Cathy Kass-Aten
Foundation Director
Cathy Kass-Aten has spent her career with Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly. She joined the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter in 1982 as an intern and became an elder advocate before joining the staff of the Upper Michigan Chapter in 1986 as Volunteer Program Coordinator. Cathy’s passion for the mission of Little Brothers has never wavered as she helped coordinate expansion to five counties and built the volunteer program to over 1,200 volunteers before moving into the Executive Director Position in 2014.
Upon retiring as the Executive Director in 2023, Cathy became the Director of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Upper Michigan Foundation, whose mission is to ensure the future of the Little Brothers Upper Michigan Chapter and its ongoing work of relieving isolation and loneliness among our elderly population.
In her spare time, Cathy enjoys nature, traveling, and spending as much time as possible with family, including her young grandchildren.
The Foundation Board
The Board of Directors is comprised of elected officials who govern the organization through policy, fiduciary oversight, legal compliance, and ethical standards.
Steve Schmunk
Foundation Board President
Member at Large
Steve’s 46-year work career as an electrical engineer ranged from oilfield exploration in Africa to an Apple computer store in Hancock, and from groundwater cleanup work in Minnesota to serving as a technology integration consultant in the Marquette County K-12 school system for several decades. Since signing up to volunteer at the Little Brothers’ booth at the Houghton County Fair in 1982, he has served holiday meals, visited and drove elderly friends, sat on various committees and boards, provided IT support, and more as needed. Volunteering to serve on the Foundation board was a natural progression. When he’s not at his computer or volunteering, you can find him out in the woods taking delight in biking or skiing!
Syd Faassen
LBFE Chapter Rep
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.
Cheryl O'Brien
Foundation Board Treasurer
LBFE Chapter Rep
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.
Trisia Narhi
Member at Large
Trisia is a restaurant owner and accountant. Her business experience contributes to successful financial planning and program oversight at LBFE. She previously served on the LBFE chapter board over several terms since 2009 because she recognized the value the organization brings to the lives of elderly people in the community. Trisia started serving on the foundation board in 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys quilting, making greeting cards, and making baskets.
Kyla Cole
LBFE Chapter Rep
Foundation Board Secretary
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.