BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Caddy For A Cure is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) Not For Profit Company and is governed by a Board of Directors.
The Board is uniquely comprised of people in many diverse professions that share common and admirable traits; they all want to help people under any circumstances, and they all love golf. In their own words, please read why they are involved with Caddy For A Cure.
Bill Conwell
President
My first introduction to Caddy for a Cure happened at a fund raiser event in Charlotte, NC in 2011, and I was fortunate to meet Colleen and Russ there. CFAC was one of the benefactors of the event, which was attended by numerous PGA TOUR pros and caddies. Learning about the CFAC mission and the support from the pros and caddies was truly impressive, and I quickly caught the Holden “magic”. Shortly thereafter, I met Christian and Calen Collins. I was touched by their spirit and passion for life, and understood why the CFAC mission included support for Fanconi Anemia research and for the personal interest in the Collins’ amazing lives.
After moving to South Florida in 2017, I was honored to become an Advisory Board member of CFAC, and have been able to assist Russ with several events supporting Fanconi Anemia as well as our Wounded Veterans. The PGA TOUR pro-ams have provided great insight into the experiential appreciation from players, caddies, sponsors, and CFAC caddies. Truly inspirational!
I’m honored to participate on the CFAC Board and look forward to meeting many of you at our Annual INVITATIONAL.
JOE FAEH
Vice President
I decided to become involved with Caddy For A Cure after I caddied for Rich Beem at the 2009 PGA Championship. I was fortunate to spend some extra time with Russ and gained a better understanding of the “how” and “why” CFAC came about. It really triggered something inside that allows me and my family to help out a cause that is so meaningful yet still not very well known. My wife and I are blessed with three healthy daughters and can’t begin to imagine what these families and individuals are dealing with on a day to day basis. CFAC has provided me with an amazing opportunity to expand my passion for the game of golf, build wonderful new relationships, and at the same time give back to those who are less fortunate. I look forward to the upcoming challenges and hope to increase awareness for all the charities CFAC benefits.
Dr. MICHAEL COHEN
Secretary
As a Vascular Surgeon who not infrequently operates on children, I am keenly aware of the importance of Philanthropy for Pediatric health care and research. When Russ Holden expressed his dream concept to me to raise money for Fanconi Anemia research, I was struck by his passion and comittment, and the brilliance of the idea, perhaps in part due to our mutual love of caddying. I volunteered immediately to do whatever possible to help in his mission, and I am now honored to be on the Board of Directors.
RANDY GOLDBERG
Randy Goldberg’s profession is that of Chief Legal Counsel for a national healthcare IT company. He is also a retired police commander who served for thirty-one (31) years in a major South Florida Law Enforcement Agency. However his passion is golf. Randy believes that it is important to give back to our communities and provide the assistance and support necessary to help make our society a healthier and better place. Having the opportunity to do this through one’s passion is a blessing and marvelous opportunity.
Glenn Spungen
The passion from Russ and Colleen rubbed off on me immediately after signing my son up to caddy for Adam Scott. I was fortunate to witness firsthand the impact this organization makes in the lives of our wounded warriors and children fighting illnesses. My goal as a board member is to raise more awareness for this not-for-profit organization and generate additional funds to help Caddy For A Cure expand.
Kris Wilson
I crossed paths with Caddy For a Cure and Russ Holden several years ago, and immediately became a fan. It wasn’t long before my interest got the best of me and I made it a point (by driving 6 hours round trip) to find Caddy For a Cure during the Pro-Am at The Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow. The leadership and supporters are truly selfless and work tirelessly for their cause and the organizations that Caddy For A Cure supports. As my wife Keri and I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet Colleen Holden, Christian and Calen Collins, and others our desire to support those they benefit has grown boundlessly. I am both humbled and honored to play a small part in support of Caddy For a Cure as they carry out their mission and make an impact on the lives of others.
STEVEN HAUG
I am truly excited about becoming a board member for Caddy for a Cure. I’ve made it a personal goal to have a positive work and personal life balance. Becoming involved with Caddy for a Cure this early in my life is the perfect way to give back to those less fortunate and have personal fulfillment. I truly look forward to making an impact on those that benefit from Caddy for a Cure.
WALTER WASNIESKI
I decided to get involved with Caddy for a Cure when the club I belong to hosted a Pro-Member charity day and the money we raised was being donated to Caddy for a Cure. Russ spoke of the help they also gave to US Military Veterans who battle PTSD among other issues. Being a former Marine and having an Uncle who fought in Korea at the Chosin Reservoir and who battled PTSD for over 50 years it was something near & dear to me.
Being a proud Free Mason our three tenants are “Faith, Hope & Charity” & the greatest of these are charity, we make sure we give to those who help others. We have donated money from the Grand Secretary’s Golf Classic a Masonic charity golf outing in NY State, to Caddy for a Cure. When I first attended the Liberty Mutual Insurance Invitational, I had the pleasure to meet Christian & Calen and hear their stories and see two young men who battle health issues but remain with such a positive outlook on life, two young men we could all learn something from, it made me want to get involved even more. I have been fortunate enough to caddy three times & each time was better than the last! Russ & Colleen are two of most unselfish people I have ever met. They give a lot of their time & effort to help others who are less fortunate and who are battling health issues. Being able to witness a wounded Marine and his family receive a home mortgage free or see a former Green Beret smile when he was introduced to his service dog are memories I will keep forever and ones I share with friends & family. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said “we make a living by what we earn but we make a life by what we give” this has become a personal mantra of mine and it is a phrase that I feel is perfect when describing Russ & Colleen and Caddy for a Cure.
Bob Burke
I got involved over 10 years ago when I looped for Stewart Cink in the Tampa PODS Championship and have kept in touch ever since. I have always been impressed with this rather unique organization and was overwhelmed by Russ and Colleen’s dedication to truly helping those individuals cursed by misfortune. It is a terrific and successful platform that has grown over the years. Hopefully I can assist in perpetuating that growth and increasing both awareness and sponsorship income. Thank you for inviting me to join this admirable group of people on the Board. I welcome the opportunity to contribute.
Sarah Treacy
Caddy for a Cure entered into my life many years ago. As avid golfers and golf spectators, my family and I have been lucky to take part in several caddy experiences and attend the annual Caddy for a Cure golf tournament, which is now a staple in our diaries. Through these events I have met the most truly inspiring individuals – wounded warriors, Christian, Calen and all of their families, plus other supporters, like me, who I now consider to be my “family”. The amazing opportunity that Russ and Colleen have given me to be on the Board and to be a genuine part of the phenomenal work that they both do, is a complete honor. To those people who’s lives have been blighted in some way or another, you will motivate me to make a difference through the love of golf.
JEFF WALSH
I have been very blessed from the Lord to have a wonderful wife and three healthy beautiful boys. My heart and prayers go out to the families that are dealing with this disease. I have been friends with Russ and Colleen for a very long time and their passion and drive to make a difference in these family lives is very touching. I wanted to be involved to give back in any way possible and hopefully make an impact on at least one life. God bless all of you who help with the fight!
ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Advisory Council is comprised of people who advise Caddy For A Cure on a regular basis. With the immense success they have achieved in life on various levels, we trust them 100% and lean on them heavily as to matters regarding our charity.
MAJOR GENERAL JAMES MYLES (Ret.)
United States Army – SENIOR Military Advisor to Caddy For A Cure
For the past 7 years I have had the great pleasure of observing the long-lasting impact that Caddy For A Cure has had on our wounded veterans and their Families. Russ and Colleen Holden have made it happen through hard work, strong leadership and creating special memories for others. My experience “on the bag” with Rickie Fowler opened my eyes to something that is truly one of the great memories in all of golf. The net result of the CFAC efforts is a brighter future for many of our wounded warriors and their Families. I am honored to be a member of the Advisory Council and to serve as the CFAC Senior Military Advisor.
STEVE KUPCHA SOC SEAL (RET.)
United States Navy Former SEAL
I am excited to be part of the Caddy For A Cure team as military adviser. I first learned about the program when I met their national spokesman, Christian Collins, at the 2008 PLAYERS Championship. He made such an impression on me that day I knew I needed to support this wonderful cause. Over the years I have become great friends with Christian and his amazing family. The program has grown and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the Caddy For A Cure Team.
RADM H. DENNY WISELY (RET.)
United States Navy Former Lead Commander Blue Angels (Boss)
I met Russ and Colleen many years ago through the Blue Angels Foundation and worked arm in arm with them for many years. Our work with the BAF focuses on the wounded and it was a natural for the Holden’s to be involved. Conversely, I have been a lover of the game for decades and was fascinated with the work Caddy For A Cure also does for our wounded within the world of golf. I am more than pleased to assist them with their mission at any time, and appreciate when civilian groups such as Caddy For A Cure choose to serve our treasured wounded service members.
SHAUN SWARTZ
I’m very excited to be a part of Caddy For A Cure. A long-time friendship with Founders Russ and Colleen Holden, coupled with a shared obsession for golf and flying, was the genesis to my involvement. As Russ introduced me to CFAC I had the privilege to accompany him at several events and to meet such extraordinary people as spokesperson Christian “Mini-Kitty” Collins. I have been involved with charities that target child illness and disease since college, and CFAC’s focus on Fanconi Anemia and Birdies for the Brave ignite a passion in me for such worthy efforts that cause tremendous positive impact for our wounded veterans. I look forward to contributing in any way possible. (Active Duty US Navy Officer 1996-current; US Navy Blue Angels 2005-2006)
Note: My affiliation with this organization is in my unofficial capacity and is not endorsed by the DoD or the US Navy.
KEN HYLAND
Malone University Head Golf Coach
It has been my pleasure to watch Russ Holden grow in his professional career now for over 30 years. As his collegiate coach at Malone College, now Malone University, I watched personally Russ evolve into a golf professional. I was captured when he started Caddy For A Cure, and totally and positively support their mission as it fits with my “world view.” Having the chance to caddy for Colin Montgomerie at Firestone was probably one of the neatest things I have done in golf.
KEVIN PALLONE
I joined Caddy For A Cure because I knew it would give me the opportunity to combine two of my life’s passions, healthcare and golf. I have worked with many people with Leukemia. Each having one distinct goal, to be cured. As a practicing Physical Therapist it my goal to maximize patients functional ability. Whether doing hands on therapy or raising funds for research we can help to increase a persons functional ability, meet their goals and change their outlook on life.