The Chapter Board
The Board of Directors is comprised of elected officials who govern the organization through policy, fiduciary oversight, legal compliance, and ethical standards.
David Geisler
President
Dave first became involved with LBFE while living and working in Chicago as an accountant. In 2011, Dave retired and moved to the Keweenaw and immediately got involved with the Upper Michigan chapter. He has served the board in various capacities and is an active volunteer for the Medical Transportation program and holiday meals. In his free time, Dave enjoys reading, gardening and enjoying our beautiful Keweenaw Peninsula.
Kyla Cole
Vice President
Kyla is the AVP of Default Administration at Midwest Loan Services. She became involved at LBFE to serve the elderly in our area. As chair of the vision committee, she is integral in researching and reviewing potential LBFE program expansion opportunities in surrounding counties, including her hometown of Ontonagon. Kyla is also a licensed funeral director and when she’s not working or volunteering, she enjoys working in her yard, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with her husband, two dogs, and three cats.
Cheryl O'Brien
Treasurer
Cheryl worked 43 years in the banking industry, retiring in 2023 as a Branch Manager and Loan Officer. Her work as board treasurer is driven by the unsurpassed mission of the organization and its positive impact on the elder community in our service area. Serving LBFE is a family affair. Her father served LBFE on both a local and national level and her husband drives for the Medical Transportation program. She and her husband help with food preparation at the holiday meals and at the annual pancake breakfast. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, traveling, and spending as much time as possible with her family.
Michelle Kovachich
Secretary
Michelle is a former U.S. Army captain with deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. She worked for LBFE as the medical transportation coordinator before becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with healthcare experience from serving as a Vet Center readjustment counselor and a clinical social worker for the VA medical center. Her love for her grandparents gave her a sincere interest in the aging population and volunteers with LBFE by delivering meals for the major holidays. She enjoys physical fitness, specifically CrossFit and local running events.
Theresa Cherubini
Theresa is a retired Registered Nurse Manager of an Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit. After retirement, she wished to continue helping people at LBFE where she brings fifty years of health care experience. Cooking is one of her hobbies and she prepares and shares meals with our volunteers and elderly friends at our holiday meals. Her other hobbies include singing, reading with a book club, volunteering, and traveling.
David Crowley
David retired as Postmaster of Lake Linden after 33 years of service. He brings his experience of public service and management along with his leadership skills as Commander of Company A 107th Engineers, MI National Guard to the LBFE board. In 1995, he started to volunteer at the LBFE holiday meals in Calumet after his mother’s passing to carry on his family tradition of volunteer service. He continues now as lead cook. He enjoys performing and directing local theater productions and singing in his church choir. He is the author of three children’s books, a poetry collection, and two mystery novels.
Syd Faassen
Syd is a former special education teacher. Born and raised in Lead, SD, a gold mining town, she is all too familiar with the impact on a community, particularly the elderly, when the industry stops. At LBFE she ensures our board is made up of qualified individuals who bring diverse experience to the organization. She assists at fundraising events like the annual pancake breakfast. She enjoys reading, getting together with friends, quilting, playing the piano, traveling if it takes her to the people she loves, and playing with her grandchildren.
Ruth Robb
Ruth has retired after 52 years of teaching math and continues to substitute teach at Marquette and Negaunee High Schools. She volunteers at LBFE holiday meals and small group activities. When she's not volunteering, she enjoys playing pickleball, hiking, biking, as well as designing and making greeting cards.
Stephen Sabatini
Steve retired from Bradford Dimension Specialty in Bradford, Pennsylvania as General Manager. He brings 35 years of experience in fiscal responsibility and community involvement to LBFE. He was integral in the expansion of LBFE to Marquette County, and his goal is to help with the continued expansion of services in our five-county service area. He enjoys golfing and staying involved in his home communities by volunteering at a church thrift store and 4th of July celebrations.
Jeff Veum
Jeff previously worked in human resources and nonprofit program management. Understanding the labor involved in prepping for the winter, he started by delivering firewood to elders and then helping to cut and split wood in preparation for delivery. He participates on the property committee which oversaw the purchase and development of our woodlot, the building of our first firewood shed, and an office remodel. In retirement he enjoys hiking, bicycling, hunting for fungi, and encouraging the spread of milkweed.