Gateway for Cancer Research Board of Directors

Gateway's Board of Directors meets four times a year and is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization. In line with nonprofit best practices, the Board has established policies that serve as a guide as it carries out its governance duties. Board Policy Summaries

Steve Bahlmann
Founder and President
Broadband Options, LLC
Term 2008 - 2011

Steve Bahlmann is the founder and president of Broadband Options, LLC which helps consumers and small businesses maximize the value received from their high speed internet service. Prior to starting his business, Mr. Bahlmann was a Senior Director of Global Sales Operations for Motorola, Inc. where he was responsible for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the Mobile Device Business sales force. Mr. Bahlmann has a long history in sales and marketing and has created and implemented sell through strategies that lead organizations to significant top line growth. He volunteers with several athletic youth organizations and has been an active participant in community service programs for a number of years. Mr. Bahlmann has a MBA from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Science degree from Illinois State University.

Lynette Bisconti (ex officio)
President, Gateway for Cancer Research

Lynette Bisconti is President of Gateway for Cancer Research. A cancer survivor, she is a passionate advocate of patient-centered cancer research that offers new and innovative treatment options to cancer patients as quickly as possible. Prior to joining Gateway, Ms. Bisconti served for several years as a member of the Patient Advisory Council at Cancer Treatment Centers of America and on the YMe Advocacy Network Steering Committee (now the Breast Cancer National Network of Strength). She also has worked as a team leader at the National Breast Cancer Coalition's Lobby Day on Capitol Hill, working with elected officials toward increased breast cancer research funding, improved and innovative research methods, and better access to quality care. Bisconti was honored as a 2004 Lifetime Television Breast Cancer Hero because of her unique fight with cancer and her work on behalf of cancer patients across the nation.

Nelson Chao, MD (ex officio)
Chairman, BSC

Dr. Nelson Chao is Professor of Medicine and Immunology and the Chief of the Division of Cellular Therapy/BMT at Duke University. He is also a co-founder of Aldagen, a start up biotechnology company in Research Triangle Park. Dr. Chao served as faculty at Stanford University prior to moving to Duke University. In addition to his position at Duke, he is also the Co-Director of the Clinical Stem Cell Transplantation Laboratory and continues to direct his own research laboratory. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University, his MD from Yale University, and his post-graduate training at Stanford University. Dr. Chao went on to obtain his MBA from Duke University in 2000 and is widely published.

Wayne Dixon (Secretary*)
Senior Sales Representative
H.S. Crocker Co., Inc.
Term 2008 - 2011

Wayne Dixon is a Senior Sales Representative for H.S. Crocker., Inc., one of the oldest lithographers in the United States. He has served in roles of increasing responsibility over his long tenure with Crocker and has been in lithography for nearly two decades. Mr. Dixon holds a Bachelor's in Marketing from Illinois State University and is active in local civic, community, and charitable organizations.

Tom Duensing
Principal
Thomas R. Duensing and Associates, Ltd
Term 2008 - 2011

Thomas R. Duensing, LUTCF is the Principal of Thomas R. Duensing & Associates, Ltd., an insurance and financial services brokerage firm, founded in 1987, and Managing Director and Principal of The Private Consulting Group, Chicago. The firm specializes in working with privately held companies and individuals to provide wealth optimization, business succession, executive benefits, and employee benefits services. Mr. Duensing holds a degree in Aviation Technologies as well as Applied Sciences. He is on the boards of Gateway for Cancer Research and Lifeline Pilots, and is a regular volunteer for several community organizations.

Joseph Gregoire
Regional President of Illinois
National City Bank, now a part of PNC
Term 2007 - 2010

Joseph A. Gregoire is Regional President of Illinois for National City Bank, which is now a part of PNC. During his 23 years with National City, Mr. Gregoire has served as regional president for the Chicagoland/ Northern Illinois region, manager of Middle Market Lending for Michigan and Illinois, Chief Credit Officer for National City in Illinois, and President and CEO of the National City affiliate in Kankakee, Illinois. Mr. Gregoire earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Business Administration degrees from Olivet Nazarene University in Kankakee, Illinois. He is also a graduate of Prochnow Graduate School of Banking, University of Wisconsin.

Bruce Lubin
President of Illinois Commercial Banking
The PrivateBank & Trust Co.
Term 2008 - 2011

Bruce S. Lubin is President of Illinois Commercial Banking of The PrivateBank, Chicago. He was previously Executive Vice President and head of the Illinois Commercial Banking Group at LaSalle Bank, N.A. which consisted of 37 divisions. Mr. Lubin joined The Exchange National Bank of Chicago in February of 1984, which LaSalle acquired in 1990. Previously he worked at American National Bank of Chicago in commercial lending for five years, rising to Second Vice President. Mr. Lubin is the President of the Board of Stevenson High School District 125 as well as a member of the Board of the Gateway for Cancer Research, and is a Trustee of the Hillcrest Educational Foundation. In 1995 he was a Leadership Greater Chicago Fellow and earned a B.A. in 1975 and his MBA in 1977 from the University of Connecticut.

Robert Mayo
Vice Chairman
Cancer Treatment Centers of America
Term 2007 - 2010

Robert Mayo is co-founder of Cancer Treatment Centers of America and has served in positions of increasing responsibility leading to his appointment as Vice Chairman in 1997. In his current role, he is responsible for advancing CTCA within the health industry, including government, payor and physician relationships. Mr. Mayo has over 20 years of experience developing comprehensive cancer treatment centers throughout the United States, designing and managing treatment programs, physician practices, and partnerships with other hospital. He served in the United States Navy and holds a Master's in Health Administration.

Michael T. Mullins (Treasurer*)
Partner
Winston & Strawn LLP
Term 2008 - 2011

Michael Mullins is a partner in Winston & Strawn's corporate department concentrating his practice in corporate and structured finance and debt fund management. Mr. Mullins also represents asset managers, institutional investors and issuers in structuring, formation and ongoing compliance issues regarding onshore and offshore investment funds, collateralized debt obligations and other structured products. He has participated as a speaker on securitization topics and collateralized debt obligations for various trade organizations. Mr. Mullins received a B.S. in Accounting from Marquette University and a J.D from the DePaul University, where he was an editor of the DePaul Law Review.

Rod Murray
Senior Vice President & Managing Director
The PrivateBank & Trust Co.
Term 2009 - 2012

Rod Murray is the Senior Vice President and Managing Director of The PrivateBank where he is leading The PrivateBank to new levels of success. Previously, Mr. Murray was Senior Vice President with LaSalle Bank where he managed commercial middle market client relationships with responsibility for a portfolio of more than $300 million. With nearly two decades of a distinguished career in banking, Mr. Murray brings great business and financial acumen to his nonprofit roles.

James Olson, PhD
Retired
Term 2008 - 2011

James Olson spent his career in the laboratory, much of it with Abbott helping to develop protocols, managing studies, and advancing Abbott's global scientific presence. He has been involved in a number of cancer-related diagnostic discoveries and received multiple awards of excellence during his tenure with Abbott. Prior to joining Abbott, Dr. Olson was a postdoctoral fellow with Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, investigating the influence of cellular growth factors related to cancer progression and control. Dr. Olson holds a BS in Biology from Purdue University and obtained both his Master's and his Doctoral degrees from Colorado State.

Connie Payton-Strotter
Chairman, Walter Payton Cancer Fund
Term 2009 - 2012

Connie Payton has been involved with the National Society to Prevent Blindness, the St. Luke's Presbyterian Fashion Show, Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Charity Benefit, the Chicago Leukemia Society, Rainbow for All God's Children, Inc., and the Y-ME Organization which supports women with breast cancer. Since her husband Walter passed away, she has been directly involved with his foundation, the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation and serves as Chairman of the Walter Payton Cancer Fund , a special fund of Gateway for Cancer Research.

Dick Riley
President
ALTA Advisors, LLC
Term 2008 - 2011

Dick Riley is currently President of ALTA Advisors, LLC which provides professional and consulting services to, and invests in, insurance distribution businesses. For the past twenty years, Mr. Riley has held executive leadership position in the insurance industry, as President, then Chairman and CEO of Aon in the Americas, the largest division of Aon Corp, then as Vice-Chairman of Aon Group, and finally as the Chairman and CEO of WNC Insurance Services. Previous to that, he held various sales, sales management and overall management positions. With a Bachelor's degree from Boston University and several certifications in his field, Mr. Riley enjoys several professional memberships and board positions.

Dottie Rzeszutko (Vice-President*)
CFO
CA Fortune
Term 2009 - 2012

Dottie Rzeszutko is currently the Chief Financial Officer and co-owner of C.A. Fortune & Company, a food broker. Mrs. Rzeszutko has been in the food industry her entire career and has brought innovations and efficiency to bear on the food distribution industry. Mrs. Rzeszutko is generous with her time, volunteering to fundraise for several local nonprofits and serving on the board of two.

Shannon Skokos
The Ted and Shannon Skokos Foundation
Term 2008 - 2011

Shannon Skokos, a former Miss Arkansas and motivational speaker, is an attorney, author, photographer and philanthropist residing in Dallas, Texas. Shannon serves on the board of The Ted and Shannon Skokos Foundation, Dallas Center for the Performing Arts, Dallas Theater, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Texas Women for the Arts Cultural Trust, and the Miss Arkansas Scholarship Pageant. She is also a member of Dallas Junior League and Park Cities Baptist Church. Shannon has published a coffee table book entitled Ask God's Creatures and They Will Teach You, which is a photographic depiction of lessons learned on a South African safari. Having received her Bachelor's in Education from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Shannon is a loyal fan of her alumni team, the Arkansas Razorbacks, and is an avid Dallas Mavericks, Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Stars fan.

Ken Smith (Vice Chairman*)
Exclusive Agent
Allstate Insurance Company
Term 2007 - 2010

Ken Smith is an Exclusive Agent for Allstate Insurance Company. He has had a long career in insurance and has been recognized with several awards for high achievement and leadership. Mr. Smith possesses strong business expertise, networking skills and community service experience. He has served on several fundraising committees and has received the Allstate Foundation Agency Hands in the Community Grant, which he donated to Gateway for Cancer Research. An active member of his community, Mr. Smith volunteers for several community and charitable organizations.

Richard J Stephenson (Interim Chair*)
Founder and Chairman of the Board
Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Richard Stephenson is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA). During his tenure as Chairman, CTCA has pioneered and proven the importance of a new paradigm in cancer care known as Patient Empowerment Medicine (SM). Further, all CTCA programs and services are provided under the watchful guidance of the widely acclaimed CTCA Mother Standard® of care. This unique, patient-centered model of cancer care originated out of respect for Mr. Stephenson's departed mother, in whose memory CTCA was founded, and in whose memory he, his family, and all of CTCA have pledged to change the face of this terrible disease. Mr. Stephenson is also Founder of Gateway for Cancer Research. Read about Gateway's History.

Harlan Teller
Senior Counselor, FD
Principal, Teller Consulting
Term 2009 - 2012

Harlan Teller is a senior counselor for the communications and consulting firm FD, having stepped down as vice chairman and chief knowledge officer of the firm at the end of 2007 as well as principal in his own consulting firm. He opened FD's Midwest operation in 2005 following a distinguished 30-year career in corporate communications at global PR giants such as Burson-Marsteller, Carl Byoir and Hill & Knowlton. Mr. Teller serves on several nonprofit boards as well as advisory boards for Columbia College and DePaul University.