Our Founder
Robert A. Gardner, M.D., F.A.C.S. created the Foundation in 1988 to provide answers to women with breast disease and research treatment solutions to improve their quality of life. Columbia University trained; Dr. Gardner has been a practicing general surgeon for over 40 years specializing in breast cancer treatment in the Palm Beach communities for the past 20 years. He has devoted considerable time and effort to the research and study of the IOERT model convinced that it is our “state-of-the-future” for women with breast cancer. He travels annually to Europe to work with the premier teams at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan, Italy as well as the University of Salzburg in Austria. Dr. Gardner is one of only a handful of U.S. surgeons to witness firsthand this procedure and experience the profound acceptance by women internationally.
Board of Directors
| A. James Mahrer | President and Treasurer | Mahrer Program Management |
| Roger C. Stanton, Esq. | Secretary | Cohen, Norris, Scherer, Weinberger & Wolmer |
| Nancy C. Smith | Keller Williams Realty | |
| Maureen J. Tummillo | ZTM Group |
Board of Advisors
| Robert A. Gardner, MD | Center for Breast Cancer Surgery |
| Paula Jarger Greene, ARNP, Ms | Center for Breast Cancer Surgery |
| Agata Vicay | Center for Breast Cancer Surgery |
| Heidi Cole | Mirsky Cole and Company Real Estate Group |
A. James Mahrer is President and Treasurer of the Robert A. Gardner, MD Foundation. He brings 30 years of business experience to the Foundation and currently provides consulting services to the healthcare and commercial real estate industries. Over his career, he has developed, constructed and managed over 100 medical, office, hospitality, retail and light industrial facilities totaling more than 20 million square feet. A graduate of Texas A & M University – Commerce, James was elected to membership in the American Institute of Constructors, an association that recognizes high achievement in the construction industry in both competency and ethics. The loss of both his mother and grandmother to advanced-stage cancers at an early age had a profound affect on him. To now assist with educating women in the benefits of early detection and to also participate in launching what should become the next standard of care for breast cancer treatment in the U.S., fulfills a lifelong desire to help others survive cancer and to do so with dignity and grace. James currently lives in Jupiter, Florida where he enjoys the company of his soul mate and his (nearly) grown children.
Roger C. Stanton serves as Secretary to the Foundation and is an associate with Cohen, Norris, Scherer, Weinberger & Wolmer, attorneys at law, in North Palm Beach, Florida. Practicing corporate law, Roger has brought a wealth of guidance to the Foundation in entity formation and organization. He earned his BA from Colgate University in 1989 and his JD from Villanova University Law School in 1994. Roger has three children and has lived in Jupiter since 1995.
Nancy C. Smith is a 13 year breast cancer survivor owing a considerable debt of gratitude to her skilled clinician and surgeon, Dr. Robert Gardner—the Foundation’s namesake. So deeply moved by her experience with breast cancer, Nancy has organized three cancer support groups and is currently the Life Group Host of Cancer Support at Christ Fellowship in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. She founded the local Deaf Ministry and interprets for those in need. Nancy also serves as a team leader for the Impact Leadership Network at Christ Fellowship’s Life Center “to impact the business world by providing opportunities to network and learn from nationally successful business leaders”. A licensed realtor and broker for over 38 years in the northern Palm Beach communities, Nancy and her son, Scott, are associates with Keller Williams Realty. She is a native of the Palm Beaches and holds a Bachelors degree from Florida State University in addition to several certifications and specialties in residential real estate.
Maureen J. Tummillo is a 12 year breast cancer survivor of invasive ductal carcinoma also treated by Dr. Robert Gardner. Due to her very positive experience with Dr. Gardner, Maureen is deeply passionate about the benefits of selecting the proper breast specialist, not only for the requisite skill and compassion, but also for the willingness to accept new technologies that further advance the quality of care. A New England native of Providence, Rhode Island, she graduated from Bryant College with a degree in Business. For the past 30 years, she and her husband have operated as manufacturer’s representatives specializing in furniture & fixtures for the hospitality industry as well as healthcare textiles and garments. Currently, she represents Valiant Products nationally and also provides commercial interior design services through Design Force Corporation for the eastern United States.
To obtain further information regarding The Center for Breast Surgery, breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, please visit breastquestion.com