The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was founded in 1955.  Since our founding, our mission has been to assure the development of the means to cure and control CF and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. 

Locally, our chapter has 15 events per year, which helps to raise $1.5 million to directly fund research.  Whether your taste runs from golf, food and wine, football tailgating or walk-a-thons -- we have an event for everyone! 

Please see the event calendar on the chapter home page to see how you can participate and help make CF stand for Cure Found!

The Northern Ohio Chapter staff is made up of the following dedicated individuals:

Nate Cross – Executive Director
Nate is a graduate of Cleveland State University, where he received his BA & MPA.  In his free time, Nate serves on the Westlake Planning Commission; is married to Rose; and has two wonderful children, Jonathan and Nicole -- and a dog, Cocoa!  Nate became involved in fundraising in college while organizing several events that landed him in the Guinness Book of World Records (53-day trampoline Marathon & 600-mile Bathtub Push).   His obsession with the Guinness Book record chase also extends to his social life, as he also loves Guinness Beer!  He is responsible for the following events: Great Lake Fishing, and Stair Climb.
To contact Nate: ncross@cff.org 

Suzanne Zak - Senior Development Director
Suzanne is a graduate of Bowling Green University, and has a history in non-profit work.  She is married to Brian;  and has an adorable son, Brady - and has an Australian Cattle Dog/Corgi mix named Bo.  In her spare time, she dresses Bo in doggie tuxedos, Ohio State gear and other fun and fashionable attire.  She is responsible for the following events: Akron Wine Opener, Cleveland Wine Opener, Canton Great Strides, Lake County Great Strides and Akron Great Strides.
To contact Suzanne: szak@cff.org 

Stacey Langal –Development Director
Stacey has worked in fundraising and special events for over 10 years and graduated from Allegheny College in Meadville, PA with a B.A. in political science.  Stacey is Maria and Mitch’s mom and is married to Chuck.  She loves spinning, martial arts, yoga, shopping, traveling and most of all, spending time with her family.  She is responsible for the following events:  Chef’s Fantasy Dinner and Auction, Leo  J. Jacob Golf Classic  and Bruce Baskin Golf Classic at Firestone Country Club.
To contact Stacey: slangal@cff.org 

Erica Matisz – Development Director
Erica is a graduate of Wittenberg University and has a background in non-profit fundraising.  Erica is married to Adam; and is the mom of Oscar, her adorable boxer pup! She spends much of her free time traveling, where she picks up one-of-a-kind souvenirs for co-workers and friends.   She is responsible for the following events: Kick-off to a Cure: Tailgate, Cleveland Great Strides, Holmes County Great Strides, Willard Great Strides, Wooster Great Strides,  and Mahoning/Trumbull Great Strides.
To contact Erica: ematisz@cff.org 


Kathy Lipcsik – Administrative/Special Event Coordinator
Kathy is an Ohio native and comes to the foundation with a long history in accounts receivable/medical billing.  Due to this background, she has a habit of hunting down outstanding CFF money.  She is married to Tom and has two spectacular children, Matt and Mark; and a new daughter in law, Lindsey.  Kathy has recently adopted Max, a rather large Great Dane/Shepard mix dog.  The foundation’s mission is particularly close to home for Kathy as one of her children has cf. 
To contact Kathy: klipcsik@cff.org