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Amanda is a passionate advocate for individuals living with rare and chronic diseases, a commitment shaped by her own experiences with Hereditary Angioedema. Having faced ongoing challenges in accessing proper healthcare and obtaining life-saving medications, she has developed a deep understanding of the barriers patients encounter.

Over the years, Amanda has gained valuable insight while navigating these obstacles and is dedicated to using that knowledge to support others. She is excited to collaborate with fellow advocates to identify shared challenges and develop practical, realistic solutions that can drive meaningful change in the lives of patients and their families.

Lowell became a patient advocate through lived experience, after years of ICU stays and repeated near-death events forced him to take charge of his own healthcare journey. With little guidance from the medical system, he turned to medical literature, connected with research directors, and traveled across the country to uncover answers—ultimately identifying the root of his illness and developing a treatment plan that resolved years of uncertainty in just months. This journey ignited his passion for advocacy and gave him firsthand insight into the importance of persistence, curiosity, and community when navigating healthcare.

Professionally, Lowell has led and co-founded ventures in technology, AI, and data privacy. He is also the host of Learning with Lowell, a podcast featuring more than 250 founders, researchers, and operators whose companies have collectively raised over $100M. His current projects include building community through TEDxLakeGeneva and connecting leaders across the Midwest innovation ecosystem.

As a member of the Patient Advocacy Committee, Lowell is committed to channeling both his personal journey and professional expertise to empower patients, amplify their voices, and help ensure that breakthroughs in research and care translate into meaningful improvements in people’s lives. His ultimate goal is to make sure no one feels as alone in their healthcare journey as he once did.

Michelle Teng a committed patient advocate living with MPS I Scheie syndrome. Diagnosed nearly 10 years ago, she have experienced the challenges of managing a rare condition firsthand and have benefitted from patient assistance through Accessia Health. This support has inspired Michelle to give back by volunteering as part of the Patient Advocacy Committee (PAC).

Through this role, Michelle is dedicated to amplifying patient voices, improving access to care, and ensuring that programs and services truly reflect the needs of those living with rare and chronic conditions. By sharing her perspective as a patient, Michelle hopes to help improve the overall patient experience and influence better outcomes for the rare disease community.

Casey is a devoted mother of twin 12-year-olds whose early arrival and weeks in the NICU introduced her and her husband to the vital role of advocacy in healthcare. That experience gave her firsthand insight into the challenges families face and the importance of having a strong voice within the medical system.

Professionally, Casey is a people-focused leader dedicated to recognizing the strengths of her team and ensuring they have the tools and support needed to thrive. The skills she has developed throughout her career, combined with the lessons learned during her children’s early health journey, have shaped her belief that advocacy is essential to improving healthcare outcomes.

As a member of the Patient Advocacy Committee, Casey is committed to helping individuals and families find their voice, access critical resources, and feel empowered as they navigate their own healthcare journeys.

Tara is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who approaches life with enthusiasm and resilience. Diagnosed with indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) in her late twenties—after nearly a decade of undiagnosed symptoms—she has faced the challenges of navigating a rare disease with limited resources and specialized care. A turning point came in 1999, when the emergence of cutaneous mastocytosis led to a bone marrow biopsy and a confirmed diagnosis.

With specialized treatment unavailable in Louisiana, Tara has had to travel out of state for care, an experience that has deepened her commitment to helping others in similar circumstances. She is passionate about using her personal journey to offer hope, guidance, and practical support to fellow patients, easing the burdens that she herself endured.

Honored to contribute her voice and experience, Tara is dedicated to advancing meaningful support for individuals navigating their own complex health journeys.

Erin Hoch is a dedicated advocate for disability awareness and accessibility, inspired by her role as a mother to a son living with Infantile Pompe Disease. Residing in the Flathead Valley of Montana with her spouse, Erin is passionate about creating meaningful change within her community and beyond.

With a commitment to amplifying the voices of those directly impacted, Erin embodies the belief that “Nothing about us, without us.” She is honored to serve as a voice for change and strives to advance inclusion, accessibility, and understanding in all areas of life.

Marcie Coward was inspired to join the Patient Advocacy Committee because she believes in the importance of individuals learning to advocate for themselves. After navigating a healthcare system that did not always meet her needs, Marcie developed the skills to speak up and encourage healthcare professionals to be more sensitive and informed about her rare disease.

Through her role on the committee, Marcie hopes to raise awareness and empower others to better understand their health information, navigate treatment options, and effectively communicate their wishes with providers. Her goal is to equip patients with the tools and confidence to become their own strongest advocates.

LaTonya is a proud mother and grandmother, a local public school administrator, and an adjunct professor of psychology at the collegiate level. Her career has been dedicated to education, both in supporting students and in advancing her own learning. She is currently pursuing a second master’s degree in Educational Leadership to strengthen her ability to serve communities through leadership, policy, and advocacy.

She was inspired to join the Patient Advocacy Committee from a growing interest in research and policy that directly affect patient care. She believe patients deserve a strong “voice” in the planning, development, and implementation of healthcare practices. Too often, decisions are made without the full perspective of those who are most impacted, and she sees advocacy as a way to close that gap.

Through her involvement, LaTonya hope to bring forward what she calls “actionable awareness” not just raising issues, but helping turn those concerns into meaningful changes that improve patient experiences and outcomes. Her background in education has given me a deep appreciation for empathy, communication, and ensuring equity in access and support. She aim to apply those same values here, helping to elevate the needs and voices of patients so their care is not only effective, but also respectful and human-centered.

Cheryl is a passionate healthcare advocate inspired by her own experiences living with a rare autoimmune disease (HAE) and undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. With a background in dentistry, she has witnessed firsthand how many individuals struggle to access essential care and believes oral health is a vital part of overall well-being—especially for those whose health has been impacted by treatments such as chemotherapy.

Dedicated to breaking down barriers, Cheryl is committed to supporting and advocating for patients who may not be able to advocate for themselves. Her mission is to ensure that others have access to the care and resources they need, and to serve as a voice for those navigating complex health challenges.

Wes Burian is a film art director and visual effects artist whose career spans work at Tippett Studio and
over 15 years at DreamWorks Animation. He contributed to films including Men in Black II, Blade II, The
Haunting, Shark Tale, Monsters vs. Aliens, and the Kung Fu Panda trilogy, where he served as an Artistic
Department Head designing character and environment looks. Alongside his studio career, Wes has
shared his expertise through Master’s-level teaching, international conferences, and community-based
kids’ art programs.

Living with Fabry disease, a rare genetic disorder, Wes has received enzyme replacement therapy since
2003 and recently completed a gene therapy clinical trial. His personal experience with chronic illness has
fueled his dedication to patient advocacy and research. He has served on Patient Advisory Boards,
contributed to CTTI’s Clinical Trials Flexibility Project, and engaged in legislative advocacy to advance rare
disease initiatives.

In 2022, Wes was honored with the EveryLife Foundation’s RARE Artist Award for his artwork Sprout,
which has been featured widely as a creative expression of living with Fabry disease.

Wes is eager to join Accessia Health’s Patient Advisory Committee because he believes his lived
experience, creative skills, and advocacy background can help amplify patient voices, guide support
programs, and ensure that assistance reaches those facing both medical and financial challenges. He
aligns deeply with Accessia’s mission and is committed to strengthening resources that improve the lives
of people navigating rare and chronic conditions.

As the Executive Vice President of Development and Growth, Alan oversees all fundraising, business development and partnership initiatives. Alan joins Accessia Health with over 25 years of experience driving business development, donor engagement, and market strategy in both nonprofit and pharmaceutical sectors. He is a seasoned leader with a proven record of building sustainable partnerships and high-performing teams.

Most recently, as Executive Vice President of Business Development at Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF), Alan spearheaded innovative fundraising initiatives that secured long-term corporate partnerships and broadened disease-specific support funds, directly enhancing the organization’s reach and impact. His fundraising leadership was instrumental in cultivating high-value donor relationships and securing support from major corporations. Alan has successfully combined business strategy and social impact to identify new opportunities to better support patients and foster enduring relationships with key stakeholders. In the wake of COVID, Alan developed and launched the first of its kind line of health equity copay funds designed to support those hardest hit by adverse social determinants of health and disease burden.

Prior to PAF, Alan worked in the pharmaceutical industry as both a representative and a sales manager with a focus on equitable access and managed care markets. As sales manager, he led a team across southern Virginia, driving consistent revenue growth and executing nationally recognized marketing strategies. Alan leads with a hands-on coaching approach, building a culture of performance and compliance while aligning team development with organizational goals.

Alan earned dual undergraduate degrees from Stetson University, a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Business Management. Additionally, Alan holds a Master of Arts degree in Psychology from The Catholic University of America.

After work, Alan enjoys time with his wife and their 2 children, playing tennis, and walking their dog.

In his role as Executive Vice President of Operations at Accessia Health, James oversees both Operations and Information Technology, bringing strategic integration to the organization’s internal systems, patient services, and digital infrastructure. With more than 25 years of experience across commercial, Medicaid, and Medicare health plans, he is known for delivering measurable outcomes in areas such as profit and loss management, value-based care models, network development, and digital innovation.

James has held senior leadership roles at Virginia Premier, WellCare Health Plans, and Humana. Most recently, he served as Health Plan President/COO and VP of Network Development/Operations at Molina Healthcare of Virginia, overseeing state operations including business outsourcing relationships. His leadership delivered results across key initiatives including the integration of core systems post-M&A, achieving top-tier operational readiness scores for Medicaid programs, and implementing innovative provider engagement that strengthened compliance and provider satisfaction.

Beginning his career as a Healthcare Administration Specialist in the U.S. Armed Forces Medical Command, James built a foundation of service and operational rigor. That experience, combined with his civilian tenure, shaped his deep expertise in health plan payer functions, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement. His leadership approach has driven results by focusing on his OATS framework: Optimizing technology and operations, Accelerating performance growth, Transforming teams, and delivering Service excellence.

James holds a B.S. in Information Technology and is a recognized thought leader in network development, claims operations, regulatory strategy, and value-based contracting. A native of Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, he brings not only professional expertise but also a strong sense of purpose and equity to the healthcare industry.

Robert brings 21 years of experience actively managing operational compliance issues with a strategic focus on pending legislation, emerging reimbursement trends, and future paradigm shifts. He has executive-level experience working with large healthcare systems, clinically integrated physician networks, accountable care organizations, physician practice management and consulting firms, and vertically integrated insurance companies.

Most recently, he served as the lead subject matter expert and compliance analyst for the CMS Contractor on the ACO Realizing Equity, Access, and Community Health (REACH) Model. Robert views Accessia Health’s program model, which goes beyond copayment assistance to offer a holistic, inclusive, and outcomes-focused approach, as an ideal complement to the ACO REACH model and the broader transition to value-based care.

He is a published legal analyst who has authored compliance manuals, web-based training, and a variety of news articles for Commerce Clearing House, Wolters Kluwer Health, American Health Lawyers Association, and the Society for Corporate Compliance Ethics.

Outside of work, Robert enjoys spending time with his family and supporting charitable organizations focused on autism and child healthcare.

A dedicated leader at Accessia Health since 2015, Kristin began as a Patient Services Representative and progressed to Director of Operations, exemplifying her outstanding leadership skills.

Beyond managing programs, supporting callers, and overseeing operations, Kristin is driven by a deep commitment to helping others. Her academic foundation in Biomedical Engineering from Virginia Commonwealth University adds a unique perspective to her role, underscoring her holistic approach.

In both her professional and personal life, Kristin’s unwavering commitment to aiding others shines through, making her a compassionate and effective leader. When not working, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two boys.

Jenn brings their deep understanding of the complexities and nuances within the Medicare Advantage & Value Based Care landscape to their work at DUOS, where they lead business development, go-to-market strategy, and marketing. By leveraging data-driven insights and market intelligence, they spearhead the development of tailored products and services that cater to the unique needs of Medicare Advantage plans and deliver unparalleled value to clients and beneficiaries alike.

As a military veteran, Jenn brings leadership and vision to diverse audiences, and offers a unique perspective within start-ups and high-growth stage companies: previous leadership roles include FarmboxRx, Excelera Health and NationsBenefits. With a passion for organizational mission and values, as well as the unique competitive advantage of establishing a strong culture, Jenn works with all departments to streamline processes and programs that integrate the member experience into every aspect of the business.

Beyond their role at DUOS, Jenn actively contributes to the industry’s progress as a thought leader leveraging expertise and advocacy for innovative healthcare practices to enhance healthcare accessibility and quality.

Caitlin Donovan is the Global Head of Uber Health. She joins Uber most recently from MyOrthos, an Orthodontic Services Organization, where she served as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to that, Caitlin developed her knack for tackling obstacles to patient care as Chief Operating Officer of Circulation and Executive Vice President of Operations at LogistiCare (now ModivCare), specialty benefit managers in the non-emergency medical transportation space. She also served as the Vice President of Operations at CareCentrix with a focus on home health and post-acute care. Early in her career, she worked in finance as an investor at Bain Capital and as a member of the internal consulting group at Summit Partners. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics from Harvard University and lives in Dover, Massachusetts with her husband and two boys.

After a brief stint in minor league baseball, Mark’s career started as a database programmer with Choicepoint/LexisNexis. He was convinced by an acquaintance to move into consulting at Ariba (since purchased by SAP) where he found a successful niche implementing spend management software. Rising through the consulting ranks, including a brief detour at IBM, he made his way into management. Since then he has held roles across SAP’s procurement software division, including Customer Success, Solution Management, Marketing, and Product Management. He recently spent two years in Japan working on a comprehensive regional improvement program before returning to the US and the Product organization.

Mark acquired his BS in Psychology from the College of William and Mary in Virginia. He currently lives in San Diego, CA where he enjoys spending as much time outside as possible.

Lee served as Chair of the Accessia Health Foundation Board in 2021 before joining the Accessia Health Board. He is the Head of Commercial with Element Science, Inc. with over 15 years of experience in effective medical-based sales management.

Lee is an entrepreneurial leader who develops high-performance sales teams and creates winning sales organizations with heightened senses of urgency and accountability. Prior to his time at Element Science, he was the Head of Sales for Philips BioTel Heart, National Sales Director for LipoScience, and Regional Sales Manager for Hologic, Inc.

Lud Kimbrough is the Managing Partner at Fahrenheit Advisors. Lud has provided financial, strategic, and executive management expertise to publicly held, private equity-backed, and startup companies. He is adept at balancing human capital, strategy and analytics, and shareholder and lender interests by serving as a leader and advisor to dozens of middle market companies during periods of turbulence, turnaround, and dramatic growth. With more than 35 years of entrepreneurial and consulting experience, Lud has built strong teams by developing a clear vision and strategies, embracing new technologies, and understanding risk tolerance.

Throughout his career, Lud has served in various roles including president, CEO, and managing director. He has led or advised businesses in diverse industry sectors including marketing, aerospace tooling, cryogenics equipment, outdoor advertising, and cable television. He has guided businesses in exiting or outsourcing non-core segments, stabilizing workforces, transitioning family owned businesses to professional leadership, and leading business spin-off and sales processes in a variety of manufacturing industries.

Brian Fink currently serves as President & CEO of an Ohio-based manufacturing company. He holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Akron. Brian is admitted to practice in law in the State of Ohio. He has over 30 years of diverse experience including service on profit and nonprofit boards, small business ownership, executive and operational leadership, and international business development. Brian enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and working on his farm.

Brian received a BS degree in Marketing from Louisiana State University and served as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Public Affairs and Development for LCMC Health, a five-hospital non-profit New Orleans area healthcare system, until his retirement. He is actively involved with St. Joseph Benedictine Abbey & Seminary College, located in southern Louisiana where he has served on the seminary board, chairman of the long-range strategic planning committee, and was selected as the college’s 2016 alumnus of the Year. Brian is a former board member and past president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana, Inc., and serves as vice-chair on the boards of both the Miracle League of Greater New Orleans and North Shore, which are not-for-profit organizations that provide the opportunity for kids with special needs to play baseball and other sports in organized leagues.
Brian is married and has a married daughter, two married sons, and eight grandchildren.

Russ is the Managing Partner of The Phillips Organization, a Certified Public Accounting and Consulting Firm located in Canton, OH. He earned his B.A. degree in Accounting from Walsh University and obtained his Certified Public Accountant’s license from the Accountancy Board of Ohio. He also holds the credentials of Certified Valuation Analysis (CVA) and Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF), with a specialty in bankruptcy, insolvency, and reorganizations accredited by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA).

Russ has been married to his wife Tammy since 1982 and has two adult children. He currently serves on several local and national not-for-profit organizations and is an advocate for individuals with chronic health conditions.

Mr. Mula received his Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health School of Physical Therapy from Louisiana State University Medical Center. He has served as a staff physical therapist at Baton Rouge Medical Center and currently owns his own physical therapy practice. In addition to Mr. Mula serving as our board member, he also is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, APTA Geriatrics Division, and APTA Health Care Administration Division. He is married and has a son and a daughter.

As VP of Marketing and Communications, Anna Brown brings more than 17 years of nonprofit healthcare experience to her role. Her career spans mental and behavioral health, hospice and palliative care, and national health philanthropy. Prior to joining Accessia Health, she held leadership roles at Hosparus Health, Seven Counties Services, and Community Health Charities. Her achievements include award-winning digital and advertising campaigns, five organizational rebrands, and high-impact storytelling that positions organizations as industry leaders and drives measurable results.

At Accessia Health, Anna leads the organization’s omnichannel marketing and communications strategy, reinforcing the vital role of communications in advancing patient access and organizational growth. She understands that marketing success requires navigating complex, evolving processes while continuously integrating innovative strategies. Her approach ensures marketing is embedded across all departments and serves as a strategic driver of overall organizational performance, not just an external-facing function.

She holds a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Louisville, a foundation that enhances her ability to understand audience behavior and craft communications that resonate across stakeholder groups. Based in Louisville, KY, she previously served as Director of Marketing at Hosparus Health, one of the nation’s largest nonprofit hospice and palliative care organizations. In this role, she was responsible for brand management, reputation strategy, and marketing for multiple brands and service lines.

Outside of work, Anna spends her time with her husband and three children. She is a houseplant enthusiast and loves weekends spent reading, antiquing, and being outdoors.

As Executive Vice President of Information Technology, Mike is charged with the creation of strategic IT initiatives that align with the Accessia Health mission and long-term goals.

Mike has extensive experience in all aspects of healthcare technology. In previous roles, he provided CIO leadership and consulting services to a number of nonprofit organizations. Mike was with Marlin Private Equity as a technology and operations executive, providing due diligence and CIO leadership for Marlin healthcare technology acquisitions. Mike has also served in roles as the executive director of software program delivery for Aetna Healthcare, vice president of applications development for Coventry Healthcare, CIO of First Health Services, and VP of application development for Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield of Virginia.

Jennifer Noonan is a dedicated healthcare professional who joined Accessia Health as the clinical program director in April 2021, bringing with 25+ years of clinical nursing experience. Her commitment and expertise quickly led to a promotion to senior director of clinical programs and compliance. With a rich background in clinical practice and management across diverse healthcare settings, Jennifer possesses a deep understanding of program design and the delivery of services within highly regulated environments.

As Vice President of Clinical Strategy and Patient Engagement at Accessia Health, she brings clarity and compassion to the complex landscape of rare and chronic disease support, developing patient programs, building national partnerships, and amplifying the patient voice.

Jennifer’s career began in the fast-paced emergency department of St. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, where she spent 17 years in leadership roles and contributed to EMR development and enhancements. Her passion for healthcare technology and innovation continued with her instrumental role in the clinical development, training, and implementation of Cerner within the Jewish Health System in Louisville. In 2014, she transitioned into hospice and palliative care, where she held leadership positions leading care delivery for both adult and pediatric patients.

Her academic journey includes an associate degree in nursing from Kentucky State University, a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Western Governors University, and a master’s degree in nursing informatics with a focus on data analytics, also from Western Governors University. Jennifer is board member for the National Association of Specialty Pharmacy.
Outside of her professional life, she is devoted to her family life, married to her husband Sean, and a proud parent of four teenagers. When she’s not spending time with her family and two rescue dogs, Jennifer indulges in her passion for martial arts, practicing taekwondo and judo. She also enjoys hiking and exploring new destinations through travel.

Email Jennifer Here

Ashley Lee serves as Executive Project Manager at Accessia Health, where she leads and integrates cross-functional initiatives across the Business Development, Operations, and Executive teams. In this role, Ashley ensures that project efforts are cohesive, consistent, and effectively support Accessia Health and the Accessia Health Foundation’s mission, goals, and strategic plan.

She joined the organization in 2016 as Executive Assistant and was promoted to Director of Development and Engagement in 2019. Her current role allows her to return to her career roots in project management while continuing her passion for supporting patients with rare and chronic illnesses.

A Virginia native, Ashley earned her A.A. from Richard Bland College of William & Mary in 2001 and pursued B.A. studies at Virginia Commonwealth University. She and her husband reside just outside Richmond, Virginia, where they enjoy spending time with their daughter and exploring the city and East Coast beaches.

Lamont Brown serves as Executive Vice President of Finance & Administration at Accessia Health. His tenure with the organization began in 2008 in the role of staff accountant. Since then, he has held several leadership roles within the organization, guiding the nonprofit through key financial decisions, operational shifts, and infrastructure improvements. His career is marked by a commitment to fiscal integrity and operational transparency, two principles he brings to every strategic conversation.

In his current role, Lamont is responsible for the safeguarding and stewardship of company assets including financial, physical (fixed assets), and human capital. Under his leadership, the organization has strengthened its financial health and operational efficiency to better support patient access and growth.

Prior to joining Accessia Health, Lamont built a successful career in banking and financial services, holding officer roles across mortgage lending, commercial credit, and private client services. This experience equipped him with a strong foundation in risk management and a nuanced understanding of how financial systems can best serve mission-driven organizations.

A native of Richmond, VA, Lamont holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Old Dominion University, double majoring in Accounting and Economics. He further invested in his education by earning an MBA from Longwood University, with a dual emphasis in Economics and Data Analytics.

Outside the office, Lamont has served in various leadership roles within his church and fraternity and has volunteered with youth sports programs across his community. He’s an avid video gamer, enjoys music and fitness, and values time spent with his wife and two children.

Tiara, appointed president in April 2024, brings over 20 years of expertise in the public health and nonprofit sectors to her role. Prior to her appointment, she had been leading Accessia Health in an interim capacity since June 2023, building on her decade-long tenure with the organization.

Throughout her career at Accessia Health, Tiara held various leadership positions, including senior vice president of programs and policy. In this role, she spearheaded strategic development and health equity initiatives and streamlined operational processes. Currently, she is leading an initiative to refocus and strengthen the nonprofit’s impact model, disease funds, and programs. This focus and work will more holistically address the unique needs of the communities it serves.

Tiara is a hands-on leader who is dedicated to fostering organizational growth and coaching staff members to expand their leadership skills. Her visionary approach and extensive organizational knowledge have also been instrumental in growing Accessia Health’s educational offerings for patients and their families.

She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia, and her Master of Science in Education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, focusing on community health and health promotion. She is an active member of The Virginia Council of CEOs.

Beyond work, Tiara engages in philanthropic activities and spends time with her two sons and husband.