Board of Trustees

Our Compassionate Team

This group is formed of many inspiring and dedicated volunteers that believe in the betterment of the lives of adults and children affected by congenital heart disease (CHD). Read more about our volunteers and why they are involved by selecting their photos.

Julie

Balzano

Trustee

Two of our four children were born with heart defects. My daughter earned her angel wings when she was just shy of five months old and my son is a young adult, who has benefitted from years of experience, research, and the evolving improvements of technology.

Heather

Bucher

Trustee

I want to give my time to a group that has provided me and my family with much support and assistance over the past several years. My youngest daughter has some special needs and as such we see many specialists at CCHMC and attend the Perlman Center. This is a way for me to give back to an organization that has given so much to us.

Allison

Creaghead

Vice President

As an employee of Cincinnati Children’s, I have worked closely with CHAoC over the years and have witnessed their exceptional dedication to bettering the lives of those with congenital heart disease (CHD) firsthand. The positive impact that CHAoC funding & programming has on patients with CHD is remarkable. I am proud of CHAoC for supporting innovative cardiovascular research and improving the lives of those impacted by CHD.

Megan

Horsley

Trustee

My interest in the CHAoC started when I began meeting committee members at NPC-QIC and hearing all of the amazing things they are doing in the community. As an cardiac dietitian, an advocate for heart patients, and a heart mom myself, I had to be a part of something greater, that will continue to touch lives all around for years to come.

Terry

Karageorges

Past President

My daughter was born with multiple heart defects, and after receiving great care at CCHMC I wanted a way to give back. I believe the efforts of this organization have benefitted many lives, including my own, and have enabled physicians and caregivers in the field to “change the outcome” for many.

Michael

Katchman

Past President

My son Zak was born with CHD. Without for the efforts of the Congenital Heart Alliance of Cincinnati, my son, along with thousands of other children, would not be enjoying their lives today! CHAoC is committed to overcoming congenital heart disease, and I am here to make sure it happens.

Thomas

Kimball, MD

Trustee

As a pediatric cardiologist, I have directly been impacted by the work of the Congenital Heart Alliance.  I was a recipient of one of the first grants offered by CHAoC when the trustees funded the Cincinnati Children’s Hemodynamic Research Laboratory in the 1990’s.  Now retired, my involvement in CHAoC affords the opportunity to not only impact patient care but also help launch the careers of young investigators.

Stephanie

Nightingale

Trustee

My daughter was born with critical CHD in 2017, a life altering diagnosis which brought us into the Heart Community. CHAoC is a phenomenal platform to spread awareness and advocate for research to overcome congenital heart disease as well as offer community support to all of those impacted by CHD.

Charlene

Pfingstag

Trustee

It is a real pleasure to serve on the CHAoC board. It is the most fulfilling and rewarding privilege to see the progress that has been made with children’s heart procedures and the favorable impact it has over a lifetime.

Spencer

Timmel

Trustee

My family was directly impacted by CHD in 2012. As a result, we became connected to the Heart community and found a passion for helping Heart kids. I am particularly interested in advancing quality of life programs for children and their families. If we can help them take a break from their medical issues, expand their support network, and create a few smiles, I am all in.

Emeritus Trustees

Timothy Cassady
Michael Clark
Janet Davis (In Memoriam)
Pamela Farber
William Heckman
Bonnie Paul
Joshua Rand
Madeleine Schwartz
Sallie Sumerel
Greg Tassone
Jack Weiland