Board of Directors
The Board of Directors functions to advise, assist, and aid in our efforts to support breast cancer education, screening, diagnostics, and outreach programs serving our 24 county service area.
Chuck Christmas
Board President
Executive Vice President & CFO, Mercantile Bank of Michigan
cchristmas@mercbank.com
I have been involved with Komen Michigan for 8 years serving as a Board member, and President for the last three years, provides me the opportunity to assist Komen Michigan in its mission to provide breast health services throughout the service area. It is exciting to witness the strides being made, but more needs to be done and I am pleased to be a part of the campaign.
Anna Kraai, CPA
Treasurer
Assurance Manager, BDO USA, LLP
akraai@bdo.com
I am an assurance senior manager at BDO USA, LLP and have been a member of the Komen Michigan Board and Treasurer for 3 years. With several breast cancer survivors in my family, I was excited about getting involved with Komen Michigan to help spread its mission through community education, survivorship programs, and research, and help others within the community that are impacted by breast cancer. I believe that the work Komen Michigan is doing is benefitting its service area and I am lucky to be part of such a great organization.
Laura Contu, MBA
Secretary
Branch Manager, MSU Federal Credit Union
laura.contu@msufcu.org
I have been working in the financial industry for the last 14 years, mostly as a Branch Manager, and most recently transitioned into a Department Manager position at my current employer MSU Federal Credit Union. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from MSU and 2 MBAs in Strategic Management and Human Resource Management. I joined the Board in June 2017 since I wanted to give back and use my skills to advance the work being done by Komen Michigan. I have been the Board Secretary since 2018. I personally have been touched by breast cancer with a family member surviving the disease in 2018 and she has been an inspiration to me in her resilience and focus on her health. It is her fight and those of others in our service area that keep me committed to the mission and is why I feel passionate about the work we are doing.
Michelle Andersen
Board Member
Nurse Practitioner, Michigan State University – Comprehensive Breast Clinic
I am a nurse practitioner at MSU Breast Clinic. I believe that education, annual mammograms (for those meeting criteria), early detection, and research are of the utmost importance. I am proud to serve on the Komen Mid Michigan Board of Directors. I believe Susan G. Komen is an amazing organization that provides help to those in need.
Sharon Blizzard
Board Member
Chief Human Resources Officer, Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2013. I had surgery in mid-February and then radiation treatments followed by six months of physical therapy. I was very lucky it was caught early through annual screening. Komen connected me with fellow survivors, encouraged me to share my story through local radio and letters during the race campaign in 2017. Knowing I was not alone and that sharing my story could make a difference in the lives of so many women just like it helped me overcome many of my fears and helped me on my road to recovery and survivorship. The importance of breast health and early and ongoing screening can make such a difference. Komen’s commitment to addressing breast cancer on multiple fronts such as research and community health resonates with me as well. I have worked in a public mental health agency for 19 years and know that our communities have underserved or unserved populations. Being a part of Komen provides me with the opportunity to make a difference. I have served on the Board of Directors since 2018 and feel privileged to do so.
Nikki Coy
Board Member
Director of Operations, Spectrum Health Cancer Services, Spectrum Health
Kenda Klotz
Board Member
Clinical Service Director – Cancer Services, Mercy Health – Saint Mary’s
Yolanda Ross, MBA
Board Member
Supervisor of Operations, Self-Employed
Joyce Weise
Board Member
Landscape Architect, Self-Employed
I am a 26-year breast cancer survivor and have been involved with Komen since 1999. It was the second year of the Race for the Cure and I was part of the race committee eventually becoming a race chair and then a board member. I had an opportunity to join the new board again in 2018. I believe in Komen. It is crucial that we continue with education, early detection, and affordable or no-cost breast exams to fight this terrible disease. I want to be a part of that!
Karen Yacobucci
Board Member
Executive Director, Regional Growth and Oncology Service Line, Henry Ford Health Alliance