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Working to support families, educate our community, and fight Nephrotic Syndrome
NSF Advisory Board
Tucker Callaway
Co-Founder
Tucker co-founded The Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation with his wife Andi in 2017. Currently CEO of LogDNA, Tucker graduated from Cal Berkeley in Computer Science and Economics and has served as the head of Technology for several Bay Area start-ups. Tucker currently leads NSF in every aspect of Technology, and provides ongoing guidance on our important Diversity and Inclusion movement. In addition, Tucker calls upon his box moving expertise and muscle for the Facilities Department, a critical and daily need, especially for Backpacks of Hope and Camp NSF. Tucker is involved in every aspect of the foundation and it's many programs and events. As a father to a son with the disease, he provides passion, support and guidance that fuels the effort, something that would not exist without him.
Laura Markstein
Board Member Since 2017
As a founding Board member, Laura's commitment and leadership has driven much of the impact of The Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation to date. Laura is the CEO and President of Markstein Sales Company, bringing years of business experience, community leadership and Board involvement to NSF. Extremely experienced in the world of both community service and large scale events, Laura contributes valuable expertise to both events and programming. She has served on the Board of Directors of several well known organizations in addition to NSF, including California Beer and Beverage Association, Diablo Country Club and currently as a member of the John Muir Health Board of Directors. Laura is a pillar of our community, providing immense support to our Foundation and cause. She is a long time resident of the Bay Area and a graduate of St. Mary’s College. She currently resides in Diablo, CA, with her husband Sal, and two Siberian Huskies. When she is not running her successful business or supporting her community, you'll find her on the tennis courts or spending time with her son and daughter and enjoying time with her young grandson Wyatt.
John Micek
Board Member Since 2017
A graduate from Notre Dame University, John and has had a successful career in finance, serving as VP at Goldman Sachs & Co. and Partner at Criterion Capital Management. Currently pursuing a combination of his two passions as Managing Partner at Third Leaf Partners, Johns advises, invests in, manages, and operates global beverage and hospitality businesses at all stages of development. John is a founder of Red Stitch Wine, acclaimed Napa Valley winery owned by he and his wife Noelle, along with the Aurilia, and Roberts Families. John provides essential direction to The Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation, and continues to bring leadership, business experience, hospitality and fundraising expertise to the effort, along with a passion for service. John lives in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA with his wife Noelle, and two children, Charlotte and Jack.
Noelle Micek
Board Member Since 2017
A Bay Area native, Noelle is one of the founding Board members of NSF. Noelle graduated from Boston College with a degree in Economics. After a successful career in finance at Goldman, Sachs & Co, in 2009, she founded her interior design firm, Noelle Micek Interiors, which has been featured in Coastal Living, HGTV, and more. Noelle and her husband John, are founders and owners of Red Stitch Wine, a deeply respected boutique label. Noelle has been a committed supporter and advocate in the fight against Nephrotic Syndrome. Her entrepreneurial spirit, creativity and solid business background serve as a major asset to The Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation. She and her husband John, currently reside in Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA with their two kids, Charlotte and Jack.
Tita Forrest
Board Member Since 2017
A founding Board member of The Nephrotic Syndrome Foundation, Tita brings a Doctorate in Pharmacy and an MBA from Pepperdine University, plus years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry to the table. Having held executive positions at companies such as Roche, Abbott, and currently Astra Zeneca, Tita contributes her in depth knowledge of the healthcare industry, to the Foundation. A graduate of University of Virginia, Tita also holds an MBA from Pepperdine University in California, and has also served as a Board Member for the Ronald McDonald House of San Francisco, where she provided leadership in support of families and children facing trauma and challenge in health. Tita is an involved member of her Bay Area community, providing industry knowledge, experience and leadership to NSF. Tita lives with her husband Brett and two children, Elle and Hudson in Danville, CA, and spends much of her free time outdoors in the mountains or at the lake near their home in Martis Camp, Tahoe.
Dr. Paul Brakeman, M.D., Ph.D.
Medical Advisor to NSF
Dr. Brakeman serves NSF as Medical Advisor, providing critical insight, guidance and direction as well as facilitating direct connection between one of the world's leading institutions in research and treatment of pediatric nephrology and NSF. Currently, Dr. Brakeman serves as Medical Director of the Pediatric Kidney Transplant Program at the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals. He boasts a number of esteemed credentials, including a medical degree and doctorate in neuroscience from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Following medical school Dr. Brakeman completed his pediatric residency and pediatric nephrology fellowship at UCSF, where he practices today with focus on both kidney transplantation and pediatric nephrotic syndrome. In addition to serving patients and advancing the field of pediatric nephrology, Dr. Brakeman spends time trail running, camping, lake swimming, growing vegetables, cooking and traveling. One of his favorite vacations was traveling to India and visiting a school in the countryside established to educate girls and young women.
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