CFI Volunteer Staff
Steven R. Boas, MD, CEO
Dr. Boas is the founder and CEO of the Cystic Fibrosis Institute. As a pediatric pulmonologist, he is dedicated to the care of children and adolescents with acute or chronic respiratory disorders. His areas of expertise include pediatric asthma, cystic fibrosis, exercise-related disorders, chronic cough, and chest wall disorders.
Dr. Boas’ clinical private practice actively participates in both independent and national clinical research involving the newest therapies available for children with asthma and cystic fibrosis. He has authored dozens of book chapters and articles in national and international medical journals. Dr. Boas is highly sought out for his experience. He is often an invited speaker at regional, national, and international medical conferences, and he is a medical reviewer for exercise- and pulmonary-related journals.
Dr. Boas is also the medical director of the Cystic Fibrosis Center of Chicago. Founded on the principle of individualized care for people with CF, this comprehensive CF program has expanded and is now seeing patients in Northfield.
Dr. Boas has served on the Executive Committee for Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine at the American Academy of Pediatrics, chaired the Board of Medical Advisors for the American Association of Respiratory Care, and served as a member of the Board of Directors of the North American Society for Pediatric Sports Medicine. He also served on the Subcommittee for CF Newborn Screening of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).
Board of Directors
As a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, the Cystic Fibrosis Institute is governed by a 5-member board of directors from varied backgrounds including law, medicine, and banking. The Board's mission is to ensure that individuals with cystic fibrosis realize every opportunity to maximize their life's potential.
CFl's board is actively involved in all major policy initiatives and exercises fiduciary control over fundraising efforts and budgetary expenditures. The board's efforts and dedication have enabled the Cystic Fibrosis Institute to see tremendous growth in its mission and accomplishments.
Steven R. Boas, MD - CEO & President
Dr. Boas earned his medical degree from the State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Medicine. He completed his pediatric residency at Boston City Hospital and Nassau County Medical Center in New York and his pediatric pulmonary fellowship at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Board certified in Pediatrics and Pediatric Pulmonology, Dr. Boas has received awards from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for his research with children with CF. Additionally, Dr. Boas has received the prestigious academic appointment of Professor of Pediatrics at Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University. He created the Cystic Fibrosis Institute in 2003.
Andrew Bredfield
Andrew Bredfield is the business director for a Fortune 100 construction and engineering company. He has an MBA from DePaul University. Mr. Bredfield is passionate in helping the patients and families of children and young adults with cystic fibrosis.
Cheryl L. Boas
Ms. Boas is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She has been with the organization since 2003 and has extensive experience in patent law related to biotechnology.
Shannon Probasco
Ms. Probasco is a graduate of Illinois State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Finance. She currently works as Talent Business Partner working with nurses and perioperative personnel for the Froedtert Medical System and the Medical College of Wisconsin.
Julie Knipstein
Ms. Knipstein is a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Law and spent over 16 years in private practice. Her area of specialization is in municipal bonds and she was actively involved in litigation in this field. Ms. Knipstein is the parent of a child with cystic fibrosis and is keenly aware of the day-to-day issues those with CF face.
Volunteers
Volunteers are the lifeblood of CFl's programs. A dedicated and enthusiastic panel of patients, parents, and outside volunteers continues to develop new programs and initiatives to help their local CF community. Without these volunteer efforts, CFI would not be able to accomplish all that it has. New volunteers are always needed and we encourage all who can participate to join our worthwhile efforts.
