We welcome four new members to the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasias (NFED) Board of Directors: Karl Nelsen, Keith Throm, Marianne Vermeer and Dr. Tim Wright. Volunteering for a Board takes a huge time commitment. Their input is valuable as they steer the NFED and keep us moving forward.
Karl Nelsen has been a member of the NFED family since he was 13 years old. He and his wife, Nancy, live in Minnesota with their children, Andrew, Abby and Samantha. Karl and Samantha are both affected by ectodermal dysplasia. He’s a physician assistant in interventional radiology at a large community based hospital system.
“I grew up in rural Minnesota and diagnosed at the age of five at the University of Minnesota. I didn’t meet another person with ectodermal dysplasia until I was almost a teenager so I feel strongly in the supportive community created by the NFED, not only for those affected but for the family of those affected.
I am honored to be a part of the leadership team and I look forward to working with the NFED to educate providers and advocate for those affected by ectodermal dysplasia. It is a very exciting time for our organization. Exciting research, exciting advocacy events being organized, exciting family conferences and driven leadership. Working together we can make a change.”
Keith Throm returns to the Board after taking a six-year break. He has volunteered for the NFED for more than 20 years. He’s been a devoted supporter of our mission. Keith has chaired golf tournament committees and a gala and served as Board president. He even drove one NFED family to and from dental appointment visits for two years. He is the vice president of E. J. Welch Co., Inc. in St. Louis, Mo. He resides in Collinsville, Ill., with his wife, Christine, and their two adult children.
Marianne Vermeer brings her talents from being both a mom to a son affected by ectodermal dysplasia and a business professional. She has more than 20 years of experience working with non-profit organizations and small companies, both in the United States and overseas. She currently owns a management consulting practice, working with non-profits and small businesses around the world. Marianne, is mom to Nathan and Peter and wife to the Rev. Dr. Robert Johnson. She lives in Richmond, Va.
Timothy Wright, D.D.S., M.S. may be new to the Board of Directors but he’s a veteran volunteer. Dr. Wright has served on our Scientific Advisory Council since 2006 and volunteered in other capacities since the 1980s. He is professor and chair of the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry. This pediatric dentist has received numerous research awards for his work, including the NFED’s Kenneth S. Brown Research Award. Dr. Wright lives in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Board leadership also changed this year. For the first time, we have two people serving as co-presidents: George Barbar and Ruth Geismar. Jack Kriz and Brian Randall continue in their roles of secretary and treasurer, respectively.
Each one of these new board members is a real plus for the organization. Perhaps one day I will have a chance to tell them that in person.