Sara Slone was introduced to the Joe Martin ALS Foundation when her father, Bernie, was diagnosed with ALS in 2007. Neil Cottrell and JMALSF cared for her dad for several months before he lost his battle in October 2008. Since then, she has always tried to give back to the ALS community and especially to JMALSF. She is thrilled to serve on the Board of Directors to help further the mission of the Foundation. Sara grew up in Connecticut and then attended Clemson University. Shortly after graduating, she moved to Charlotte and has called it home since 2000. Sara and her husband, Todd, live in the Ballantyne area and have two boys, Brodie and Cooper, and two dogs, Lacee and Rocco. She spends her weekdays as a Compensation Executive for Wells Fargo and her weekends usually at a baseball field watching her boys play. She loves Clemson football, exercising or running in the early morning, and traveling to different MLB ballparks with her family.  

Claudia Ramirez Tate is a seasoned IT professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry. Known for her exceptional ability to work closely with executives, Claudia plays a vital role in helping organizations navigate complex challenges, achieve their strategic initiatives, and drive innovation.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Claudia is a dedicated philanthropist, actively involved in making a positive impact in her community. Claudia's passion for philanthropy stems from the example set by her parents and their efforts supporting the Charlotte community. After her father's diagnosis with ALS, she became devoted to raising awareness and finding a cure. Claudia is committed to keeping her father's legacy alive and strong. She honors his memory by advocating for ALS research, raising awareness, and supporting individuals and families affected by the disease

Claudia and her husband, Jeff, are both native Charlotteans and proud parents to their two children, Genevieve and Lochlan. Outside of her professional and philanthropic pursuits, Claudia treasures time with her family and enjoys travel, cooking, running, and practicing yoga.

Pat has worked in all aspects of fundraising, public relations, institutional awareness, and relevant organizational development for the last 30 years.

She works with a particular focus on positioning in the philanthropic marketplace using a strengths-based approach. Pat also has significant experience with start-up development efforts.

She and her husband Jim have made Charlotte their homebase for the last 35 years and are proud parents of two grown-ups, Kathren and James.

Aaron Putnam is an experienced marketing executive and the founder of Joyride Productions, a creative studio that specializes in video production, branding, and content creation. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Aaron has worked with a wide range of clients, from small startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping them to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns. 

In addition to his professional work, Aaron is also a dedicated philanthropist and has been closely affiliated with The Joe Martin ALS Foundation for many years. His connection to the foundation stems from his close friendship with Ryan McGeary, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2014. 

Ryan was a father of three young children and despite the diagnosis, he and his family remained optimistic and committed to living actively with ALS.  

Although Ryan passed away from ALS in 2018, Aaron remains committed to his friend's legacy. As a member of The Joe Martin ALS Foundation board of directors, Aaron strives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by ALS. 

Robbie Howell spent over 25 years working in the non-profit sectors including higher education and healthcare philanthropy, and leadership development.  

Robbie was introduced to ALS through her work as the Director of Development for Carolinas HealthCare Foundation (now Atrium Health Foundation) and was fortunate to work with Joe Martin and other Charlotte leaders in the founding of Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS Center. During that time, a dear college friend, Christy Sloan, was diagnosed with ALS and from day one, “Doing nothing this not an option” was her motto. Christy spent the last five years of her life fighting for research funding and awareness.  

Robbie is honored to serve on the Board of Directors to help further the mission of the Foundation.

Betsy became familiar with the Joe Martin Foundation while caring for her sister-in-law, Perry Lucas, during Perry’s two-year battle with ALS. Through her interaction with Foundation staff members Erin Horton and Neil Cottrell, Betsy quickly recognized the crucial resources and services provided, not just to the ALS patients, but to their loved-ones and families as well.

Through her new awareness of this terrible disease and the extraordinary value of providing education and support to its victims, Betsy felt God’s call to become actively involved in the fight against ALS and recognized the Joe Martin Foundation as the best way to do so.

Betsy was born and raised in Charlotte where she attended Charlotte Country Day School through 9^th grade, and finished high school as a boarder at St. Catherine’s School in Richmond, VA. She graduated from Sweet Briar College in 1982 with a BA in French.  In 1984 she married her husband, Jock, and moved to Concord where they raised four sons, who are all married and living close by. Jock and Betsy are proud grandparents to two granddaughters. Betsy recently retired, after 40 years, as the Payroll Manager for the family business Liles Construction Company. She enjoys working with non-profits and has served on numerous boards in the Concord area. She also is a retired Personal Chef but still enjoys cooking and entertaining. Betsy enjoys spending time with her family, relaxing at the beach, reading, cooking, and learning to bake bread.