Board of Directors...

Kelly F. Gumprecht, President/CEO

Kelly holds an Associate Degree in Computer Information Systems and has over 10 years experience in Information Security Management. She has also dedicated much of her spare time to working with children – both her own and others. She has been an active volunteer for children’s events such as Special Olympics and for local elementary classroom projects. It is not uncommon to visit Kelly’s home and find not only her 4 children, but her nieces and all of their friends too.

Since her brother’s death in 2005, Kelly has become passionate about Ryan’s Heart. She has researched, trained, applied and helped design each step along the way – from obtaining the 501c3 designation to building the website and publishing her first children’s book.

Her many passions include creative expression through illustration and writing, baking, reading, spending time with her children and husband, and Saint Bernard dogs. She has a kind heart and is often found giving clothes to children who are less fortunate or sending extra snacks to school with her children to share with others. She finds great pleasure in the simple things in life and strives to always have her glass "half-full". She, her husband, Tony, and their children reside in Presque Isle, ME.

Tony Gumprecht, Vice President, CFO

Tony holds both an Associate Degree in Information Management and Bachelor Degree in Finance. He is also a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer and Comptia A+ Certified. He was the first in his family to graduate college and considers receiving his degrees to be one of his greatest accomplishments.

He has a background in education as he spent over 3 years teaching computer software applications in the Air Force. He is hardworking and dedicated. In 1999 Tony was recognized for these characteristics and was presented with Information Manager of the Year by the United States Air Force.

He enjoys sports cars, motorcycles and loves spending time with his family. He loves the beach and warm sunshine. He hopes to someday retire to a paradise climate. He, his wife Kelly, and their children reside in Presque Isle, Me.

Jamie L. Chandler, Lead Grant Writer

Jamie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and has over 7 years experience working in healthcare related fields, and Jamie is MOUS (Microsoft Office User Specialist) certified. In the past, Jamie has worked with treatment level foster children in achieving the goal of re-unification with their birth parents. Children have always held a special place in her heart. Jamie has also worked for a local Community Action Program, and has experience in grant-writing and working with non-profit organizations.

Jamie is passionate about the causes she believes in which include, Cancer research, children’s services, and fighting hunger. She enjoys spending free time with her family, friends, going camping, and being outdoors. Jamie currently resides in Presque Isle, Maine with her husband Derrick, son Ryder, and dog Scruffy.

Janice L. Fox

Janice is Ryan’s mother. She states that there is no other reason than the death of a child that would fill a parent with an unending passion to reach out and help others who are experiencing the same trauma that she has been through. Watching her grandchildren go through the pain of losing their father was almost as unbearable as the loss of her son. That passion, that desire to help others in similar circumstances, pushes her forward.

She has a background in nursing, however she has dedicated her life to children.. hers and countless others.

She dedicated over 5 years to being a State of Maine licensed therapeutic foster parent. She has attended and achieved certifications in both CPR and MANDT. However she is most experienced with children suffering from ADHD, a learning disability, bi-polar disabilities, a mental handicap and attachment disorders, as all 10 of her foster children suffered from at least one of these disorders. Janice also opened her heart and her home when she became a host mother for a teenager from Finland.

Janice is a past board member of Aroostook County 4-H, Aroostook County Therapeutic Services (ACTS), and was an original co-creator of Maine Agri-Women (MAW).

She is an artist, a craftsperson and lately a writer. She considers herself down to earth and country. Most importantly she is every mother out there. She, and her husband Jeff, reside Key West, Florida as well as own a second home in Westmanland, ME.

Jeffrey A. Fox

Jeff is a Ryan’s father. His passions mirror that of his wife, Janice. He is a quiet man, and one with a gentle heart.

He is a retired farmer. He owned and operated a potato farm in Aroostook County for over 25 years. He also owned and ran a trucking business for over 10 years. During those times, Jeff managed the day to day operations, personnel and everything in between. He considers one of his best assets to be his problem solving skills.

Jeff has been an active community member and is a past board member of Maine Agricultural Bargaining Council, the Maine Potato Board, the Washburn Rotary Club, and the Washburn School Board.

Jeff has also dedicated his life to children, as he played a vital role in raising not only his own children, but all of the foster children that blessed his household as well. He, and his wife Janice, reside in Key West, Florida as well as own a second home in Westmanland, ME.

Helen M. Fox

Helen was Ryan’s wife. She is the mother of their 3 beautiful daughters. She has dedicated her life to her children and has also been a foster mother for several other County children. After Ryan’s death, she amazingly went back to college graduated with highest honors and now holds an Associate Degree in Medical Office Administration.

Helen is a private individual with a generous heart and a wonderful sense of humor. Her smile is infectious as she is beautiful both outside and in. She and her children reside in Presque Isle, ME.