The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was founded in 1955.  Since our founding, our mission has been to assure the development of the means to cure and control CF and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. 

Locally, our chapter has 15 events per year, which helps to raise $1.5 million to directly fund research.  Whether your taste runs from golf, food and wine, football tailgating or walk-a-thons -- we have an event for everyone! 

Please see the event calendar on the chapter home page to see how you can participate and help make CF stand for Cure Found!

The Northern Ohio Chapter staff is made up of the following dedicated individuals:

Nate Cross – Executive Director
Nate is a graduate of Cleveland State University, where he received his BA & MPA, and currently serves on the Westlake Board of Education; Nate is married to Rose; and has two wonderful children, Jonathan and Nicole -- and a dog, Cocoa!  Nate became involved in fundraising in college while organizing several events that landed him in the Guinness Book of World Records (53-day trampoline Marathon & 600-mile Bathtub Push).     He is responsible for the following events: Great Lake Fishing, Cycle for Life, Annual Fund, and Major Gifts efforts.
To contact Nate:ncross@cff.org 

Suzanne Zak - Senior Development Director
Suzanne Zak - Senior Development Director
Suzanne is a graduate of Bowling Green University, and over 12 years in non-profit work.  She is married to Brian;  and has an adorable son, Brady - and is also Mom to Bo,  their Australian Cattle Dog/Corgi mix.  Suzanne  is responsible for the following events: Akron Wine Opener, Cleveland Wine Opener, Canton Great Strides, Lake County Great Strides and Akron Great Strides.
To contact Suzanne: szak@cff.org

Stacey Langal –Development Director
Stacey has worked in fundraising and special events for over 10 years and graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA with a B.A. in political science.  Stacey is Maria and Mitch’s mom and is married to Chuck.  Stacey is responsible for the following events:  Chef’s Fantasy Dinner and Auction and Bruce Baskin Golf Classic at Firestone Country Club.
To contact Stacey: slangal@cff.org

Erica Matisz – Development Director
Erica is a graduate of Wittenberg University and has a background in non-profit fundraising.  Erica is married to Adam; and has a beautiful daughter, Eliza- and is also mom to Oscar, their Boxer.  Erica  is responsible for the following events: Kick-off to a Cure: Tailgate, Cleveland Great Strides, Holmes County Great Strides, and Mahoning/Trumbull Great Strides.
To contact Erica: ematisz@cff.org

 
Kathy Lipcsik – Logistics Specialist
Kathy is an Ohio native and comes to the foundation with a long history in accounts receivable/medical billing.  Kathy  is married to Tom and has two children, Matt and Mark; and a daughter in law, Lindsey.  Kathy is also Mom to Max, a rather large Great Dane/Shepard mix dog.  The foundation’s mission is particularly close to home for Kathy as one of her children has cf.  Kathy is responsible for, the Leo J. Jacob golf event and Wooster Great Strides
To contact Kathy: klipcsik@cff.org