Board of Directors
Bruce Apotheker| Chair
Bruce Apotheker is Commander of the Community Services Bureau and Civil Rights Officer for the Newton Police Department. A results driven leader, Bruce is a community organizer with a proven track record who is constantly forging partnerships with government, schools, business organizations and citizens of the community. A graduate of Boston College, Bruce brings his expertise in building relationships, communications and problem-solving to the Boston Bulldogs. He is involved with Newton Cares, Newton Partnership, the Newton Mayor's Crime Commission and the Newton Human Rights Commission.
Bruce Apotheker is Commander of the Community Services Bureau and Civil Rights Officer for the Newton Police Department. A results driven leader, Bruce is a community organizer with a proven track record who is constantly forging partnerships with government, schools, business organizations and citizens of the community. A graduate of Boston College, Bruce brings his expertise in building relationships, communications and problem-solving to the Boston Bulldogs. He is involved with Newton Cares, Newton Partnership, the Newton Mayor's Crime Commission and the Newton Human Rights Commission.
Michael Ferullo | President & Founder | Director
Michael Ferullo is the founder of the Boston Bulldogs Running Club. The “Coach” as he is known to members of the Club, is a clinical social worker with a Masters Degree from the Boston College School of Social Work, spent many years working with staff and students in public and private school systems and treats individuals and families with a specialty in treating addictions in his private practice in Brookline MA.
In the course of his recovery some 40 years ago, Michael found solace and wellness in running. He has been a runner ever since and is dedicated to the idea that through self-leadership and community, and through a commitment to wellness we can all find the “kind-hearted warrior within”. “Coach” Mike has been recognized by the New England Patriots as a “Difference Maker” and by the Celtics as a “Hero Among us” and received the Community Champion Award from the Italian Home for Children in 2017.
Michael Ferullo is the founder of the Boston Bulldogs Running Club. The “Coach” as he is known to members of the Club, is a clinical social worker with a Masters Degree from the Boston College School of Social Work, spent many years working with staff and students in public and private school systems and treats individuals and families with a specialty in treating addictions in his private practice in Brookline MA.
In the course of his recovery some 40 years ago, Michael found solace and wellness in running. He has been a runner ever since and is dedicated to the idea that through self-leadership and community, and through a commitment to wellness we can all find the “kind-hearted warrior within”. “Coach” Mike has been recognized by the New England Patriots as a “Difference Maker” and by the Celtics as a “Hero Among us” and received the Community Champion Award from the Italian Home for Children in 2017.
Drusilla Pratt-Otto | Treasurer
Dru is a CPA (5 years at Price Waterhouse Coopers) with an MBA from Simmons Graduate School of Management. In her consulting practice, Dru provides interim and part-time Chief Financial Officer services to both for profit and not for profit entities. Dru is a resident of Brookline with twin 24 year old boys who both ran all three seasons and 4 years for Brookline High. As a result of their dedication, Dru became a regular runner, running with Liberty Athletic Club, the oldest women’s running club in the country. She is currently the President of that Club and has become a distance runner.
Dru is a CPA (5 years at Price Waterhouse Coopers) with an MBA from Simmons Graduate School of Management. In her consulting practice, Dru provides interim and part-time Chief Financial Officer services to both for profit and not for profit entities. Dru is a resident of Brookline with twin 24 year old boys who both ran all three seasons and 4 years for Brookline High. As a result of their dedication, Dru became a regular runner, running with Liberty Athletic Club, the oldest women’s running club in the country. She is currently the President of that Club and has become a distance runner.
Jim Sullivan | Clerk
Jim is an attorney and the managing director of Sullivan Properties, a Boston-based commercial real estate company that has developed several commercial buildings in downtown Boston and the surrounding areas. Earlier in his career, through the Massachusetts Committee For Public Counsel, Jim provided
legal representation for those unable to afford an attorney in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare and mental health cases. More recently Jim helped to fund and establish a new program at Saint Francis House to help transition the homeless to self sufficiency.
Jim is an active member of the Bulldogs and believes strongly in the club's mission.
Jim is an attorney and the managing director of Sullivan Properties, a Boston-based commercial real estate company that has developed several commercial buildings in downtown Boston and the surrounding areas. Earlier in his career, through the Massachusetts Committee For Public Counsel, Jim provided
legal representation for those unable to afford an attorney in criminal, delinquency, youthful offender, child welfare and mental health cases. More recently Jim helped to fund and establish a new program at Saint Francis House to help transition the homeless to self sufficiency.
Jim is an active member of the Bulldogs and believes strongly in the club's mission.
Catharina Armstrong, MD | Director
Catharina Armstrong MD/MPH is Associate Director of the Newton-Wellesley Hospital Substance Use Services and
an infectious disease and addictions physician at the Lemuel Shattuck hospital. Dr. Armstrong graduated from University College Dublin School of Medicine. She completed Internal Medicine residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Armstrong was awarded a Masters in Public Health from Harvard Medical School in 2015.
Dr. Armstrong is the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Boston. She has an HIV clinic caring for women who are currently incarcerated in Framingham women’s prison. She is a Principal Investigator (PI) for the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital site CorECT study; a community HIV re-engagement study. She is board certified in Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Addiction Medicine and is an Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. Her clinical and research interests are in prevention and management strategies to support high risk groups with infectious diseases, particularly co-infection with Hepatitis B and C and HIV.
Catharina Armstrong MD/MPH is Associate Director of the Newton-Wellesley Hospital Substance Use Services and
an infectious disease and addictions physician at the Lemuel Shattuck hospital. Dr. Armstrong graduated from University College Dublin School of Medicine. She completed Internal Medicine residency training at Massachusetts General Hospital and a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. Dr. Armstrong was awarded a Masters in Public Health from Harvard Medical School in 2015.
Dr. Armstrong is the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Boston. She has an HIV clinic caring for women who are currently incarcerated in Framingham women’s prison. She is a Principal Investigator (PI) for the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital site CorECT study; a community HIV re-engagement study. She is board certified in Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Addiction Medicine and is an Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. Her clinical and research interests are in prevention and management strategies to support high risk groups with infectious diseases, particularly co-infection with Hepatitis B and C and HIV.
Sarah Cloud | Director
Sarah is currently the Director of Social Work at Beth Israel Deaconess in Plymouth MA. Utilizing her MBA and an MSW, she has been instrumental in creating and contributing to numerous successful community collaborations to improve services and programs for a range of substance use and health services. Sarah has been a key partner in the development of the Boston Bulldogs South Shore and is an active member of the Club.
Sarah is currently the Director of Social Work at Beth Israel Deaconess in Plymouth MA. Utilizing her MBA and an MSW, she has been instrumental in creating and contributing to numerous successful community collaborations to improve services and programs for a range of substance use and health services. Sarah has been a key partner in the development of the Boston Bulldogs South Shore and is an active member of the Club.
Marcia Fowler | Director
Marcia Fowler, former Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, is the CEO of Bournewood Health Systems which provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment for adults and adolescents. Marcia has extensive background and expertise in clinical programs and human service management in both the public and private sectors, including more than 18 years of service with DMH.
A lawyer and a clinician, Marcia is a committed advocate for adults, children, adolescents and families whose lives are affected by serious mental illness, emotional disturbance and chemical dependency. Her work in the human services sector includes experience in direct care and supervisory roles with agencies and organizations such as the Department of Developmental Disabilities, Fernald State School, New England Home for Little Wanderers, Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, the Foundation for Children with AIDS, and Polaris Healthcare Services.
Marcia Fowler, former Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, is the CEO of Bournewood Health Systems which provides inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment for adults and adolescents. Marcia has extensive background and expertise in clinical programs and human service management in both the public and private sectors, including more than 18 years of service with DMH.
A lawyer and a clinician, Marcia is a committed advocate for adults, children, adolescents and families whose lives are affected by serious mental illness, emotional disturbance and chemical dependency. Her work in the human services sector includes experience in direct care and supervisory roles with agencies and organizations such as the Department of Developmental Disabilities, Fernald State School, New England Home for Little Wanderers, Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, the Foundation for Children with AIDS, and Polaris Healthcare Services.
Lori Griffiths | Director
A graduate of NYU in 1972 with a BS in Education, Lori taught school in NYC and organized community outreach to strengthen school-child-home partnerships. She later developed an aftercare program for Levine Chapels, a large funeral home in Brookline where she developed an expansive bereavement program to reach to families who have suffered loss, including self help groups for widows , encouraging those who were suffering from the sadness of grief to reach to others for support and friendship.
With her late wife, Lori raised four children in Brookline. The Bull Dogs have brought love, support and hope to her family. "My love for the club runs deep."
A graduate of NYU in 1972 with a BS in Education, Lori taught school in NYC and organized community outreach to strengthen school-child-home partnerships. She later developed an aftercare program for Levine Chapels, a large funeral home in Brookline where she developed an expansive bereavement program to reach to families who have suffered loss, including self help groups for widows , encouraging those who were suffering from the sadness of grief to reach to others for support and friendship.
With her late wife, Lori raised four children in Brookline. The Bull Dogs have brought love, support and hope to her family. "My love for the club runs deep."
Shelley Isaacson | Director
A marketing professional with experience in the public and private sectors, Shelley has an MBA from Boston University and brings her extensive strategic planning, program management and marketing skills to the Bulldogs.
A marketing professional with experience in the public and private sectors, Shelley has an MBA from Boston University and brings her extensive strategic planning, program management and marketing skills to the Bulldogs.
Michael Papile | Director
Michael is a Managing Director at Covington Associates LLC, a specialty investment banking firm based in Boston.
He has an undergraduate degree from Villanova University and an MBA from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Italian Home for Children and most recently served as Board Chair. In his work at Covington he has advised numerous behavioral health organizations including several that treat substance use disorders. Michael is a casual runner and while it does not come easy to him, the therapeutic benefits of running have had a profound impact on his well being.
Michael is a Managing Director at Covington Associates LLC, a specialty investment banking firm based in Boston.
He has an undergraduate degree from Villanova University and an MBA from the Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Italian Home for Children and most recently served as Board Chair. In his work at Covington he has advised numerous behavioral health organizations including several that treat substance use disorders. Michael is a casual runner and while it does not come easy to him, the therapeutic benefits of running have had a profound impact on his well being.
Lisa Yarussi | Director
Lisa is currently Vice President of Human Resources for the New England Sports Network (NESN). A graduate of Leslie and Assumption Colleges, Lisa also completed the Harvard University Executive Education Program and has been an active and enthusiastic longstanding member of the Boston Bulldogs Running Club. Lisa is a performance driven human resources executive, linking HR initiatives to business strategy known for her strong work ethic, approachability, service excellence and ability to drive change.
Lisa is currently Vice President of Human Resources for the New England Sports Network (NESN). A graduate of Leslie and Assumption Colleges, Lisa also completed the Harvard University Executive Education Program and has been an active and enthusiastic longstanding member of the Boston Bulldogs Running Club. Lisa is a performance driven human resources executive, linking HR initiatives to business strategy known for her strong work ethic, approachability, service excellence and ability to drive change.
Staff
Eileen O'Connor | Executive Director
Eileen was appointed as the first Exec. Director at the Boston Bulldogs on Jan. 1, 2020. Eileen is also Partner at Keyser Public Strategies (KPS), a Boston-based public affairs firm, and has 20+ years of communications experience across multiple sectors in both the private and public sectors. Before joining KPS, Eileen was a Vice President at Fidelity Investments where she supported corporate media relations. She has also led communications and external affairs for the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, served as Communications Director for the Massachusetts State Treasurer, and worked in corporate communications at Boston-based ad agency, Hill Holliday. A graduate of Boston College, Eileen is married to Will Keyser and they live in West Roxbury with their four children. She is also a member of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and is an accomplished marathoner.
Eileen was appointed as the first Exec. Director at the Boston Bulldogs on Jan. 1, 2020. Eileen is also Partner at Keyser Public Strategies (KPS), a Boston-based public affairs firm, and has 20+ years of communications experience across multiple sectors in both the private and public sectors. Before joining KPS, Eileen was a Vice President at Fidelity Investments where she supported corporate media relations. She has also led communications and external affairs for the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education, served as Communications Director for the Massachusetts State Treasurer, and worked in corporate communications at Boston-based ad agency, Hill Holliday. A graduate of Boston College, Eileen is married to Will Keyser and they live in West Roxbury with their four children. She is also a member of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and is an accomplished marathoner.
AMBASSADORS
Ambassadors are supporters of the Boston Bulldogs Running Club mission who agree to represent and promote the Boston Bulldogs in their communities, provide advice and guidance to the Club's leadership, and support the Club’s strategic objectives.
Brian Fitzgerald
After 18 years of service in athletic training at UMass Boston, Brian began serving as medical coordinator for some of the most prestigious athletic events in the area – including the US Figure Skating Championships, the American East Indoor Track and Field Championships, The New Balance Indoor Games, The BAA 10K and 5K Race, Cirque de Soleil, and The Boston Marathon.
Brian currently works for Children's Hospital Boston where he serves as the athletic trainer/coordinator for a multitude of Boston Public Schools, is program coordinator of the Childrens Hospital Marino Lecture, the Female Athlete Symposium and the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo. He has served on the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health, Children's Sports Medicine Foundation and the Massachusetts Governor's Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports.
After 18 years of service in athletic training at UMass Boston, Brian began serving as medical coordinator for some of the most prestigious athletic events in the area – including the US Figure Skating Championships, the American East Indoor Track and Field Championships, The New Balance Indoor Games, The BAA 10K and 5K Race, Cirque de Soleil, and The Boston Marathon.
Brian currently works for Children's Hospital Boston where he serves as the athletic trainer/coordinator for a multitude of Boston Public Schools, is program coordinator of the Childrens Hospital Marino Lecture, the Female Athlete Symposium and the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo. He has served on the Massachusetts Board of Allied Health, Children's Sports Medicine Foundation and the Massachusetts Governor's Committee on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Jack Fultz
Jack Fultz won the 1976 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:20:19. The temperature was nearly 100 degrees at the noon start time. Fultz qualified for three consecutive United States Olympic Trials marathons in 1972, 1976, and 1980 and set his personal best marathon of 2:11:17 at the 1978 Boston Marathon. Jack recently retired after 27 years as adjunct instructor of Sport Psychology at Tufts University.
Presently he is a fitness consultant, personal coach, and is Training Advisor and consultant to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Marathon and Running Programs.
Jack Fultz won the 1976 Boston Marathon with a time of 2:20:19. The temperature was nearly 100 degrees at the noon start time. Fultz qualified for three consecutive United States Olympic Trials marathons in 1972, 1976, and 1980 and set his personal best marathon of 2:11:17 at the 1978 Boston Marathon. Jack recently retired after 27 years as adjunct instructor of Sport Psychology at Tufts University.
Presently he is a fitness consultant, personal coach, and is Training Advisor and consultant to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s Marathon and Running Programs.
Becca Pizzi
is an American marathon runner from Belmont, Massachusetts. She is the first American woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge, a series of seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days, for which she holds the current record. She finished each race well ahead of all the other four women runners, and ahead of nine of the eleven men competitors.
Becca started running at age six with her father, ran her first race that year and her first Boston Marathon at age seventeen. She had run it fifteen times by 2015, as well as 45 marathons in 27 states. After college, she started the Belmont Track Club.
is an American marathon runner from Belmont, Massachusetts. She is the first American woman to complete the World Marathon Challenge, a series of seven marathons on seven continents in seven consecutive days, for which she holds the current record. She finished each race well ahead of all the other four women runners, and ahead of nine of the eleven men competitors.
Becca started running at age six with her father, ran her first race that year and her first Boston Marathon at age seventeen. She had run it fifteen times by 2015, as well as 45 marathons in 27 states. After college, she started the Belmont Track Club.
John Ratey, MD
iAssociate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an internationally recognized expert in Neuropsychiatry, Dr. Ratey has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, and 11 books published in 17 languages, including the groundbreaking ADHD “Driven to Distraction” series with Ned Hallowell, MD. With the publication of "Spark:The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain", Dr. Ratey has established himself as one of the world's foremost authorities on the brain-fitness connection. His most recent book, “Go Wild”, explores how we can achieve optimal physical and mental health by getting in touch with our caveman roots, and how we can “re-wild” our lives. His non-profit, Sparking Life, promotes exercise in the treatment of mental health problems.
iAssociate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and an internationally recognized expert in Neuropsychiatry, Dr. Ratey has published over 60 peer-reviewed articles, and 11 books published in 17 languages, including the groundbreaking ADHD “Driven to Distraction” series with Ned Hallowell, MD. With the publication of "Spark:The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain", Dr. Ratey has established himself as one of the world's foremost authorities on the brain-fitness connection. His most recent book, “Go Wild”, explores how we can achieve optimal physical and mental health by getting in touch with our caveman roots, and how we can “re-wild” our lives. His non-profit, Sparking Life, promotes exercise in the treatment of mental health problems.
J. Rodman Steele, Jr.
Current Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sparking LIfe, Rod is a partner in the national firm of Duane Morris LLP. where he represents clients in all phases of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright law. Rod is recognized by Who’s Who of Patent Lawyers, Florida Legal Elite, The Best Lawyers in America, and SuperLawyers. He has served on, and chaired, many nonprofit boards and has been legal counsel to others.
A former Captain in the U.S. Army, Mr. Steele was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam and the Army Commendation Medal from the Department of the Army/Pentagon. A former college basketball player, he is an active triathlete and has represented the U.S. at four overseas international championship events. He is a passionate believer that his exercise routine has stimulated some of his best legal and nonprofit efforts.
Current Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sparking LIfe, Rod is a partner in the national firm of Duane Morris LLP. where he represents clients in all phases of patent, trademark, trade secret and copyright law. Rod is recognized by Who’s Who of Patent Lawyers, Florida Legal Elite, The Best Lawyers in America, and SuperLawyers. He has served on, and chaired, many nonprofit boards and has been legal counsel to others.
A former Captain in the U.S. Army, Mr. Steele was awarded a Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam and the Army Commendation Medal from the Department of the Army/Pentagon. A former college basketball player, he is an active triathlete and has represented the U.S. at four overseas international championship events. He is a passionate believer that his exercise routine has stimulated some of his best legal and nonprofit efforts.
Steve Whalen
Managing Partner and Founder of City Realty, an innovative, community-focused real estate services company serving greater Boston since 2004. City Realty is committed to being a thoughtful partner in the community, preserving the strengths of a neighborhood while investing in its future. City Group's outreach efforts include a comprehensive children’s enrichment program called “City Kids.” The program gives hundreds of laptop computers and backpacks to local schools and their students each year, sponsors skateboarding and arts events, playground cleanings and restorations, a summer jobs program, and field trips to expose local teens to experiences they may not otherwise have.
Managing Partner and Founder of City Realty, an innovative, community-focused real estate services company serving greater Boston since 2004. City Realty is committed to being a thoughtful partner in the community, preserving the strengths of a neighborhood while investing in its future. City Group's outreach efforts include a comprehensive children’s enrichment program called “City Kids.” The program gives hundreds of laptop computers and backpacks to local schools and their students each year, sponsors skateboarding and arts events, playground cleanings and restorations, a summer jobs program, and field trips to expose local teens to experiences they may not otherwise have.