About Us

Kelly Nissen, MSW, LISW, has been employed with the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics for the past 18 years, including the Center for Disabilities and Development (CDD), University of Iowa Children’s Hospital for the PICU, Cardiology Service and Heart Transplant Program, General Pediatrics and Pediatric Neurology. She has a BA in Social Work from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Iowa. She currently works in the Continuity of Care Program at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital.

Chad Dillavou is a lifelong friend of the Maynard family. Chad’s passion for the foundation is rooted in its core values: immediate assistance for families in immediate need. With a BA in Political Economy and Commerce from Monmouth College, he utilizes his diverse background to develop and promote proprietary Sales Force Automation technologies for Rite-Hite Corporation’s global sales force.

Dana Frye is the Executive Vice President and Senior Lending Officer at Country Bank in Aledo, Illinois. Dana was one of the founding members of the Country Bank back in 2000. He’s also an accomplished real estate developer in the Western Illinois and Eastern Iowa region. He is a visionary thinker with a gift for finance and business administration. Dana is also Erika’s Great uncle.

Traci Maynard is the loving mother of Erika and Erika’s siblings, Emma, Evan, and Ella. She is a homemaker who loves God and works tirelessly to provide a warm and stable home environment for her family. Traci has the spiritual gift of encouragement and is passionate about helping others deepen their faith in and understanding of God when in the midst of brokenness. Traci holds a degree in elementary education from Northern Illinois University.

Rich Maynard is Erika’s beloved dad. He has worked as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) for the past 10 years. He is currently a partner in a private practice anesthesia group based in Muscatine, Iowa. His educational background includes a Masters of Science from the Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia, near Nashville, Tennessee, and also a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Iowa.

W.J. Albertson is an independent contractor agent for State Farm Insurance Companies. Since his start with the company in 1993, he has held several positions at State Farm in the Actuary, Administrative Services, Agency, and Executive departments.  W.J. has a degree in Mathematics from Illinois State University and has also earned the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations.  W.J. and his wife, Crista, live in the metro Atlanta area with their four children.  Their 2006 loss of their son, Landry, to congenital heart disease and a reconnection to Rich and Traci have led W.J. and Crista to be involved with EKF.

Annie Thomas has worked as a marketing consultant for a wide variety of product and service oriented firms in multiple industries.   She currently heads up marketing for the Fyre Lake National Golf Course development in
Western Illinois.  Annie holds a degree in Marketing from the University of Iowa and leads all marketing aspects for EKF.  She joined the EKF board in late 2009.  She resides in Sherrard, Illinois with her husband Chris, and their son, Deane.

Wendy Weiskircher is an attorney with Stanley, Lande, and Hunter, a Professional Corporation, in Davenport, Iowa. She attended Iowa State University and the University of Iowa College of Law. Wendy became familiar with the Erika Kate Foundation through work with Stanley, Lande & Hunter, and is honored to be a member of the board. Wendy resides in Davenport, where she enjoys running, playing basketball, traveling, and watching the Chicago Cubs.

Maegan Gorham has worked at Palmer College of Chiropractic as Operations Manager & Donor Strategist for six years. She has received her MBA Post-Graduate Certificate in Not-For-Profit Management from St. Ambrose University and is currently working towards a Master’s degree. Maegan and her husband, Nathan, have a three year old daughter, Nessa, who was born with a congenital heart disease. Nessa’s experiences encouraged Maegan down the not-for-profit path and led her to EKF.