BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The people carrying his legacy forward.
#5 Beats for Nicko is guided by a small board of family, friends, and community leaders who knew Nicko — and who are building something lasting in his name.
Katie Bates
BOARD MEMBER
Katie serves as Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Director for Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs (CELA) Headquarters at Microsoft, where she leads executive operations, strategic alignment, and culture initiatives in support of the company's Vice Chair and President. With more than 15 years of executive leadership experience, Katie is known for building strong operational foundations, driving accountability, and developing high-performing teams that execute with clarity and purpose. She brings deep expertise in governance, organizational rigor, and sustainable program execution.
Katie holds a Master of Public Service and Administration from the Bush School at Texas A&M University. Her graduate studies reinforced her commitment to principled leadership and ethical service — values that have guided her career. Inspired by President George H. W. Bush's belief that "public service is a noble calling," Katie has dedicated her professional life to supporting leaders and institutions that seek to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
Katie's connection to #5 Beats for Nicko is both personal and enduring. A lifelong friend of founder Tessa Ludwig, she has walked alongside the Ludwig family for more than two decades. Nicko's vibrant spirit — his humor, love of sports, and unwavering devotion to family and friends — continues to inspire her service. Katie joins the Board committed to helping build a strong, sustainable organization that provides compassion, opportunity, and lasting impact for the families it serves.
A Pacific Northwest native, she lives with her husband and two children. Her family and values anchor her commitment to service, community, and lifting others up.
Neil Kaneshiro, MD
BOARD MEMBER
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, Dr. Kaneshiro received his Bachelor of Arts in Science from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, in 1998. After college, he returned to Hawaii and earned his Doctor of Medicine from the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii in 1992. Dr. Kaneshiro subsequently completed his pediatric residency at the University of Washington / Seattle Children's Hospital in 1995 and committed himself to primary care pediatric practice at Woodinville Pediatrics that same year. He went on to complete a Master's in Health Administration at the University of Washington in 2000.
He is a past president of the Washington State Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and continues to be actively involved in child advocacy. Dr. Kaneshiro's greatest professional joy is helping patients through their challenges and watching them grow up.
He is married with one child and two golden retrievers. A former competitive swimmer and water polo player, he now enjoys golfing, skiing, and spending time with his family.
Matt "Moose" Ludwig
FOUNDER & BOARD MEMBER
Matt "Moose" Ludwig is a tight end for the Texas Tech University football program and the owner of Moose Apparel Co. A Billings, Montana native, Moose has been recognized for his leadership, resilience, and commitment to serving others both on and off the field.
Following the loss of his younger brother, Nicko, Moose founded #5 Beats for Nicko to honor his legacy and create hope for children and families affected by congenital heart disease. Through the organization, he is dedicated to raising awareness, supporting families facing CHD, and giving back through scholarships, grants, and community initiatives.
As Founder and a member of the Board of Directors, Moose helps lead fundraising efforts by hosting youth football camps, community outreach, and strategic initiatives that reflect the values Nicko lived every day — faith, joy, kindness, and never giving up. He is passionate about using the platform he has been given to make a lasting difference in the lives of others and to ensure that Nicko's legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Tessa Ludwig
FOUNDER & BOARD MEMBER
Tessa Ludwig is the co-founder of #5 Beats for Nicko and the proud mother of Moose, Alivia, and Nicko. For many years, she dedicated herself to being a stay-at-home mom and Nicko's primary caregiver, navigating the challenges of congenital heart disease alongside him through countless hospital stays, surgeries, appointments, and daily care. Those experiences gave her a deep understanding of the emotional, financial, and practical challenges families face while caring for a child with complex medical needs.
Following Nicko's passing in 2023, Tessa joined Moose in founding #5 Beats for Nicko to honor his life and create a lasting legacy of hope for children and families affected by congenital heart disease. As Founder and a member of the Board of Directors, Tessa oversees the organization's day-to-day operations, fundraising, strategic planning, partnerships, communications, and community outreach.
She is dedicated to growing #5 Beats for Nicko into an organization that provides hope, resources, and lasting impact for families navigating congenital heart disease.
Join us in carrying it forward.
Whether it's a gift, a shared story, or your time — there's a place for you in this mission.