CaringBridge Names Four New Board Members

Eagan, Minn., (February 5, 2016) — CaringBridge is pleased to announce the appointments of Kris Larson, Lee Roper-Batker, Pete Segar and John Wernz to its board of directors. They join a board of 16, comprised of individuals from the technology, health care, business, and nonprofit communities. Board members for the Minnesota-based nonprofit are appointed to a two-year term and can serve up to three consecutive terms. It is the board’s responsibility to provide counsel, guidance and governance in the direction and operation of the organization as well as to raise awareness of CaringBridge as a global nonprofit social network.

“I am delighted to welcome Pete, John, Lee and Kris as new CaringBridge board members. They each bring a wealth of experience and expertise which will be a tremendous asset to CaringBridge as we further our mission,” said Liwanag Ojala, CEO of CaringBridge. “Each of these new board members has personally been impacted by CaringBridge and understands the power of supporting loved ones during a health journey. We are very fortunate to have them at our side as we reach more people that need to connect with their family and friends during a time of need.”

Larson is co-founder and chief financial officer of Veritae Group LLC, a women-owned company that provides interim finance and accounting leadership to organizations in the Twin Cities. Larson has more than 20 years of executive experience in accounting, finance and operations. In 2012 she was recognized by Finance and Commerce magazine as a “Top Women in Finance – Circle of Excellence.” It is Larson’s strong belief that communities can heal, evidenced by personal friends supported by a CaringBridge website. She considers her board appointment a privilege.

Roper-Batker is president and CEO of the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota. As a state and national leader, Roper-Batker is recognized for her strategic thought-leadership and the Foundation’s integration of research, public policy and grant-making to create a world where women and girls – and all people – hold the power to live healthy and prosperous lives. Roper-Batker is passionate about the CaringBridge mission which affords anyone the ability to connect, cheer on, stay informed and support friends and family members’ during a health journey.

Segar serves as CEO of Ergotron Inc., a subsidiary of Nortek Inc., which manufactures ergonomic computer workstations for health care, education and corporate offices. A chemist by training, Segar has a lifelong passion for technology and innovation and knows how to build organizations that create and sustain high growth and value. Segar has used CaringBridge personally and is passionate about bringing CaringBridge to more people in need.

Wernz is the chief marketing officer and executive vice president at Wealth Enhancement Group where he leads all marketing and growth initiatives. His mission is to use the power of marketing to advance meaningful causes. Wernz learned about CaringBridge after a member of his marketing team was severely injured in a car accident in 2013 and served on the CaringBridge advisory council in 2015.

About CaringBridge


CaringBridge is a global nonprofit social network dedicated to helping family and friends communicate with and support loved ones during a health journey through the use of personal websites. Our mission is to amplify the love, hope and compassion in the world, making each health journey easier. CaringBridge is cost- and advertisement-free, with nearly 90% of all funding coming from those who have experienced the power of CaringBridge firsthand. Since its founding in 1997 by Sona Mehring, more than half a million CaringBridge websites have been created. Combined, they have received nearly two billion visits. For more information, visit www.CaringBridge.org.