Cathy Kass-Aten
Foundation Director
Cathy Kass-Aten has spent her career with Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly. She joined the Minneapolis/St. Paul Chapter in 1982 as an intern and became an elder advocate before joining the staff of the Upper Michigan Chapter in 1986 as Volunteer Program Coordinator. Cathy’s passion for the mission of Little Brothers has never wavered as she helped coordinate expansion to five counties and built the volunteer program to over 1,200 volunteers before moving into the Executive Director Position in 2014.
Upon retiring as the Executive Director in 2023, Cathy became the Director of Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Upper Michigan Foundation, whose mission is to ensure the future of the Little Brothers Upper Michigan Chapter and its ongoing work of relieving isolation and loneliness among our elderly population.
In her spare time, Cathy enjoys nature, traveling, and spending as much time as possible with family, including her young grandchildren.
The Foundation Board
The Board of Directors is comprised of elected officials who govern the organization through policy, fiduciary oversight, legal compliance, and ethical standards.
Steve Schmunk
Foundation Board President
Member at Large
Steve’s 46-year work career as an electrical engineer ranged from oilfield exploration in Africa to an Apple computer store in Hancock, and from groundwater cleanup work in Minnesota to serving as a technology integration consultant in the Marquette County K-12 school system for several decades. Since signing up to volunteer at the Little Brothers’ booth at the Houghton County Fair in 1982, he has served holiday meals, visited and drove elderly friends, sat on various committees and boards, provided IT support, and more as needed. Volunteering to serve on the Foundation board was a natural progression. When he’s not at his computer or volunteering, you can find him out in the woods taking delight in biking or skiing!
Jeff Veum
Foundation Board Treasurer
LBFE Chapter Rep
Jeff previously worked in human resources and nonprofit program management. Understanding the labor involved in prepping for the winter, he started by delivering firewood to elders and then helping to cut and split wood in preparation for delivery. He participates on the property committee which oversaw the purchase and development of our woodlot, the building of our first firewood shed, and an office remodel. In retirement he enjoys hiking, bicycling, hunting for fungi, and encouraging the spread of milkweed.
Steve Sabatini
LBFE Chapter Rep
Steve retired from Bradford Dimension Specialty in Bradford, Pennsylvania as General Manager. He brings 35 years of experience in fiscal responsibility and community involvement to LBFE. He was integral in the expansion of LBFE to Marquette County, and his goal is to help with the continued expansion of services in our five-county service area. He enjoys golfing and staying involved in his home communities by volunteering at a church thrift store and 4th of July celebrations.
Bryant Weathers
LBFE Chapter Rep
Bryant serves as the Director for Charitable Gift Planning at Michigan Tech and works with a team of front-line fundraisers to bring in major and planned gifts to the university. His experience in fundraising will help LBFE achieve sustained growth and opportunities to impact our community in greater ways through philanthropy. Community is important to him as we live in a rural area, particularly impacting isolated elderly residents. Bryant is a silent sport enthusiast, ranging from running, hiking, biking, and skiing. He is involved in his church and group ministries. He’s an avid podcast and audiobook listener and enjoys time spent with his family.
Trisia Narhi
Foundation Board Secretary
Member at Large
Trisia is a restaurant owner and accountant. Her business experience contributes to successful financial planning and program oversight at LBFE. She previously served on the LBFE chapter board over several terms since 2009 because she recognized the value the organization brings to the lives of elderly people in the community. Trisia started serving on the foundation board in 2023. In her spare time, she enjoys quilting, making greeting cards, and making baskets.