Nicholas Viner Heart Foundation

James Viner is the Co-Founder and President of the Nicholas Viner Heart Foundation.  He is the father to a heterotaxy and heart baby, Nicholas, and to two heart healthy children, James & Alexander.   James has served in the U.S. Army for close to 20 years and has a degree in business management.  During his career he has gone through several professional training courses and has held multiple leadership positions. James has traveled and lived in many countries and  states, is a native Minnesotan, and currently resides in Michigan.  He enjoys watching movies, playing golf, and reading comics. 

Sherri Viner is the Co-Founder and Board Chair of the Nicholas Viner Heart Foundation.  She is married to James Viner and together stared the nonprofit when they found out their baby had heterotaxy during a routine ultrasound.  Sherri was born and adopted from Seoul, South Korea at the age of 6 and grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota but currently resides in Michigan.  Her professional experience has been in the banking and cash logistics industries.  She is currently an analyst for a cash management services company.  Sherri enjoys listening to music, cooking, and watching her favorite sports teams.

Aimee Valencour is the Secretary of the Nicholas Viner Heart Foundation. She brings over 10 years of Human Resources payroll coordination and management experience. Aimee also brings her past experience serving on other nonprofit groups and organized community clubs of which she was the Secretary for Junior Olympic Volleyball Club which fostered the girls’ volleyball program in her community. Aimee has 2 children and has a passion for photography which she hopes to turn into a career with a focus on kids and families. She also enjoys reading, gardening, and is a diehard Minnesota Twins fan. Favorite Quote “Be who you are and say what you feel; because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.” Dr. Seuss

Kathleen Downing is the Treasurer of the Nicholas Viner Heart Foundation. Kathy has two adult children and 3 grandchildren, one of which has heterotaxy and congenital heart defects which makes the cause very personal.  She has retired from her professional work in medical insurance and accounting and enjoys traveling around the world, reading, and volunteering in her community. Kathy has served several years on nonprofit boards and has been a strong advocate for mental health.  She brings her experience and knowledge to our board of directors. Favorite Quote "God never gives you more than you can handle."

Mary Lou Kelly has managed and worked professionally within the real estate and mortgage industry for 45 years.  Her extensive knowledge and experience has provided the opportunity for her to process mortgage loans through government programs and nonprofit organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project. Mary Lou enjoys reading, dancing, and has a strong interest in following international news and politics. She was born in Pensacola, Florida and went to school in Santa Barbara, California and finished in St. Paul, Minnesota where she currently resides. Mary Lou has two adult sons and three grandchildren. Although all of her family members are heart healthy, she has a drive and passion to be an active advocate for those in the heterotaxy and congenital heart defect communities.