Meet Our Committee Chairs

Hi, I’m Laura, and I’m honored to serve as the Executive Chair of The Brady Effect. In this role, I oversee our dedicated team of officers, ensuring the seamless execution of our mission. I work closely with our Board of Directors, implementing policies and driving initiatives to ensure that every child—regardless of their abilities—has the resources to be safe and confident in the water.

I was born and raised in Hardin County, Ohio, where I chose to stay and raise my family. I’m a proud mom of three wonderful grown children and absolutely love being Gi-Gi! My husband and I currently reside in Findlay, Ohio, along with our beloved Beabull, Izzy.

With 29 years as a Registered Nurse and 16 years as an educator in Health Professions, I have dedicated my career to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals. Currently, I serve as the Senior Health Professions Instructor at Millstream Career Center in Findlay, Ohio. I am passionate about mentoring students and preparing them for rewarding careers in healthcare.

My greatest accomplishment in life has been raising my children and watching them grow into unique, passionate, and compassionate adults. My son, Brady Donnelly, was a shining example of this journey. His infectious spirit, unwavering kindness, and deep connection with children made him a beacon of positivity in the lives of so many.

In September 2024, my world was shattered when Brady lost his life in a drowning accident. The pain of his loss is immeasurable, but from this tragedy, The Brady Effect was born. This is not just a cause—it is Brady’s legacy. It is our way of transforming profound grief into purpose, advocacy, and action to ensure that no family endures the same loss.

Through The Brady Effect, we are committed to spreading awareness, educating families, and creating inclusive water safety programs that empower children of all abilities. We hope to extend Brady’s kindness, passion, and determination far and wide—making the world a safer and more inclusive place, one ripple at a time.

My name is Andy and I am the Fundraising Chair for The Brady Effect. My goal is to develop strategies to secure financial support for the organization’s mission by cultivating relationships with potential donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations. I work with our Board of Directors to implement fundraising campaigns, coordinate events, and utilize various fundraising channels such as online giving, grant writing, and corporate partnerships. I also work closely with the leadership team to set fundraising goals and objectives, ensuring alignment with the organization’s overall vision and financial needs.

I grew up in Caledonia, Ohio, where I graduated from high school before going to college to become a teacher. I have been teaching for 10 years at Ridgemont Local Schools, where I met my wife and Brady’s sister Ashley. Ashley and I began dating in 2018 and got married in 2023. We did a destination style wedding, where both of our families spent a week in California, beginning in Yosemite. Although I was certainly not as fit as the rest of the group, Brady and Madison convinced me to go on a “short hike” that ended up being a 10 mile round trip. This trip not only showed just how much fun Brady could be, but how much just how outgoing he truly lived his life.

Having the chance to spend my time both remembering Brady’s love for others and making an impact on the safety of many in need makes me very excited to work with everyone involved with The Brady Effect.

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

Coming Soon!

We are looking to add a Financial Chair to our team! This person will assist our Treasurer to carry out the financial guidance for our organization. Ideally, this person will have some experience working as a CPA or is familiar with tax requirements as they may apply to non-profits.