Our governing board is lean, efficient, and effective. We maintain no staff and each board member contributes to our operation so as to keep expenses to a minimum. We abide by all state and federal regulations to maintain our 501(c)(3) registered status.
Our Honorary Board recognizes those individuals who, in our opinion, have made and continue to make an extraordinary impact in the fight against Amyloidosis. We are proud that they have agreed to join our effort.
Mackenzie is founder, president, and chairman of the board for Mackenzie’s Mission. She provides leadership, sets the strategic direction and oversees the execution of all aspects of the foundation.
In early 2025, she will begin her career as a physician assistant at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, caring for patients undergoing cancer treatment. She continues to devote her time largely to Mackenzie’s Mission and the work of the Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau. When time allows, she pursues her passion of traveling the world.
Her previous experience includes a two-year term as a research associate at Harvard Medical School, investigating a novel cell culturing technique for breast cancer. Additionally, for a number of years she was a student observer at Inova Fairfax Hospital, observing surgeries and outpatient visits in their orthopedic trauma department. While at Northeastern University, she was an active member of GlobeMed for four years and led a trip to their longstanding partner organization in Uganda, focused on identifying and addressing water and sanitation needs of rural communities. Mackenzie shadowed several surgeons for three weeks at Life Gaborone Private Hospital in Gaborone, Botswana.
She has co-authored two publications in the Journal of Global Public Health and a third publication while working at Harvard Medical School. She co-authored a chapter titled “The Impact of AL Amyloidosis: The Patient Experience” published in Systemic Amyloidosis Due to Monoclonal Immunoglobulins. Most recently, she co-authored “Evaluating the Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau: the influence of amyloidosis patients’ narratives on medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intent,” published on PubMed.
Mackenzie earned her Masters of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Northeastern University in 2024. She graduated Cum Laude from Northeastern University, earning a Bachelors of Science in Health Science with a Minor in Biology in 2017.
Deb is an active philanthropist. At present she is board member and treasurer for Mackenzie’s Mission, operating committee member for the Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau, advisory board member for TIFF Advisory Services, and on the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Boston University School of Medicine. In the past she has served as board chair for MentorPrize, a member of the Advisory Board for Northeastern University’s venture accelerator IDEA, a Benefit Plan Investment Committee member for the American Red Cross; and a member of the Board of Managers for Strategic Investment Group.
She is an accomplished executive in the U.S. institutional investment management industry focused on driving growth and increasing profitability through developing/executing strategies and building/managing teams for sales and client service, and digital/print marketing and branding. In addition, she has experience in developing effective investment management governance structures and defining roles and responsibilities to enhance operational efficiency.
Most recently, she co-authored “Evaluating the Amyloidosis Speakers Bureau: the influence of amyloidosis patients’ narratives on medical students’ knowledge, attitudes, and behavioral intent,” published on PubMed. Deb has published numerous articles in the areas of OCIO (Outsourced Chief Investment Officer) and governance. She has spoken at industry conferences, has been featured in articles and webinars, and appeared on Executive Leaders Radio. She co-authored the book Expert Systems for the Technical Professional (Wiley & Sons, Inc.), authored a case study How Corporate America is Changing: Expert Systems Today, and published articles in the area of artificial intelligence. Deb holds a B.S. in Finance and Mathematics from California State University, Long Beach and an M.B.A. from University of California, Irvine. She was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and is a member of the CFA Institute.
Mark is a board member of Mackenzie’s Mission and contributes to strategic planning while bringing significant expertise in fundraising, marketing, and event planning. In addition, Mark is active in mid-Atlantic golf, having played for over 50 years. He is chairman of the Northern Virginia Golf Association where he is senior tournament director, and a member of the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, VA.
He enjoys mentoring younger golfers.
Mark is skilled in strategic planning and developing strategies for growth, with expertise in effective execution for retail businesses.
Mark holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Management from California State University, Fullerton.
Griffin is a board member of Mackenzie’s Mission, contributing to strategic planning as well as fundraising and marketing. Specifics include raising awareness campaigns and taking the lead on technology and digital/social media.
At present, he is working towards his Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant studies at Tufts University School of Medicine, with the anticipation of graduating early 2025. He works part-time as an Orthopedic Technician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, MA. He also serves as a volunteer coach for the Northeastern University Club Roller Hockey team. In addition, he also volunteers by giving back to the local community at Rosie’s Place. During his free time, Griffin loves to learn more about technology, play tennis, hockey, and spend time with his friends and family.
Griffin graduated from Northeastern University in May 2021 magna cum laude with a Bachelors of Science in Health Science.
Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN. Consultant, Division of Hematology; Roland Seidler Jr. Professor Department of Medicine, Mayo Distinguished Clinician; Chair, General Internal Medicine. Dr. Gertz is a pioneer in the field of Amyloidosis and known worldwide for his decades of work in both treating patients and leading Mayo’s Amyloidosis Research Fund. The Fund focuses on three areas: clinical trials research, outcomes research, and maintaining Mayo’s large tissue repository and bio bank.
Over twenty years ago, Muriel Finkel lost a dear uncle to Amyloidosis. She felt a driving need to help others affected and founded Amyloidosis Support Groups (ASG),a registered 501(c)(3). The organization is dedicated to supporting Amyloidosis patients, caregivers, and former caregivers, and carries this out by setting up and helping to maintain ASG meetings across the country. Muriel’s tireless dedication over multiple decades is strengthened by a group of wonderful colleagues to help make it all happen. ASG’s website www.amyloidosissupport.org and multiple Facebook groups provide an extraordinary amount of information and support to those affected.
For over twenty years, Isabelle has been committed to empowering amyloidosis patients while serving on several boards and committees, speaking at leadership meetings and key events to encourage research, increase access, and support the critical and unmet patient needs. She has been the driving force behind the Amyloidosis Research Consortium, building successful collaborations and programs across the sectors to advance the science and understanding of the amyloidosis diseases. Herself an AL Amyloidosis patient, she was one of the first to successfully undergo a stem cell transplant.
