Board of Trustees

Mary J. Beattie
Ms. Beattie works across several Brain Research Foundation committees, focusing the majority of her energy on communications and public relations. She has a broad interest in all areas of neuroscience research. Ms. Beattie also serves on the University of Chicago Women’s Board, the Ravinia Festival Women’s Board, and the Presbyterian Church of Lake Forest Board of Deacons.

Norman R. Bobins – Vice President
Mr. Bobins serves as Vice President and Co-Chair of Development and Fundraising. As one of the founding members of the Children’s Brain Research Foundation prior to its merger with the Brain Research Foundation, Mr. Bobins is particularly interested in the study of neurological diseases and disorders that affect children. Besides his role as the Chief Executive Officer of his consulting firm, Norman Bobins Consulting, Mr. Bobins serves on a wide array of other boards and charitable organizations.

James L. Claus
Mr. Claus lends his expertise to a wide range of functions at the Brain Research Foundation. Having recently taken on the important role of grandfather, and having close friends who have a child with autism, Mr. Claus is particularly interested in research focusing on childhood development. In addition to his work for the Brain Research Foundation, he serves on the Catholic Charities Diocese of Bridgeport, the National Catholic Partnership on Disability Foundation Board, and several hotel development and management industry boards.

Richard J. Daly
Mr. Daly serves on the Executive Committee as the Marketing and Communications Chair. Diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 42, Mr. Daly has since been deeply interested in all areas of research that aims to improve care for those affected by neurological disorders. Mr. Daly’s role in the Brain Research Foundation enables him to help others affected by neurological disorders, as well as to those diligently working toward bettering their future.

In addition to serving as the Executive Vice President of Takeda Pharmaceuticals North America, Mr. Daly is a member of the Kellogg Biotech Advisory Board and the Health Care Leadership Council.

Peter J. Eschenbach
Mr. Eschenbach strongly believes in the power of quality research, and thus serves on the Executive Committee as the Research Co-Chair in an effort to help researchers with their work in the critical area of neuroscience. As the Managing Director of the Huron Consulting Group, Mr. Eschenbach helps organizations manage research programs through the better use of technology, improved business processes, and optimal navigation of regulatory procedures, and is also a board member of St. Joseph’s School in Downers Grove, Illinois.

William E. Fay, Jr.
As a founding member of the Brain Research Foundation and current member of the Executive Committee, Mr. Fay uses his considerable expertise to promote a wide range of neuroscience research.

Robert D. Glick
One of the founding members of the Children’s Brain Research Foundation before its merger with the Brain Research Foundation, Mr. Glick brings his legal expertise to the Foundation.

Nathan T. Hansen
Mr. Hansen is a Partner with Accenture, the world’s largest professional services firm. He focuses his work on helping to improve the operations of pharmaceutical and medical products companies and acts as overall Midwest Life Sciences leader for Accenture’s practice. Having a long-standing commitment to the Chicago community, Mr. Hansen has been looking to channel energies back to the local community in order to make a difference.

Mr. Hansen’s family, like many others, has been touched by brain-related illness, including severe chronic depression, autism, and Alzheimer’s disease. These personal connections, combined with a professional passion for the life sciences, made the Brain Research Foundation a natural place for Mr. Hansen to get involved. He has served on our Board of Trustees since 2005 and is currently serving as the President of the Brain Research Foundation and Co-Chair of the Board Affairs Committee.

Jean D. Jernstedt
Ms. Jernstedt is the secretary of the Brain Research Foundation and a member of the Marketing and Communication Committee. A real estate agent, she is also active with the Women’s Board of the Field Museum and the Junior League of Chicago. Ms. Jernstedt has a family history of Alzheimer’s disease and feels a personal connection with the Brain Research Foundation and its work.

Kathryn G. Johnson
Having been touched by brain-related illness in her family, Ms. Johnson, a retired attorney, is committed to doing what she can to further the Brain Research Foundation’s mission. She actively participates on other charitable boards as well, including the Field Museum Women’s Board, the Landmarks Illinois Board, and the Lincoln Park Zoo Women’s Board.

Robert S. Johnson
A new board member, Mr. Johnson will be putting his extensive media experience as a news anchorman to help with the Brain Research Foundation’s marketing and messaging efforts. Mr. Johnson has a particular interest in ALS, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, and also serves as a board member for the children’s advocacy group, Voices for Illinois Children, as well as doing extensive work for various groups that support those with disabilities.

John D. Mabie
Mr. Mabie first became involved with the Brain Research Foundation through his friendship with founders Clint Frank and Bill Fay. He is involved in funding and finance for the Board. An investment counselor, Mr. Mabie is actively involved with several other organizations, including the University of Chicago, University of Chicago Hospitals, and the Jupiter Medical Center.

John M. McDonough
A former President of the Brain Research Foundation, Mr. McDonough currently serves on the Executive Board, as well as the foundation’s nominating committees. Having several family members with Alzheimer’s disease, Mr. McDonough is particularly interested in that area of neuroscience research. He also serves as the Director and General Counsel for the Metropolitan Planning Council.

Suzanne M. K. Moskow
Ms. Kopp-Moskow is a member of the Executive Committee, serving as the Associate Board Liaison and Programs Co-Chair. She is interested in neurodegenerative diseases, as well as autism and learning challenges in children. Ms. Kopp-Moskow is currently the Executive Director of Patient Navigation Services at the University of Chicago.

Peter B. Pond
Mr. Pond, who has a particular interest in the neurological aspects of aging, helps the Brain Research Foundation with a wide range of financial matters. An investor for Alta Equity Partners, Mr. Pond is also a board member for the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, the Field Museum, Navigant Consulting, and Global E-Procure.

Thomas A. Reynolds III
Co-Chair of the Development Committee, Mr. Reynolds is an attorney with a keen interest in the full spectrum of neuroscience research. Besides being an attorney, Mr. Reynolds is a board member for Georgetown University, the University of Chicago, the University of Chicago Medical Center, the Rehabilitation Institute, the Big Shoulders Fund, and the Lyric Opera.

Mary S. Smart
Ms. Smart fulfills a variety of functions as member of the Brain Research Foundation’s Board of Trustees. She has a specific interest in dementia, schizophrenia, and related conditions. In addition to her work for the Brain Research Foundation, Ms. Smart is also a past President and current member of the Women’s Board of Rush University Medical Center as well as a past President and sustaining member of the Junior League of Chicago.

Katherine A. Thompson
Ms. Thompson is a board liaison between the Board of Trustees and the Associate Board and is a member of the Executive Committee. A Senior Vice President at Bank of America, she is also a former member of the Children’s Brain Research Foundation Associate Board. Ms. Thompson is most interested in research pertaining to children’s neurological diseases and disorders.

Robert J. Winter, Jr.
Mr. Winter has served in a number of different roles since becoming a member of the Brain Research Foundation in 1981. A real estate developer, Mr. Winter is interested in expanding the frontiers of neuroscience research and helping raise money to facilitate significant breakthroughs. In addition to his work for the Brain Research Foundation, Mr. Winter does work for the Children’s Memorial Foundation, Holy Family Ministries inner-city school, and Presbyterian Homes.

Nancy W. Hohfeler
Ms. Hohfeler was the Executive Director of the Board of Trustees from 1987 to 1998 and is currently an Honorary Trustee. Now retired, she is also a member of the Board of Christian Laity of Chicago. Ms. Hohfeler focuses her interests in the areas of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.

Gwill L. Newman
Ms. Newman is an Honorary Trustee of the Brain Research Foundation. She wrote the moving account of her son’s struggle with schizophrenia in the book My Son’s Name Was Fred in an effort to shine a light on the often misunderstood world of mental illness and to bring focus to the positive work being done by researchers in this area of neuroscience.