The Camp Odayin Board of Directors provides the direction and oversight needed to ensure the continued growth and
success of the camp and its mission, while maintaining the fiduciary and governance oversight to protect the interest of
the camp's donors.
Chris Aerts, Vice President
As a person who has heart disease and an implanted defibrillator, Chris genuinely understands
the importance of our mission. Camp Odayin offers support to children with heart disease as well as the opportunity to
strengthen self-confidence. "Being part of the Board of directors gives me the opportunity to work with enthusiastic
volunteers and staff who make a difference in the life of a child." Chris has been on the Board since its origination and
serves as Vice President. Chris has been an important part of Odayin's strong growth and bright future.
Kris Flanagan
Kris has experience working in Medical Device marketing (Cardiac Surgery Business and Cardiac Rhythm Management) and currently works in the Healthcare Service Industry at Abbott Northwestern Hospital/Minneapolis Heart Institute. As a Referral Business Development Manager, she is passionate in developing and building Physician to Physician relations and creating programs around Healthcare Professionals and consumers. Working with Minneapolis Heart Institute opens a world of learning, educating and understanding of how Heart Disease impacts patients, families and friends lives. Kris is excited to be part of the Camp Odayin Team creating awareness, bringing children with heart disease together and sharing in experiences that last a lifetime!
Julie Foster
Julie is Vice President, CRDM Marketing at Medtronic with global responsibility for brand management, market development and customer-focused activities. Julie joined Medtronic in 1988 and has held positions of increasing leadership responsibility in sales and marketing, with 15 years in Medtronic's Cardiac Surgery business and the remaining time in CRDM. Julie has focused her time on addressing market challenges and fueling growth to ensure patient access to therapies, diagnostics and patient management tools.
Reed Gilbert
Being a native of Minnesota , Reed has held business development positions in the technology and financial services industries in the Twin Cities for more than ten years. He has served as a volunteer for several non-profit organizations including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity and Sharing and Caring Hands. Reed began his Camp Odayin volunteer efforts several years ago at the Heart and Sole 5K. His involvement and enthusiasm for Camp Odayin has continued to grow. "It is an honor to serve on Camp Odayin Board of Directors and a great way for me to help further the mission of bringing children with heart disease together to share an experience they would otherwise not have had."
Robert Kelen
Robert is Co-Founder & President of SavvyTot.com and has worked in a variety of marketing and business development positions for Fanball.com, Lawson Software, Insiginia Systems, Cray Research, and more recently Computer Network Technology. His strong interest in community based fundraising & philanthropy, along with his business development background, are well suited to help Camp Odayin's continuing mission to provide a positive life experience for kids with heart disease.
Jeanne Kenady
Jeanne has worked at Boston Scientific Corporation for over four years. During this time, she has held positions in company operations and employee communications and currently serves as a Manager in the LATITUDE Clinician Support Group. After assisting with the Camp Odayin Heart and Sole 5K volunteer effort, Jeanne sought another opportunity to make a difference for kids living with heart disease. She often reminisces of her first visit to Camp Odayin when she truly discovered the magic that Camp Odayin creates for their campers. Jeanne hopes to use her leadership and energy to continue Camp Odayin's powerful mission.
Sara Meslow
Sara is the Executive Director of Camp Odayin, a life long camper, and a heart patient herself. She has worked and volunteered at many camps and holds undergraduate degrees in Social Work & Communication, and a graduate degree in Youth Development Leadership.
Sara is very familiar with the cardiac care world. She herself has had a
catheter ablation to correct her supraventricular tachycardia, and has an implanted
Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) as a result of ventricular tachycardia. She believes in the positive impact summer camp can have on everyone, especially children with special heath concerns.
Linda Nelson, President
Linda Nelson grew up in Minnesota and
has a bachelor of science in nursing degree from St. Olaf College. She has worked in the
cardiology field for 20 years and currently works for Medtronic as a Clinical Research
Manager supporting clinical trials for heart patients. Linda has volunteered as a camp
nurse for the last four years and serves as President of the Board. She feels that the
Camp Odayin "experience" is special and unique for kids with heart disease. She is excited to share her talents and enthusiasm with them.
Rhett Neuman, Treasurer
Rhett was searching for a way to be part of an organization that helped children in need.
Camp Odayin was a perfect fit for him. "It's been so rewarding to see how the camp has touched the lives of so many children
that may have never experienced camp during their lifetimes without a set up like ours. The fact that qualified children are
able to attend with almost no financial obligation has also made me proud to be a part of such a great organization." Rhett
is a Senior Vice President, Investment Officer for a national brokerage firm and serves as the Camp Odayin Board Treasurer.
Steve Poucher
Steve has 22 years experience with Abbott Laboratories, including nine years as a cardiovascular and peripherial vascular specialist. He has served as a volunteer for several non-profit organizations including: Boy Scouts of America, Minnesota Stroke Association, Minnesota Dietetic Association, Minnesota Epilepsy Foundation, Camp Oz, Twin Lakes Preservation Association, and held various board member positions. Steve is currently active in "SOAR for Jobs," a job transition support group, as core committee member, speaker, mentor, and a small group facilitator. Steve and his wife lost their infant daughter, Erin, to congenital heart disease in 1990. " I believe that serving on Camp Odayin's board of directors is a great privilege and an extraordinary way to touch the hearts of many children and their families."
Travis Yano, Secretary
Travis has worked in cardiovascular related research as a statistician at the University of Minnesota for 6 years. Currently, he
is a consultant to several Minnesota based companies on online marketing initiatives. "The closeness of the Camp's mission to my past and current employment interests as well as
the importance of getting the message out to those who could benefit from the Camp Odayin experience made this a wonderful opportunity for me to give something back to the
community."
