“Kehres’ experience in the mobility industry and background makes her an invaluable asset to our board and would greatly help shape our organization’s future. We are confident that her dedication and unique perspective will contribute to the continued success and growth of PHI as we carry out our mission in support of polio survivors and users of home mechanical ventilation,” said Brian Tiburzi, Executive Director of PHI.
Founded in 1960 as the International Iron Lung Polio Assistance, Inc., today Post-Polio Health International’s mission is to collect, preserve and make available research and knowledge to promote the well-being and independence of polio survivors, home ventilator users, their caregivers and families, and to support the health professionals who treat them.
“I have had the pleasure of getting to know many Amigo owners over the years who were dealing with the late effects of polio. The support PHI on an international and local level has provided is significant,” Kehres said.
“My grandfather immigrated to the United States in the 1920s and was detained at Ellis Island for weeks due to having polio, he was eventually allowed into the country after insisting he would not be a ‘burden to society’ but rather a self-sufficient painter who could earn a living. I’m proud and honored to be part of an organization that has helped share information, research and support for people with post-polio so they do not feel the isolation and discouragement my grandfather did 100 years ago.”
Kehres has been with Amigo Mobility since 2007. Founded by her dad, Al Thieme, in 1968 when he invented the first mobility POV/scooter, Amigo continues to be a family-owned business and manufacture all products in Michigan. As Director of Business Development, Jennifer is involved in marketing, sales, product development and on the company’s Leadership Team.
Outside of Amigo Mobility, Jennifer was a CAN Council (Child Abuse and Neglect Council) board member for six years and is currently on the marketing and membership committee for the Stevens Center for Family Business. Jennifer and her husband Dan have four children and live in Saginaw, Michigan.
Visit post-polio.org for more information.
