Michael S. Robertson, Chairman (Cambridge, MA)
With his many years of experience in business and his interest in community development, Mike brings a unique combination of skills to the TFK New Bedford Board of Directors. He has served as Trustee of many nonprofit organizations including The National Easter Seal Society and Barnstable County Hospital. Mike has also served as Executive Director of Community Village Inc. in Milwaukee, WI., carrying out his commitment to urban revitalization. He is also a lifelong sailor and his excellent navigation skills always keep him on course. With his focus on outreach and his relentless optimism, he is a continual source of inspiration to his fellow Trustees.

Doreen J. Lopes, Treasurer (Lakeville, MA)
As a highly motivated and skilled nonprofit manager, Doreen brings volumes of experience to the TFK Board of Directors. Her areas of expertise include fundraising, outreach and community partnerships. Doreen's love of young people and the outdoors is evident in the highly successful youth programs she developed and managed as a longtime Executive Director of YMCA Southcoast's Camp Massasoit. Her outstanding knowledge of experiential education, coupled with her unique skills in risk management, assures that many children and families will benefit from her commitment to Trips for Kids New Bedford.

Bernadette Souza, Clerk (New Bedford, MA)
A New Bedford native and lifelong resident, Bernadette is the epitome of civic engagement. Her dedication and commitment to her community are exemplary and serve as an inspiration to her fellow Trustees. She has received the prestigious "Woman of Distinction" award from the YWCA, a fitting tribute to the multitude of good works that she continues to carry out for the benefit of so many, especially those in need. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Our Sisters' School, an independent school for low-income girls from Greater New Bedford, more evidence of her relentless advocacy on the part of local youth.

Ryan Costello, Director (Chevy Chase, MD)
Ryan is well-known by many for his entrepreneurial spirit, and he consistently brings new ideas to the TFK Board for the benefit of local youngsters. He is a compassionate, intelligent, resourceful and fun-loving youth advocate, as evidenced by his tenure as a Sailing Instructor at the Community Boating Center, whose primary focus was to offer new opportunities to disadvantaged children. He clearly understands the importance of mentoring in the lives of kids, and is uniquely qualified to make TFK programs profoundly successful. Ryan possesses many leadership qualities and has received MVP awards in scholastic soccer and collegiate sailing. After graduating from Georgetown University, Ryan started his own very successful computer software business, so he is also our technical expert. We all look to Ryan for new, interesting and effective ways to actualize our goals.

Joann Tschaen, LCSW, Executive Director (New Bedford, MA)
A teacher and social worker, JoAnn is a dedicated youth advocate. She is passionate about human potential and is deeply committed to the cause of youth development. She is a nature lover and an avid hiker, cyclist and cross country skier. She firmly believes in the importance of physical fitness paired with emotional well-being. Her ability to identify compelling needs, along with a dogged determination to find resources to meet them, is a significant asset to TFK New Bedford. She was co-founder of the highly successful Community Boating Center in New Bedford and is a co-founder and current Vice-President of Our Sisters' School. JoAnn also holds a degree in non-profit management. With her experience in social services and organizational development, TFK New Bedford is on very solid ground

Harriet Gottesman, Director (Dartmouth, MA)
Harriet's tenure as a public elementary school teacher has enabled her to play a critical role on the Trips for Kids Board. She just plain loves kids & it is evident in her many interactions with them and their families. She is calm and consistent in any situation, and she brings a mature perspective to working with urban youth, which is a very good example for the TFK Staff. Harriet is also an avid outdoors-woman; cycling, kayaking , swimming , sailing & cross-country skiing, are among her many interests. She has also completed training and certification in Wilderness First Aid & Rescue, a valuable asset to TFK with its emphasis on youth safety. Local youngsters are fortunate indeed, that Harriet is committed to their future ,not only by her choice of profession, but also by her service on the TFK Board of Directors.

Edward J. Almeida, Director (New Bedford, MA)
As our youngest Board member, Ned (as he is well-known throughout the community), brings volumes of energy to the entire TFK organization. His remarkable accomplishments are many, and he is an outstanding role model for TFK participants & Staff. Among his multitude of interests are cycling and kayaking, and he has gained much experience and recognition through his long association with the Boy Scouts, having achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Ned also has completed training and certification in Wilderness First Aid & Rescue, enabling him to contribute significantly to TFK's risk management program. As a city native & lifelong resident, Ned has welcomed and embraced the many opportunities presented to him. As a full-time college student with ambitious career aspirations, he is indeed an incredible role model for all local youth & TFK participants are fortunate to have him in their midst.