Press Release:
Justine Chiara Transitions Role After Over 10 Years and Will Continue to Serve as Chairwoman of B4BC Board of Directors; B4BC Operation Relocates to New Home in Redondo Beach, Calif.
Redondo Beach, Calif. (Jan. 24, 2011) – After serving as Executive Director for over a decade, Justine Chiara has passed her position to Erika Seward, who has been promoted from Director of Development of Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC), a Foundation committed to educating the younger generation about breast cancer prevention through early detection and healthy, active living since 1996.
“I joined the B4BC family in 2001 as a volunteer after my Mother lost her long battle with breast cancer. Education soon became my passion, and I have tremendous pride in the accomplishments of B4BC over the past decade towards arming young women with invaluable tools of breast health awareness,” said Chiara.
“I’d like to thank all those I have worked alongside, who have supported our efforts and our community of impassioned women who continue to inspire us all every day.”
Chiara is credited for leading B4BC’s program development for the last 10 years, moving from the singular fundraising event, the Snowboard & Music Festival to the development of the nationwide traveling educational booth.
She is also responsible for the foundation’s growth beyond snowboarding into the surf and skateboarding worlds and development of industry relations through cause-related partners in the action sports industry.
Chiara has transitioned her Executive Director role to focus on her athlete management business but will continue as Chairwoman of the B4BC Board of Directors, which also includes co-Founder Lisa Hudson (Black Sun Productions), Una Baker (formerly of Esprit Apparel), Molly MacDonald Scott (ESPN X Games) and Circe Wallace (Wasserman Media Group).
“Having Erika on board for the past year as Director of Development has been a rewarding experience for the foundation and we are thrilled for her to step into her new role as Executive Director,” said Hudson.
Prior to B4BC, Seward spent a decade in the sports and entertainment industries developing integrative marketing and sales strategies, most notably for ESPN / The Walt Disney Company on brand accounts that included the NFL, PGA Tour, and USGA, as well as company-owned franchises like the X Games, ESPYs, ESPN original content and brand extensions. In 2010, she joined B4BC as the Director of Development, spearheading their long-term planning, partnership, and programming efforts.
“B4BC has established a 15-year legacy in support of health advocacy, all with a flair for fun,” said Seward. “It’s that spirit of celebrating life, balanced with a strong commitment towards education and each other that is going to continue making a difference over the next 15 years to come. I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead our Foundation and hope that one-day, we’ll all be able to experience a cancer-free world.”
B4BC has also relocated their headquarters to Redondo Beach, where they have hosted their Skate the Coast longboard-a-thon for the past five years.
Seward added, “Being anchored in a board sports community – a place where we can work, live and play – is so important to who we are as individuals and a Foundation. Everyday we draw inspiration from the people and this community that surrounds us. Thank you to everyone in the South Bay for welcoming us with open arms.”
About Boarding For Breast Cancer
Boarding for Breast Cancer (B4BC) is a 501(c)3 non-profit foundation dedicated to providing education, prevention and support programs for young people and the action sports community at large. Through grassroots events, year-round educational outreach and the Survivorship Fund, B4BC is able to further its mission of promoting early detection + a healthy, active lifestyle as the best means of breast cancer prevention. To learn more, visit www.B4BC.org.
