Executive Director

Jordan Herskowitz is one of Richie's older brothers. He is a young entrepreneur eager to get the word out about organ donation. Jordan started Richie's Spirit Foundation in 2008 as a way to honor his brother's memory. In less than five years, he has seen the foundation grow from a start-up to a valuable, impressive small organization. Jordan's non-profit background includes work with AIDS Services of Dallas, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Hillel of Northeast Oklahoma. In addition to his role as Executive Director, Jordan is Creative Director of Jordy Pordy Productions (www.jordypordy.com) and teaches drama at a private upper school in New Jersey. Jordan resides in the New York City area.

Honorary Chairmen

Barbie and Mark Herskowitz are Richie's parents and have been married for 29 years. In addition to Richie, they have two sons, Neil and Jordan, and a daughter, Bryna. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Mark has worked for Olmsted-Kirk Paper Company for 19 years. Barbie has a background in Education. Both Barbie and Mark are huge supporters of organ donation and keeping Richie's memory alive.

2011-2013 Board of Directors

Amanda Aragon is a graduate of the University of Tulsa where she received a Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business in Spanish. She currently lives in her home state of New Mexico and works as the Statewide Relations Advisor for an oil & gas corporation. Amanda is actively involved in youth ministry at her church, and volunteers as a Financial Specialist for Delta Delta Delta. Although Amanda never had the privilege of knowing Richie, she is excited to help Spread the Spirit!

Jim Guller is currently President of two St. Louis-based companies: All-Staff Nursing and Cooperative Home Care. Prior to owning his own company, Jim was Vice President of Marketing for Express Scripts and Director of Marketing and Business Planning for CITATION Computer Systems. He also spent nine years with IBM in New York in sales as an International Account Manager and Finance. Jim has a Bachelors and Masters from The Wharton School at The University of Pennsylvania. He resides in St. Louis, Missouri, with his three daughters, is a member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and Past President of the Board of Trustees for the Solomon Schechter Day School of St. Louis. Jim met Richie when he came up to St. Louis for his double-lung transplant and became fast friends who shared a love for the St. Louis Cardinals.

Phillip Jacobs is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin where he received a Bachelor in Business Administration and a Masters degree in Professional Accounting. He currently works in the Fraud Investigation and Dispute Services Division for Ernst and Young, traveling around the country working on cases. Phillip is a huge sports fan, including football, baseball, and hockey. Phillip is Richie’s cousin.

Becca Larson is a long-time Texan who received a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Texas Tech University. For the past several years, she has assumed several roles in a Dallas-based insurance corporation and currently oversees the product development and accounting departments. Concurrently, Becca pursued and received an MBA from Southern Methodist University’s Cox Business School with dual focuses in Strategy and Finance. In her spare time, she loves to travel and has spent considerable time abroad for both personal and professional development. Most recently, Becca has taken trips to China and The Czech Republic to study business culture and opportunities. Becca knew Richie from growing up together in Plano, Texas.

Anna Modlin battled cystic fibrosis for 29 ½ years before receiving a double-lung transplant in November 2010. Despite her disease, Anna received a Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Counseling Pyschology from Santa Clara University. She is heavily involved in global cystic fibrosis community, including volunteering for the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute (CFRI). For over ten years, Anna has been on the planning committee for CFRI’s Teen and Adult CF Patient Retreat. Anna was introduced to Richie’s Spirit Foundation after seeing a performance of Growing Up Jordy Pordy. Although she did not know Richie personally, Anna feels a great connection to him and is honored to help spread his spirit.

Tina Van Zeeland is a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University with a BA in Educational Studies. She was a classroom teacher for fifteen years before staying home with her two sons, Josh and Luke. She has been honored as Teacher of the Year in two different districts, Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers, Master Teacher in the State of Texas, written curriculum for private and public entities, and presented in local and state conferences. She has a passion for working with under privileged kids and currently works as a private tutor. She is honored to have known the Herskowitz family since 2000.

Rachel Wald is a graduate student in Global Policy Studies at the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Before returning to school, Rachel was part of the founding team at The Mission Continues, a St. Louis based non-profit whose programs ensure that every returning veteran can serve again as a citizen leader. Rachel's experience at The Mission Continues provides a unique and effective perspective on strategies for Richie's Spirit Foundation to grow and reach our goals. Rachel has worked in rural Peru on a microfinance program for women in poverty, is the youngest graduate to date of the Coro Women in Leadership program, and a graduate of Duke University. Rachel is currently a research assistant on the Climate Change and African Political Stability Project at the Strauss Center for International Security and Law, and a member of NetImpact, a national organization dedicated to building a more socially and environmentally sustainable world.