Board of Directors

Michael Suhy is the Fire Chief for the Cuyahoga Heights Fire Department in Northeast Ohio, where he has served as a firefighter/paramedic since 1996. A respected leader in fire service, he is an active member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Northeast Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, Ohio Fire Chiefs Association, Northeast Ohio Fire Prevention Association, and Cuyahoga County Fire Chiefs Association.

Beyond his dedication to public safety, Chief Suhy’s most personal and passionate mission is the Allison Rose Foundation, which he and his family founded in honor of his daughter, Allison. After losing Allison to a severe allergic reaction, he turned his grief into action, ensuring that no other family endures the same heartbreak. As the foundation’s co-founder and Executive Director, Chief Suhy leads efforts to raise awareness, provide education, and advocate for stronger food allergy safety measures. Through training programs and outreach, he empowers individuals, schools, universities and communities to recognize and respond to life-threatening allergic reactions—turning Allison’s legacy into a lifesaving movement.

Rebecca (Becca) Suhy is the co-founder and Program Director of the Allison Rose Foundation. Inspired by the life and legacy of her daughter, Allison, Becca has made it her mission to drive meaningful change by equipping individuals, schools and organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary to create safer environments for those with food allergies.

With a deep passion for storytelling and impact-driven communication, Becca brings 25 years of experience in public relations and strategic messaging to her work. She has successfully led media relations, influencer engagement and brand campaigns for major companies, including Dutch Boy® Paints, Big Lots, Quaker Oats and PepsiCo. Her ability to craft compelling narratives has helped brands elevate their presence while also serving as a foundation for her advocacy work.

Through the Allison Rose Foundation, Becca continues to channel her expertise into creating educational programs, building partnerships and fostering a greater understanding of anaphylaxis prevention. Her dedication to making a difference ensures that Allison’s story continues to foster change and save lives.

Kari Blumenthal is the Managing Director of Finance at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. She began her career in public accounting, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. She spent 10 years working for large public companies before transitioning to the non-profit sector in 2012.

Since childhood, Kari has dealt with various food sensitivities and was diagnosed with EoE in 2006. A lifelong friend of Becca, Kari is honored to be involved in an organization focusing on education that has and will continue to save lives of those who suffer from food allergies.

Sandra Hong MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI is the Regional Medical Director, Southern Region, Cleveland Clinic Foundation (CCF), practices in the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department at CCF, and is the director of the CCF Food Allergy Center of Excellence. She attended Northeastern Ohio Medical School where she served as Chief Resident. Dr. Hong completed her fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at Massachusetts General Hospital, a Harvard Hospital. Dr. Hong has practiced at University Hospitals and has been with CCF for the past 14 years. She serves on the Board of the Allison Rose Foundation, has appeared on multiple TV news outlets and in media presentations educating the public on allergies, asthma and food allergies. In addition, she serves as an expert resource within Northeast Ohio school systems on food allergies.

Roger Gongos is the Director of Corporate Security at FirstEnergy, where he has worked for over 10 years, leading efforts to protect the company’s assets, employees, and operations. Prior to his current role, he served as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service for nearly a decade, specializing in protective operations and investigative work. His passion for food allergy awareness and education stems from his close relationship with the Allison Rose Foundation’s founders and Allison Rose, inspiring him to support the foundation’s mission.

Matt Krupa is the Enterprise Manager of Digital & IT at Parker Hannifin Corporation, bringing over 30 years of experience in engineering and software management. As a close friend of the Suhy family, he has a personal connection to food allergy awareness—his daughter lives with a severe peanut allergy. This makes the mission of the Allison Rose Foundation especially meaningful to him and his family. He is passionate about educating not only those with food allergies but also those without, ensuring they understand the severity of allergic reactions and how to respond in critical situations.

Marc Schrade is a Financial Advisor VP, CRPC with PNC Wealth Advisors in Pepper Pike. He has spent the majority of his 20 year career with the company, developing strategic financial planning and investments solutions to help families mange their wealth.

Marc developed a deep appreciation for allergy awareness and education in college after experiencing a near-fatal reaction to multiple yellow jacket stings. At the time, immunotherapy resources were limited, leaving avoidance as the only solution. Growing up in the same community as the Suhy family, he witnessed their unwavering dedication to creating change in areas that previously lacked support. Being part of a mission driven by passionate individuals who prioritize helping others is deeply meaningful to him, knowing that such efforts lead to lasting, positive impact.

Jake Watroba graduated from The Ohio State University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science degree in sustainable business and has built a career in ESG and sustainability consulting. He was a classmate and friend of Allison and remains close with her family. His involvement with the Allison Rose Foundation began at its inception in 2018, serving on the Young Professionals Board before being elected to the Board of Directors. He is deeply committed to the foundation’s mission, believing in the importance of education and awareness in preventing tragedies caused by food allergies. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active, spending time outdoors and traveling with friends.

Joy currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at Baldwin Wallace University, bringing a strong track record in philanthropy, strategic engagement, and event development. Previously, at Kent State University, she played a pivotal role in strengthening alumni relationships and advancing fundraising efforts.

Beyond her professional work, Joy is passionate about supporting the Allison Rose Foundation’s vital mission. Her daughter was diagnosed with food allergies to eggs and peanuts before her first birthday. Thanks to the foundation, there is a growing community of advocates who are well-educated on food allergies and prepared to respond quickly in emergencies. Joy is deeply grateful for the foundation’s impact and its dedication to creating a safer, more informed world for individuals with food allergies.