EXECUTIVE BOARD

Matt Comerford - President

Matt joined Padraig's Place in November 2013 at the invitation of a work colleague, and fellow volunteer. Having participated with the Boy Scouts of America in both leadership and fundraising, he brings more than a dozen years of volunteer and mentoring experience. Matt also helps to coordinate volunteer participation and with facility preparation in advance of Instructor and Student arrivals. "I am consistently amazed by the hidden strength and ability of these student participants. The joy that we get to share with each of them, and often their parents, is rewarding beyond words."

Brian Foley - Vice President & Co-Founder

Brian has over 25 years experience in the ski industry. A Master Boot fitter at Hoigaard's, Brian is also an active volunteer with the National Ski Patrol and a Level 1 PSIA instructor. He has participated in adaptive ski training with the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) and has advocated on behalf of local students with disabilities who wish to participate in high school sports along with their able bodied classmates.

Chris Kokal - Secretary

Chris joined Padraig's Place in 2018. Chris has holds a MA in Counseling Psychology. We meet Chris over 7 years ago when he was with Minnesota Autism Center. His background has been primarily working with the disabled community. He has extensive experience in behavioral analysis and program development.

Douglas Whitney - Honorary Chairman

Doug is a retired lawyer who joined the Padraig's Place board in March of 2012. Doug has been a committed leader in Padraig's Place by serving on the board, teaching adaptive skiing on the snow and supporting the organization through efforts of development, fundraising and advocacy. His daughter Megan is also an on-hill volunteer with the program when she's not in California at college. Due to a chronic injury, Doug has not been able to teach on the snow the past few years, but continues to provide assistance by pushing the broom and doing whatever is asked of him to help the program.

Eileen Foley - Co-Founder

Eileen has served many roles within the organization since its inception in 2008. An active member on the Executive Board, she also works on our website and is the resident photographer for Padraig's Place. She holds certificates in Non-Profit Organization and Business Communication in addition to being a registered nurse. Her favorite job at Padraig's Place is bringing their son Padraig out to Buck Hill to ski along with all of our amazing participants.