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In Loving Memory of Matt Siemer
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Dear CAC Members, Partners, and Friends,
On behalf of the Chicago Asthma Consortium, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our Board President, Matt Siemer, who passed away on Saturday.
For more than a decade, Matt served our community in a variety of leadership roles, including as Board President for over seven years and as Chair of the Professional Development and Membership Committees, all while maintaining his senior leadership role at Mobile Care Chicago. Matt had a profound and lasting impact on our organization. He brought vision, strategy, and structure, and—above all—a public health perspective centered on the needs of individuals living with asthma.
Matt united a diverse group of public health professionals, caregivers, consumers, and community partners, providing mentorship, direction, and a clear path forward. Under his leadership, the Consortium secured significant grant funding, expanded its operating budget, and supported hundreds, if not thousands of individuals through asthma education, clinical training for health professionals, and community-based resources—becoming a trusted and vital support for those living with asthma.
A friend to so many, Matt will be profoundly missed by the Chicago Asthma Consortium and the broader Chicagoland asthma community. He was genuine, passionate, and always led with a smile. Matt was the kind of leader others wanted to follow in pursuit of our shared mission.
We honor Matt’s memory by continuing to advocate for people living with asthma, and we ask that you keep his family in your thoughts during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
The Chicago Asthma Consortium Board of Directors and Team
Reflections from the CAC Community
“CHEST is absolutely heartbroken to learn of this devastating news. He was such a compassionate, visionary, empathetic leader and human being. There just aren't words for this kind of senseless tragedy.”
- Elizabeth Stiger
“I share my deepest sympathies”
- Kim Jay
“Such a loss for so many, those he knew and loved, and those 1000s in Chicago whose lives were benefited by his dedication, skills, and big heart”.
- Paul Tremblay
“I am so deeply sad to hear about this. He truly was a great person”
- Stacy Ignoffo
“This is so shocking and such a tremendous loss. Matt was so kind-hearted and dedicated”.
- Nikki Woolverton
“Matt was such a remarkable leader and a genuinely kind person whose passion for improving asthma care touched so many lives. His dedication and warmth made every interaction meaningful, and his absence will leave a tremendous void in our community”.
- Cassandra Johnson
“He was such a kind person and a giant in the asthma community. I'm so sorry. Know that you and all Matt's staff are in my thoughts and prayers”
- Kristina Hamilton
“Just heartbroken”
- Dharia Shimoni
“Words cannot express how devastating this is. I'm sending you all a big hug and all my love. What a huge loss”
- Mimi Guiracocha
“This is a tragic loss of my friend and colleague! I am still trying to wrap my mind around this unfathomable loss. Matt is deeply loved and missed and I extend my deepest condolences and prayers to his family and all who knew him!”
- Helen Redding
“What a tragedy. Matt was such a great person and a true giver in life. We are so sorry for the loss”
- James Lahey
“This is an incredible loss for the asthma community and for Chicago. Matt radiated positivity and combined it with a relenting persistence to do good, built upon his personal experiences and his connections with children, families, and partners. He was a true inspiration in terms of leadership in the community and in public health. Keeping Matt’s family and all of who knew him in my thoughts as we process this loss”
- Anna Volerman Beaser
“Matt was truly one of the kindest, most dedicated people I have ever met or worked with. My thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones”
- Rachael Morkunas
“I am so sorry to hear about Matt's passing. While I only worked with him for a few months, his passion for bettering Chicago shined through in all he did both with CAC and Mobile Care Chicago.”
- Fawn O’Brien
“I had the pleasure to work side by side with Matt for almost 2 years. It was such a wonderful person to work with, very passionate about making an impact in the lives of people living with asthma. It is such a tremendous loss for the asthma community”
- Rachelle Paul-Brutus