The Gilmore Family Foundation Team
Our management team consists of Lauren Giannini and Andrew Herrington-Gilmore. Brad Giannini, uncle to Mara and Jay, serves as Vice President of the foundation. Brad assists with all aspects of operating the foundation (including production of the videos we show at each event). We also have a dedicated and hands-on advisory board of professionals who volunteer their time to help us expand our community and impact. See more information about our advisory board below:
All team members serve on a voluntary basis. No one is paid or otherwise compensated for their time.
Advisory Board
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Ben Herrington-Gilmore
Attorney, Latham & Watkins, New York, New York (and uncle to Mara and Jay)
Ben Herrington-Gilmore lives in New York City where he is an attorney at Latham & Watkins. His pro bono practice focuses on civil rights litigation, including ensuring children with disabilities receive the educational services they are entitled to. Ben is the younger brother of Andrew Herrington-Gilmore, brother-in-law to Lauren, and uncle to Mara and Jay. He has watched his niece and nephew grow into the amazing kids they are today as they—and their parents on their behalf—have battled rare diseases and the complicated care landscape. Ben is incredibly proud to serve on the Board of The Gilmore Family Foundation that works to help kids with rare diseases and their families get the care and support they need.
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Brett Chamernik
Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon, Chicago, IL
Andrew and Lauren have been two of my best friends since college. I've seen first hand the struggle that this family has endured with these rare diseases. Having two children myself, I would want all resources available to them in the case of any health issues. With my background in medicine, I hope to bring any knowledge and connection to help further the reach of this foundation.
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Brian Horst
Controller, Gemini Mountain Medical, Minneapolis, MN
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Brian Nussbaum
Attorney, Hinshaw & Culbertson, Chicago, IL
I have had the pleasure of calling Andrew and Lauren friends since our time together at Illinois Wesleyan University. I am an attorney at Hinshaw & Culbertson in the commercial transactions practice group. My wife and I have spent years working with and helping to raise funds for organizations focused on children, particularly those with special needs. Having witnessed first-hand the truly inspirational way in which the Gilmore family handled the adversity thrust upon them the last several years, I knew I had to be part of this cause. If I could pick any group of people with both the determination and foresight necessary to make a real impact on improving the lives of kids with rare and undiagnosed diseases, it would be Andrew, Lauren, Mara, and Jay. It is my honor to serve on the Advisory Board of the Gilmore Family Foundation and to be a supporter of its mission.
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Brice Robinson
Account Executive, The Judge Group, Chicago, IL
Brice had the opportunity to meet Andrew in the beginning stages of the GFF after a cold LinkedIn message. He has supported St. Baldricks, Operation Santa, & Make-A-Wish in the past, but was more than excited when he saw an opportunity to attack a common goal upon hearing the Gilmore story.
Brice shares a special connection with our foundation, having also played basketball at Illinois Wesleyan University. Having also faced the devastating toll of rare diseases within his own family, with the loss of his father and sister to cancer and his younger brother's courageous battle against it twice, Brice knows firsthand the emotional and physical toll these illnesses can take. Brice & his family credit a stem-cell transplant for saving his brother's life. His experiences have fueled his determination to drive change, raise awareness, and support those affected by rare diseases.
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Connor Anderson
Director, Investment Banking, Piper Sandler, Minneapolis, MN
I met Andrew and his sweet left-handed jumper on the basketball court over 20 years ago and have had the pleasure calling him a teammate and friend ever since. Andrew has always attacked challenges with tenacity and the way he and Lauren have built this foundation is no different. Their cause, perseverance and resolve over the past many years has been nothing but inspiring in the face of what has been many unknowns. Turning their experience into such a meaningful benefit for other families through the Gilmore Family Foundation is truly admirable and this organization is one we are very proud to support and be associated with.
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Cramer Soebbing
Director and Senior Wealth Advisor, Mariner Wealth Advisors, Chicago, IL
I’m a Senior Wealth Advisor at Mariner Wealth Advisors, where I helped launch the firm’s Chicago office. I assist individuals and families in navigating the various complexities that impact their long-term financial objectives. I strive to understand each client’s unique aspirations and challenges in order help them accomplish their economic, social, and philanthropic goals.
I am also from the same hometown and a friend of Andrew, and very excited to support the mission of The Gilmore Family Foundation.
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Doug Sexauer
Owner and President, Evergreen Door & Window and KobyCo Door & Window, Chicago Area
I own and manage Evergreen Door & Window and KobyCo Door & Window, a family of companies focused on residential and commercial replacement services.
I've known Lauren and Andrew since our time together at Illinois Wesleyan University. They've supported my family and me personally and professionally and we couldn't be more proud to return the favor.
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Jake Hansen
Pharmacist and Pharmacy Manager, Fairview Specialty Pharmacy, Minneapolis, MN
As a childhood friend of Andrew’s, I have been following Mara and Jay’s journey from the beginning. Additionally, as a pharmacist in the rare disease space and a father, the mission of The Gilmore Family Foundation of raising awareness and support for childhood rare disease is something I am deeply passionate about. It has been amazing to watch Mara and Jay grow, and as a member of the board, I hope to help carry this very important mission forward and bring awareness to the importance of supporting patients and families navigating life with a rare disease.
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Jason Bloom
Vice President Agency, State Farm, Washington DC-Baltimore Area
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John Caywood
State Farm Insurance Agent, Champaign, IL
I have been close friends with Andrew and Lauren since our time together at Illinois Wesleyan University.
Professionally, I am a State Farm Insurance Agent for the Champaign, IL area (and for Andrew and Lauren in the Chicago area). I have been a State Farm Insurance Agent since 2011. Here in the office we have over 50 years combined State Farm Team Experience. My agency has qualified for several different State Farm Awards over the years including State Farm Presidents Club, State Farm Exotic Travel, State Farm Chairman’s Circle as well as a Million Dollar Round Table Member. I am a member of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. We enjoy assisting on resident relocations to the Champaign, IL area.
Incredibly excited to join the Advisory Board and support the GFF’s mission.
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Jon Goodman
Owner and President, Range Digital, Minneapolis, MN
Jon Goodman is the president of Range Digital (range-digital.com), a Minneapolis-based digital agency specializing in tracking and growth. With years of experience in the tech industry, Jon has honed his skills in data-driven decision-making and strategic planning. His connection to the Gilmore Family Foundation is deeply personal, rooted in a longstanding friendship with the Gilmore family. Jon takes immense pride in helping to guide the foundation's digital presence and strategies, hoping to further amplify its mission and impact.
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Marissa Meli
Associate General Counsel, Green Bay Packers, Green Bay, WI
Marissa joined the club as an attorney in 2016. Marissa is a graduate of Northwestern University and the University of Illinois College of Law. A Wisconsin native, Marissa saw firsthand the impact that Children’s Wisconsin makes when treating a young family member with childhood cancer. She has been friends with Andrew since they were law students and is proud to join him and his amazing family on this journey.
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Matt Schick
Surety Broker, Aon, Chicago, IL
I’ve been fortunate to know Andrew and the Gilmore family since childhood as we grew up a block away from each other in Lincoln, IL. I later attended college with Andrew and Lauren at Illinois Wesleyan University and also lived a block away from them in Chicago post-graduation. I’ve worked as a Surety Broker at Aon for the last 7 years and spent 5 years as a Surety Underwriter at Liberty Mutual prior to joining Aon. Andrew and Lauren have been outstanding friends and role models to me and I’m honored to be a part of the Advisory Board and support The Gilmore Family Foundation mission of raising awareness for rare childhood diseases and supporting patients and families in need.
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Matthew Creegan
Press Officer, the Ford Foundation, New York, New York (and uncle to Mara and Jay)
Matthew Creegan is a strategic communications professional currently working as the Press Officer for the Ford Foundation, a global social justice philanthropy based in New York. Previously, Matthew served as a Communications Advisor in the New York City Mayor's Office focusing on housing and economic development. Prior roles include Director of Communications for the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development and Deputy Director of Communications for the Joe Biden campaign in the battleground state of Georgia, where he spearheaded communications efforts to build a broad coalition of voters in the state for a historic win in the 2020 election. Prior to his work in public relations, Matthew began his career as a reporter at CNBC. He holds an MBA and two Bachelor's degrees in journalism and Spanish from Quinnipiac University.
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Kellen Groves
Chief Operating Officer, Softline Brand Partners, Minneapolis, MN
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Sean Dwyer
Financial Advisor, CFP and General Partner at Edward Jones, Greater Chicago Area
Since 2010, Sean Dwyer has partnered with clients to help them achieve their life goals through prudent financial advice and guidance. As a practitioner of financial planning, Sean's passion resides in his ability to positively impact families - leading with empathy, energy, and financial acumen. Sean and his wife Christina reside in Arlington Heights, Illinois with their four children.
Sean and his wife both attended Illinois Wesleyan University with Andrew and Lauren. Sean and Andrew played on the IWU Men's Basketball team together. He and his family are honored and grateful to have the opportunity to drive awareness and support for children with rare diseases. Sean is excited to serve as a member of The Gilmore Family Foundation Advisory Board.
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Sean Johnson
Executive, Commercial Packaging, Bloomington, IL
After twelve years in college athletics, I switched to the private sector and I'm currently an Executive at Commercial Packaging in Bloomington, IL. I also am an agent/advisor to college basketball coaches and I do broadcasting for Illinois State Men's and Women's Basketball.
My connection to the Gilmore Family Foundation dates back to my recruiting visit at Illinois Wesleyan in 2006. Lauren drove me to my first college party and Andrew was my host at Illinois Wesleyan. After I committed, I started playing open gym in the summer and developed a friendship with Andrew that has lasted beyond our two years as teammates and continues today.
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Stephanie Urban
Vice President of eCommerce & Marketing, Vince Camuto, New York, New York
Stephanie Urban is a digital marketing leader in New York City. She has experience driving over $150M in new business for organizations by developing high-growth strategies and seamless digital journeys. As the Vice President of eCommerce & Marketing for Vince Camuto, Stephanie is responsible for identifying growth opportunities, creating compelling marketing strategies, and driving new customers into the brand. Stephanie has previously worked for retail brands including Tarte Cosmetics and Ann Taylor. Stephanie takes an always-learning approach, and is passionate about innovation, technology and marketing. Stephanie has been friends with Lauren and Andrew for many years, since their time at Illinois Wesleyan. She is honored to join the board and looks forward to driving awareness and growth for this special organization.