About Us

We are a group of passionate, dedicated individuals who work every day to raise money, awareness, and support for the cystic fibrosis community.

The Team

The Boomer Esiason Foundation’s staff is comprised of individuals with expertise in cystic fibrosis and program development, event planning and fundraising, marketing and communications, and management.

Former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason is the most visible national figure in the fight against cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening, genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of 30,000 children and adults in the United States. Throughout his career in professional sports and the media, Esiason has been a committed and active participant in many charitable causes, but he began focusing on cystic fibrosis in 1993 when his son, Gunnar, was diagnosed with the disease.In 1994, Esiason launched the Boomer Esiason Foundation, a dynamic partnership of leaders in the medical and business communities joining with a committed core of volunteers to heighten awareness, education and quality of life for those affected by cystic fibrosis, while providing financial support to research aimed at finding a cure. Since its inception, the Boomer Esiason Foundation has raised more than $170 million to support research toward a cure for CF, as well as programs directly benefiting the CF community.As the median age of survival for CF patients has increased to more than 37, and many are living well into their adult years, Esiason has turned his focus to bridging the gap between pediatric and adult CF care. The Boomer Esiason Foundation has led the charge to create state-of-the-art facilities for those adults afflicted with the disease. This effort began when the Foundation granted Columbia University Medical Center $6 million to establish the Gunnar Esiason Adult Cystic Fibrosis and Lung Program — a top adult CF care center that opened doors in 2009. Esiason and his Foundation have also instituted several educational, awareness and compliance programs aimed at the adult CF population.Esiason continues to attack the disease head-on and helps bring CF to the forefront of policy discussions throughout the country. He has traveled to Capitol Hill on multiple occasions and to various states to speak on behalf of the CF community.After an All-America career at the University of Maryland, Esiason enjoyed a 14-year career in the NFL as a quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. He became a four-time Pro Bowl quarterback and one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, including being named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1988. Esiason ended his career with 2,969 completions in 5,205 pass attempts (57 percent completion percentage) for 247 touchdowns and 37,920 yards.In 1995, the NFL honored Esiason with the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in recognition of his excellence on the football field as well as his charitable work through the Boomer Esiason Foundation and other organizations.Upon retiring from the NFL after the 1997 season, Esiason headed straight for the broadcast booth. He made his debut as a commentator for ABC’s NFL “Monday Night Football” and called “MNF” games for two years. For nearly a decade, he has called games for Westwood One/CBS Radio Sports’ “Monday Night Football” broadcasts with Marv Albert, Howard David, Dave Sims and Kevin Harlan. Esiason joined CBS Sports in 2002 as a studio analyst for “The NFL Today,” the CBS television network’s NFL pregame show. In 2007, he debuted as host of WFAN’s national weekday morning radio show, “Boomer and Carton in the Morning.” He also hosted “The Boomer Esiason Show” on Madison Square Garden Network. He is currently co-host of the “Boomer and Gio in the Morning” radio show.

Bob Plansker has served as President and CEO of the Boomer Esiason Foundation since 2021, leading the organization’s strategy, operations, and overall impact. With a background in law, finance, and military service as well as a personal connection to the Esiason family, Bob brings a mission-driven focus to supporting the cystic fibrosis community. He is especially passionate about developing high-impact programs in education, family building, and research. BEF’s scholarship program has awarded over $7 million to students, while its IVF initiative supports CF couples on their path to parenthood. The Financial Hardship Assistance Fund provides vital aid to families in times of need. Bob is also committed to identifying and funding promising research opportunities that can improve outcomes and quality of life for those living with CF. Bob is deeply committed to advocacy and community engagement by mobilizing ambassadors, championing legislative efforts, and encouraging grassroots involvement to drive meaningful change. Under Bob’s leadership, BEF has maintained a 4-star Charity Navigator rating and a 98% score, reflecting the organization’s efficiency, transparency, and unwavering dedication to its mission.

Dave Rimington served as President of the Boomer Esiason Foundation from 1995 until 2021.Under his leadership, BEF has instituted and developed a variety of educational programs, scholarships and new media initiatives that have directly benefited cystic fibrosis communities nationwide. Unde r Rimington’s direction, the Foundation has taken an active approach to education, awareness and fundraising strategies through new media and technology channels. Programs such as the popular CF Podcast Series have served as a source of inspiration to many in the CF community.Prior to his arrival at BEF, Rimington enjoyed a prosperous football career at the University of Nebraska and in the National Football League. As a college player, Rimington was twice awarded the Outland Trophy, which recognizes the game’s most outstanding lineman. In the NFL, Rimington spent the 1983-1988 seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals before finishing his football career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1989.Widely considered to be the greatest center in the history of college football, Rimington continues to give back to his home state of Nebraska. Proceeds from such programs as the Rimington Football Camp and the annual Rimington Trophy banquet directly benefit the cystic fibrosis community in that state.Rimington, his wife, Lisa, and four children live in New York City.Favorite holiday: Christmas Favorite food: La Casa Pizza (Omaha, Nebraska!) Favorite pastime: Photography Favorite movie: Rocky Favorite music: Randy Travis Favorite color: Red Nickname: Dave One word to describe you: Dedicated Role Model: Winston Churchill Dream vacation: Australia and New Zealand Words of wisdom: Incremental improvement! Because of BEF: I go to bed at night with a sense of fulfillment

Chris McEwan began his journey with BEF as an intern in 2012 and has been an integral part of the organization ever since. After earning his degree in Marketing with a minor in Communications from SUNY New Paltz, he joined BEF full-time as a Program Assistant. In this early role, he collaborated closely with then-volunteer Jerry Cahill, helping to develop and expand impactful educational initiatives for the cystic fibrosis (CF) community.Now serving as Director of Programs, Chris has played a key role in shaping and growing many of BEF’s cornerstone initiatives. He led the transformation of the BEF Scholarship Program—which has awarded over $7 million to date—and continues to oversee all patient- and family-assistance efforts, along with a variety of patient-centered programs. His strategic vision and deep commitment to the CF community have made a lasting difference in the lives of many.Prior to his time at BEF, Chris gained experience in marketing through an internship with Cumulus Media and worked in retail sales. He currently resides in Putnam County with his wife and two children.

About Us

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