Staff

Staff & Board

The staff and volunteer leadership at the Denise Marie Flaherty Memorial Foundation are dedicated to leveraging the fight we all face as our loved one fight the battle for their life to end suffering and death from cancer.

Brian A. Flaherty

President & Founder


Mr. Brian Flaherty graduated from Monmouth University in 1998 with a BS in Medical Technology and is presently pursuing his MBA at Elon University.

Mr. Flaherty has over 19 years of experience in the areas of Medical Staffing, IT Contractor Placement, Executive Staffing ITO, and BPO. As of now, he is COO at Global Strategic Business Process Solutions Inc. In 2003 he founded the Denise Marie Flaherty Memorial Foundation and presently serves as President

“One man gives freely, yet gains even more; Another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; He who refreshes others will himself be refreshed”
-Proverbs 11:24-25

Christina Flaherty

Managing Director


Christina is the wife of founder, Brian Flaherty.

Together they have two wonderful young boys whom they take with them to all DMF events. Christina is also a childbirth educator, birth doula, and Certified Lactation Specialist.

Kenneth Flaherty

Managing Director


Mr. Kenneth Flaherty has been working at Entertainment Events, Inc. since 1999 currently he has a role as Business Manager of the off-Broadway production company.

Ken is also a certified sommelier and runs his own small enterprise of private intimate wine tastings. Like Brian, his journey on this path began with the loss of his mother. He has been active in various charities along the way but has been solely focused on the Denise Marie Memorial Foundation for the last decade.

Jim Flaherty

Managing Director


Jim earned his degree in Physical Therapy at the University of Scranton and started working for Atlantic Physical Therapy Center in 2004.

He has a passion for helping everyone reach their goals has fueled him to continue his education and obtain several certifications. Jim and his wife have three awesome children and an adorable and silly golden retriever named Murphy. He is one of the founding members of the Denise Marie Flaherty Memorial Foundation.

Frankie Francese

Managing Director


Frankie is the Managing Partner of Fortis Consulting Group LLC. He graduated from Rutgers College with a BS degree in Accounting.

Since 1996, Frankie has focused his career on assisting others in their accounting and finance careers. Frankie was a nationally acclaimed instructor with the Becker Conviser Fox Review course where he taught since 1994. Frankie’s dedication to the Denise Marie Flaherty Foundation comes from his firsthand experience as a cancer survivor.

Andrew Fitzsimmons

Managing Director


Andrew Fitzsimmons is President and CEO of Fitzpak, Inc., a design and manufacturing firm servicing global healthcare and cosmetic companies.

Andy and his wife Debbie and have been a major sponsor of various DMF events for many years. In addition to being a DMF board member, Andy is also an active member of The St. Vincent De Paul Society. Andy lives in Toms River with his wife and two children. He is an avid golfer and loves the beach!

Jennifer Andrus

Managing Director


Jennifer has a Bachelor of Arts from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She is involved in all aspects of DMF and brings a wealth of knowledge to every program.

Jennifer has spent the past four years working on marketing and experiential programs including sampling initiatives, media events, corporate hospitality and multi-market consumer events. While Jennifer is a strict rule follower, she loves finding loopholes to bring the most challenging events to life.

Dr. Tim Beshel

Managing Director


Dr. Tim Beshel holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from Illinois State University and a Doctorate of Chiropractic from Palmer College of Chiropractic-Florida Campus location.

He is the owner of Beshel Chiropractic Center in Graham, NC. In his spare time, Tim truly enjoys helping others through his volunteer work. In addition to serving on our board of directors, he is currently involved in 12 other non-profit or civic groups giving back his time.

Heidi J Benjamin

Ohio Event Coordinator & Board Member


Heidi J Benjamin is currently in her 38th year in the trucking industry and self educated/self motivated in everything she does. Her job includes Dispatch, A/R-A/P, Operations, and Recruiting/Sales. Heidi is a mother to 4 wonderful children, has lived in farm country her whole life, and would not change that for anything, as it has made her the person that she is. In addition to her incredible DMF contributions, Heidi is also active in her local 4-H Program. “Life has been good to me, and the rest of my journey will be focused on helping others every way possible”.

Erin Cosentino

NJ Event Coordinator


Erin is a special educator, with a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Scranton. Her 22 year teaching career has been spent in Manchester Township, Seaside Park and currently in the Toms River Regional School district. Outside of her teaching responsibilities, Erin is a class advisor and co-chair of the attendance committee.
Erin is married to her wonderful husband Steve and together they have 3 sons. She is passionate about community service, also serving as the President of the Toms River Education Foundation.. In addition, she serves her community at a local food bank weekly. Erin loves reading, immersing herself in professional development and centering herself through yoga and mediation.

Marie Hoofnagle

Foundation Administrator


Marie has a Bachelor of Liberal Arts with a concentration in psychology and sociology from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Marie has been a board member and active volunteer with DMF for many years. Marie and her husband, Ron, have four adult children and enjoy sailing together. In addition to her involvement with DMF, Marie enjoys running, reading, and making stained glass.