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In March we announced that FASGMN's executive director role would be going through an important transition. (read that first message here). Wendy’s last day will be May 18.
Read messages below from outgoing director, Wendy Wessel, the Board Chairperson, Jeff Vinocur, and the new Executive Director, Rebecca Ayaz.
A parting message from outgoing Executive Director, Wendy Wessel: 
As I look back on the life of the Food Allergy Support Group of Minnesota over the last nine and a half years, I know I can leave my position with confidence for the organization’s future. Many programs and events were created over the years, and I am most fulfilled by the group’s work through the Buddy Program, Food Allergy Resource Fair, comprehensive website, informational webinars, and our unique Y.E.S. program for kids. While we have impacted thousands of Minnesotans, I am continually humbled by the strength that our members find to tackle their many challenges. I’m impressed by so many parents who came to FASGMN shocked and frightened by a diagnosis or a severe reaction, and were later transformed into confident, informed advocates for their child.
It’s difficult for me to leave my role, but I truly feel I've brought FASGMN as far as I can, and it will continue to go forward with its new leader. Over the last few months the Board and I have worked to ensure the group’s future, as we put it in good hands with a new director to take it to the next level. Change is a necessary part of the life of an organization, and this transition will only make FASGMN better and stronger. Rebecca will bring fresh ideas, experiences and knowledge to FASGMN’s work through her strong nonprofit background. FASGMN will continue to uphold the high standards on which we’ve prided ourselves: strong support, quality programs and events, credibility, sound fiscal management and transparency, and a connection to our members’ needs.
I’m sure I share everyone’s basic wish for this organization to be dissolved some day when a cure for food allergy is found. I imagine a time when we won't have to carry epinephrine…when we can send our kids to school without months of planning…when traveling or attending a party isn’t so complicated...when our kids are freed from the daily burden of keeping themselves safe from food.
In the mean time I ask you to become involved in your own way in FASGMN's important mission. Become a buddy guide. Volunteer at an event. Make annual donations. Join the Board of Directors. Offer to share your unique skill set. It’s only by working together that life for the food allergy community will be improved.
Thank you to all of the people who have collaborated to bring the Food Allergy Support Group of Minnesota to where it is today!
A word from the Chairperson of the Board of Directors, Jeffrey Vinocur, MD: 
Given the amazing vision and passion that our founder, Wendy Wessel, brought to the position of Executive Director, it was hard to imagine how we would find someone to succeed her. But after careful consideration of many promising candidates, we knew we had found just the right person.
On behalf of FASGMN’s Board of Directors, I am delighted to introduce Rebecca Ayaz, M.P.A., as our new Executive Director. Rebecca’s formal training and extensive real-world experience from the non-profit sector will be immensely valuable to our organization. We are confident she will help us fine-tune and expand our many existing programs, develop new ones, and increase our capacity so we can help even more families affected by food allergies.
An introductory message from new Executive Director, Rebecca Ayaz: 
I am excited and honored to join your organization as the new Executive Director. I know I have big shoes to fill and I will strive to deliver the guidance, support and dedication that Wendy provided over the last nine years. I will undoubtedly rely heavily on her expertise during this transition.
Most recently I completed a master's degree in Public Affairs with a concentration in Global Health Policy from the University of Minnesota. Previous to this experience, I spent ten years working for nonprofits in several capacities. Specifically, I was employed as a development director for a health-related charity and as a program director for a youth development organization. I hope to utilize the leadership, fundraising and analytical skills I've acquired to help guide FASGMN through this exciting period of growth.
On a personal note, I was diagnosed with a peanut allergy in 2004. I value the opportunity to be a part of your community both personally and professionally and I am looking forward to working with this organization's amazing staff and volunteers to support families in Minnesota affected by food allergies.
Contact Rebecca Ayaz:
Come and meet Rebecca before the support group meeting on Wednesday, May 23rd, 6:30-7:00 pm. The meet and greet time will be at the Crystal Community Center, 4800 Douglas Drive, in Crystal, Minnesota. An open discussion support meeting begins at 7:00 pm.
Email Rebecca at
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