Paul Callahan, Chief Executive Officer
Paul is a national figure in the USA, is known for his ability to “overcome adversity,” and shares his knowledge and beliefs with others who have encountered challenges in their lives.
A quadriplegic and two-time USA Sailing Paralympian, Sail To Prevail is Paul’s effort to share his skills, business experience and strategies with others. Having assembled a broad range of like-minded philanthropists, thinkers, business leaders and sailors to create opportunities for others, Paul harnesses these intentions and expedites the outcomes with proven results.
A graduate from Harvard College and Harvard Business School, and subsequently worked at the investment banking firm of Goldman Sachs & Co in New York City, Paul landed in Newport, RI, to assist a fledgling non-profit organization. From this experience, Paul created Sail To Prevail – The National Disabled Sailing Program. Now that the program has matured, Sail To Prevail is the largest and most effective sailing program for people with disabilities in the USA.
Paul’s ultimate goal is to replicate the methodologies and results of the Sail To Prevail programs worldwide, in a cost and time efficient manner.
With a focus on marine activities, Paul has served on the Board of Trustees with the NYYC, the Membership Committee and, more recently, the USA Olympic Sailing Committee, as well as President of the USODA, the largest organization of youth sailors in the country.
Along with his executive and strategic responsibilities, Paul thoroughly enjoys being in close contact with the participants of Sail To Prevail and sharing his knowledge directly with the children and veterans with disabilities who are on similar missions to fulfill the potential of their lives.
Mary Beth Dolohanty, Financial Manager
Mary Beth grew up in the Midwest, including Michigan, Indiana and Ohio, but traded the plains for the ocean and has lived in RI for 31 years. Her education includes a Michigan State University BA in Accounting and an MBA from Babson College. For 14 years she co-owned and managed The Market – Newport Gourmet and Blackstone Caterers, which provided excellent service and gave back in numerous ways to the community. The Market donated lunches for Sail To Prevail fundraisers for several years.
Mary Beth works as Sail To Prevail’s Financial Manager and ensures that all of the paperwork is in order so the entire program runs flawlessly. She is an avid hiker and traveler, enjoying escapes to the White Mountains. Traveling also gives her the chance to catch up with family, including nine siblings spread across the country.
Patty Brdar, Executive Assistant
Patty Brdar came to Sail To Prevail in 2010 as Executive Assistant. Her innate organizational skills are put to the test to keep up with CEO, Paul Callahan. She is intelligent and creative and has 30+ years of administrative assistant experience in businesses and the non-profit world. Patty works with Paul in Florida most of the year and relocates to Newport each summer “where the action is” when the sailing programs are in full operation.
Patty is not a sailor but will be the first to hop aboard as a passenger if the opportunity arises, preferring peaceful “cruising” on the water (the bigger the boat, the better!) rather than the “thrill” of racing. Patty is an independent and adventurous person in terms of travel and life choices. She left her small home town in Pennsylvania at age 18 to experience life in Hawaii where she resided for 13 years. She was then motivated by her Christian faith to move to Jerusalem for a first-hand experience of Israel’s people, culture, land and language. She has since lived in So. California, as well as traveled the world on her own. Her creativity is expressed through photography and graphic arts.
STEVE PISERCHIA, FLEET MANAGER
Stephen Piserchia, DC, FMCSA ME is the Fleet Manager for Sail To Prevail. Dr. Steve came to us after learning about our program at a local fundraiser for Sail To Prevail. Once he saw the need for someone to manage the fleet and keep an eye on their condition, he offered to run the physical facility and, most importantly, make sure everything is in working order. He is a full-time volunteer who has a passion for sailing, cooking, helping others, and keeping the fleet in tip-top shape. He feels the most rewarding part of his work is witnessing the true enjoyment that our participants receive when they spend any time on the water. Therefore, he wants to make sure that the fleet is up to the demands and safety standards that are worthy for our sailors. Dr. Steve is usually behind the scenes keeping everything in working order and making sure that everything is in the right place at the right time. Dr. Steve and his wife Laurie reside in Newport, RI in the Yachting Village.
