The National Bleeding Disorders Foundation's (NBDF) impact can be seen across the bleeding disorders community through advocacy, education, research, and programs that support individuals and families with hemophilia, von Willebrand disease, and rare factor disorders at every stage of life. Behind that work is a commitment by the NBDF Board of Directors, a group united by a shared goal of improving the lives of people with bleeding disorders.
Board members come to NBDF from many different backgrounds. Some are parents of children with bleeding disorders; some are healthcare professionals, and others bring experience in business, law, fundraising, nonprofit leadership, or community advocacy. What connects them is a desire to serve and a commitment to ensuring that people affected by bleeding disorders have access to the support, resources, and representation they need to thrive.
Ziva Mann admits she once assumed there was a certain "type" of person who served on boards. Instead, she found a group strengthened by diverse perspectives and experiences. "It takes lots of different kinds of people to make a strong board," she says. "There's the quick-on-the-draw people, quieter thinkers, people who've done it before, and people who are growing into the role."
Each board member serves a three-year term, with the opportunity to serve up to two additional three-year terms.
Helping guide an organization with a mission as broad and impactful as NBDF requires thoughtful leadership and a strong connection to the community it serves. The Board of Directors works with NBDF leadership to help shape the organization's strategic plan, support fundraising efforts, and ensure that the voices of people affected by bleeding disorders help inform the path forward.
Making a Difference
For many board members, service is an opportunity to contribute to something larger than themselves and help shape the future of the bleeding disorders community. "Joining the board was the natural next step to expand my impact," says Joseph Helfert II.
Kelly Wornall's commitment grew from a family connection that became deeply personal. "My grandfather served as president of NHF (now NBDF) in the early 1970s, and I always admired his commitment to the bleeding disorders community," she says. "Although my family had long been connected to the community, we became much more personally engaged when my oldest son was diagnosed with von Willebrand disease. That diagnosis inspired me to become involved at the local level, and I quickly realized I wanted to contribute in a broader way."
Richard Metz, MD, brings nearly four decades of involvement in the bleeding disorders community as both a physician and parent of a son with hemophilia A. He first joined the national board during a period of significant challenge and helped strengthen relationships between the national organization and local chapters. He returned to the board in 2025 because he was inspired by NBDF's growth and wanted to help ensure community voices continue to shape the organization's direction. "I have always been motivated by a desire to help guide thoughtful decisions that improve care and quality of life for individuals," Metz says.
For Tamsen Bhachech, board service began as an opportunity to apply her professional expertise in service of an important cause. What she discovered was an organization whose impact reaches every aspect of life for people with bleeding disorders and their families. "I've rarely, if ever, seen an organization so capably embrace its mission and the whole of what that means, from access to healthcare, to advocacy, to education, to mental health, to supporting caregivers, to working with industry, all for the betterment of the community that it serves," she says.
The opportunities for growth exist within the board as well. Megan Lee, a medical student, has found that working alongside the other board members to be beneficial to her own professional development. “I have learned so much from the dedicated physicians and professionals who serve on the board,” she said. “Learning from their experiences in research, advocacy, clinical care, and healthcare equity has been invaluable, and I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship and connections I have made.”
Collaboration to Create Change
The relationship between the NBDF Board of Directors and the organization is one of listening, collaboration, and a shared commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the bleeding disorders community. Board members help shape priorities and provide strategic guidance while remaining connected to the experiences of the individuals and families NBDF serves.
For Metz, effective governance begins with listening. Having served during periods of both challenge and growth, he believes maintaining trust requires ensuring the perspectives of chapters and community members remain central to decision-making. His experience has reinforced the importance of listening carefully and working collaboratively to advance the needs of the bleeding disorders community.
For Kelly Wornall, that connection led to opportunities she never anticipated. "I have also learned that I am a strong advocate for our community, something I did not fully recognize in myself before," she says. "I never expected to advocate on Capitol Hill, and I have now had the opportunity to do so several times."
Paulette Bryant has experienced firsthand how community concerns can influence priorities and drive progress. As the community has evolved, NBDF has responded by addressing emerging issues, from increasing attention to the needs of women and girls with bleeding disorders to fostering conversations about aging with a bleeding disorder. "It is an incredible privilege to be part of a board that genuinely listens to the community's concerns and strives to address them," she says.
Looking Forward
Advancing the mission of NBDF requires thoughtful leadership, diverse perspectives, and a willingness to listen to and learn from the community. The board of directors plays an important role in that work, helping ensure that the organization's priorities reflect the needs of people living with bleeding disorders today while preparing for the opportunities and challenges of tomorrow.
Lee joined the board after years of volunteering at the chapter level and seeing firsthand the impact that advocacy, education, and community support can have on people's lives. As one of the younger members of the board, she was initially intimidated by the experience and accomplishments of her fellow directors. Instead, she found a welcoming group united by a shared commitment to improving the lives of people with bleeding disorders. "Everyone brings a unique perspective and background to the board, and your voice matters," she said. She encourages prospective candidates not to let their age or career stage discourage them from getting involved. "Serving on the board gives you the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, learn from incredible leaders, and advocate for the community in ways you may never have imagined."
And for those considering how they might contribute to the future of the bleeding disorders community, Bhachech offers a simple invitation: "Consider this your invitation to apply."
Learn more about the application for the board here.
