Committee
The Taste for Life Executive Committee is a prestigious group comprised of dedicated and driven volunteers. The Executive Committee’s purpose is to plan Taste for Life so as to ensure it is a premier event for sponsors, patrons, and attendees. Their support as an Executive Committee member is vital to making this event successful. We appreciate each of our volunteer’s tireless efforts to make each year bigger and better then the last.
If you’re interested in joining the Taste for Life committee, please contact Gabi Santos at (301) 906-3715 or via email at Gabi.Santos@cancer.org. We have something for all talents!
Cecil Flamer, Ambassador
Prior to 2009 I was only a financial contributor to the American Cancer Society. As a tribute to my late sister, who succumbed to breast cancer in February, 2009, I wanted to get more involved and I found TFL in April, 2009. I invited my two best friends to be my guest for the day and encouraged them to join me in spending freely to support the cause. It has been my honor and privilege to have participated in the growth of TFL in Baltimore since 2012. We now welcome and thank over 500 of my best friends, business associates and supporters of the fight against cancer to annually enjoy this experience. A voter sante et bon apetit!
Joan Anson
Joan has worked for the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) for over 15 years. She had worked in Conference & Meeting planning before joining the Investment department for the past 11 years. Prior to joining HHMI, Joan worked in the meeting & event industry in Washington, DC, and Baltimore for more than 20 years. Joan is honored to bring her experience and expertise to help make Taste for Life a success.
Jesse Bennett
I am celebrating my 11th Anniversary as a prostate cancer survivor by continuing to support the Taste For Life event. This year marks my 9th anniversary of volunteering on the TFL Committee. Each year I have enjoyed contributing support and watching this event grow as we support cancer research. I am especially proud that we will honor the legacy of Henrietta Lacks’ contribution to science and research. Our Taste For Life event contributes much needed funding for the work needed in finding cures for the many types of cancers. Thank you for your continued support!
Madie Bromiley
Madie is currently the Marketing Manager at an event management company based in DC. Madie brings over 10 years of experience in marketing and communications with a variety of skills. With significant experience in web design, social media management, internal + external communications, and content creation, Madie views projects from all angles creatively and pragmatically to yield great results and promote a brand’s mission strategically. Madie earned her B.A. in Communications from Arcadia University outside of Philadelphia, PA.
Susan Bryant
Susan is a VP of Employee Benefits where she works with stakeholders to develop an understanding of both immediate pain points and long-term strategy goals for benefit programs. She enjoys building a depth of understanding by using myriad mental models to develop a strategy for customers. The focus is on business development and deepening client relationships. Using background knowledge in multiples sides of the the insurance transaction, Susan is able to view challenges with several lenses.
Danielle Ellington
Danielle Ellington is currently a Training Coordinator for the University of Maryland, School of Medicine Training Center. She assists to bring education to other professionals in the psychiatry field. In her spare time, she loves spending quality time with her husband, William of 15 years, and her two boys Derek and Isaiah. When she is not spending quality time with family, you can find her working in her photography studio, ” I Am What I Am Images”, where she shows women their true beauty. She got in involved with the American Cancer Society to give back. It was a special place in her heart. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in March 2016. After recovering from having a full mastectomy, she promises herself that she will always give back!
Brenda Johnson
Brenda Johnson is an IT Service Manager/Business Analyst for JHU Applied Physics Laboratory. Prior to her career in Technology, Brenda spent over a decade working in higher education admission, scholarship and recruitment. She enjoys using her skills in technology and her passion in helping others to achieve their educational goals during her spare time. She has dedicated her life to being of service to others, from her first job volunteering with the American Red Cross at Fitzsimons Army Medical Center as a teenager, serving as a Host with Heart for the American Heart Association and being an Executive Director of her and her husband’s non-profit foundation that awards scholarships to high school students affected by cancer. She is the proud wife of Larry L. Johnson and the mother of two boys Larry II and Langston Johnson. Brenda lives by the motto, To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required!
Curtis McMeekin
Curtis comes to ACS Northeast Region’s Taste for Life fundraiser with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained having served in several managerial capacities for non-profit organizations, as well as knowledge and experience gained during his tenure in management positions with Baltimore City’s Department of Housing and Community Development and the Baltimore City’s Law Department. In the past, Mr. McMeekin has been a staunch supporter of ACS Taste for Life fundraiser and recently has decided to lend his skills, knowledge and energy to this effort as a volunteer. ACS is glad to have Curtis join this effort.
Karen Mishra
Dr. Karen Mishra recently completed treatment for breast cancer and is committed to helping others who go through this terrible disease survive and thrive. She is honored to be able to use her professional marketing and PR expertise to help grow the success of Taste for Life. She previously served on the boards of Cancer Services (serving all with cancer in Eastern North Carolina) and Preston’s League (serving children with cancer at Duke Hospital). She is currently a Professor of the Practice at Towson University and is a CliftonStrengths coach.
Chris Riehl
Chris Riehl owns Rent-A-Tour (rentatour.com), a receptive service in Baltimore specializing in showcasing all our region has to offer. In addition to leading tours of Baltimore for groups from around the globe, he teaches classes for the Maryland Center for Hospitality Training, emcees local events, and creates social media content focused on promoting visitation to Baltimore and the surrounding areas. He is the Legislative Committee Chair for the Baltimore Tourism Association, Immediate Past Chair of the Maryland Tourism Coalition, current member of the Maryland Tourism Development Board, and recently became a Certified Chesapeake Storyteller.
Vicki Schassler
Owner, Spirits of Mt Vernon Wine Shop. I am very honored to participate on the ACS Taste for Life Committee. I have known so many people impacted by this disease, and with our efforts, we may some day find a cure.
Michele Vitolo
Throughout my career as a cancer researcher, I have met too many people afflicted with cancer and have lost friends and relatives to the disease. I am dedicated to improving the lives of people with cancer, and to one day, contribute to finding a cure. I choose to volunteer for The American Cancer Society because it is an amazing organization with a variety of programs to aid cancer patients and their families, as well as lending a massive amount of support to cancer research. I am very happy to have joined the ACS Taste for Life Committee and to work with the wonderful people within the organization, all with the common goal of defeating cancer.
Blake Wollman
Blake Wollman, the Manager of Business Development at Clearview Group specializing in client services, brings a wealth of experience to his role. For over 20 years, Blake has been a seasoned entrepreneur. His entrepreneurial background adds a unique perspective to his client-focused approach, as he combines a deep understanding of business development with a history of successfully building and growing ventures. Blake is dedicated to leveraging his extensive experience to enhance Clearview Group’s client services and contribute to the firm’s continued success.
