Celebrating the service of three past board members

Running a small nonprofit nationally takes a village. It takes folks like you who are so passionate about making a difference, and it also takes people willing to use their talents to further the mission behind the scenes. These are our amazing Board of Directors.

This past January, we celebrated a few who have been supporting Pinky Swear Foundation through board service for many years. We want to thank them publicly for their time. You may have seen their faces on social media, but these folks go largely camouflaged in the behind-the-scenes work.

Let’s recognize them for all the hard work they put into helping kids with cancer and their families through board service.

Karla Vehrs – Board member and Board Chair – 9 years of service

Recipient of Twin Cities Businesses 2025 Notable Board Members.

Highlights during her tenure:

• Secured new key supporter relationships to further the impact for Pinky Swear All-Star Families.
• Helped lead our organization through many organizational transitions, including COVID-19.
• Led the hiring of our new Executive Director.

Jeff Wenngatz – All-Star Dad to a leukemia survivor, Board member – 10 years of service

Jeff has brought the “heart and soul” to Pinky Swear Foundation, balancing personal passion with clear-eyed leadership. Jeff has firsthand experience with childhood cancer with his son, Alex. This journey forever changed their lives and, in turn, our organization, all because of Jeff's passion for making a difference for other families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis. His commitment to "paying it forward" is a powerful example of transforming trials into purpose and impact.

• Led Pinky Swear Foundation to open a game-changing endowment fund that will provide sustainable support to families for many years to come.
• Consistently kept families at the center, reminding us that our work is about people, relationships, and showing up with integrity for those who need us most.

Brad Joseph – Board of Directors – 6 years of service

Highlights during his tenure:

• Provided steadfast leadership in helping guide the organization through moments of growth, reflection, and transition.
• As a member of our “partnerships committee,” he ensured our mission was at the forefront of all collaborative efforts.
• Led the development of Pinky Swear Foundation’s most recent strategic plan, ensuring we had a strong and thoughtful roadmap for impact.
• Helped keep the board and staff focused on the right priorities, ensuring our energy stayed aligned with what matters most for families in crisis.

Thank you, Karla, Jeff, and Brad! Your impact lives on in the success of Pinky Swear Foundation now and into the future.