Our People
Board of Directors
Interns
Medical and Scientific Advisory Board
Board of Directors

Andrew Thornton
VP & Corporate Banking Officer, The National Bank of Indianapolis
Andy Thornton has more than 20 years of experience in the banking industry. He began his career with Bank One, followed by Regions Bank. He then joined The National Bank of Indianapolis in 2007 and is VP and Corporate Banking Officer. Andy is President of the University Club of Indianapolis, serves as Treasurer for the Volunteers of America of Indiana, Random Acts of Flowers and The Woodstock Club. He is a former Treasurer of the Penrod Society.
Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to me?
More families than not have been touched by cancer and unfortunately, my family is no exception. However, it was not until volunteering at the Riley Cancer Prom that pediatric cancer really grabbed my attention. I unexpectedly ran into a client whose daughter was one of the many kids in the room that were battling this terrible disease. This chance meeting really hit home that it can happen to anyone, including kids. I never had the pleasure of meeting Caroline, but I hope to utilize my financial background and contacts to help move the needle for the endowment and in turn pediatric cancer research.
Brian Holmes
Vice President of Cardiac and Vascular Group Corporate Sales, Medtronic, plc.
Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to you?
Nearly my entire career has been spent in healthcare delivering unique and life-saving technologies. Clinical research and collaboration with physicians, researchers, academia and industry are the life blood of breakthrough therapies. The need related to pediatric cancer research is apparent and significant. Nearly everyone has been touched by cancer in their families, however it is even more tragic when it affects a child whose life is just beginning and blossoming. Through our efforts, we can truly make a difference for these patients, families and our communities. Please join us on the journey as I assure you it is a worthwhile mission and both meaningful and gratifying. Let’s share the blessing of life and a healthy wellbeing!
Joey Mervis
Endowment Advocate
Joey currently studies Vocal Performance at NYU’s Steinhardt School, with double minors in Producing and the Business of Entertainment. He is a proud graduate of North Central High School in Indianapolis. He first became involved with the cause when he directed the 2017 North Central Lip Dub, which raised over $21,000 for the Caroline Symmes Endowment.
Joey currently studies Vocal Performance at NYU’s Steinhardt School, with double minors in Producing and the Business of Entertainment. He is a proud graduate of North Central High School in Indianapolis. He first became involved with the cause when he directed the 2017 North Central Lip Dub, which raised over $21,000 for the Caroline Symmes Endowment.
Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to you?
When we were planning the Lip Dub, we knew we wanted to find a cause that would inspire people and help bring about change. The Symmes family has taken something harder than we could ever imagine and used it to provide hope for so many other families. After learning about their selflessness, I felt like I had a responsibility, in the best sense of the word, to do whatever I could to help. Once the video was released, it was clear to me that it was just the beginning of an exciting partnership, and I feel very grateful for every step we take towards funding a cure.
Emily Czarnecki
Senior Administrative Assistant, Salesforce
Emily assists the Indy Finance Leadership team at Salesforce and has been at the company since early 2020. Prior to joining Salesforce, Emily was an executive assistant to two different CEOs in the Indianapolis Tech community. Previously Emily was a kindergarten teacher in Pike Township for over 5 years.
Emily is actively involved in two equality groups at Salesforce, OUTforce & BOLDforce. She also is a member of the Indy Finance Forward team & the Indy Site Council.
Emily has her BA Degree from Ball State University.
Why is the Caroline Symmes Endowment important to me?
Over the years my husband & I have become close friends with David and Libby. Every year when we would attend the Pink Balloon event, the story of Caroline always touched my heart. Almost everyone knows someone who has been affected by cancer, & when it involves a child it’s even more heartbreaking. By sharing Caroline’s story with others in my network, I hope to inspire others and help raise money for pediatric cancer research.
Ryan Drook
President & CEO, CIE Holdings, LLC
Ryan Drook is President, CEO and a member of the Board of Directors, of CIE, a world class distiller of premium Grain Neutral Spirits, Integrated Alcohols and High-Value Feed Products. Prior to joining CIE, Mr. Drook was a Managing Director within Deutsche Bank’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group with global responsibility for the firm’s Paper & Packaging coverage effort, as well as select Platinum Accounts including General Electric. Over his 16 year career with Deutsche Bank, Mr. Drook completed numerous advisory transactions in excess of US$71bn including sell-side representation, buy-side advisory, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, restructurings and leveraged buyouts, as well as numerous debt and equity financing assignments across a range of client needs.
Prior to Deutsche Bank’s acquisition of Bankers Trust, where Mr. Drook was a member of BT Wolfensohn’s Mergers, Acquisitions & Corporate Advisory practice, he worked for The Boston Consulting Group in their Chicago office as a member of the firm’s Global Consumer Goods and Retail Practice area.
Ryan graduated with a BS degree in Accounting from Indiana University and received his Masters in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance from The Harvard Business School. He currently resides in Carmel with his wife Anne and their three children (Holyn, Luke & William).

Jason Cosgrove
Dr. Jason Cosgrove is a dedicated physician and compassionate advocate for children’s health with an extensive background in medical education, clinical practice, and volunteer work. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Minor in Business from Indiana University, and furthered his studies at Purdue University where he earned a Master of Science in Biology, in addition to a Master of Physiology from the Indiana University School of Medicine.
After completing his medical education at the Indiana University School of Medicine, Jason pursued specialized training at Riley Hospital for Children as a resident, refining his skills in pediatric care. His commitment to education continues through his roles as a Volunteer Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Clinical Preceptor for the Butler University Physician Assistant Program, where he mentors the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Jason is a partner and practicing physician at Pediatric Associates of Avon, where he provides exceptional care to children in the community. He is also actively involved in hospital-based care, holding appointments at Indiana University Health West and Ascension St. Vincent Hospital – Indianapolis, where he works alongside multidisciplinary teams to provide the highest standard of pediatric care.
Outside of his professional life, Jason resides in Carmel, Indiana, with his wife, Frances, and their two sons, Carter and Cy.
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Roxanne McGettigan
Roxanne has been working with non-profits for the last twenty-five years. After attending Austin College in Sherman, Texas, Roxanne put her education in sociology, psychology, and communication arts to work for the good of others. Joining the Endowment as Director of Donor Relations in early 2018, her primary responsibility is to build and maintain rapport with our current donors while reaching out to other potential people interested in contributing to the amazing work the endowment is doing for pediatric cancer research. She also creates the newsletters and announcements, assists with website content, collaborates on all events and projects and works with the endowment’s teen board.

Libby Symmes
As Executive Director, Libby oversees the organization’s strategy, fundraising efforts, and partnerships with researchers.
Her passion is supporting cutting-edge research, fostering innovation in pediatric oncology, and advocating for less toxic life-saving treatments. With over 10 years of experience in nonprofit management, she brings a unique combination of strategic vision, operational expertise, and a deeply personal commitment to the fight against childhood cancer.

David Symmes
For many years we had donated time and money to various causes, but never had a cause close to our hearts. When Caroline was diagnosed, our cause was dropped in our lap. During her hospital stays and visits to clinic, we would talk about raising money for research once she was out of treatment and healthy. Caroline never made it out of treatment.
With encouragement and seed money from our friend, Paul Hutter, we formed the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment at Riley Children’s Health. It was formed with the expectation that children’s cancers will one day no longer be considered ‘orphan diseases’. With the knowledge that with every dollar donated to the Caroline Symmes Endowment, we open the door to a further $10 in government funding.
With encouragement and seed money from our friend, Paul Hutter, we formed the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment at Riley Children’s Health. It was formed with the expectation that children’s cancers will one day no longer be considered ‘orphan diseases’. With the knowledge that with every dollar donated to the Caroline Symmes Endowment, we open the door to a further $10 in government funding.
Interns

Jess Cooper
Indiana University Bloomington
Jess Cooper is a student at Indiana University Bloomington studying Nonprofit Management and Leadership with a double major in Social Work. She graduated from Carmel High School in 2021, where she first discovered the endowment at the annual “Runway for Riley” event as a freshman. She instantly fell in love with the cause and wanted to be a part of it. Being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and being treated at Riley in 2019, she felt even more connected with the cause. She served on the 2020-2021 teen board and has continued her involvement with the endowment ever since. At IU, she served as the Education Chair for the Hospital Relations committee of Indiana University Dance Marathon in 2022, and the Riley Connect Chair for her 2023 term. Jess has many ideas of where she would like to work, ranging from working with individuals struggling with addiction, those experiencing homelessness, and criminal justice social work. At the end of the day though, her ultimate goal is to continue her work in the Nonprofit world and work with Pediatric Oncology patients.

Khloe Young
University of Dayton
Khloe is a student at the University of Dayton (UD) studying political science and pre-law. She graduated from Franklin Central High school in 2021 and initially got involved with the endowment her sophomore year of high school. She served on the teen board from 2019-2021 and loved being part of a group that is dedicated to improving pediatric cancer research, since she has had friends who have also spent time on the oncology floor at Riley. At UD she is a peer educator helping students identify unsafe and unhealthy relationship dynamics, along with being a member of Best Buddies. In the future, Khloe plans to pursue a legal career in the nonprofit sector.

Zach Yetter
Hanover College
Zach Yetter is a 2021 graduate of Hanover College in Southern Indiana where he studied communication. He minored in Spanish and Business and is also a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He is a proud 2017 graduate of Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter High School as well. Zach interned at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for two years and has been involved in the Caroline Symmes Cancer Endowment since the summer of 2020. He currently works at Epic Systems in Madison, Wisconsin and gained valuable experience and met amazing individuals through the Endowment.
Medical and Scientific Advisory Board
The Caroline Symmes Endowment for Pediatric Cancer Research supports a team of about 30 researchers affiliated with Riley Hospital for Children and the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research who are focused on developing new treatments and cures for childhood cancer.
Key members of the team partnering with the Endowment are:

Dr. M. Reza Saadatzadeh
Dr. Saadatzadeh is an Associate Research Professor of Pediatrics. He directs the patient tumor tissue research pipeline for Riley Hospital for Children. He works closely with the Preclinical Modeling and Therapeutics Core in this initiative and has developed over 40 solid tumor models, including four Wilms tumor models from patients seen at Riley Hospital. One of his main research interests focuses on development of targeted therapy for metastatic Wilms tumor.

Dr. Karen E. Pollok
Dr. Pollok is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Medical & Molecular Genetics. Her research program collaborates with the Precision Genomics team at Riley Hospital for Children to identify molecular signatures that predict relapse, recurrence, and metastasis in children, adolescents, and young adults with solid tumors such as Wilms tumors, sarcomas, and brain tumors. Dr. Pollok’s team is using tumor models developed in her laboratory from patients seen at Riley Hospital to develop and optimize precision genomics-guided therapies that are efficacious and safe. She also directs the Preclinical Modeling and Therapeutics Core for the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center.