Kathleen Bell Flynn & Steve Flynn, Co-Chairmen
Kathleen and Steve have been long-standing supporters of the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation. For the last 15 years, they have been helping to further research and provide support for people with Graves’ disease. They run a private family foundation that supports dozens of charitable organizations. Kathleen and Steve operate a private investment management company and develop real estate.
Terry J. Smith, MD, Chief Medical & Scientific Officer
Dr. Terry J. Smith holds the Frederick G.L. Huetwell Professorship in Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences at the University of Michigan and serves as a Professor in the UM Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes. Research from Dr. Smith and his colleagues led to the development of TEPEZZA, the first FDA-approved treatment for thyroid eye disease.
Nancy Hord Patterson, PhD., Founder and Chair Emeritus
Dr. Nancy Hord Patterson holds a PhD in Counselor Education from the University of Florida. She is a Clinical Specialist in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, and is a Nationally Certified Counselor. Following her own battle with Graves’ disease, Dr. Patterson founded the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation (formerly the National Graves’ Disease Foundation) in 1990. Dr. Patterson has received recognition from the American Thyroid Association as a “Pioneer in Thyroid Patient Education.”
Ashok Bhaseen, Director
Ashok has over three decades of experience in Pharmaceutical Industry, including with Abbott Pharmaceuticals (Canada and International), Johnson and Johnson, and Parke Davis (now Pfizer). He also completed a course in FDA Prescription Drug Regulation, Cost and Access from Harvard University in 2020 to better appreciate access of Orphan drugs for patients in rare disease areas. He has served as President of Thyroid Federation International since, 2011, a coalition of patient organizations co-founded by the Graves’ Disease & Thyroid Foundation (then the National Graves’ Disease Foundation.)
Carla DiMare, Director
Carla DiMare is an experienced civil trial attorney, with a successful law firm in Rancho Santa Fe, California. Her clients have included businesses, wounded warriors, high-profile people, low-income people, and survivors. In addition to her volunteer work with the GDATF, she is currently a Trustee for the County of San Diego Law Library Board of Trustees, she is on the Board of Directors for the Rancho Santa Fe Senior Center, and she has been a CASA, a court appointed special advocate for abused and neglected children.
Nicole McDonald, MD, Director
Nicole McDonald, MD, a General Practitioner at New Boston Village Primary Care in Fall River, MA, received an unexpected education in Graves’ disease when her own daughter was diagnosed at age seven. Dr. McDonald has since organized fundraising efforts for the Graves’ Disease and Thyroid Foundation and participated in an Online CME program designed to assist medical professionals in the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of Graves’ disease.