by Pinky Swear Board Member on Mar 27, 2025 2:24:03 PM
At Pinky Swear Foundation, we are lucky to have a community of supporters dedicated to helping kids with cancer and their families financially. Behind the scenes, there is a key group of people on our Board of Directors. These folks commit their time and talents to push Pinky Swear toward the vision of saying ‘yes’ to every family facing childhood cancer.
Since joining in January 2020, Brad Joseph has been an invaluable asset to our Board of Directors. As the Vice President of Product Management at Patterson Companies, Brad brings a wealth of experience in strategic planning, business management, marketing, and partnership relations to his role. Brad's ability to think differently and critically is a gift we deeply appreciate. Read on to learn more about Brad and why he chose to share his talents with Pinky Swear Foundation!
Q: What drew you to Pinky Swear Foundation?
A: I wanted to give back and was looking at a variety of opportunities. I reconnected with Erica Campbell (Executive Director of Pinky Swear Foundation) to learn about supporting non-profits and what board engagement entailed. Once I heard more about the mission and effectiveness of Pinky Swear Foundation, I was sold. Mitch’s example of selflessness and impact is the core of the organization still today.
Q: There are a lot of organizations that support cancer. What about Pinky Swear’s mission stands out to you?
A: How true Pinky Swear is to Mitch’s example in action and spirit. The immediate impact of Pinky Swear – a little gift of hope – during such agonizingly difficult times for the whole family – is what inspired me most.
Q: What do each of the Pinky Swear values (Compassion, Collaboration, Celebration) mean to you?
A: They’re a perfect distillation of the organization. The staff at Pinky Swear truly live their values. Compassion is about getting beyond one’s self to engage and empathize with others. Collaboration is doing the work to engage like-minded people in taking action. Celebration is about creating and emphasizing moments of joy and hope even in the most challenging of times. I see all of those every time I attend a board, committee, or volunteer event.
Q: Is there a particular accomplishment during your tenure on the Board of Directors that you’re proud of?
A: Many – and all a credit to the amazingly talented staff and fellow board members. A few I would highlight:
- Our growth in supporting more and more family across the nation from our Midwest origins.
- Development and execution of a clear and compelling strategic plan to enable that growth.
- Evolution of our fundraising approach and creation of an endowment to help provide more stability and regularity of funding for our families as cancer doesn’t only happen during year end.
Q: What talents do you bring to the Pinky Swear Foundation Board of Directors?
A: I bring capable strategic thinking and the ability to transform strategy into execution via clear plans and metrics.
Q: What have you learned during your time on the Pinky Swear Board of Directors?
A: Pinky Swear is an energy giver and helps me refocus on what matters. I’ve learned how devastating childhood cancer can be and yet the number of talented and motivated people that are out there to try to ease that burden.
Q: What are your hopes for Pinky Swear Foundation in the childhood cancer space?
My hope is to continue Pinky Swear’s growth. Last year we supported nearly 3,000 families. We want to be able to say ‘yes’ to even more.
Q: If there is one thing you want people to know about Pinky Swear Foundation, what would it be?
A: How easy it is to support our mission and what a difference it makes in housing, transportation, and food for each family. Even a $5/month donation online can make a difference.
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