Gary Salmirs
Founder, Chief Executive Officer
Gary is the founder and head “Health Nut” of Ironwill. A successful entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, Gary has developed online technology and marketing businesses. He is also an IRONMAN. Like a lot of people, Gary’s busy life juggling work and family led to unhealthy eating habits. Realizing he needed a major change, he became obsessed with all things healthy and active. With some IRONWILL, Gary was able to turn his life around and complete three Ironman races, as well as multiple marathons. Now, he’s determined to share his passion for healthy living with families throughout the country.
Lindsey Lax
Chief Operating Officer
Lindsey is an entrepreneur, a mother of 3 and always dressed in workout clothes (even when she’s not working out). After overcoming her own personal struggle with food, Lindsey committed herself to a healthy lifestyle and to raising her family to make nutritious eating choices (which we know isn’t always easy). Prior to launching Ironwill Foundation, she was involved in successful business ventures, generating and executing strategic marketing initiatives. Lindsey is on a mission to spread healthy eating. It all starts with education and continues at home, where she enjoys sharing the Ironwill Kids™ program with her family and making kid-friendly recipes together.
Mark Scherzer
President
Mark is a healthy eater and an organic five-star chef. Okay, that second part is a stretch, but you get the idea. As President, Mark creates and oversees programs that get kids fired up about healthy living. A big kid himself, Mark spent many years in Los Angeles as a writer of children’s television shows. He worked for the same company that produced, “Saved By The Bell,” but don’t blame him for the character of Screech. Mark used his TV writing skills to co-create Ironwill Kids™ innovative nutrition program, which is used all across the country. Along with the rest of the team, he’s dedicated to creating a healthier generation by empowering kids.
Shelby Greany
Marketing Manager
Shelby is a graduate of Providence College, where she competed on the cross-country and track team. Living a healthy life and being active has always been her passion. Shelby started running in 7th grade and has been going ever since! (She stopped long enough to write this). At Providence, Shelby represented the US at Junior Worlds in both cross-country and track. She is a two time Big East Champion in the 3,000 meter steeplechase and a 5 time NCAA All American. Translation: Shelby kicks butt. Through her work with Ironwill, she shares her passion for healthy living with kids across the country and inspires them to reach new heights.
Diana Pereira
Program Manager
As Program Manager, Diana helps schools and organizations plan and launch our Ironwill Kids™ program. Born in Portugal, Diana grew up surrounded by healthy home-cooked meals, which sparked her passion for health at a young age. Carrying on her mother’s tradition, Diana cooks and creates healthy meals herself for family and friends. She even grows her own fruit and vegetables, just like our Ironwill Kids™ students. She often brings in home grown tomatoes and cucumbers to work, which she shares with the rest of the team. (She’s a giver). Diana loves making a difference in the lives of the kids she interacts with.
Dr. Katherine Roberts
Chief Health Advisor
Adjunct Professor at Columbia University
Katherine knows about health. She has a doctorate degree in health education as well as two master degrees. She teaches health education at Teachers College Columbia University and is the President of a research and evaluation company. But her passion extends beyond the classroom. She’s competed in over 100 triathlons, grows organic vegetables and even has her own bee hives! Katherine helped develop the Ironwill Kids™ program.
Ronnie Aroesty
Educational Consultant
Ronnie Aroesty is President of the board of “Junior Energy,” a non-profit organization that educates and empowers children to reduce their environmental footprint. It’s fitting that Ronnie would head up an organization with the word energy in it, because Ronnie has energy to burn. He began his career as a teacher in the Bronx and quickly became Assistant Principal. He served as Senior Vice President of “Educational Direct” and has years of fundraising experience. His wealth of knowledge makes Ronnie an invaluable asset to Ironwill.