"The quiet courage and determination of CF families inspires me; it is for these families that we work day in and day out."
The Boomer Esiason Foundation’s staff is comprised of individuals with expertise in cystic fibrosis and program development, event planning and fundraising, marketing and communications, and management. The Board of Directors includes leaders in the business community who generously give of their time and resources in support of BEF’s critical mission. The Young Professionals Committee are a group of business professionals dedicated to hosting a number of events benefitting BEF. These dedicated people may come from all walks for life, but they all agree on one thing: they’ll do whatever it takes to beat cystic fibrosis.

Sure, we have raised millions of dollars to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis. But our mission isn't all about fundraising; it's also about supporting the CF community. To that end, we have developed a variety of programs to help people with CF live, breathe and succeed ... despite the disease.

Ralph Stayer

President and CEO Johnsonville Sausage LLC

Ralph Stayer is the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Johnsonville Sausage LLC. He has led the company since it was incorporated in 1968. Under Ralph’s guidance, Johnsonville has become the largest selling sausage brand in North America and currently sells its brand in more than 30 countries. Ralph was named CEO of the Year by Tom Peters in 1988 and was a finalist in the Ernst & Young National Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2000. In 1990, Ralph established the Leadership Dynamics consulting firm. He wrote “How I Learned to Let My Workers Lead,” published in the Harvard Business Review, and co-authored the business best-seller Flight of the Buffalo, published by Warner Books. Ralph became involved in the Foundation several years ago and since then has organized a number of efforts to support BEF. Johnsonville’s popular “Bratwurst Tailgating Hall of Fame” cause marketing program raised significant funds for the Foundation. Johnsonville also hosted a successful golf tournament near its Wisconsin headquarters, and Ralph continues to ensure the company’s ongoing involvement in BEF events. Ralph is a National Trustee of Boys and Girls Clubs in the Midwest region. In addition, he is a Board member of PAVE, an organization dedicated to improving opportunities for urban students in Milwaukee. Ralph also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Notre Dame Executive Education Department. Ralph graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Arts degree in finance. He has been married to his wife, Shelly, for 15 years. They have seven children and five grandchildren in their combined family.

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