board of directors
Brian A. Flaherty
Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Flaherty graduated from Monmouth University in 1998 with a degree in Medical Technology. Mr. Flaherty has over 20 years of experience in the areas of Medical Staffing, IT Contractor Placement, Executive Staffing ITO, and BPO.
Mr. Flaherty graduated from Monmouth University in 1998 with a degree in Medical Technology. Mr. Flaherty has over 20 years of experience in the areas of Medical Staffing, IT Contractor Placement, Executive Staffing ITO, and BPO. In 2003, he owned and operated BCF Technology Resources Inc. for over 4 years before taking on the VP of Sales role for Next Generation Technologies, an India-based ITO/BPO provider. Mr. Flaherty currently works out of the US Global HQ in North Carolina. He came to Global Strategic as the VP of Sales, transitioned into COO, and eventually became CEO, the role he presently holds for Global, and their subsidiary, Amerisource Inc.
Mr. Flaherty presently sits on the board of the Alamance Benevolent Club where he served as President for 4 years and is the Founder & President of the Denise Marie Flaherty Memorial Foundation, a grass roots cancer foundation. Aside from work and the foundation, Mr. Flaherty enjoys, raising his sons, and various sports activities such as golf and scuba diving.
An avid fan or work, character, drive and integrity he is most honored to serve as the President and Board Member at DMF Foundation. A mission of love and support for all walks of life, battling any form of cancer.
Ken Flaherty
Vice President
Kenneth Flaherty serves as the Business Manager at Entertainment Events, Inc. (EEI) and is actively engaged in the community through his roles on the DMF board and the DMF Finance Committee.
Kenneth Flaherty serves as the Business Manager at Entertainment Events, Inc. (EEI) and is actively engaged in the community through his roles on the DMF board and the DMF Finance Committee.
He has been happily married to his wife, Kelly, for 18 years, and they are proud pet parents to a beautiful all-black German Shepherd named Savannah and take pride in their 18 amazing nieces and nephews who inspire them every day. He is also a certified sommelier, an advanced open water diver, and an avid golfer, with a love for all types of sports.
Andrew Fitzsimmons
Board Member
Andrew Fitzsimmons is a former business owner and entrepreneur. He has been a part of the DMF Foundation since its inception and has served on the board since its creation.
Andrew Fitzsimmons is a former business owner and entrepreneur. He has been a part of the DMF Foundation since its inception and has served on the board since its creation.
Andy has been a Diamond sponsor for the NJ event for over a decade and has also supported DMF events in other states as a donor and a volunteer. Serving as Finance Chair for the DMF Foundation for 5 years, Andy worked directly with beneficiaries to gather information, present it to the board, and facilitate payments. Andy is passionate about philanthropy and also serves as a Knight of Columbus and as a Vincentian. An avid golfer, Andy now resides in the golf capital of the USA, Myrtle Beach, SC, with his wife and two children. He could not do any of these things without the loving support of his wife, Deb.
Jim Flaherty
Board Member
Jim is a physical therapist from New Jersey. After graduating from the University of Scranton in 1992 he started working in the outpatient/orthopedic field of physical therapy.
Jim is a physical therapist from New Jersey. After graduating from the University of Scranton in 1992 he started working in the outpatient/orthopedic field of physical therapy.
He currently works as a regional director for Atlantic Physical Therapy Center, a long standing sponsor and supporter of the Denise Marie Flaherty Foundation. Jim always felt he had a calling to help people, and the addition of working with the DMF foundation was a easy choice for Jim to continue fulfilling that calling while also honoring his late mother. Jim has been married to his beautiful wife Molly Flaherty for 25 years and together they are raising three amazing children. His wife Molly has also been a long and faithful supporter of the foundation, often working tirelessly behind the scenes to help with the New Jersey event.
Christina Flaherty
Board Member and Lead Advocate
Christina graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and spent several years in marketing before discovering her passion for childbirth and lactation. For the past 15 years, she has dedicated herself to working as a birth doula and lactation counselor.
Christina graduated from Fordham University with a bachelor’s degree in communications and spent several years in marketing before discovering her passion for childbirth and lactation. For the past 15 years, she has dedicated herself to working as a birth doula and lactation counselor.
When Brian expressed interest in starting the DMF Foundation 20 years ago, Christina stood by his side every step of the way. From supporting his century bike ride in Austin, TX, to initiating their own golf outing in NJ, Christina’s commitment mirrored Brian’s passion. Witnessing the foundation’s growth over the years has been an incredible experience for her.
Christina is the proud mother of two sons: Shane, 19, who is studying marine biology in Hawaii, and Brian, 15, who aspires to follow his father’s path by working internationally and leading the foundation. Christina’s mother lives nearby in a cottage on their property in Mebane. The Flaherty family, dispersed across NJ and AZ, holds a special place in Christina’s heart. ‘Big J,’ Brian’s affectionately named father, and his wife Shelley are strong supporters of their endeavors. Growing up as an only child, Christina always dreamed of having siblings. Now, she enjoys close relationships with her four brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law.
Christina’s love for her Certified Therapy Dog, Beckett, is evident to anyone following her on Facebook or Instagram. Together, they visit various places to spread joy, and Beckett is a beloved presence at many of our foundation’s events.
Frankie Francese
Board Member and Finance Committee Member
Frankie Francese is the Managing Partner at Fortis Consulting Group, an executive recruiting firm specializing in accounting and finance. He also serves as the Finance Council Chairperson at St. William the Abbot Catholic Church and is the Head Coach of Trinity Hall High School’s Ice Hockey team.
Frankie Francese is the Managing Partner at Fortis Consulting Group, an executive recruiting firm specializing in accounting and finance. He also serves as the Finance Council Chairperson at St. William the Abbot Catholic Church and is the Head Coach of Trinity Hall High School’s Ice Hockey team.
Frankie earned his BS in Accounting from Rutgers University and an MBA from Monmouth University. He has also earned his CPA and CMA licenses. He lives with his wife, Dena, their son, Zachary, and daughter, Riley, along with their dogs: Dakota and Nala. Frankie enjoys various hobbies including ice hockey, skiing, golf, riding ATVs, jet skiing, and playing the guitar.
Marie Hoofnagle
Board Member
Marie Hoofnagle has been a board member and volunteer with DMF for over ten years. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She is currently completing a Master of Science degree in Counseling at Divine Mercy University. She also volunteers with individuals experiencing homelessness in her community through her church and other local organizations.
Marie and her husband have a blended family of four adult children. They met at the finish line of their first marathon, despite living 1,000 miles apart at the time. Three years later, they got engaged at the same marathon’s finish line but her husband refused to get married at the finish line of a marathon. Marie and her husband are actively involved in their church and enjoy traveling, running, walking, sailing, and volunteering at DMF events.
Heidi Benjamin
Board Member and Finance Committee Member
Heidi has been in the trucking industry for 41 years, currently employed with Wm Benjamin Trucking & Kuhnle Brothers. Her role encompasses operations, including dispatch, recruiting, marketing, and sales.
Heidi has been in the trucking industry for 41 years, currently employed with Wm Benjamin Trucking & Kuhnle Brothers. Her role encompasses operations, including dispatch, recruiting, marketing, and sales.
She is blessed with four adult children and two granddaughters who keep her busy with activities such as softball, 4-H, showing cattle, and truck pulling. This marks her eighth year volunteering as a board member and Chair of the Ohio Golf Outing and Truck Pull for the DMF Foundation, with many more years of service ahead.
Erin Cosentino
Board Member and Finance Committee Chair
Erin is the President of Hiraeth Hope and Healing at the Toms River Education Foundation, in addition to serving as a special educator at Toms River Regional Schools. She currently teaches in a stand-alone program for children who struggle with emotional regulation.
Erin is the President of Hiraeth Hope and Healing at the Toms River Education Foundation, in addition to serving as a special educator at Toms River Regional Schools. She currently teaches in a stand-alone program for children who struggle with emotional regulation.
Erin earned her MA in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton in 2008 and her BA in Special Education from William Paterson University in 1998. She is presently enrolled in Rutgers University’s Master of Social Work program. Her interests include event planning, yoga, reading, and attending retreats. Erin resides on Road Tom Rivers, NJ, with her three sons and husband.
Rudy Casanova
Board Member and Finance Committee Member
Rudy Casanova graduated from St. Mary’s University in 1992 and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance.
Rudy Casanova graduated from St. Mary’s University in 1992 and holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance. Mr. Casanova has worked in the mortgage servicing, default services, and real estate industry for 30+ years working in various Executive Management positions for the following institutions; US Real Estate Services, First American, PHH Mortgage, Countrywide and Fannie Mae to name a few. In 2002, Mr. Casanova co-founded RainMaker Solutions, a marketing and consulting company that provides services to the mortgage servicing, legal default, and real estate industry executives. Mr. Casanova held the position of Director of Global Sales before becoming President and Chief Revenue Officer, and is a managing partner for Global Strategic Business Process Solutions Inc.
Melva Sharpe
Board Member, NC and
Angels of Alamance Committee Member
Melva is a board member of the ARMC Charitable Foundation, Pink Ribbon Luncheon, Black and White Ball, Christmas Cheer, and the DMF Foundation.
Melva is a board member of the ARMC Charitable Foundation, Pink Ribbon Luncheon, Black and White Ball, Christmas Cheer, and the DMF Foundation.
She studied at the University of North Carolina and Loyola University. Melva also had a distinguished career in Global Logistics Sales spanning 28 years. Melva and her family were longtime residents of Burlington, North Carolina. She resides there with her husband Stan, their three boys, and four grandchildren. Melva enjoys traveling, golfing, cooking, reading, and volunteering. Her favorite pastime is spending time with her grandchildren, creating wonderful memories.
Patty Brothers
Board Member, NC Committee Member,
Chair of Angels of Alamance
Bio Coming Soon
Gerald Wilkie
Board Member
Bio Coming Soon
Jordan Wood
Staff, Director of Development
Jordan has been with DMF since September 2022. She brings 14 years of marketing, event planning, and development experience gained from several organizations in the Alamance County, NC area. Originally from Mebane, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Peace College, with a concentration in public relations and minors in Spanish and business.
Jordan has been with DMF since September 2022. She brings 14 years of marketing, event planning, and development experience gained from several organizations in the Alamance County, NC area. Originally from Mebane, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Peace College, with a concentration in public relations and minors in Spanish and business.
Jordan was drawn to the DMF Foundation after her father valiantly fought cancer three times. She says, “Our family played golf together every Saturday morning, and I treasure those times! Through the mission, I now have the honor of assisting cancer patients financially and emotionally, supporting them through what is inevitably the hardest times of their life”. She is a member of the Alamance Chamber Ambassador Council and is actively involved in the local community. Jordan loves spending time with her family, being outdoors, reading, and enjoying all types of sports.