OUR TEAM
TJ Burch
Chair/Director
Theron J. Burch (TJ) is Nolan’s father. He resides with his wife Kim and daughter Alexandra (Alex) in Williamsville, NY. TJ was born and raised in Brockport, NY and came to Buffalo to attend Canisius College where he graduated with a degree in Physical Education. He received his Masters degree in Administration from West Chester University in Pennsylvania. TJ works in sales and is one of the founders of the NMB Foundation. He has previously held a Board Position at Mathewson McCarthy Baseball including 3 years as Vice President. He loves his family and his friends and this is where his free time is spent. His goal is to get Nolan’s story out to as many people as possible.
Kim Burch
Vice Chair/Director
Kimberly Burch (Kim) is Nolan’s mother. She resides with her husband TJ and daughter Alexandra (Alex) in Williamsville, NY. Kim was born and raised in Buffalo, NY and is a graduate of Sweet Home High School. Kim worked in the dental field for 12 years and is currently self employed. She is one of the founders of NMB Foundation. Her focus is NMB Foundation as well as advocating for organ and tissue donation. Her down time is spent with her family and friends.
Patty Flaherty
Secretary/Director
One of the founding members of NMB Foundation, Patty resides with her husband, Patrick, three children, and two dogs in North Buffalo. They are active members of the St. Mark Parish Community where their children attended grammar school. A native of Rockville Centre, Long Island, Patty grew up with five other brothers and sisters and she visits her parents and siblings frequently throughout each year. Patty graduated from St. Bonaventure University with a degree in Business Administration and a concentration in Marketing. While raising her family, Patty worked as a volunteer fundraising coordinator for the St. Mark Community for over 10 years. Currently, she is employed at a local distribution supply company as a project specialist. In her free time, Patty enjoys cooking on her Big Green Egg, skiing, Pilates, and spending time with her family and friends.
Kelly Rehak
Director
In addition to being a founding member of NMB Foundation, Kelly is a member of the Roswell Park Alliance and the FBI Citizen’s Academy Alumni Association. As a local Realtor her focus is on helping her clients find balanced solutions in buying and selling real estate. Kelly attended the State University of New York at Oswego and has a Master’s Degree in Executive Leadership and Change from Daemen College.
As a proud Buffalonian, Kelly makes her home in Williamsville with her husband Jamie and their two children, Meegan and JP. When Kelly is not at work or supporting various local organizations, you can find her reading a novel or visiting an art museum.
Rose Zendano
Director
Rose Zendano is a single, dedicated mother of three children living in Williamsville, New York. She navigates the delicate balance between work and family everyday.
Rose is the supervising pharmacist at Sub-Board I, Inc., a not-for-profit organization located at the University of Buffalo within the Health Center. She has more than 25 years of experience, and continues to hold a position at Rite Aid Inc., as a floating pharmacist within the inner city of Buffalo.
Rose received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at the Massachusetts University College of Pharmacy. Rose is an adjunct preceptor for the University of Buffalo Pharmacy School. She is an active member of Pharmacist Society of the State of NewYork ( PSSNY) and Pharmacist Association of Western New York (PAWNY). Current committees Rose participates on include: HIPAA Structuring for SBI, the Insurance Evaluation Committee and a parent representative at the Steve Tasker Leadership Camp.
Rose enjoys cooking for family and friends, knitting and reading NY Times book review in her spare time.
Laura Downing
Director
Laura Downing is the corporate fleet coordinator for Towne BMW and has been a member of NMB Foundation since it’s inception. She hopes to bring her passion for helping spread the dangers of hazing, while keeping the memory of her son’s dear friend, Nolan Burch, alive. Laura resides in Snyder, NY with her husband, 3 children and dog, and enjoys cooking, skiing, reading, and being with friends and family.
Mark Sperandio
Treasurer/Director
Mark Sperandio was born and raised in Brockport, NY. He received degrees in accounting and sport administration from Bentley University (1991) and the University of Richmond (1994) respectively. Mark’s professional career started in the audit department of Deloitte & Touche’s Boston office which lasted from 1991 through 1993. After graduate school, Mr. Sperandio worked from 1994 through 1997 for the Harrisburg Senators baseball. In October of 1998, Mark moved to Everett, Washington and purchased the class A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners — the Everett AquaSox of the Northwest League.
Mark was recognized with the following awards during his tenure as owner of the AquaSox:
After selling the AquaSox in 2004, Mark continued to consult in the minor league baseball industry. Over his time as a consultant, Mark has helped team owners improve all aspects of their operations.
Mr. Sperandio founded MCS Management in 2006. The company purchases and manages office properties, single family homes and condo units.
Mark, his wife Joan and their 14 year old daughter Cecilia currently reside in Pittsford, NY.
Mark is a lifelong friend of the entire Burch family and is deeply honored to be a part of the N.M.B. board of directors.
Christopher Pulinski
Director
Christopher is a Professor at Erie Community College and Realtor with Century 21. He has decades of successful board and fundraising experience including the Buffalo Pro Zoo Board, Theatre of Youth along with chairing many local events at St. Mark School. A strong believer in the power of positive thinking to make change in the community, Christopher believes education is the key to end hazing and is looking forward to the challenge of being a part of changing the mindset of our youth.
Christopher resides in the Elmwood Village area of Buffalo with his wife, Michelle, and son, Luke who attends Canisius High School. Along with traveling, Christopher enjoys the Canadian shores during the summer and Ellicottville skiing during the winter months.