Board of Directors

Matt Logelin, President
matt@thelizlogelinfoundation.org
In the span of 27 hours in March 2008, Matt Logelin felt the joy of fatherhood and the crushing loss of his lifelong love, Liz. Matt captured the hearts of hundreds of thousands as he poured out his grief over the loss of his wife and his new life as a single dad with baby Madeline on his blog. In 2009, he established The Liz Logelin Foundation to assist families who find themselves in the heartbreaking, catastrophic situation of having lost a spouse, life-partner and parent. Matt left his job as an Offshore Project Manager at Yahoo! in October 2009, to write his memoir titled Two Kisses for Maddy, which was released in April of 2010.  The book quickly became a New York Times Bestseller and Matt has spent the last year speaking to groups across the country about grief and healing.  Matt’s speaking engagements have included events hosted by The Moyer Foundation, Vascular Disease Foundation, Gaithersburg Book Festival, as well as several medical device manufacturers. Matt and Madeline reside in Los Angeles, California.

Tom Goodman, Treasurer
tom@thelizlogelinfoundation.org
Tom Goodman, Liz Logelin’s father, is an attorney who has been actively involved in organizing, advising, and working with non-profits for more than a decade. Tom is a graduate of the University of California Berkeley and the University of California Berkeley School of Law. A former managing shareholder of Siegel Brill Greupner Duffy & Foster, P.A., Tom lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota with his wife, Candee.

Candee Goodman, Secretary
candee@thelizlogelinfoundation.org
Candee Goodman, Liz Logelin’s mother, received her MBA from St. Thomas University, where she was one of four students selected for 1987?s Outstanding Achievement Award. Candee recently retired from her position as the Pro Bono Director for the law firm of Lindquist & Vennum and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Winter Closet Foundation.

Jackie Chandler
jackie@thelizlogelinfoundation.org
Jackie Chandler is a ‘Jackie-of-all-trades’. While staying home to be with her two children, she is also sewing girl’s dresses to sell online, raising chickens, and writing for a variety of online sources.  Jackie’s fisherman husband died on March 25th, 2008 from a pulmonary embolism. She and Matt became friends through their blogs and their shared dislike of March 25th. Matt asked Jackie to be on the board to represent many of the other ‘regular’ widows out there.  Jackie and her children reside in Canada.

A.J. Colianni
aj@thelizlogelinfoundation.org
A.J. Colianni is the Director of Computer Education for Breck School in Minneapolis. In addition, A.J. is the Faculty Advisor to the school’s first robotics team.  He is a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. A.J. and his wife Sonja are childhood friends of Matt and Liz. A.J. is dedicated to helping the Liz Logelin Foundation grow and connect with others through the use of Internet technologies.

Anya Kitashima
anya@thelizlogelinfoundation.org
Anya Kitashima is a Project Manager with Yahoo! Inc. in Burbank, CA. She graduated from Scripps College in Claremont, CA with a degree in English. Anya is truly inspired by the support The Liz Logelin Foundation has already provided to a number of families in need. As one of Liz Logelin’s closest friends, she is dedicated to seeing the foundation grow to its amazing potential. Anya is originally from Hawaii and has lived in the Los Angeles area for the past 12 years.

Michele Neff Hernandez
michele@thelizlogelinfoundation.org
Michele Neff Hernandez is the founding President and Executive Director of the Soaring Spirits Loss Foundation.  Soaring Spirits is a non-profit organization committed to providing resources and support to people grieving the loss of a loved one. In addition to her work with the foundation, Michele inspires people as a motivational speaker and freelance writer.  She also works as a member of the Bereavement Training Team for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. Through speaking to service groups, faith communities, Universities and hosting community seminars she has shared her thoughts on loss and hope with a variety of audiences. She is the creator of the Web site www.widowsbond.com and the Widow Match program. Michele regularly contributes to www.wowowow.com, www.widow-speak.org, www.opentohope.com, www.widowsvoice-sslf.blogspot.com, and has been a featured writer for grief support sites, grief magazines, and various blogs on parenting and widowhood.

Elizabeth Valdivia
elizabeth@thelizlogelinfoundation.org
Elizabeth Valdivia is a Sr. Manager for The Walt Disney Company.  Prior to joining Disney, Elizabeth pursued careers in Corporate Banking and Management Consulting.  She is a graduate of Smith College and Harvard Business School.  Elizabeth shared Liz’s passion for helping companies improve performance and always finding the best solution to any professional or personal challenge.  Elizabeth is inspired that the loss of her dear friend has resulted in a foundation that helps families in need. She is dedicated to ensuring the foundation grows to its amazing potential. Elizabeth resides in Los Angeles with her husband and three daughters.

Cody Hedstrom
Cody Hedstrom is a Senior Analyst with Boston Scientific. Prior to joining Boston Scientific, Cody spent 3 years in management consulting, where he focused primarily on life sciences and healthcare. He is a graduate of St. Olaf College. Cody volunteers his time to the organization through social media management, and leverages his consulting experience to develop pitch decks and promotional materials. He is dedicated to continue helping the foundation grow and find a sustainable niche for the future. Cody lives in Minneapolis, MN and spends ample time in Norfolk, VA where his girlfriend is completing medical school.