The Breakthrough T1D Greater New England chapter is delighted to welcome its newly-elected Community Board Members and Community Board President beginning July 1. The Board of Directors is committed to serving as champions for Breakthrough T1D’s vision and mission—accelerating the development of cures and to create new treatments and technologies to keep people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) as healthy as possible until we do. They play a pivotal role in cultivating meaningful connections for Breakthrough T1D that proactively drive fundraising to fulfill Breakthrough T1D’s mission. Please welcome:
Jim Bode, Community Board President:
Jim Bode is the incoming President of the Greater New England Chapter of Breakthrough T1D, where he is a passionate advocate for accelerating research and support for those living with T1D. Jim’s commitment to the organization is deeply personal—his daughter, Anna, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at just four years old. Her diagnosis sparked his desire to take action, and since then, he has played an active leadership role in the chapter, helping to shape strategy, drive fundraising, and build a strong community of support for families affected by T1D.
Looking ahead to his tenure as Board President, Jim is focused on building upon the chapter’s strong foundation. His vision is deeply informed by watching his daughter navigate life with T1D every day. While finding a cure remains the ultimate goal, Jim is equally passionate about supporting innovations that make day-to-day life with T1D better for everyone affected. His priorities include fostering stronger engagement across board members, continuing his predecessor’s momentum in improving lives of those with T1D, and accelerating progress in research and technology through enhanced fundraising, advocacy, and community support.
Jim’s dedication to BreakthroughT1D is shared by his entire family. His wife, Crista, is a dynamic volunteer leader—serving as chair of the Greater New England Gala Committee and spearheading fundraising efforts for “ANNA’S ALL-STARS” in the Boston Walk. Together, the Bodes are deeply committed to advancing BreakthroughT1D’s mission and finding a cure.
Professionally, Jim is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Beck Bode, a boutique wealth management firm he launched in 2013 after a successful career at Merrill Lynch. Inspired by his own family’s experience with poor financial guidance, Jim built a practice rooted in transparency, integrity, and putting clients’ interests first.
Jim’s leadership extends beyond his professional life. A former Northeastern University football captain, he brings the same energy and focus to his role as Treasurer for a local youth football program and to his many philanthropic efforts.
Jim lives in Massachusetts with Crista and their three children, who continue to inspire his drive to make a lasting difference in the T1D community.
Brian Colton, Community Board Member:
Brian is a 4th grade teacher in Providence, RI. He resides in Lincoln, RI with his wife Melissa, son Jackson (who lives with T1D) and son Aidan. Brian has worn a number of hats for the Breakthrough T1D Greater New England Chapter but currently serves as the Co-Chair of the Community Engagement Committee and is the Rhode Island Advocacy Team Chair.
Monica Oxenreiter, Community Board Member:
Monica is currently the VP of Content at Close Concerns. She holds her Master of Public Policy and MBA from the Heller School at Brandeis University and her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Boston College. Prior to Close Concerns, Monica led the health content team at Withings and researched outcomes for patients with ocular cancer at Mass Eye and Ear. Her passion for equity for people with chronic conditions informs her work in health engagement and communication. She has had T1D for nearly three decades, inspiring her to be a lifelong, passionate advocate for those with diabetes. She currently serves on the Mary Tyler Moore Vision Initiative’s Lay Review Committee, to support the patient perspective in diabetic retinopathy research. In her spare time, Monica is training for the Berlin Marathon this September, which will be her third of the six World Major Marathons.
