Gateway Team

Bonnifer Ballard
Director of Marketing and Communications

Ms. Ballard joined the organization in October 2006 and immediately led the organization through a brand optimization process. The organization is in the first stage of implementing the plan. Along with brand management, Ms. Ballard is responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategy, including media relations, as well as supporting the organization's fundraising activity.

Ms. Ballard was formerly with Heartland Alliance as Director of Strategic Communications where she developed and implemented their identity program, overhauled their publications, and strengthened overall communications strategy. Ms. Ballard's leadership brought Heartland greater notoriety within target audience groups, supported revenue growth of the organization's annual fund, and enhanced the organization's ability to address complex communication challenges among its key constituents.

She holds a degree in Business and has nearly two decades of association and nonprofit marketing and communications experience.

Nikki Bonamarte
Director of Development

Ms. Bonamarte is responsible for all fundraising activities. She has helped the organization to increase revenue by 31% in the last year as well as to diversify the sources of revenue. Ms. Bonamarte managed high profile fundraising events, including Gateway's anniversary event, which raised $1.3 million.

Ms. Bonamarte has nearly two decades of experience in both fundraising and marketing roles for health-related organizations. Her skillful relationship management has helped to develop volunteer groups, board groups, and staff. She has an exceptional fundraising track record and solicits all levels of donors with care and finesse. Her belief in the mission for which she works is what makes Ms. Bonamarte rise above her peers.

An alum of University of Iowa, Ms. Bonamarte is a long-standing professional member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and is currently vice-chair of AFP's Web and e-Fundraising Development Committee.

Lois Conklin
Director of Operations

Ms. Conklin is responsible for all operations and financial management as well as grants awarded to researchers. In her operational role, Ms. Conklin manages the office, is responsible for establishing new offices as the organization expands and addresses all licensing and state filing requirements.

In her finance role, Ms. Conklin manages the monthly financials for the organization, recommends action on investments to the Board of Directors, and manages the annual audit. She also is responsible for all legal reporting required in order for the organization to fundraise across the country.

In her role as grants manager, Ms. Conklin manages all grants awarded by Gateway from application to study close. This includes acting as liaison to the Board of Scientific Counselors, providing guidance to researchers submitting grant applications, and conducting periodic site visits to evaluate the progress of studies.

Ms. Conklin also acts as solicitor for designated major donors and is responsible for overseeing the organization's participation in the Combined Federal Campaign, the employee giving program of federal and state employees nationwide.

Ms. Conklin has years of experience in managing various aspects of operations in for profit settings. She has new business systems, hired and trained staff at all levels, and participated in strategic planning for Gateway as well as other organizations in a volunteer capacity.

She holds a Bachelor's degree as well as a certificate in Fund Raising, has studied abroad, and has extensive volunteer and board experience.

Carrie Mastrorocco
Development Associate

Ms. Mastrorocco is responsible for volunteer development, donor customer service, in-kind gift cultivation, and sponsorship development. She also acts as point person for volunteers planning fundraisers to benefit Gateway and provides support for Gateway's key fundraising events.

Ms. Mastrorocco's previous career path includes extensive sales and consulting with nationally known companies. Her conscious turn to nonprofit fundraising demonstrates her desire to work toward a mission with an important purpose. Her previous experience bring a unique skillset to Gateway's fundraising efforts.

Ms. Mastrorocco holds a Bachelor's degree from Ohio University.

Kim Petranovic
Director of Research Grants

Ms. Petranovic is responsible for leading, managing and implementing Gateway's grant program. She seeks, cultivates and maintains relationships with researchers and organizations to enhance grant portfolio and funding opportunities.

Ms. Petranovic has nearly a decade of experience across the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Her past successes include developing strategic partnerships and leading the commercialization of cutting edge biotech products across North America, Europe and Asia. She has worked in the areas of Drug Metabolism & Pharmacokinetics, Drug Delivery and Clinical Research.

Ms. Petranovic received her Bachelors in Bioengineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Masters in Biotechnology from Northwestern University.

Colleen Stauffacher
Executive Assistant

Ms. Stauffacher is responsible for administrative support for the Gateway team with executive level support for the President and the Director of Operations. She is also responsible for front office operations in addition to coordinating board and committee meetings.

Ms. Stauffacher has nearly two decades of progressive responsibility in administrative roles and brings exceptional data management and organizational skills to bear on her role with Gateway.

Ms. Stauffacher holds a degree in Communication as well as Paralegal certificate.