Board of Directors
The FHF AP Board of Directors is the governing body that approves and funds the bereavement programs and activities of the Families of Highway Fatalities. The group also spearheads fundraising activities to help fund the projects and programs offered to families of a highway fatality.
Executive Board
Gert Thompson, a native of Sumter, South Carolina, is currently pastor of Life Changing Ministries in Irmo where she has pastored for nine years. She is the mother of one son and two grandchildren. She lost her husband in 1998. She is a graduate of Columbia International University, with a degree in General Theological Studies. In 2008, she completed her Masters Degree in Pastoral Ministry with a Concentration in Christian Management and Leadership at Trinity Bible College and Seminary of Newburg, IN.
Gert Thompson, President
Lisa Radvansky is a South Carolina native. She and her husband, Bob have been married 27 years and have raised four children. During that time, she volunteered in the Camden community and in her children's schools. She lost her son, Chad, in a 2003 collision and has devoted much of her time since to highway safety education. She was instrumental in the formation of the South Carolina Highway Patrol memorial web site and the creation of Families of Highway Fatalities.
Lisa Radvansky, Vice President
Sal Rao has an extensive background in business and sales. He is retired but remains a consultant. He and his wife, Lois, have one daughter. Their son, Michael, a South Carolina state trooper was killed in the line of duty in 2002. Since then, Mr. Rao has been active in advocating for additional protection for law enforcement in the line of duty.
Salvatore Rao, Treasurer
Barbara Flemming Westonis a retired 33-year career educator. She was a classroom teacher of English, reading and drama in Richland School District One for 24 years. She and her husband, Sam, lost their son, Julian, in a collision on April 14, 2006. Barbara has devoted her time to helping others in Julian's memory. She serves as a consultant and motivational speaker for educators and regularly speaks to groups about highway safety issues.
Barbara Weston, Secretary
Board of Directors
Joel Lourie is a South Carolina State Senator representing Richland and Kershaw counties. He grew up in Columbia, graduated fromt the University of South Carolina and is actively involved in his community. He is married to Becky Baum Lourie and is the father of two children. He is a strong advocate of highway safety issues in the South Carolina Legislature.
Joel Lourie
Michelle Logan-Owens is a vice president at Tuomey Regional Medical Center. She has worked in health care for more than 15 years, starting out as a nurse and later in administration. She is a native of Pinewood and earned degree in nursing from the University of South Carolina. She is married and has two children and is active in her community.
Michelle Logan-Owens
Stephen McKinney has a seminary degree and a previous career as a hospital chaplain. He has worked 18 years as an attorney and currently serves with Haynsworth, Sinkler Boyd PA. Mr. McKinney volunteers as an adult reading tutor/instructor. He lost his father in a 1999 motor vehicle collision.
Stephen McKinney
Treasa Crosland is a lifelong resident of Lexington County. She has been employed with Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company since 1993. She and her husband, Daniel, have two daughters and four grandsons. Treasa became actively involved in highway safety issues after losing her granddaughter, Kala, in a motor vehicle collision in 2005. Her goal through this program is to offer hope to others facing such a tragedy.
Treasa Crosland
Dr. Dee Gulledge is the C.A.R.E. Team Coordinator for the Richland County Coroner's Office. She is also a certified crisis response trainer. Dr. Gulledge is an expert in thanatology and holds many professional affiliations in the areas of counseling and bereavement. She and her husband, Van, have one son. Her daughter, Melanie, died of cancer at the age of 17, which prompted Dr. Gulledge to devote her life's work to helping others experiencing similar tragedies.
Dr. Dee Gulledge
Elza Hayen is the owner of the Hayen Company -- a marketing and public relations firm specializing in social media marketing and promotions. Ms. Hayen serves in a number of volunteer capacities and professional associations within the Columbia area. She became actively involved in highway safety after her father, Ted Hayen, was killed in a motor vehicle collision in 2006.
Elza Hayen
