Nick Foligno is the Honorary Chair of NEO Kids Foundation. Nick currently plays for the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets, serving as the team captain. Previously he played for the Ottawa Senators and the OHL’s Sudbury Wolves. Nick is director of the Janis Foligno Foundation, which was created in honour of his mother and seeks to provide support to local charities who are committed to finding a cure for cancer. In 2013, his daughter Milana was born with a rare heart condition and understands the stress and fear of having a sick child, and the impact it has on a family. Having dealt with NEO Kids first-hand, Nick believes that there is a need to better serve children and young patients in the North. Nick and his wife Janelle have three children – Milana, Landon and Hudson.

Rick has a degree in Civil Engineering from Queen’s University, and has been involved in the family business since 1995. Rick is the co-owner of O C P Construction Supplies Inc.  Most important in Rick’s life are his wife and children, and it is this love for family that drives him to serve with NEO Kids Foundation.  He fully believes that keeping families at home (or at least closer to home) will make their children’s health challenges that much more manageable.

Dr. Janis Goldie is a professor and Chair of the Communications Department at Huntington University. She has an extensive background in research, communications, and leadership roles. Janis brings substantial board and governance experience, and also feels very passionately about NEO Kids. She is a mother of two young children and has experienced the monetary, time, and emotional strains that traveling out of town for children’s care can have on a child and their family.

Rick Bartolucci was elected as MPP in 1995 and served until 2014 in the Sudbury riding. As a former city councillor, cabinet minister and Sudbury MPP, Rick is known for being a successful advocate for various community projects. Rick has recently used his public platform to voice his support for NEO Kids as he believes in equitable health care for Northern Ontario children. As a father of two and a grandfather of four, Rick has strong family values that further his commitment to NEO Kids.

Kristen Pollesel completed her Honours Bachelor of Commerce from Laurentian University and shortly after started working at the family business, Crosstown Chevrolet, currently serving as General Manager. Over the years, Kristen has held several positions throughout the dealership which has allowed her to fully understand the dynamics of all departments while developing her strong leadership and management skills. Her experience working at Crosstown Chevrolet has also increased her involvement within the local community through charitable events and sponsorship opportunities, and she is passionate about assisting children in Northeastern Ontario.

Anthony Keating is an award-winning Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) who has served in fundraising leadership roles over the past 14 years with Cystic Fibrosis Canada, Kids Help Phone, Seneca College and the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. John’s, Newfoundland. Most recently, he served as Campaign Director, Major Gifts, at The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation in Toronto where he successfully co-led a $50 million research campaign to completion a year ahead of schedule, and was also responsible for raising millions of dollars for Malignant Hematology priorities.  In 2010, he received the “New to Fundraising Professional of the Year” award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Anthony is an active community member who has volunteered with the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. John’s, the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the Canadian Merit Scholarship Foundation, and is currently a Director with the Roberta Bondar Foundation.

In Anthony’s role he will oversee each of the three Foundations, and the Volunteer Association.  He will also supervise HSN’s Volunteer Services and serve on the senior leadership teams of HSN and HSNRI, ensuring a strong alignment with health care needs in Northeastern Ontario.

Alyson Laking is employed as the Executive Manager for the Laking Group of Companies. Alyson works closely with the management teams at Laking Toyota, Northern Nissan, Imperial Collision Centre and Forest & Lawn Equipment Services Ltd. Alyson obtained her H.BSc at the University of Guelph in 2006. After graduating, Alyson returned to Sudbury and began working full time with the Laking Group of companies, all family owned businesses. She has held positions in sales, service, and is currently in a management role.

In 2011, Alyson attended and graduated from NADA’s Dealer Academy. The Academy is the premier management education and training center in the U.S. for current and future automobile and truck dealers and managers. Led by NADA University, a division of the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), it is designed to build business performance, leadership skills and customer service in all areas of a car dealership.

Alyson acted as a Director with the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce from July 2013 until June 2020. She also held the position of Treasurer from July 2014-June 2019. Alyson is a current Board Member of the Cinefest Sudbury International Film Festival.

Alyson is married with two young boys. Alyson and her family enjoy spending time with friends, travelling and taking advantage of all that Sudbury has to offer. She is proud of the City of Greater Sudbury and is committed to community development.

Mick Weaver is the Founder of KICX for Kids, a fundraising campaign for the NEO Kids pediatric unit at Health Sciences North. Mick and his wife Juliana launched the new Broadcast license Sudbury’s KICX 91.7FM in 2008.  Today Mick is the General Manager/General Sales Manager at Stingray Radio.  Through KICX for Kids and his involvement with HSN, he has become passionately engaged with NEO Kids Foundation. Mick believes in treating kids closer to home and is committed to delivering the vision of NEO Kids Foundation.