Ron Caruso, Board President

With over three decades of collaborating with the world’s leading brands in sports, entertainment, video gaming, and consumer technology, Ron is a visionary who has architected truly dynamic and impactful brand experiences. His expertise crosses disciplines, from crafting visual narratives and orchestrating experiential events to activating sponsorships and innovating in the development and licensing of intellectual property. His meticulous attention to detail is as vast as it is captivating.

Anticipating the waning influence of traditional advertising and the growing demand for more nuanced, targeted marketing experiences, Ron launched Purepartner in 2003. His eclectic mix of skills has forged a distinctive and triumphant synergy. Since its inception, Purepartner has rolled out numerous award-winning initiatives, cementing their reputation as pioneers in the experiential design domain.
It is his creative experience and compassion that are driving the InfluentiALS to be a more experience-based fundraising campaign approach.

Shea Harden, Executive Director

As the Executive Director of InfluentiALS Foundation, Shea Harden brings a wealth of professional and personal experience in ALS fundraising and advocacy as well as financial management and building and scaling operational infrastructure. She was most recently the Executive Vice President of Operations and Finance at Leviti, a Silicon Valley events marketplace startup. Prior to that, Shea spent almost 6 years as the Founder and Executive Director of GForce, an ALS organization launched to raise funds, promote disease awareness, and advocate for patient needs. She acted as an advisor to dozens of families struggling with the financial burden of living with ALS. More importantly, Shea experienced firsthand the hardships associated with ALS when her brother and beloved high school lacrosse coach, Graham, was diagnosed with the disease in 2016. Coach Harden’s public, yet humble and inspiring, battle with ALS ended in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of the power of community love and support.

Shea began her career in the tech industry, working as a financial analyst with GE Medical Systems and as a strategy and marketing director with Lucent Technologies. She graduated from Dartmouth College with a degree in Mathematics and Economics and received an MBA from Stanford University.

Shea and Ron did not meet through the ALS community, rather they met casually on the beach through friends. Shortly thereafter, Ron mentioned his interest in starting a foundation – not knowing Shea’s immersive experience in the space… it was fate that they would both become the first of the InfluentiALS.

Bryan Brady, Board Secretary

Bryan, a long-term resident and part-time history nerd, has been deeply immersed in New York City’s vibrant culture since his days at New York University. Known for his ability to ‘herd cats,’ wear multiple hats, and lead from behind, he skillfully conceives, executes, and manages brand campaigns across agencies, brands, and media companies.

With a rich background in strategy, content production, influencer management, events, and the nonprofit sector, Bryan is perpetually curious, firmly committed, and a champion of the InfluentiALS. In addition to this relevant breath of experience, Bryan has been a trusted part of Purepartner since the beginning and a valued confidant of Ron, making him uniquely qualified to be a key figure in the organization.

Andrea Wong, Advisory Council: Business Development

Andrea Wong, who served as International President for Sony Pictures and President and CEO of Lifetime Networks has graciously joined the influentiALS team to lend her business acumen and knowledge of working with global talent. She is considered one of the great masterminds behind some of America’s favorite reality shows. However, before getting her start in television, she graduated from MIT with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. She went on to earn an MBA at Stanford. Since then, she has produced shows like The Bachelor, Dancing with the Stars, and Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Her shows have won multiple Emmys and Golden Globe Awards.

Andrea Wong serves on the boards of Liberty Media Corporation, Qurate Retail Group, Roblox, and Hudson Pacific Properties. She also serves on the Workday and McLaren Advisory Boards and a number of privately held boards. She is a Henry Crown Fellow at the Aspen Institute and a member of the Committee of 100. Andrea puts the “influential” in InfluentiALS.

Jeff Sofka, Advisory Council: Healthcare X Sports Marketing

Jeff Sofka is founder and principal of Playbook for Health, the trusted Healthcare X Sports marketing Agency of Record for the nation’s leading healthcare providers. Playbook supports top healthcare brands with strategy, negotiation, activation, and performance measurement of their Pro & College Sports, Community and Entertainment marketing partnerships.

Sofka has held senior marketing positions at the NFL, Live Nation and City of New York Marketing – along with marketing leadership roles at major healthcare systems, providing unique perspectives to help build mutually beneficial partnerships between healthcare and sports brands. He founded Playbook for Health (formerly Bendigo) in 2005, with team members in New York, Richmond, Salt Lake City, Denver and Seattle.

Jeff’s and Ron have collaborated for decades on high profile marketing programs including the NFL, City of New York, Sports Illustrated for Kids, and Playbook’s healthcare clients, inspiring his engagement in assisting us in building innovative marketing playbooks for the InfluentiALS

Michael Christoforo, Advisory Council: Health and Wellness

Michael Christoforo is a breath and meditation coach certified in the Wim Hof Method, Oxygen Advantage and XPT. He has trained with some of the leading breath and mindset teachers around the world, including Wim Hof and Patrick McKweon, and has the privilege of training professional athletes and Hollywood celebrities. On an extensive path of self exploration, Mike found that breathwork, cold, and heat therapy optimize his mental, physical and spiritual well being. He hosts classes and travels around the country facilitating workshops and retreats where he implements his experiences helping people access their higher selves.

Michael has been generously donating his time for the last seven years to train ALS patients with breathing techniques to extend their quality of life and lifespan. In addition, Michael was one of the key inspirations for the Ice Bath Splash campaign, and our motivating “guru” who has earned his role as being one of the InfluentiALS.

Julia Christen, Advisory Council: Influencer Marketing

Julia is a Senior Manager of Influencer Marketing at global pro-social public relations agency, Golin. She leads large-scale influencer programs, and creates impactful and dynamic content strategies for Fortune 50 brand campaigns. Her adept management of influencer relations and analytical skills ensure the optimization of program results to meet and exceed KPIs. A cum laude graduate of Southern Methodist University, her academic prowess is matched by her commitment to community service, notably through her previous volunteer work at Genesis Women’s Shelter.

Julia’s professional expertise, academic background, and dedication to social impact make her an invaluable advisor and member of the InfluentiALS.

Anita Caruso, Advisory Council: Pharma Marketing & Advertising

Anita is a relentlessly passionate creative with over 25 years in pharmaceutical marketing and advertising, focused primarily on branding and launching products in global markets. Her background includes an extensive range of specialty markets, including gastroenterology, hematology, immunology, oncology, virology, supportive care, and patient advocacy groups.
Her motivation has been to help patients live better lives. Whether it’s by using innovative creative and strategic insights to launch products that satisfy unmet needs, leading teams to success, or creating art workshops to help children affected by cancer, her passion and commitment are evident. Extensive advocacy experience includes the Breast Cancer Network of Strength, CancerCare, Catholic Charities, Charity Navigator, and Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

Serendipitously, Anita and Ron have been married for over 20 years, so all of her professional career has seemingly led to her pivotal role as one of the InfluentiALS