Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation Staff

	Christopher Hahn, Executive Director Chris is an Order of the Coif graduate of the Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California, Berkeley, where he focused on public policy and nonprofit law. For eleven years he represented large corporations, individuals, small businesses, and nonprofits in commercial litigation and business transactions, first with the national corporate law firm of Heller, Ehrman, White & McAuliffe, and then, after relocating to Santa Barbara, with a leading regional law firm. In 2000 he realized his dream of combining his analytic, problem-solving, communication and strategizing skills with his passion for public service, joining the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation as its first Executive Director. Under Chris’ leadership the Foundation has grown its meso research grant funding five-fold, to over $1 million per year; instituted the annual meso symposium to advance scientific understanding while uniting and energizing the entire meso community; helped countless patients and families find a meso medical expert, treatment and hope; and involved parties from all sides of the mesothelioma tragedy in the non-controversial, humanitarian effort to fund the research needed to find a cure.
	Rob Grayson, Director of Marketing and Events Rob’s career in non-profit work spans over 15 years with an emphasis on fundraising and development. Prior to coming to the Meso Foundation, Rob worked with several of the country's largest non-profits including: AIDS Project Los Angeles, National AIDS Marathon, Whitman-Walker Clinic, Sierra Club, World Wildlife Fund, and several public television and radio organizations. Since joining the Foundation Rob has been instrumental in growing the organizations fundraising program, implementing the Breath of Hope newsletter, producing the annual Symposium, expanding the website, and developing the volunteer program. Rob holds a B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
	Mary Hesdorffer, Medical Liaison Mary Hesdorffer received her undergraduate degree at the College of New Rochelle in NY and went on to receive her Masters of Science at the same institution. She is fully credentialed as a Nurse Practitioner and has spent the past 11 years actively treating patients with mesothelioma. Mary has an expertise in the development and implementation of clinical trials. She has published in peer reviewed journals and has lectured nationally on the topics pertaining to mesothelioma with particular emphasis on clinical trials as well as symptom and disease management. She is well known to the Foundation's community having attended and spoken at many of our symposiums. Mary is passionate in her commitment to the treatment and management of this disease and hopes to increase awareness of the need to advance the science that will lead to a cure. She is available via phone or email to assist patients and caregivers as they move from chaos to control of this new situation they find themselves thrust into.
	Maja Belamaric, Marketing and Events Associate Maja’s work at the Foundation focuses on its marketing and event activities, including implementation of marketing campaigns, event production and website administration. Maja’s broad skills are shaped by her experience in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors. Before joining the Meso Foundation, Maja was the Associate Director at the Young Storytellers Foundation, an organization dedicated to developing literacy, self-expression and self-esteem in elementary school children. Prior to her recent return to the non-profit sector, Maja was an Associate with M.A. Cohen & Co., an advisory services firm that facilitates the resolution of commercial disputes and arranges commercial real estate transactions. Maja received her B.A. in Mass Communications from Colorado State University.
	Danelle Mangone, Program Associate Danelle is a recent honors graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara. With her double major in Art History and Global & International Studies she has a broad range of skills that help with a variety of projects in the office. Before joining the Meso Foundation, Danelle began her work in the non-profit sector while working for Environment California, an organization dedicated to overcoming the opposition of powerful special interests and winning real results for the California’s environment. Her interest in non-profit work led her to the Meso Foundation where she works as a Program Associate. She works closely with the Executive Director to provide project support as well as oversees the Foundation’s research program.
	Trish Cerin, Administrative Assistant Trish joined the Meso Foundation at the beginning of 2005. In addition to efficiently assisting staff in all aspects of administrative, operational and financial matters, Trish is also our Foundation’s database manager. Trish’s invaluable skills are often recruited when working on special projects.