From a six-page newsletter in 1945 to a monthly publication that spans the globe, PN continues to be an invaluable resource for people with spinal-cord injuries, family members and caregivers alike.
Originally, PN was known as Paraplegia News, and during an era where spinal-cord injuries were considered a life-altering tragedy, our mission was clear.
Since that time we have seen great strides in technology, public awareness and the general perceptions concerning people with disabilities and wanted to recognize that Paraplegia News meant more than paraplegia.
It embodies the “power” of the spirit, the “professional” contributions to society, the “personal” story within each person, the “practical” resolve to carry on and even the “playful” nature of the soul.
In short – we are PN, and we welcome you to better wheelchair living.
Tom Fjerstad
2017 ~ 2022
Mr. Fjerstad had a long history with Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA).
The Minnesota native sustained a spinal-cord injury in 1989 while on active duty in the U.S. Navy. He worked as an aviation electronics technician and flew aboard the Lockheed P-3 Orion.
Mr. Fjerstad was one of a group of veterans that formed the PVA Minnesota chapter in 1993, and served as the chapter’s first president. He served continuously on PVA’s national board of directors for more than 20 years, including four years as a national vice president and two years as national senior vice president.
Parliamentary law became a passion while he served as a PVA vice president leading to his accreditation as a Professional Registered Parliamentarian. Mr. Fjerstad came to Paraplegia News (PN) in 2014 and filled the role of deputy editor before being confirmed as the ninth editor-in-chief in May 2017.
Mr. Fjerstad passed away on Dec. 9, 2022, after a 16-month battle with leukemia.
Andy Nemann
Since 2011
Andy Nemann came to PVA Publications after more than six years as an editor with the Gannett Magazine Group where he helped manage two national magazines and a trio of Florida travel publications.
Nemann has more than 30 years of journalism experience, including writing for a national newswire and managing custom publishing projects for clients such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the University of Arizona.
In his off-hours from editing, Andy volunteered for the Arizona Animal Welfare League for over a decade.
Sherri Shea
Since 1978
Sherri has been a pivotal part of PN Magazine for more than 40 years.
She has literally worked in every department, starting at the front desk, and then accounting and on to the production layout department.
She has penned articles for both publications and has become the advertising and marketing guru for the publication while employing her keen sense of experience with the daily operations.
Sherri received her BS degree in business from Clarion State University in Pennsylvania.
Ann Garvey
Since 1987
Garvey, as she is best known, brings a unique blend of humor and professionalism to our little family.
Like so many in the office, She started working the front desk helping to orchestrate the many tasks of deadline, circulation, and customer service and in the process has honed an exceptional flare for her job.
The Utah native moved to Ariz. in 1959 and recalls wondering why there weren't horses tied to posts around town.
Garvey attended Brigham Young University, where she earned her BS in speech pathology.
Suzi Hubbard
Since 1997
Suzi came aboard PVA Publications more than 25 years ago and has become a trusted member of our family, especially to all our customers and subscribers. She is the voice you hear for subscription questions or when ordering a shopping cart item.
The native Arizonan is a graduate of Glendale Community College where she earned her AA. Suzi's devotion and genuine love of people is a treasured trait in and out of the office.
John Groth
Since 2013
John Groth has covered every National Veterans Wheelchair Games since he joined.
Before coming to Phoenix, John spent 10 years in the newspaper industry as a sports reporter/editor throughout the Midwest. He's taken home honors wherever he's worked, including a 2007 Hoosier State Press Association first-place Best Sports Event coverage award.
In his spare time, John enjoys watching sports – especially Notre Dame and Indianapolis Colts football — along with trying out new, local restaurants and hiking.
John received his Bachelor's of Arts degree in Communications from DePauw University in Indiana in 2004.
Brittany Martin
Since 2015
Brittany Martin is pleased to bring her talents, passion and enthusiasm to the PVA Publications team. Writing, reporting and editing are her heart and soul, and she feels privileged to be given the opportunity to share the stories of veterans and others with spinal-cord injuries and diseases.
Brittany honed her journalistic skills in the newspaper industry, working as a copy editor, page designer, web content editor and social media manager for 10 years. During her tenure with 1013 Communications, the website under her guidance earned first place in the Arizona Newspapers Association’s Better Newspapers Contest for three consecutive years.
In her spare time, Brittany loves competing in skeet and sporting clays tournaments, working out, knitting, cooking, listening to music and spending time with her amazing husband.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism in 2005, where she graduated summa cum laude with honors from the Barrett Honors College.
Kerry Randolph
Since 2015
Kerry brings more than 20 years of graphic design experience and fresh ideas to the production team.
The New Mexico native served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Harpers Ferry LSD-49 before earning his BA in graphic design from Collins College.
In his free time Kerry enjoys basketball, photography and spending time with his wife and kids.
Christopher Di Virgilio
Since 2009
Christopher works his magic keeping the web sites current with the content you crave. He is also the primary photographer for the magazine and many of his photos have graced the pages of PN magazine.
The Chicago native has called Phoenix home for more than 25 years. Prior to coming to PN he wrote for a variety of Arizona valley publications.
Christopher proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 12 years working in communications as a radio operator.
He has volunteered as a puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), helping socialize young puppies to one day be placed with people needing a service animal.
In his off-hours, Christopher is an artist who enjoys designing and creating scale models, props and dioramas from popular movie and television pop culture using a wide range of mediums and techniques.
Christopher is a licensed FAA drone pilot.
