CEO, President & Founder, Jim Tennant jtennant@scarfusa.org

Sherri & Jim were married for nearly 14 years before Sherri's passing on September 2, 2006. They lived in Marin County before making Walnut Creek their home residence in 1995.  Since moving to Walnut Creek, they've been involved with many community activities with schools, Mother's Club, Cub Scouts, Soccer Programs and Church.  After Sherri's passing, the support provided by friends & family was overwhelming!  To continue Sherri's legacy and passion for life, and to be able to provide this legacy to her son, Justin, Jim launched this new site and Foundation in February 2007, the same month of their wedding anniversary. Before founding SCARF, Jim created http://www.sherriupdate.com, a web site used during Sherri's illness to keep family and friends informed of her progress fighting melanoma. After sending out a few 'newsletters' in the initial days of diagnosis with some details of their research on next steps, both Sherri & Jim built a website that would provide general information about treatment options and travel plans. With this method, people could visit as often as they would like. During the time period between 12/2005 - 9/2006, the website had over 24,000! visitors and was warmly received by friends & family across the country. Now, it's our turn to give back to those who need an understanding of what melanoma is and how it can be treated.

Jim has extensive background in the telecommunications industry, being part of senior and executive management teams managing and developing sales & operations in the Northern California markets. In his role as President, he oversees all aspects of the Foundation's business operations, marketing and financial decisions.

Executive Director, Brenton Kelley bkelley@scarfusa.org

When Sherri was first diagnosed with melanoma, she spent countless hours carefully researching the various available modern treatment alternatives. SCARF is the perfect vehicle to publish that research and make it available to other people in the same situation.

"Sherri's efforts were rewarded and she was in remission for almost 10 full years. Upon its unfortunate return, Sherri then elected to participate in an exclusive experimental treatment program at NIH in Bethesda, Maryland. I was overwhelmingly impressed with Sherri’s incredible courage during her treatment there. Although the treatments were experimental, she knew that her voluntary participation in the program would ultimately benefit others in the future and that was always foremost in her mind. As Sherri’s brother, I also recognized that her love for her son, husband, family, and her empathy with her oncology patients, provided her with unremitting reservoirs of strength and determination to continue on with hope. If in her position, I’m not sure I would be able to muster the same bravery she displayed!

Thanks to the generosity of Sherri’s colleagues, friends, and her loving husband Jim, the SCARF foundation was born, to carry forth Sherri’s exemplary courage and strength in the face of a daunting life’s struggle."

Brenton has over 20 years of experience in the Information Technology industry with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Utah College of Engineering.  Brenton assists in managing the SCARF website and participates in fundraising events wherever possible.

Honorary Senior Director of Operations, Donald Kelley dkelley@scarfusa.org

Donald Kelley, Sherri's father, is a Civil Engineer and former US Marine Corps officer.   He has traveled extensively worldwide, having been involved in engineering related projects in all the continents. His latest assignment was in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates as Project Director for the design and construction of a $300 million luxury Hilton hotel. He brings to SCARF his skills and project management experience to serve in whatever capacity as necessary in order to help the organization achieve its goals.

Secretary, Maria Schroder mschroder@scarfusa.org

Maria joined the Mt. Diablo Mothers Club in 1996, looking for camaraderie for herself and play groups for her 15-month old child. She met Sherri and Justin and was quickly amazed by Sherri's fortitude. The first play date Maria attended was in Sherri's home, where she was welcomed with kid-friendly snacks, juice boxes and open arms. It was with a calm voice that Sherri discussed with Maria her previous battle with melanoma and her unwavering belief that she could beat it.

After ten years of lunches and laughter, teas and tears, Maria has picked up Sherri's fight. Education is the key to prevention of this terrible disease. Maria joins the board of directors with an enthusiasm to get the message out and an eagerness to do whatever is necessary to get the job done.

Toni Potter, BSN, OCN tpotter@scarfusa.org

Toni joins SCARF with ten years of oncology nursing experience. Toni was drawn to this specialty for her passion and care for other people. She is a critical part of the Diablo Valley Oncology medical team in her role as clinical nurse. Her tenacity and passion for care is her commitment to the management team and to Sherri herself. Knowing Sherri for only two years was enough for Toni to realize the priorities in life. Those priorities encompass the need to live each day with all of our heart and spirit. A promise was made to Sherri that Toni would never give up. Never give up trying to help Sherri, help the cause and help others. Never give up on a friend in need and help whenever possible.

That mantra lives on with Toni today and she will ‘never give up’ helping Sherri. Sherri is watching and coaching Toni now as she takes on the role of SCARF’s medical advisor. Her role will assist in creating the information needed to educate and promote early detection and prevention of melanoma cancer. As an oncology nurse her knowledge on the latest available treatments will assist many people in making that very difficult decision and empower them to make informed decisions.

Michelle Rooney, MSN, AOCNP mrooney@scarfusa.org

Michelle had the pleasure and joy of working with Sherri at Diablo Valley Oncology for almost two years.

"It was exciting to work with Sherri, watching her exude compassion and empathy while learning oncology nursing.  I appreciate the opportunity I had to get to know Sherri both professionally and personally, and I often think about Sherri's smile, gentle and patient voice, and overall appreciation for life."

Michelle brings to the board over five years of Medical Oncology nursing experience; she has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She will use her knowledge of oncology and general nursing to serve on the medical advisory team, help facilitate fundraising events, and make information about melanoma accessible and comprehensible. Michelle knows that Sherri's spirit will be present in everything SCARF accomplishes, and views SCARF as a way to say thank-you to Sherri for the lessons she has taught her; lessons of living life with conviction, courage, and grace. Michelle uses these lessons every day as an Oncology Nurse and knows these same lessons will be passed on as SCARF strives to educate on early Melanoma detection, prevention, and treatment options.