Hughes Foundation - Board of Directors

Debra L. Brown
Chair

Email: dbrown@hughesfoundationinc.org

In my capacity as President and CEO of Brown Governance, a governance consultancy to organizations in all sectors, I work closely with the senior leaders of major global organizations such as the Conference Board, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Compassion Canada and Christian Blind Mission International. 

HIV/AIDS is a huge problem of unspeakable suffering around the globe.  Supporting the Hughes Foundation makes it possible for me to contribute in a positive way as part of the solution. 

In addition to serving the Hughes Foundation, I sit on the boards of The American Tract Society and The Internet Evangelism Coalition.  Ottawa, Canada is where I make my home with my husband, children and grandson.

As a Marketing Graphic Designer at a medical device company, I offer the Hughes Foundation board a number of visual communication skills. I enjoy providing marketing design concepts, strategic thinking, and organization skills. Being a person of faith I also offer prayer support wherever needed.

There is so much that can be done, and so many people to reach that are affected by HIV/AIDS. I believe the Hughes Foundation mission is very timely. It is something much needed in today's troubled world.  I am proud to serve on the Hughes Foundation Board. It is exciting to see how love and hope comes to life through Jerry and his compassion for those living with HIV/AIDS.

Theresa Gaffney
Treasurer

Email: tgaffney@hughesfoundationinc.org

HIV is part of my daily life as a dietitian working at Abbott Northwestern Infectious Disease Clinic.  It is by no accident that I came to this position and that my involvement in HIV/AIDS continues to evolve.  Many of my activities outside of work are focused on our local HIV community.  I am pleased to also be part of Hughes Foundation because of the global and diverse population we seek to serve.

For some, HIV/AIDS can bring about many negative associations, but like any other chronic issue or within numerous other worthy causes, there are stellar, resilient individuals who, along with their story, remain part of you.  My role with Hughes Foundation is to leave part of me with others, whether it is in the form of knowledge, insight, a hug, a smile, or an open mind.

Tom Kubinski
Secretary

Email: tkubinski@hughesfoundationinc.org

I am currently a Printing Consultant at Sexton Printing, Inc. in St. Paul, where I assist marketing buyers of direct manufacturing firms to major ad agencies across the nation with their decisions. These decisions include anything from how to design the piece to be more economical and gain economies of scale to design elements that may allow them to better reach their target audiences and receive a better return on their investment. I have been in this field for 18+ years and have worked within a variety of areas. I also have experience in training, sales, estimating projects, project coordinating and billing. I am a consultant that can make the difference.

I have also been a member of several boards, including the Hughes Foundation, where I was Chair in 2006 and now I hold the Secretary position. My goal is to help the world in gaining a better understanding of HIV/AIDS and help Jerry’s dream become a reality.

I was also a Secretary of Holy Creek, an 86-home development. Some of my responsibilities at Holy Creek include assisting in legal matters as they arise and reporting all appropriate matters back to the board and homeowners.
 
On a personal note, I have been clean and sober since July 27, 2000. I served on the AA’s board for 2 years as the Vice President. This included maintaining the financial stability, functioning, appearance and governing the facility for alcoholics and members.

Finally, I served on the board of Woodfin and oversaw a new child Camelion character that is working its way into the marketplace. My role was to help in establishing guidance for the direction of the company, the message of the characters and raise 75% of the funding.

Jerry L. Hughes
Founder and Executive Director

Email: jhughes@hughesfoundationinc.org

In addition to my passion and responsibilities with the Hughes Foundation, I have a full-time career at a Marketing and Advertising firm.  I am an Account Executive at Infinity Direct (www.infinitydirect.com) in Minneapolis where I manage various types of marketing and advertising campaigns for clients such as ShopNBC, Caribou Coffee, DMG World Media and PRAI Beauty of New York.

I live downtown Minneapolis and love to spend time with friends, bike, swim and take long walks, which sometimes lead me to a good game of chess or talk with some special friends on the street that happen to be homeless.