Board of Directors
Guiding the mission. Steering the course. Supporting the cause.
Board Overview
Our Board of Directors is a dedicated group of volunteer leaders, who guide the vision, uphold the mission, and bring this powerful community event to life each year.
Rooted in a shared commitment to breast cancer advocacy, rowing, and local impact, these individuals lend their time, talents, and hearts to ensure every stroke counts. Together, they steer our organization forward with purpose and passion toward breast cancer awareness and support across the Pacific Northwest.
Meet our Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Angie Gabel
PNW Pink Ribbon Row Chair
Angie brings over 25 years of rowing experience, having competed nationally and internationally as a Masters rower. She has chaired regattas in Austin, TX, and volunteered for ten years at the Head of the Charles, one of the sport’s most prestigious events. Her background in leading large-scale initiatives, paired with strong organizational skills and deep rowing expertise, makes her a driving force at Pink Ribbon Row. As a breast cancer survivor, Angie brings both personal passion and strategic focus to her role as Chair, which she assumed in 2023. Under her leadership, the foundation has expanded its reach, strengthened community partnerships, and increased its visibility among sponsors and supporters. She blends heartfelt advocacy with clear direction, ensuring that every effort delivers meaningful impact for breast cancer patients in our local community.
Charles H. Comfort Jr.
Vice President
Chuck joined Pink Ribbon Row after years of dedicated volunteer service with various local nonprofits, covering a wide range of issues. Sitting on three event day planning committees has brought valuable perspective and a deep commitment to the mission. Well-connected within Seattle’s community, his relationships have been a tremendous asset to the organization. As a retired engineer, kayak paddler and backpacker, Chuck is known for his attention to detail and reliable follow-through, and he is looking forward to helping craft a great future for one of Seattle’s newest foundations, building on its wonderful legacy.
Oliver Laurence
Treasurer
Oliver is a passionate rower who enjoys nothing more than getting people into a boat and helping them achieve things they never thought possible. From his childhood experiences rowing in the UK, to Nationals in the US, and more recently endurance adventure rows on Puget Sound, Oliver has gained a wide range of rowing expertise. Commercial success in startups means Oliver knows what it takes to make things happen, ideas are great, but execution is what counts. He brings exactly the drive, insight, and experience the organization needs to reach the next level.
Birgit Bertram
Secretary
With a background in successful small businesses and board service for other nonprofits, Birgit brings a strong foundation in project management, strategic execution, and regulatory compliance. She discovered rowing as an adult at Sammamish Rowing Association, where it quickly became a heartfelt passion. Competing in regattas across the country, she brings the same dedication and focus to her work off the water. Her love for connecting people and honoring friends affected by breast cancer made her a natural fit for Pink Ribbon Row. Since taking over permitting in 2018, Birgit has applied her expertise to streamline operations and support the foundation’s continued growth.
Patricia Bulger
Member at Large
A lifelong rower, Patty began her journey with Green Lake Crew at age 13 and has been deeply involved in the Seattle rowing community ever since. Her extensive background includes coaching at both Green Lake Crew and Sammamish Rowing Association and serving as the facility administrator for the Green Lake Small Craft Center, where she ran 3 regattas per year. In 2016, seeking to connect her passion for rowing with a meaningful way to give back, Patty joined the organization as the event registrar. With her wealth of experience and wonderful creative ideas, she has been a dedicated and invaluable part of the foundation’s mission ever since.
General Board Members
- Robin Ahmann
- Kate Riley
- Rachel Le Mieux
- Mariah Foster
Contact Us
Want to Get Involved?
We are always looking for passionate community leaders to support our mission. If you are interested in joining a committee or learning more about our work, please reach out to us!