Our Team & Board of Directors

Joseph Sprung

Chairman & Founder

New York business leader Joseph Sprung is a passionate advocate for children in need. His Bear Givers non profit benefits these young people and empowers them to become givers and perform meaningful acts of generosity. Joe and his team are dedicated to expanding the reach of Bear Givers and touching more children across the country and around the world. Along with Bear Givers, Joe is deeply involved with Chai Lifeline, a non profit committed to addressing the emotional, social, and financial needs of seriously ill children, their families, and communities. Now the Chairman of the Executive Committee, Joe is also Past  President of this esteemed charitable organization.

Michele Mirman

President

Michele Mirman is a practicing New York lawyer for over 45 years, specializing in medical malpractice and personal injury cases. She is the senior partner at Mirman, Markovits, & Landau and a Past President of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association. Michele is active in her community, serving as a member of AllinBklyn, a community of women who support organizations that strengthen Brooklyn, and a trustee of the Tenement Museum of New York City, among other community organizations. She is a longtime supporter of both the Brooklyn Kindergarten Society, supporting preschools in underprivileged areas, and The Making Headway Foundation, which funds research into brain cancer in children.

Richard Fink

Vice President of Finance

After 25 years with Koch Industries, Richard retired from his position as executive vice president of Koch Companies Public Sector. His non-profit organization, Freedom Start Foundation, is focused on providing financial support for artists and art projects that influence people to voluntarily act in more tolerant, peaceful, and humane ways. It provides gifts and supplies to disadvantaged children and adults who don’t have the benefit of resources, it offers seminars and training to disadvantaged and later in life individuals starting a business, and it is a forum for receiving education, support, and financing. Richard founded the Mercatus Center in 1977, which is the world’s leading premier university source for market-oriented ideas, bridging the gap between academic ideas and real-world problems. Richard has been a staunch supporter of Bear Givers for over 15 years.

Diane Lempert

Executive Director

Diane brings Bear Givers programs and activities to life with her one of a kind creative flair, unparalleled organizational acumen, and generous, warm hearted spirit. From initial contact through program development and execution, Diane fulfills Bear Giver’s mission with a smile and dedication. Whether Diane is customizing bears for a school, planning a hospital visit, or managing logistics for an EmpowerArt Program Art Show, she is always focused on helping children in need.

Kristen Di Chiaro

Chief Marketing Officer

Kristen has been an integral part of Bear Givers for over a decade, dedicating her time and passion to expanding the reach and impact of the organization. Through her hands-on involvement, she has played a pivotal role in organizing and executing our programs, including Art Shows, Hospital Visits, Teddy Bear Clinics, and Senior Citizen Visits. Traveling across the United States, Kristen ensures that each event is not only well-coordinated but also filled with kindness and a personal touch. Her compassion, creativity, and deep commitment to our mission continue to make her a wonderfully valuable member of the Bear Givers team.

Barbara Firestone, PhD

VP & Director of West Coast Operations

Dr. Barbara Firestone, founder and CEO Emerita of The Help Group, has dedicated her life's work to creating brighter futures for countless young people with special needs. She is widely recognized for her vision and innovation. Under her leadership, The Help Group became one of the nation’s largest and most comprehensive nonprofits of its kind. Barbara’s impressive list of accomplishments and contributions include developing five state-of-the-art campuses throughout the Los Angeles area, her key role in California's autism public policy, and partnerships with universities in the arenas of training and research. Her two highly acclaimed books continue to serve as a lifeline of hope and help for families. Barbara’s trailblazing efforts have always been grounded in her heartfelt belief that dignity, hope, opportunity and love are the birthrights of all children.