TMMF
TEAM
Our dedicated team of Tony Mapu's family & friends are always dedicated to the memorial and legacy of him. Utilizing our unique skills, talents and passion to move the work of our Non-Profit Organization forward. We’re committed to assisting, serving and supporting our community to become incredible leaders of the future. Scroll down and Meet our team.
MIKE MORRISON
President
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Current Residence: Ankeny, Iowa.
Wife of 36 years: Pam
High School: Southeast Polk High School, Class of 1983.
College: Ellsworth Community College- attended
University of Wyoming- attended
Bachelor's Degree- Western Illinois University. Athletic scholarship recipient, lettered WIU Leatherneck Varsity Football team 2 years.
Employment: Retired- 28 year law enforcement career. Currently working Safety/Security role at a Des Moines hospital.
Foundation involvement motivation:
Tony Mapu was a very influential role model for me. He used his athleticism as a positive way to demonstrate that serving God and following after Christ was paramount. I want to help others find their own lives in Christ and help them to live for God and achieve great things using their God Given gifts and talents!
Foundation Development Chairperson
GINGER LOTULELEI
Vice President
As the Vice President of TMMF, one of Ginger’s many goals is to honor her brother, Tony by assisting students to achieve their best self by furthering their expectations in a higher level of learning . As a Classified at Mt. Rainier High School for over 10 years, Ginger was an integral part of the high school’s increased graduation rate of the Pacific Islander students. Ginger’s stellar network marketing skills earned her an Executive Director position with a health and wellness company where she honed her skills as a problem solver and public speaker. As an entrepreneur, foster parent, high school basketball and volleyball coach, small business owner and mother; the common denominator in the equation of her profession is her passion to help mold others to become the best versions of themselves. Ginger’s love for people is only surpassed by her love to help them when in need. Ginger has been happily married to Siaosi Lotulelei for 34 years and is the mother to Soni, Leia, Chachi and Fifita.
Youngest sister of Tony Mapu
STEVE NIELSEN
Second Vice President
As Executive Vice President and General Counsel for Landus Cooperative, Steve is responsible for all legal matters, safety, insurance, and Board of Directors’ for the 7,000 farmer-owners at Landus. Steve has been an Iowa lawyer for 31 years and counting, having spent 20 years in private practice and the past 12 years in the corporate law world.
Steve graduated in 1982 from Southeast Polk High School and has vivid memories of serving as Tony Mapu’s “blocking dummy” until Tony‘s tragic death. Steve learned many valuable life lessons from Tony, including how to compete and be your best, but doing so with a humble and kind heart and always exhibiting good sportsmanship.
Tony Mapu remains a shining example of what Christ wants us all to strive to be, and Steve is indeed honored to be a small part of the TMMF!
Legal Chairperson
LUSIANA LARA
Third Vice President
Aloha!
Eldest sister of Tony Mapu
COLE INGLE
Treasurer, Marketing
Dad, home loan originator, coach.
Born, raised and lives in central Iowa.
Graduate of SEP HS and Drake University.
Son of Lynn Ingle who has done an amazing job of keeping the spirit of Tony alive.
Wife Melissa of 7yrs and two boys ages 5 & 2.
Enjoy helping people achieve their goals in all aspects of life.
Love everything about the game of golf and the lessons it teaches.
Interests: spending time with family, golf, road trips, games.
Promotion Steering Chairperson
KATHY ABBOTT
Event Steering Committee Chairperson
Hometown: Altoona, Iowa
Current Residence: Phoenix and Payson, Arizona
Married to Chris Abbott for 20 years
1982 SEP Graduate
1986 Grand View College Graduate - BSN
Registered Nurse for 36 years; the past 27yrs - Orthopedic and Spine Clinical RN Lead - Pediatric Operating RN Phoenix Children's Hospital
I have a passion for volunteering and helping others achieve their goals while emphasizing that hard work and discipline pay off.
Enjoy reading, gardening, hiking, biking and jigsaw puzzles.
Tony lived with our family the year prior to and up until his death. He was the brother I never had. He was funny, kind, helpful, considerate, and had a heart the size of an ocean.
Ravena was in my class. She too embodied the same characteristics.
Roseley was in my sister's class. and lived with my family at the end of her senior year ('79) so she was able to graduate SEP.
The entire Mapu family always put family and religion first.
I look forward to helping keep Tony's name and wonderful qualities alive through the TMMF so that SEP graduates will benefit from his legacy.
Scholarship Steering Chairperson
ROSIE AFO
Secretary
Rosie was raised "On The Road" as her parents; Fonoti & Ve'a Afo, were original dancers and musicians of the "Sounds of Polynesia" under the direction of the late Chief Lei'a Mapu and Mama Mapu. Living in one place for 6 months at a time because of "touring contracts" became a natural part of her life. From the age of 2 until 23; Rosie continued dancing in her family's Polynesian shows. The entrepreneurial spirit was passed on to Rosie's parents when grandpa Le'ia split his group to fulfill simultaneous contracts he acquired. Rosie's parents learned the intricacies of "show business" as well as the art of negotiating contracts and how to deliver the BEST polynesian show. Naturally, after being exposed to that lifestyle, it was no wonder that being an entrepreneur was a natural segway for Rosie.
Rosie currently is part-owner of a Caregiving Business located in Salt Lake City, UT while providing services to small business owners to get them on the right path to legally start their own businesses. As a mentor to 5 start up business owners; a secretarial position with TMMF was a natural fit for her. She enjoys seeing the building of this organization as well as for whom it is in honor of.
"Although I was young when uncle Tony was in his teens; the overall spirit of his persona that he left me was one of happiness, genuine love and protection. He was and will always be the epitome of an outstanding person; one I'm proud to call MY uncle!"
Charity and Foundation Development
HAYLEE BELL
TMMF Board Member
Advocate & Support
Haylee lives in Runnells, Iowa with her husband of 11 years, Josh Bell, and her three children: Jaxon (7), Easton (5) & Raegan (4). She graduated from Southeast Polk High School in 2007 and from AIB College of Business with her bachelor’s degree in 2011.
Haylee works as a Business Development Analyst at American Equity. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling, and watching her children’s sporting events. Her motivation for joining the Board: My parents went to high school with Tony and my dad, Tom White, is also on the Board. Hearing the stories of Tony and what a wonderful person and friend he was drew me to the foundation.
I am proud to be part of the Southeast Polk community and I think it says a
lot about our community, as well as the kind of person Tony was, to see how many people and
classmates come together each year to celebrate his memory. I am honored to be part of the foundation!
TOM WHITE
TMMF Board Member
Chairman Assistant
Hometown - Altoona, Iowa
Current residence - Johnston, Iowa
Married 30 years to Cori with 4 kids and 4 grandchildren (soon to be 5!)
1982 graduate of SEP and ISU in 1987
Works in Risk Management for Landus
I was fortunate to have known Tony and played along side him in football. Tony was an amazing individual - not only in sports but in all aspects of his life!
Tony knew no strangers and through his laugh and outgoing personality brightened the days and lives of all who knew him. He truly had no enemies, even in opponents. I remember playing Boone - don’t remember the score, but we beat them soundly. It was their Homecoming and following the game several of their players approached Tony and invited he and a guest to their Homecoming dance. That’s the kind of impact Tony had on all that were around him. Here they had just lost their game yet wanted an opponent to be part of their dance!
I am honored to work with this foundation and help to carry on Tony’s name and incredible spirit!
JOLEEN SANDQUIST
TMMF Board Member
Chairman Assistant
Joleen grew up in Altoona and graduated from Southeast Polk HS in 1982. She went on to University of Northern Colorado to obtain her BS degree in Business Marketing. She lives in Johnston and has 3 grown children, Riley, Baylee and Kelsey. Joleen has been a Realtor now in the Des Moines area for almost 14 years. She has served on numerous boards throughout the years including Variety the Children's Charity, Boys and
Girls Clubs of Central Iowa, Johnston Partnership – Food Pantry and now the Tony Mapu Memorial Foundation Board.
Joleen wanted to get involved in the Tony Mapu Foundation Board as she knew Tony very well in high school. He was her brother, Doug’s best friend and spent a lot of time at our home. Tony was the epitome of kindness to all. He was so sweet and we called him a gentle giant. His loss greatly impacted my life, my families life and all of us in the community. I am proud to be a part of his continuing legacy by serving on the TMMF Board.
Donors
_edited_edited.png)