Andrew Krieman is a devoted supporter to everyone he meets. When his neighbor’s child was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 2007, he jumped right in to help raise awareness and find a cure. It started by helping with the Gala and before he knew it, he was co-chairing the event. Since then, he has connected with and formed friendships with countless people who are impacted by the disease, and he is now committed to the community who tapped his spirit.

Andrew’s enthusiasm was quickly noticed by the JDRF Triangle/Eastern NC Chapter and he was promptly asked to join the Executive Board, recently completing his two-year term as President. He is currently serving on the Strategic Planning Committee, Volunteer Engagement Committee and co-leading the chapter’s endurance efforts, his biggest passion. Always seeking to challenge himself, this year Andrew plans to participate in the Ride to Cure Diabetes in Tuscan and the Hope on 2 Wheels on the East Coast. He is determined to recruit as many people as possible. He says, “It’s life-changing to see so many people work so hard for a common purpose and the rides themselves are amazing! Whether you ride one or 100 miles, you’ll leave the ride weekend with a sense of accomplishment unlike any other and you’ll have met many inspiring people.”

Optimistic and good-humored, Andrew wants and expects people to perform at their best. He has been able to apply leadership principles, which have served him in his professional life as Service Operations Manager at Allscripts, towards his work for JDRF. He says, “I always look to surround myself with people smarter than me — which isn’t very difficult. I’ve also been able to leverage many relationships for sponsorships, auction procurement and even to add board members for JDRF.” He has earned the greatest respect from staff members and fellow volunteers. Executive Board member Peegan Turner says, “Andrew cares. He cares about JDRF. He cares about our volunteers and staff. He wants the organization to be run well, be efficient with our resources and utilize everything that JDRF has been given to its fullest extent.”

Andrew plans to continue working hard to build support for the community he refers to as the “family of folks affected by T1D.” He says, “A cure will mean that so many people whom I love will be able to live their lives exactly as they choose. It will mean that when I ride with many of my friends, they’ll only be worried about miles, cadence, and speed and not carb intake and blood sugars.” No doubt, Andrew will keep riding until that day comes.