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Brooks College of Health
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Dean's Council

The Brooks College of Health Dean's Council is established for those who are concerned about health to collectively work for quality health educational programs. Particularly at a time of great challenge and unprecedented change, it is essential that those in the health care industry and the business community establish ways of working together to reduce costs of medical and health care and continually improve the quality of education for future health care professionals.

 

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Chair

Bruce Jones

CEO | LCPS Management, Inc.

Bruce Jones is the Chief Executive Officer of LCPS Management, Inc. that owns and manages two premier continuing care retirement communities, Vicar's Landing and Glenmoor. Prior to his current role, he served as Director of Health Services at Vicar's Landing for over 6 and a half years where he managed the operations of a health center, assisted living, home health agency, wellness clinic, and rehabilitation department. In addition, Bruce worked as a site surveyor for the Commission for the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities - Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CARF-CCAC) and as Administrator at a free-standing skilled nursing facility in Gainesville, Florida. Bruce obtained a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Central Florida and a Masters of Business Administration in Marketing and General Management from Rollins College. Bruce is very active in the community and is the North Region chair for Leading Age Florida, where he serves on the Board of Directors as the Education Committee Chair. He is an active Rotarian and serves as the Webmaster for the Rotary Club of Ponte Vedra Beach. He also serves as President of the Florida Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators and is an active member of his church, Church of the Redeemer, Anglican.

Vice Chair

Paul C. Sapia MHA


Strategic Integration Leader | Bold Goal Markets - Jacksonville/Tampa, Humana

Paul Sapia is a Strategic Consultant and the Market Development Advisor coordinating the Bold Goal initiatives in Jacksonville and Tampa Bay. Paul joined the Humana contracting team in 2014 and took over the network management for both Duval and Nassau counties. Paul was able to utilize his diverse healthcare background and provider contracting experience to build the community PCP's network and enhance the relationship with the Humana MSOs. In early 2016, Paul took the lead for the Bold Goal initiative in Jacksonville and has taken a hands-on approach to understand the needs within our community and the organizations that are there to help. In 2017, his role was expanded to include the Tampa Bay area. He now works with internal and community leadership in both Jacksonville and Tampa to identify opportunities to improve the health of each community. Paul has been able to bring together disparate and often competing groups to get a better understanding of the Social Determinants of Health that affect our cities. Paul has been asked to speak to National and regional audiences about the Bold Goal work and understanding how the Social Determinants of Health can affect our communities.

Prior to Humana, Paul spent four years in direct physician sales, eight years as the National contracting manager for a large outpatient rehabilitation provider, and seven years working as a Certified Athletic trainer providing immediate medical care and injury rehab for several local high schools and colleges. Paul graduated from the University of Florida with his Bachelor's degree in Exercise and Sports Science and received his Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of North Florida.

Council Members

Douglas M. Baer


President and CEO | Brooks Health System

Doug Baer has been the Chief Executive Officer and President of Brooks Rehabilitation, Inc. since Oct. 1, 2002. He received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Florida In 1983. From 1983 to 1991, Doug was employed as an auditor by KPMG Peat Marwick servicing various healthcare clients. He joined the hospital holding company, then known as Health South, Inc. in May 1991 as Vice President/Corporate Controller. In 1995, Doug was promoted to Chief Financial Officer. He had this position for six years until he became Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer in June 2001. Doug is also a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the United Way Campaign Cabinet, as well as several other civic organizations in the community. He served as Chair of UNF Brooks College of Health Dean's Council from 2010-2012.

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Inderjit Vicky Barsa, DSW


President and CEO | Delores Barr Weaver

As President and CEO of the Dolores Bar Weaver Policy Center, Vicky is accountable for ensuring mission focus, strategic partnerships, and brand preservation. Prior to this, as the Senior Vice President, she managed the day-to-day operations and oversaw the implementation of the agency's strategic plan. While in this role, Vicki helps the Policy Center to develop and implement the Open Doors Outreach Network, one of the many new and innovative programs at the Policy Center to address the needs of victims of human trafficking.

Vicky has previously been the director of family preservation at Family Support Services of Northeast Florida (FSS) and the director of Project Safe at Vanderbilt University. In March 2013, she joined the Policy Center. She managed a team of 10 direct reports and extended the team of 30 staff. She is a recognized and accomplished nonprofit executive with more than 20 years of experience and a vast array of nonprofit leadership roles. Vicky has developed multiple programs, including the first Advocacy Program to provide services to victims and survivors of Intimate violence, sexual assault, and stalking on the Vanderbilt University campus. A passionate advocate for gender equality and girls’ rights, Vicki is a sought-after trainer, thought leader, and architect of change. She has contributed to a number of research studies analyzing the impact of trauma on girls and young women and is a frequent collaborator to news media on issues related to commercial sexual exploitation, diversity, women's leadership, and the impact of trauma on girls and young women. Vicky holds a Masters of Social Work and a Doctorate of Social Work from the University of Tennessee.

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Carlton DeVooght


President & CEO | Flagler Health+

Carlton DeVooght is President & CEO of Flagler Health+, a St. Johns County, FL-based healthcare enterprise. Before being elevated to that position, Mr. DeVooght served as the organization’s Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel.

Mr. DeVooght joined Flagler Health+ five years ago after serving as Senior Vice President of Operations for Coastal Community Health. In that role, he oversaw operations of the regional affiliation and interactions with governmental agencies and coordinated all legal actions. Prior to joining Coastal, Mr. DeVooght was Vice President & General Counsel for Southeast Georgia Health System. In this role, he led the organization’s legal, real estate, medical staff services, compliance, risk management, and government relations matters, as well as the cancer centers for the health system. Additionally, he was a partner in the law firm of Gilbert, Harrell, Sumerford & Martin, P.C., where he specialized in health care, corporate, regulatory, and estate planning matters.

He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Georgia and received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law. Mr. DeVooght also has an MBA with a certification in healthcare management from Brenau University, where he received the Leadership Award.

As an undergraduate at Georgia, Mr. DeVooght was a four-year letter-winner on the men’s varsity swim team, where he was a school record holder and Honorable Mention All-American and Academic All-American. In 2011, he was named to the University of Georgia’s “40 Under 40” list.

As President & CEO of Flagler Health+, he is a member of numerous boards in NE Florida, including those of the Flagler Foundation and the First Coast Health Alliance.

Mr. DeVooght also serves on the boards of the United Way of St. Johns County, the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Board of Advisors, Vizient Southeast, and Community Hospice and Palliative Care. He volunteers his time at the St. Augustine Rotary Club and serves on the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce Public Policy Commission and SJC Chamber Economic Development Council.

Mr. DeVooght is married to Leslie and has three children. He enjoys swimming, soccer, football, and Bible study in his spare time.

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Michael Erhard


President, North Florida Region | Nemours

Michael J. Erhard, MD, MBA, is President, North Florida Region, and a member of the Executive Cabinet reporting to Nemours President and Chief Executive Officer, R. Lawrence Moss, MD. His medical leadership role includes responsibilities for Nemours physician practices throughout north Florida.  Dr. Erhard’s 25 years of service and physician leadership with Nemours span the campuses of our health system both in the Delaware Valley and Florida.

Dr. Erhard previously served as chief medical officer (CMO) for Nemours Children’s Specialty Care in Jacksonville, where he led the health and wellness strategies and oversaw clinical operations for Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, as well as Continuous Improvement activities across the enterprise. During his 25-year career with Nemours, Dr. Erhard has taken on increasing leadership responsibilities including serving as a member of the Division of Pediatric Urology in Jacksonville, division chief, department chair and CMO. He currently holds the academic title of Assistant Professor of Urology for Mayo Medical School.

A native of the Philadelphia area, Dr. Erhard received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame and earned his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, where he began his journey with Nemours as part of his urology training. After completing his internship in surgery and residencies in surgery and urology at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, he completed a Pediatric Urology Fellowship at the University of Florida, a joint program with Nemours in Jacksonville.

Dr. Erhard is board certified by the American Board of Urology (ABU) and holds a subspecialty certificate from the ABU in pediatric urology. He maintains medical licensure in both Florida and Georgia. Dr. Erhard specializes in spina bifida, urologic reconstruction and minimally invasive surgery. He was part of a team of surgeons in Jacksonville to be the first to adopt the use of robotics in pediatric cases.

Dr. Erhard’s research has included studies in urinary stone disease, as well as in minimally invasive robotic surgery that reduces risks to patients and promotes faster recovery. With more than 15 published peer-reviewed medical studies evaluating cutting-edge surgical procedures and assessing noninvasive urological therapies, Dr. Erhard has become a recognized leader in his areas of specialization. His practice and research represents a commitment to pioneering clinical techniques and strategies that put families at ease in seeking specialty care and treatment for their children.

In addition to being recognized multiple times as one of the Best Doctors in America®, Dr. Erhard has also earned a Best Regional Doctor Award from Castle Connolly. He is a member of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons, the largest minimally invasive surgery society in North America.

Dr. Erhard and his family have called Florida home for more than 20 years.

Ann Flipse, M.D.


Retired Pediatrician and Clinical Instructor

Dr. Ann Flipse is a retired Pediatrician and Clinical Instructor. She received her medical degree from Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis and did her pediatric residency at St. Louis Children's Hospital. Flipse is board certified by the American Board of Pediatrics. She practiced pediatrics for 13 years in Miami and then taught at the University of Miami, School of Medicine for 20 years. Flipse retired in 2005 and has since moved to Jacksonville where she is involved in UNF in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program and on two community advisory councils.

Cindy Funkhouser


President, CEO | Sulzbacher Center

Cindy Funkhouser is the President and CEO of the Sulzbacher Center; the largest and most comprehensive homeless resource provider in Northeast FL. She has also served as both the Chief Program Officer and the VP of Health Services at Sulzbacher. Prior to this, she served as the Executive Director of Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry in Jacksonville Beach, a faith-based organization that provides emergency assistance for beachs families in crisis. In her first career, Cindy was a Sales and Marketing Executive for a Fortune 500 company, Vertis Communications, for over 20 years. Cindy was the co-founder of a non-profit organization, Positive Kids, Inc. that dealt with bullying and violence in schools. Cindy graduated from Florida State University with a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work in 2003. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology from George Mason University. She was involved with public schools for over 10 years through PTA, SAC, and Coaching. Cindy sat on the Board of Directors for the Sulzbacher Center for 5 years and currently sits on board for the Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition. She sat on the Beaches Resource Center (Full Service School) Oversight Committee and on the BRC Foundation for 8 years. She is an Honorary Life Member of Florida PTA, was named PTA Volunteer of the Year 2002-2003 at Alimacani Elementary, and was the recipient of the 2003 Kessler Mentoring Award. She has done internships in mental health counseling at Youth Crisis Center and the Sulzbacher Center for the Homeless.

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Tera L. Gross, DNP, RN, NEA-BC


Chief Nursing Officer | Mayo Clinic

Tera L. Gross, DNP, RN, NEA-BC is the Chief Nursing Officer for Mayo Clinic in Florida. She has served in leadership roles at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and Jacksonville, Florida for over 20 years. Tera obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nursing Administration from South Dakota State University and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Minnesota. Tera is an Assistant Professor of Nursing in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and holds a Gold Certification from the Mayo Quality Fellows Program. She is personally committed to lead and empower healthcare professionals with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive and achieve success. As such, Tera is the President of the Northeast chapter for the Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership (NEFONL), encouraging and supporting Florida Nursing Leaders to influence healthcare and professional nursing practice.

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Reed Hammond


Chief Executive Officer | HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

Reed Hammond joined HCA Florida Memorial Hospital June 1, 2023. Reed joins Memorial Hospital from HCA Healthcare’s Frankfort Regional Medical Center (FRMC) in Frankfort, Kentucky, where he served as CEO for the last four and a half years. In that time, the FRMC team reduced colleague turnover, improved employee and physician engagement scores, launched two robotics programs, and a de novo bariatric program. FRMC also earned Magnet® recognition in nursing excellence from the American Credentialing Center, placing the hospital in the elite 8% of nationwide hospitals with Magnet® distinction.

Before FRMC, Hammond served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at HCA Healthcare’s 332-bed Conroe Regional Medical Center, in Conroe, TX. Prior to Conroe, he was the COO at Tenet Healthcare’s Centennial Medical Center in Frisco, TX., COO at the 519-bed St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, TN, and was COO at the Health Management Associates 95-bed Gilmore Memorial Hospital in Amory, MS.

Hammond is no stranger to Florida. His bachelor’s and master’s degrees are in business administration from the University of South Florida in Tampa.

He has been an active member of the community previously serving on the Chamber of Commerce in Frisco, TX, Healthcare Advisory Board of Antonelli College in Flowood, MS, the Healthcare Advisory Board of Midway College in Midway, KY, the board of directors of Montgomery Christian Academy in Montgomery, TX, and has been a Rotarian with the Rotary Clubs in Brandon, MS and Amory, MS. Hammond plans to get equally engaged in Jacksonville. He previously worked as a golf professional and remains an avid player, and enjoys watching football - especially the Florida Gators.

Reed, his wife, Missy and three young daughters reside in Jacksonville.

Robert G. Harmon, MD, MPH


CEO | Harmon Health Group

Dr. Harmon has devoted a 53-year career to service as a board-certified public health physician. He spent about half of that career leading large public health agencies at the federal (Health Resources and Services Administration), state (Missouri) and local (Phoenix/Maricopa County, AZ and Jacksonville/Duval County, FL) levels.

The other half was in the private sector with UnitedHealth Group, Cerner (now Oracle Health), academia and consulting. He retired from Cerner in 2022, lives in Jacksonville, FL and currently serves as chair of the Public Health Committee of the Duval County Medical Society and CEO of the Harmon Health Group, a consulting firm.

Corinne C. Hodak, Esquire


Attorney | Corinne C. Hodak PA

Corinne Hodak received her law degree with Honors from the University of Florida in 1989 and is a member of The Florida Bar and the Massachusetts Bar. Prior to her legal career, Ms. Hodak was a registered nurse specializing in Intensive Care Nursing. She was an Adjunct Professor at the University of North Florida in the College of Health.

Ms. Hodak is an active member of several associations including the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA), Chester Bedell Inn of Court, Florida Bar Association, Jacksonville Bar Association, Florida Justice Association, American Justice Association, and the American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

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Lisa Kemph


Chief Human Resources Officer | Brooks Rehabilitation

Lisa Kemph currently serves as the Chief Human Resources Officer for Brooks Rehabilitation headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. In this role, Lisa is responsible for directing and leading all of the human resources strategies and initiatives for over 2,500 Brooks employees across the system, including talent acquisition and development, compensation & benefits, employee relations and engagement, health & wellbeing, performance management and employee services. Mrs. Kemph is an accomplished HR executive with almost 30 years broad-based HR Generalist experience in industries ranging from transportation, health insurance, financial services, banking, and education.  A strategic thinker who is passionate about creating people-centered workplaces, building quality programming, and ensuring employee development, Lisa earned her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Management and Marketing and a Master’s in Human Resources Management, both from The University of North Florida.  Lisa holds her Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification from the HR Certification Institute and a Senior Certified Professional designation from the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP).  Lisa currently serves on the HR.com Advisory Board, the UNF Alumni Board, and is a certified Emotional Intelligence facilitator. Lisa was recently recognized as one of the Top 100 HR Professionals in the world. In her free time, Lisa enjoys traveling, reading, going to the beach, and spending time with her husband Chris and their three children, Madisen, Mason and Mia.

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Brandy Kerby


Division President | CSI Companies

Brandy Kerby is a longtime resident of Jacksonville where she cherishes the vibrant family life this city offers. She brings over 20 years of experience delivering comprehensive workforce solutions to clients locally and nationwide. As the Division President at CSI Companies, she leads a high-performing team specializing in utilizing clinical data for optimal patient outcomes and accurate financial reimbursements through medical coding and clinical data integrity. With a steadfast commitment to driving innovation in healthcare, Brandy and her team are transforming the way organizations use data in their decision-making. 

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Andrew Lepkoske


National Sales Director | Medxcel

Andrew Lepkoske has been the National Sales Director for Medxcel, healthcare’s only full service facilities management company, since 2019. Prior to that he served as President and CEO of eHealthScreen a Jacksonville based nurse outreach and engagement. His healthcare career began in 1993 in hospital operations and transitioned to managed care contracting after earning his Master’s Degree from the University of North Florida in 1998. Beginning in 2005, Andrew began selling hospital support services for several organizations on a regional and then national level. Following these roles, he ventured into value based care software sales before taking his role at eHealthScreen.

Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of South Florida and is a veteran of the US Army. In addition, Andrew currently serves as co-Chair of the UNF MHA Advisory Board

Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE


President & Chief Executive Officer | Baptist Health

Michael A. Mayo currently serves as Hospital President of Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville (Jacksonville, FL) where he is responsible for the operational and strategic direction of the 526-bed flagship facility of Baptist Health. Under his leadership, the tertiary and regional referral center was named 2017 Top 100 Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics, also receiving the Everest Award. In addition, the US News & World Report named Baptist Jacksonville among the nation's Best Hospitals in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 and in 2017 the organization was cited as 32 hospitals in the Jacksonville market and #7 in Florida.

Previously, Michael served as President of Methodist Dallas Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center and the flagship facility of the Methodist Health System in Dallas, Texas. Prior to that, Mr. Mayo was an executive with HCA and held various positions including COO and CEO from 2001 to 2008. He served as Chief Executive Officer of Orange Park Medical Center in Orange Park, FL, CEO of Frankfort regional Medical Center in Frankfort, KY, Senior Vice President and COO of Memorial Hospital Jacksonville, and COO of West Florida Hospital in Pensacola, FL. Prior to his service with HCA, Mr. Mayo was Vice President of Operations for Baptist Health in Jacksonville, FL. He also served as Vice President of Ancillary Operations with Baptist/St. Vincent's Health System. From 1989 to 1999, Mr. Mayo served with the Baptist Health System of Birmingham, AL. He joined the system in 1989 as an Administrative Fellow and held positions of increasing levels of responsibility including Vice President of Administration for both Montclair and Princeton facilities in the Baptist System. He began his healthcare administration career as an evening Administrator for John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort worth TX.

Mr. Mayo earned his Master of Science in Healthcare Administration from Texas Woman's University and his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Alabama. He is Board Certified in Healthcare Management and a Fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives. Mr. Mayo was named ACHE Regent for the Northern and Western Chapter, FL in March 2017. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of North Florida Brooks College of Health Master of Health Administration Program teaching Strategic Human Resources Management for Healthcare and Organization Behavior & Theory.

Mauri Mizrahi, LNHA, PT


Chief Executive Officer | River Garden Senior Services

Mauri Mizrahi currently is the Chief Executive Officer at River Garden Senior Services in Jacksonville, Florida. Ms. Mizrahi serves on the board of trustees of LeadingAge Florida and is a strong advocate for public policy that supports seniors.

Tom Nasby


Network Vice President | Aetna

Tom Nasby is Aetna's Network Market Head for North Florida. Tom and his team manage Aetna's relationship with hospitals, physicians, and ancillary providers across 36 counties in North Florida - from Pensacola, east to Jacksonville, and south to Palm Coast. Tom has more than 25 years of health care experience working with health care systems and payors in the state of Florida. Tom joined Aetna in August 2005. Tom serves on the Regents advisory council for north/west Florida as well as the north Florida ACHE chapter. He is also active in the community, serving on the board of the American Heart Association and the parish council of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church. Tom holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University (Ohio) and dual master's degrees in business and health sciences from the University of Florida.

Donna Orender


Founder and CEO | Orender Unlimited

Donna Orender is CEO of Orender Unlimited, a consulting firm whose competencies include providing sales, marketing, media and diversity strategies. She most recently served six years as President of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Her responsibilities included the oversight of all league operations Including both business and competitive aspects of this complex organization. Donna's business career began after playing three years in the Women's Professional Basketball League. She has been recognized by Fox Sports as one of the Top 10 Most Powerful Women in Sports. She serves on the boards of the Monique Burr Foundation for Children, The V Foundation for Cancer Research, is Co-Chair of the UJA Sports for Youth Initiative and Co-Chair of the Board of W.O.M.E.N., a mentoring organization. Donna is a graduate of Queens College in New York with a degree in psychology and pursued graduate studies in social work at Adelphi University where she was recently awarded an honorary doctorate. She grew up in Long Island, N.Y. and was a five-sport athlete in high school, and an All-American basketball player in college.

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Jeff Taylor


Chief Executive Officer | HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital

Jeff Taylor has been a healthcare administrator for 17 years- the last 13 years with HCA Healthcare.  He currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of HCA Florida Orange Park Hospital, a 411-bed hospital in Orange Park, Florida.  Orange Park Hospital is home to a Level II trauma center, comprehensive stroke program, extensive cardiovascular services, and robust graduate medical education programs. 

During his career, Mr. Taylor has had extensive experience in physician practice management, ambulatory surgery centers, and hospital leadership.  He enjoys partnering with physicians and hospital colleagues to improve access to quality healthcare through expanding services and adopting cutting-edge technologies.

Mr. Taylor earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Missouri Southern State University and his Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Missouri.  He and his wife, Lauren, are the proud parents of three children: Benton (10), Ellie (8), and Lucy (6).

Kelli Tice Wells, M.D. (Past Chair)


Senior Medical Director | Florida Blue

Kelli Tice Wells, M.D., joined Florida Blue in 2018 as Senior Medical Director, Medical Affairs. She is the clinical lead for Florida Blue’s medical operations work in the areas of virtual health, social determinants of health, opioid overuse response, and corporate social responsibility. Dr. Wells’ interest in health disparities and culturally competent care began early in her training. Prior to joining Florida Blue, she was a National Health Service Corps (NHSC) Scholar and completed her NHSC service obligation in the Jacksonville area. Dr. Wells taught cultural competency to physicians and incorporated group and home visits into her clinical practice. She led patient-centered clinic flow redesign at numerous locations while serving as clinic Medical Director, Clinical Services Director, and then County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health. Dr. Wells also worked at the state level as Deputy Secretary for Health and then Statewide Medical Director, where she led a statewide initiative to advance health equity and worked to incorporate its principles into the daily work of the department. Dr. Wells is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Florida Academy of Family Physicians, and currently serves as chair of the Deans Council, Brooks College of Health at the University of North Florida. Dr. Wells received her bachelor’s degree from Florida A&M University, her medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine, and completed her residency at St. Vincent’s Family Practice Residency Program.