Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma Executive Board
Mark A. Goodman M.D. - Chair
Mark A. Goodman M.D. is a retired orthopedic oncologist who has been involved with PCS since 2012 and currently serves as the Chairperson of the PCS Board of Directors. In addition to treating individuals who were diagnosed with sarcoma, Dr. Goodman has always supported the research and science behind understanding sarcoma. He is committed to seeing PCS grow and prosper in its support of sarcoma research and advocacy. Dr. Goodman is honored to be able to support the world renowned and dedicated group of sarcoma researchers in western Pennsylvania and West Virginia who are impacting our knowledge of sarcoma.
Joshua PLassmeyer, MS, CCRP - Vice Chair
Joshua Plassmeyer, MS, CCRP, is the Associate Director of Clinical Trial Operations in the Hillman Cancer Center’s Clinical Research Services Department and currently serves as the Vice Chairperson for the PCS Board of Directors. Josh and his wife became involved with PCS 5K planning committee in 2019 when their 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with epithelioid sarcoma. His background in research and science and his deep desire to prevent this disease from happening to others drove his decision to become more actively engaged in PCS. His daughter, Gabbi, is now a thriving 11-year-old who is focused on crushing it on the softball diamond and is also an amazing artist!
Darlene Wisniewski - Secretary
Darlene Wisniewski serves as the Secretary to the PCS Board of Directors. Dar’s association with PCS began shortly after her daughters were diagnosed with a bone disease and benign tumors, putting them at risk for developing chondrosarcoma. After learning that there is no effective treatment for this cancer, Dar started her volunteer work with the Race Committee. In 2019, she led the effort for PCS to acquire an independent 501c3 and continues to instrumental with the work of the Race Committee. Dar’s daughters are “living their best lives” with one being a first-year student in Northeastern University’s Global Scholars program and the other being nationally ranked in Lincoln Douglas debate.
Peter Kern, CPA - Treasurer
Peter Kern, CPA has served on the PCS Board of Directors since 2019. His involvement with PCS started in 2014 and was the result of his friend being diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma. Peter has participated in every annual run/walk since that time and is committed to helping advance PCS’s mission of raising awareness and funding life-saving research for sarcoma in the Pittsburgh region and beyond. In his current role as Treasurer, Peter is privy to the details of the significant contributions made by PCS supporters. This critical funding helps to ensure that novel research ideas can be explored and potentially lead to the next big breakthrough for sarcoma treatment!
Kossivi Dantey, MD
Kossivi Dantey, MD is a staff pathologist and cytopathologist at Allegheny General Hospital and an assistant professor at Drexel University College of Medicine. A graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Medicine, Dr. Dantey completed his residency at Fletcher Allen Health Care (currently known as the University of Vermont Medical Center). He is board certified in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and Cytopathology. Dr. Dantey’s expertise in bone and soft tissue pathology makes him a valuable member of the PCS Board of Directors.
Howard M. Louik, Esq.
Howard M. Louik, Esq. is a civil litigation attorney. His work exposes him to a variety of medically related cases and requires a certain level of understanding of medical conditions, including cancer. Howard became involved with PCS through his association with a local family as they negotiated their journey to recovery following a sarcoma diagnosis. Howard is inspired beyond words and grateful for the mission of PCS as he learns more about the heroic stories of the patients, families, physicians, and scientists aligned with PCS.
Rod Rothaus
Rod Rothaus is serving his first-year of a 3-year term on the PCS Board of Directors and is the Chair of the Board’s Nominating Committee. Rod is a Ewings Sarcoma survivor and is the Team Captain for Never Mind the Bullocks Let’s Cure Sarcoma PCS race team. His knowledge of and interest in the craft beer community enables him to be actively involved in the PCS virtual beer tasting events. Rod is committed to doing whatever he can to support PCS and their cadre of volunteers.
Susan Cullinan
Susan Cullinan is a retired elementary school teacher and is currently serving a 2-year term on the PCS Board of Directors. Susan became involved with PCS in 2011 following the death of her son Joe (32) within 9 months of his diagnosis of a very rare form of sarcoma. In addition to her Board involvement, she is instrumental in various aspects of PCS annual 5K race planning committee. Susan’s active involvement with PCS has given her purpose and a way to support efforts to find a cure for sarcoma, something she is certain that Joe would have wanted her to do.
Joan Rothaus
Joan Rothaus serves as a member of the Board of Directors and is the Corresponding Secretary for PCS. Joan’s son, Rod, is a Ewings Sarcoma survivor. As she and her husband were acting as their son’s caregivers, they were introduced to PCS by Rod’s oncologist. Joan’s involvement in PCS is fueled by her commitment to a group that is “an extraordinary, 100% volunteer-led organization, consisting of dedicated, compassionate people-- all connected by sarcoma as patients, survivors, caregivers, physicians, researchers, those who have, sadly, lost loved ones--who continually inspire and support one another in the quest to find a cure”.