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Board of Directors of the Challenged Athletes Inc. d.b.a. Challenged Athletes Foundation

The outstanding Board of Directors of the Challenged Athletes Inc. d.b.a. Challenged Athletes Foundation is a large part of the success of CAF. Each Board member devotes numerous hours and takes on different responsibilities within the organization to ensure that the organization has comprehensive plan and vision for success. The Board Officers are the individuals responsible for the vision to create what is now the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Jeffrey Essakow - Board President, Founding Member

Bob Babbitt - Board Vice-President, Founding Member

Rick Kozlowski - Founding Member

Michael Bernstein

Bobby Bostic

Dr. Jonathan Halperin

	Jeffrey Essakow Jeffrey brings to this Board an incredible level of enthusiasm and determination that effects everyone who works with him. His expertise is in finance, has led to extraordinary fundraising efforts. The countless hours he has dedicated to CAF have been rewarded by the success our athletes achieve through the grants provided by CAF. His efforts are truly remarkable.
	Bob Babbitt Bob offers CAF another example of dedication and long hours. As editor of Competitor Magazine, Bob interacts with disabled athletes competing across the country and recognizes their need for competitive funding. Bob's passion and creativity are great assets in the development of the CAF vision, as is his relentless promotion of this foundation.
	Rick Kozlowski Rick has a level of energy and organization that has led him to volunteer hundreds of hours to making sure the details are in line and that all runs well. He is the race director for the SDTC, and prior to the arrival of our Executive Director, took care of all the details of the SDTC and the daily operation of the CAF. His attention to detail and the numerous hours he commits to CAF are a huge part the success of the foundation
	Michael Bernstein A CAF supporter since 1998, Michael was introduced to CAF when he took interest in triathlons and registered for the San Diego Triathlon Challenge. Since he was 9 years old, his passion has been long distance running. He's competed in a 12 hour run (63.25 miles) and multiple Ironman races. Michael's owned an Accounting and Tax Consulting business for 20 years and applies his wealth of knowledge in this field to improve CAF's bottom line. He's a huge asset to the team heading up the Cars for Causes and Planned Giving campaigns.
	Bobby bostic Bobby Bostic is CAF’s All-Time Top Fundraiser, having personally raised over $500,000 for CAF. When he’s not raising money for the foundation, Bobby is an Associate at Capital Guardian Trust Company, a father of two, a dedicated husband and an endurance sports athlete. His passion for the cause will help continue CAF’s success and growth.
	dr. jonathan Halperin Doctor Jonathan Halperin has been a long-time supporter of CAF. He’s currently a doctor at Sharp Memorial Hospital and part of the Clinical Teaching Faculty at UC San Diego Hospital. His extensive history in sports medicine and rehabilitation are a great asset to the foundation’s programs and development.
	Jeff jacobs Jeff Jacobs was introduced to CAF through the QUALCOMM Million Dollar Challenge. He brought QUALCOMM on board as an event partner and title sponsor, and also rode the entire 640-mile journey. As the Executive Vice President and President, Global Development at QUALCOMM, Jeff will bring fresh ideas to the foundation.
	David Jochim David Jochim was introduced to CAF through former board member Mary Curran of Union Bank. He is the Senior Vice President and Manager of Union Bank of California’s San Jose Corporate Banking Group, and a competitive athlete having completed several Ironman distance triathlons and marathons. With twenty-two years of experience in commercial banking, David will be a strong asset in the financial management of the foundation.
	Tabi King Tabi King volunteered for the foundation since its inception over 10 years ago. She spent two years on the Board of Directors, four years working full time as the Director of Programs and Development, and has now returned to the Board. Tabi has been instrumental in the strategic development of the foundation and continues to play an intimate role in its evolution.
	Tommy knapp Thomas (Tommy) Knapp learned about CAF through his participation on the USAT PC National Team. As a congenital below-elbow arm amputee, Tommy has been a challenged athlete his entire life and has never let it stand in his way. He’s founded and ran multiple clothing empires including True Textiles, Honolua Surf Co., and his current venture Club Sportswear. His athletic and entrepreneurial experience will provide the foundation with a wealth of knowledge.
	David Samson David Samson just completed his ninth season in Major League Baseball and seventh as President of the Florida Marlins. In 2006, Samson became the first active President of a Major League Baseball team to complete the Ford Ironman World Championship Triathlon in Kona, Hawaii. CAF’s mission hit a “home-run” in Samson’s heart and he became a “major league” supporter after choosing CAF as his Ironman charity; he has since brought in almost $100,000 to help physically challenged athletes compete in sports.