Sona is the founder of CaringBridge. She created the first CaringBridge website in 1997, during a friend’s high–risk pregnancy. With extensive experience in the information technology industry, Sona’s vision was to build upon that formative and deeply personal experience – combining the capabilities of technology with the personal needs of people facing a significant health challenge. In the years since, Sona and CaringBridge have become widely known for the creation and implementation of Compassion Technology™ that facilitates personal and convenient communication for individuals receiving care.

Sona is frequently recognized and honored for her passion and visionary leadership. She was named one of 2011’s “Most Influential Women in Technology” by Fast Company. In 2010 she received the Health Care Heroes Award from Twin Cities Business magazine. In 2009, she was named one of 25 Women Industry Leaders in the Twin Cities by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. She also has received a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition in recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community, was recognized and highlighted by MSN.com as one of the nation’s leading Women Working for Change, and was an honoree at Medica’s 2004 Speaking of Women’s Health Conference.

Sona is a member of Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Health Care Industry Foundation, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, National Health Council and the National Health Marketing Leadership Roundtable.

An early adopter of Internet technologies, Sona has been actively involved in the development of several widely used software applications.

Find Sona on Twitter at @gogosona.

↑ top of page

Gary provides overall leadership, vision and direction for all aspects of the technology used to deliver the CaringBridge service. His team creates, builds and supports the web platform that connects family and friends during a significant health challenge. Additionally his team oversees the office technology infrastructure and business processes needed for day-to-day operations.

Gary joined CaringBridge in 2006 bringing with him excellent people and program management skills that enable him to lead a highly experienced and motivated IT team. His team continually strives to enhance the quality of the CaringBridge service and to ensure the service is available when and where it is needed. Gary has more than 20 years of information technology experience in the private (from large corporations to start-up companies), public and nonprofit sectors.

↑ top of page

Carolyn leads and manages all aspects of CaringBridge’s fund development activities, sharing our successes and needs with the thousands of generous donors who support the mission. Carolyn joined CaringBridge in the summer of 2002 and completed her M.A. in Philanthropy & Development from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minn. in 2008. Her capstone research project explored the use of emerging web resources to engage donors and volunteers with the mission of a nonprofit organization.

Prior to her role at CaringBridge, she had 15 years experience leading the development of innovative products that tap technology in helpful ways.

↑ top of page

Darla provides overall leadership, vision and direction for finance, human resources, customer service, administrative and facility services. After working as a volunteer and consultant beginning in 2002, Darla joined the CaringBridge staff as a full–time employee in 2008. She brings more than 20 years of experience in the accounting field, working for many high growth companies. In 2011, Darla was named CFO of the Year by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal in the nonprofit category.

↑ top of page

Sami oversees program strategy for CaringBridge. She executes and sustains product development to ensure CaringBridge continues to fulfill its mission. She brings expertise in establishing and integrating features and functionality that deliver the highest value to existing and future customers. She previously served as a charter CaringBridge board member.

Sami holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Minnesota and has more than 20 years experience in developing and managing technology solutions that are useful and people–friendly in our increasingly high–tech world.

↑ top of page

Mike leads the development and implementation of strategic marketing, communications and brand management programs that support the CaringBridge mission. His team builds awareness and use of CaringBridge through a combination of traditional and new–media marketing and communications programs.

Mike has more than 20 years of experience including leadership roles in product, creative, communications, brand and channel management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Minnesota and several post–graduate certificates.

As an active volunteer and board member in the nonprofit sector, Mike brings a diverse set of skills and experience to his first staff position with a nonprofit.

↑ top of page