Gene Saunders

Brad Trahan was appointed to the Project Lifesaver International Board of Trustees in September 2009. Brad is the proud father of a son, Reece, who was diagnosed with severe autism on 01-23-2003. In addition to his son Reece, Brad is the proud husband of Joanie Trahan and kids; Brenden-11 and Payton 6. With the Trahan family is Reece’s Service Dog, Pudge, placed with Reece on 03-31-2007. The Trahan’s live in Rochester, MN. Brad and his wife are founders of the RT Autism Awareness Foundation, Inc. also based in Rochester, MN. www.RTAutismAwareness.org Brad also serves as the Executive Director of RTAAF. It has been the personal message of the Trahan’s and also through their foundation that it is critical to Educate, Advocate and bring Awareness to “Autism: The Cause and Affect on the Individual and Family”. Brad spearheaded the legislator’s in the State of Minnesota to write a Legislation introducing “Lifesaver Technology” that would allow financial grants for all 87-counties in the State of Minnesota to implement this tracking device technology. [Minnesota House File 0622/Senate File 1138]. While Brad was disappointed this legislation came up just short in 2009, it is felt that there is great momentum to get his legislation passed in 2010. Brad also served as Chair of the Minnesota Senate Autism Task Force from October 2008-March 2009, initiating two public forums in the State of Minnesota and initiating a state-wide public survey. It was simply Brad’s goal to “unite” this cause as one. Brad and Joanie were the recipient’s of the 2004 Kids Day America/International Children’s Empowerment Award for their Outstanding Commitment and Dedication to the Children in their Community. Brad and his wife Joanie also received the Rochester 2005 Mayor’s Medal of Honor for Services “To Those With Disabilities”. RTAAF organizes Autism Awareness Day with the Minnesota Twins and RTAAF has also been accepted into the Minnesota Vikings Charity Network. Heath Farwell #59 Linebacker/Special Teams Minnesota Vikings and Brian Russell #26 Free Safety Jacksonville Jaguars spokespersons for RTAAF.

In addition to the legislation that Brad has had introduced, he has also advocated hard for other legislation in the State of Minnesota that would assist individuals and families dealing with autism including; Insurance coverage for “Medically Prescribed Therapy”, Lowering the cost of Parental Fees, Changing notification of continued Medical Assistance coverage from 3-months to 6-months [to allow families time to set medical appointments for continued coverage] and assisted in getting legislation passed in 2009 for a Joint House-Senate Autism Task Force for 2-years. Brad also assist’s families, when called upon, to advocate for them in public school IEP meetings. Brad and his foundation have been directly responsible for assisting with either monetary funding and or speaking engagements to implement PROJECT LIFESAVER INTERNATIONAL into several Minnesota Counties. Olmsted County MN, where Brad lives, began Project Lifesaver in April 2007 and has grown to approximately 60 clients and it continues to grow rapidly. Through RTAAF, Team 25: Shjon Podeins Children’s Foundation [Former NHL Hockey Player] and THINK Mutual Bank; the three organizations raised $25,000.00 to implement PROJECT LIFESAVER INTERNATIONAL in 7-additional SE Minnesota counties in the summer of 2009. Brad’s hobby during some off-time is having bon fires and socializing with neighbors. Brad also volunteers with his sons youth events and helps in the community whenever he can. However, being a full-time husband, father, employee, and RTAAF Executive Director which involves planning and organizing many events, time is precious. Brad’s favorite quote/saying is, “BELIEVE and you will ACHIEVE!” Brad is humbled and honored to serve on the PROJECT LIFESAVER INTERNATIONAL Board of Trustees.

Rev. Eric J. Hall is president and CEO of HealthCare Chaplaincy Network, Inc. Most recently, he was founder, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), a leading national nonprofit organization. AFA’s primary goal is to improve the quality of care for individuals and their families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. His vision and leadership brought together more than 1,600 member organizations and associate member organizations from coast-to-coast. These efforts have united these organizations to speak with one voice to advocate for optimal care and enhanced local support services.

Eric has served on the National Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Disease, working with the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and other national experts to develop and implement the nation’s first plan to address this disease.

Eric believes in the power and potential of collaboration. In 2010 he co-founded LEAD (Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer’s Disease), the nation’s first and only coalition of for profit and not for profit organizations unified behind the cause. More than 50 companies and organizations participate.

Prior to founding AFA, Eric was CEO of a local grassroots Alzheimer’s organization on Long Island, NY. He also served as treasurer for the New Jersey branch of the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, an international religious order. In this role Eric, as one example of programs and services he established, directed the creation of a multi-million dollar living facility for mature adults in the Bronx, NY.

David Aston is the father of a child with autism. A native of Chatham, NJ, David lives in the Buffalo, NY, area. He is a graduate of Colgate University and attended Tulane University graduate school. David is a 9-year plasma donor for the American Red Cross. In addition, he currently serves as President of the Summit Educational Resources Foundation and is President-elect of the Central Amherst Little League. David is the Vice President of the Board of Directors for Bornhava Pre-school (a school for children with developmental disabilities) and also runs the Summit Academy Golf Tournament (hosted by NHL All-Star Brian Campbell). David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Cheektowaga Chamber of Commerce and is the Founder of the Western New York Chapter of Project Lifesaver. David has been married for 13 years to his wife Kim and has two children – Madison and Sawyer.

Richard Derus currently serves as the Deputy Chief for the Windsor Police Service. The Canadian City of Windsor is a dynamic and vibrant municipality of over 210,000 residents that sits across the river from Detroit Michigan. As Deputy Chief of Operational Support, he oversees all administrative functions for the over 600 officers and civilians that provide policing services to the City of Windsor. Prior to this appointment, Deputy Chief Richard Derus served as a Commissioned Officer with the Ontario Provincial Police.

In that capacity as Detachment Commander for Essex County OPP, Richard Derus in 2006 helped establish one of the first Project Lifesaver Chapters in Canada. Richard Derus has been Chairman of the Project Lifesaver International Board of Trustees since 2009.