The Board of Directors of Savage Support Corp. serves as the governing body of Savage Support Corp. They determine the direction of the organization, ensure that the mission of Savage Support Corp. is being met and raise funds to ensure the organization is able to serve its beneficiaries effectively.
The Board of Directors is a group of individuals dedicated to the Savage Support Corp. mission through volunteer service, selfless giving of time and energy, and supporting the beneficiaries of the organization.
Deanna Savage
Board President
Deanna Savage thrives in an ever evolving world. After graduating high school, she experienced military training as a mechanic versus a traditional college education, traveled the southwest of the US gaining business experience in HUD loans, CART production and racing, IT administration and bank card processing. Deanna returned home in 2000 after the passing of both her birth mother from breast cancer and a dear friend to secondary breast cancer, then running a custom faux paint business before choosing a career in wine distribution.
In 2014, Deanna was diagnosed with stage I invasive DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ). She found immense support from family, friends, neighbors, coworkers & strangers throughout the processes of chemotherapy, bilateral mastectomy and rehabilitation. This incredible support & kindness inspired the creation of Savage Support Corp. Deanna’s happiness comes from her nieces and nephews, travel, live music, theater and spontaneity. Her superpower is to rise from the ashes and drink cool lemonade from a lemon tree.
Mark Browning
Vice President, acting Treasurer
Mark is a longtime sales and management professional in the wine business. He met Deanna Savage in 2010 in that capacity. By 2014, when Deanna was diagnosed with breast cancer, they were both working at the same Milwaukee-based wine distributor. Upon her return to work, Deanna approached Mark with the idea of starting up a nonprofit focused on practical aid to breast cancer patients. He gladly accepted a position on the board of Savage Support Corp as one of its Founding Members. Mark holds a degree from Marquette University and an MFA from U.C. San Diego. He makes claim to two super powers: acquiring Champagne under favorable circumstances and maintaining a lively and productive professional relationship with one Deanna Savage. Besides community service and wine, Mark’s interests include travel, learning about other cultures, cooking, collecting old stuff and spending time with his amazing and creative children, Harrison and Clairyssa.
Aron Van Pelt
Treasurer
Aron grew up in Madison as part of a large family, where he developed a strong sense of community and teamwork. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he discovered a passion for accounting and finance. Following graduation, Aron began his career in accounting with a local Milwaukee company, laying the groundwork for a diverse professional journey.
He has since earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration and his CPA, gaining experience in Accounting and Finance across several industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and software. Aron was introduced to Savage Support through a mutual friend, and his extensive skill set has proven to be a valuable asset in advancing their mission.
Outside of his professional life, Aron is a devoted family man. He enjoys spending time with his three children and staying actively involved in their various activities. In his free time, he engages in DIY projects, exercises regularly, and finds relaxation in reading.
Heather Starns
Secretary
Heather grew up in Bettendorf, IA and graduated with a BA in Theatre from St. Ambrose University. After she graduated in 2002, she followed her family and moved to WI. She has loved it here ever since.
While she still loves to sing and enjoys the theatre, she works full-time as a Content Manager and Customer Service Specialist. Heather also recently found a new passion with reiki and became a practitioner. Her newfound love for energy healing is how she met Deanna. They met at a Christmas Market in 2022 and from there she quickly realized how she wanted to be a part of the Savage Support team.
Breast cancer hits close to home with Heather as her mother is a survivor. Her grandmother was also a survivor however, she lost an aunt to the disease in 2001.
Heather’s happiness comes from singing in the choir, cantoring at church and traveling as much as possible. However, her true happiness comes from her nieces and nephews.
Wesley Borden
Board Member
Wesley Borden is a seasoned industrial automation sales engineer who has a passion for making a positive impact in the local community by volunteering his time and talents. Wesley believes that it is important to strengthen community ties, promote the fight against breast cancer, and improve the quality of life of those who are struggling. He is native to Southeastern Wisconsin, and he holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Wesley is proud of his problem-solving and interpersonal skills and exercises both on a regular basis. He jumps right in, gets stuff done, and is a team player. His ability to overcome challenges and capitalize on the opportunities will only help Savage Support stay true to their mission and broaden the reach.
Savage Support Advisors
Erin Doren
Erin Doren is a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, specializing in breast cancer reconstruction and microsurgery. After completing her plastic surgery training and a cancer fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center, she moved to Milwaukee in 2016. She has always had a passion and interest in caring for patients with breast cancer and performing breast reconstruction. In addition to being a clinician, Erin conducts research which includes studies investigating outcomes after breast reconstruction focusing on psychological well-being, quality-of-life and body image. After meeting Deanna in 2016, she joined Savage Support with the goal to assist breast cancer patients and their families outside of the hospital. Erin lives in Mequon with her husband and daughters, enjoys time on the lakefront and eating cheese curds.