage, Spirit Team and served as Walk chair and Walk co-chair for several years. During her nearly two decades as a volunteer and walker, she’s raised close to $50,000. On the TBBCF communications team, Ellen is responsible for the TBBCF social media account posts. Described by staff as “always ready to help,” Ellen will be a tremendous asset to the board and the executive committee. She brings a passion for TBBCF and its mission of finding a cure for breast cancer. Ellen’s a longtime community volunteer and secretary of the Ledyard Rotary Club.