Georgia Maternal Health Task Force

Alexander DeAbreu, M. ED 

Health Insurance Specialist 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 

Alexander.deabreu@cms.hhs.gov  

Alex serves as a Health Insurance Outreach Specialist with the CMS Region IV (Atlanta) Local Engagement and Administration team. Prior to joining the local engagement team in 2021, Alex started his federal career working in the Marketplace IT Group within the Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. Alex joined the federal government in 2020 through the Presidential Management Fellowship, following studies at the University of Georgia (M.Ed. in Higher Education) and the University of Richmond (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing).  

At CMS, Alex acts as a co-lead for Marketplace outreach, a co-lead for Maternal Health, the lead for Organ Procurement Organizations, and state lead for North Carolina and South Carolina. 

Amy Mock is a registered nurse who is employed by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Currently, she serves as a Senior Health Care Manager with the Georgia Perinatal Quality Collaborative. As the Perinatal Quality Improvement Coordinator, Amy collaborates with facilities, leaders in maternal and child health, and vested organizations to drive quality improvement initiatives which help prevent maternal morbidity and mortality and reduce racial and ethnic disparities across Georgia. Amy has 26 years of diverse nursing experience, ranging from emergency room nursing, research nursing, and home health nursing. She has worked in public health for 17 years and spent the last 14 years in maternal and child health. Amy is passionate about improving outcomes, reducing disparities, and lowering morbidity and mortality rates. Prior to returning home to Georgia in October 2021, Amy served as the State Perinatal Program Director and the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program Manager for the Alabama Department of Public Health. Amy’s educational credentials include a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, Alabama.

Angela Doyinsola Aina, MPH is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, where she works to convene Black Maternal Health professionals and community-based organizations to develop trainings, programs, quality improvement initiatives, research projects, and black feminist advocacy strategies to advance holistic maternity service provision, policy, and systems change in global public health. She has over 14 years of public health experience, working in different capacities on projects focused on: incorporating health equity strategies into reproductive and maternal health initiatives; strengthening strategic planning and community-based workforce development; and data collection. Ms. Aina has served as a Public Health Analyst, Health Communications Specialist, and a Public Health Prevention Service Fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for over 5 years, working on Zika and Pregnancy, scientific program management, and 2014 Ebola response staffing. She holds a Master of Public Health degree in International and Women’s Health from Morehouse School of Medicine where she conducted a sequential mixed-method analysis of the reproductive health attitudes and behaviors of Nigerian-born immigrant women in the U.S., and a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia State University in Psychology and African-American Studies. Angela’s expertise and perspectives on Black Maternal Health has been featured in media outlets, such as the Huffington Post, The Atlantic, the Root, and HLN/CNN. In March of 2020, she was recognized as a 2020 WebMD Health Hero and highlighted as an advocate for Black Maternal Health in Time Magazine. She is passionate about and committed to work that seek to achieve: the self-determination of women of African descent; the elimination of violence against women; the promotion of Black and African women’s rights and  leadership; and womanist solutions to social and economic injustices. Angela enjoys all things diasporic Black cultural expressions in dance, music, art, fashion, theatre and film. 

Dr. Angela Snyder is a Research Professor at Georgia State University and is the Director of Health Policy and Financing at the Georgia Health Policy Center. Her work includes research, policy evaluation, and technical assistance in program implementation for state- and community-level health projects. Her research uses both qualitative and quantitative data (including administrative databases) to study the health outcomes that result from the organization and financing of public health systems. Much of her previous research has been in child health and wellbeing focusing on evaluating policy options for increasing health insurance coverage for children and the quality of care received by children enrolled in public benefit programs. She has accomplished this work through a fifteen-year partnership with the Georgia Department of Community Health. Most recently, through a partnership with the University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill, she has applied her knowledge of Medicaid to co-lead the policy core of the Maternal Health Learning and Innovation Center and has also partnered on the Maternal Telehealth Access Project. Dr. Snyder received her Ph.D. in health policy from Yale University and her M.P.H. in health systems management from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Prior to pursuing her Ph.D., Dr. Snyder worked for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for nine years.

Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Medical Director

Dr. April Ruffin is a Fellow in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a Medical Director with Anthem as part of the Georgia Commercial Group. She has been specifically dedicated to the University Systems of Georgia since 2016. In this role, Dr Ruffin oversees and works very closely with the entire medical management and utilization team to ensure exceptional healthcare for Anthem members.

Dr. Ruffin graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Biology. She remained in state and completed medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. While in Medical School, Dr. Ruffin developed and passion for Obstetrics and Gynecology during her 3rd year rotation and decided to purse OB/GYN as a career. She completed residency at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. She then returned to the Atlanta area for private practice. Dr. Ruffin continues to practice Gynecology in the Atlanta area serving a predominantly indigent population. She has maintained a special interest in maternal and child health and served for many years on the Executive Leadership Team for the March of Dime, March for Babies-Downtown Atlanta Chapter.

Ayodele Foster-McCray is a medical anthropologist and the administrative and research associate for the Atlanta Doula Collective (ADC). Using her extensive training in qualitative methods and health communication, she currently works to support the ADC in its important work to expand and professionalize the Black perinatal workforce in Georgia.

Cheryl G. Franklin, MD, MPH is an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) and is a practicing gynecologist with Morehouse Healthcare (MHC). Dr. Franklin seeks to address, through research, advocacy, clinical services, and public policy, some of the nation’s health disparities, especially those which disproportionately affect African American women. She is an affiliate physician with the MSM Center for Maternal Health Equity, helping to guide maternal health equity projects, including as co-PI for Georgia Implementing a Pregnancy Outcomes Vision for Everyone (IMPROVE). Her other research interests include Obesity and Physical Inactivity; Cardiovascular Health for Women; HPV-Mediated Genital tract cancers; Mobile-health Technology and Telemedicine; and Global Health. Dr. Franklin is the immediate past medical director of MHC and is skilled at coordinating the delivery of multispecialty healthcare services in the 21st century, value-based, healthcare environment.

Dr. Franklin currently serves on the Peach State Health Plan Board of Directors and the March of Dimes’ Atlanta Market Board where she provides input to its Mission Impact Committee. She recently served on the Board of Directors for the Morehouse Choice Accountable Care Organization and Education System (MCACO-ES), a statewide collaboration of community-based healthcare partners that “take responsibility for the cost improvement, efficiency, quality and effectiveness of community and population health”. Cheryl is an alumnus of Stanford University, Columbia University School of Public Health, and Harvard Medical School.

Denielle McCray, License COTA, is a wife and mother of three. She is a passionate advocate for moms; with a background in Occupational Therapy, she now serves as an employment specialist for individuals with intellectual disabilities. As a former NICU mom herself, Denielle volunteers her time at the local hospital, offering resources and support to parents facing similar challenges. She is also an accomplished author and speaker, sharing her journey in her book “Healed, Healthy, and Whole,” detailing her experiences during her daughter’s NICU stay. Denielle is committed to finding ways to empower and uplift others. 

Diana Perez is a psychologist and nurse with an extensive professional career in Colombia and the United States. In her native country, Diana has 12 years of experience in psychology and 14 years in nursing, which has allowed her to develop a solid foundation in the care and well-being of people.   

Since 2015, Diana has lived in Atlanta, where she has expanded her career in the field of education and family support. Since 2016, she has served as a Special Instructor in the Babies Can’t Wait program, providing crucial support to families with young children in Early intervention. In addition, since 2021, she has been working with Scottdale Early Learning Inc in the Parents As Teachers program, where she serves as a Parent Educator. In this role, she is in charge of 20 families, providing education to mothers from pregnancy until their children are five years old.  

She considers herself a charitable, kind and responsible person. Her passion for the work she does is evident in every aspect of her job, as she is dedicated to improving the lives of families and children through her commitment and experience.  

Soy psicólogo y enfermera con una amplia trayectoria profesional en Colombia y en Estados Unidos. En mi país natal, cuento con 12 años de experiencia en psicología y 14 años en enfermería, lo que me ha permitido desarrollar una sólida base en la atención y el bienestar de las personas.  

Desde 2015 resido en Atlanta, donde he expandido mi carrera en el ámbito de la educación y el apoyo familiar. Desde 2016, me desempeño como Instructor Especial en el programa Babies Can’t Wait, proporcionando apoyo crucial a familias con niños pequeños en Early intervention. Además, desde 2021 trabajo con Scottdale Early Learning Inc en el programa Parents As Teachers, donde actúo como educadora de padres. En esta función, tengo a mi cargo 20 familias, brindando educación a madres desde el embarazo hasta que sus hijos cumplen cinco años.  

Me considero una persona caritativa, amable y responsable. Mi pasión por el trabajo que realizo es evidente en cada aspecto de mi labor, ya que me dedico a mejorar la vida de las familias y los niños a través de mi compromiso y experiencia. 

Gabrielle “Gabby” Albert is “Passionately to the Point”, a Results Oriented Organizational Leader and Strategic Executive.  For the past 20 years Gabby has developed and honed her skills as a thought leader and strategic sourcing executive at some of the world’s premier companies like Procter & Gamble, The Kellogg Company, Bacardi, Hilton, and Kimberly-Clark. During her tenure she has also had cross functional experience across the enterprise with global leadership responsibility for: strategic sourcing, sales, marketing, P&L management, and research & development. She is very experienced in highly technical and complex industries such as: Nonwovens, Paper/Pulp, Chemicals, Marketing & Sales, IT, and Travel & Expense. She has worked in CPG, Food & Beverage, Spirits, Hospitality, Pharmaceuticals, and Consulting.

Following participation in the first ever Upswell Forum at Harvard Business School for Social Entrepreneurs in November of 2023, she decided to take her corporate experience to the non-profit sector and elevate her service from an advisory maternal-health advocate as a Board Member, Vice Chair & Secretary of 4KIRA4MOMS to a full-time maternal-health activist where she served as Interim Executive Director from January to April of 2024. Following, an impactful and inspiring Black Maternal Health Week in April of 2024 she decided that she wanted to leverage her strategic skillset and passion to partner with friend and founder Charles Johnson, full time as the official Executive Director for 4Kira4Moms.

Gabby is a proud HBCU graduate and Alumnus of Florida A&M University’s illustrious School of Business and Industry, 5-year MBA Program which provided her the foundation and experience that launched her career as a Corporate Executive.

She currently resides in Atlanta, GA. In her spare time Gabby has an avid love for traveling & culture- she is a foodie and has traveled to 54 countries and counting. She enjoys spending time/entertaining with her family & friends, spoiling her nephew, niece & 5 godchildren, mentoring, cooking, and working out. Some of her professional affiliations include: Life Member of the FAMU National Alumni Association; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Smithsonian 2015 Society, Past Board Chair of Veritas School of Social Sciences, Past Board Secretary of Nic’s Kicks, McKinsey Black Executive Leadership Program, and a Cincinnati Urban League AALDP Alumnus.

Dr. Hannah Cooper holds the Rollins Chair of Substance Use Disorders Research and directs Spark, the Rollins Program on Substance Use Disorders. Her scientific expertise includes studying the social determinants of drug-related harms, with a particular focus on harm reduction and health equity. She applies multilevel, geospatial, and qualitative methods to explore these topics. Dr. Cooper co-leads TADA, a NIDA-funded pre-doctoral program designed to train doctoral students in applying advanced data analytics to studying and ending drug-related harms.

Dr. Jane Ellis, Associate Professor in the Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, is a Georgia native and grew up in the Brunswick/St. Simons area.  She attended Georgia Tech where she received her BS, MS and PhD.   She then attended medical school at Emory University where she received her MD, and subsequently pursued her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Following completion of her residency, she pursued a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Emory. She joined the faculty at Emory in 2005 and has been an attending physician on the Obstetrics service at Grady Memorial Hospital since that time.  She is actively involved in medical student, resident and fellow training and teaching at Grady and has won both teaching and research awards. She is the medical director for the Emory Regional Perinatal Center at the Grady Health System, which is the largest Regional Perinatal Center in the state and is responsible for the quality of obstetric care provided in the 40 county North Georgia regional area. Dr. Ellis is the OB Medical director for the M and I Grant, which is a grant funded by both federal and state money to ensure quality care for indigent pregnant women at Grady and the other regional perinatal centers.  She is a founding and current member of Georgia’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee and is actively involved in the implementation of local, regional, and state patient safety and quality initiatives such as the AIM patient safety bundles, the Georgia Perinatal Quality Collaborative and the Levels of Care initiative (House Bill 909). She is also active at the national level in the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists committee on Maternal Mortality.  Dr. Ellis has particular interests in identifying causes of and reducing maternal mortality, patient safety and quality initiatives, and maternal/fetal outcomes in pregnant patients with medical comorbidities.

Dr. Jennifer Barkin is a tenured Professor of Community Medicine and OBGYN at the Mercer University School of Medicine. She serves as the Vice-Chair of the Community Medicine Department and is also the Executive Director of the Center for Rural Health and Health Disparities, which is one of two rural-health focused NIH Centers of Excellence in the country. A University of Pittsburgh-trained biostatistician (M.S.) and psychiatric epidemiologist (PhD), she completed a postdoctoral scholarship at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Dr. Barkin’s intellectual property, the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF), was developed during her time as a doctoral student at the University of Pittsburgh. The BIMF has been commercially licensed nine times, including for the clinical trials for FDA-breakthrough postpartum depression medication Zulresso®. She serves on the Steering Committee for the Georgia Clinicians for Climate Action and the clinical advisory board for Memora Health and Joyuus, Inc. In her former role as Chair of Corporate Sponsorship for Postpartum Support International, Georgia Chapter, she led a record-breaking fundraising effort for the Black Maternal Mental Health Summit. She has provided expert testimony before the Georgia House of Representatives Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Committee. She has participated on numerous expert panels including the New England Journal of Medicine’s Resident 360 Roundtable, the Global Women’s Leadership in Climate Panel, and the Mothers and Others for Clean Air Month panel.  

Jessica Dudley currently serves as President and CPO of United Way of Hall County. She graduated with her Master’s in Social Work from Edinboro University. Jessica oversees the United Way One Hall and Unite Us initiatives. One Hall seeks to break the cycle of poverty in Hall County by understanding poverty from the perspective of Hall County’s most vulnerable citizens; working side-by-side with local churches and public, private and non-profit sectors to tackle the root causes of poverty. The Unite Us platform is a social care network that allows for electronic referrals and communication between non-profits and service organizations to connect local individuals and families to the social services they need in real-time to navigate life and find pathways out of poverty. Jessica also served as the project director of the Two Georgia Initiative, a collaborative effort with Lumpkin County government, nonprofits, businesses, and residents in the areas of indigent health care and equalization measures to address health equity barriers. In addition, Jessica is currently chair of the Northeast Georgia Health System Advisory Council, Salvation Army board member, and participated in the Lead Forward Executive Leadership Program with the North Georgia Community Foundation.

Katie Kopp, MPH, is a Senior Manager with the Office of Women’s Health at the Georgia Department of Public Health. She manages the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, the Maternal and Neonatal Center Designation program, and coordinates programs for maternal mental health. Previously, Katie was the Director of Government Relations where she served as the liaison between the Department of Public Health and the Georgia General Assembly. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration from Clemson University and her Master of Public Health in Maternal and Child Health Policy and Leadership from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Dr. Keisha Reneé Callins is a Georgia-trained physician and public health professional.  An Obstetrician/Gynecologist with Community Health Care Systems (CHCS), she is committed to providing healthcare services to rural and underserved areas in middle Georgia, with practices in Twiggs and Jones counties. Dr. Callins, the Joy McCann Endowed Professor, also serves on the faculty as a clinical professor at the School of Medicine in the Department of Community Medicine, a department she previously chaired.  She is actively involved in pipeline mentorship, translational research, legislative advocacy, and community engagement. Her personal mission statement is, “You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the world of everyone with whom you interact”.

Dr. Kimarie Bugg, DNP, FNP-BC, MPH, IBCLC, is Chief Empowerment Officer (CEO) and Change Leader of Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere, Inc. (ROSE), a nonprofit corporation developed in 2011, to address breastfeeding inequities and disparities in the African American community. Dr. Bugg previously worked for Emory University, School of Medicine, as a nurse practitioner, private practice pediatrics as an NP, as a perinatal nurse consultant for the state of Georgia, perinatal educator, hospital nurse administrator, special care nursery staff, bedside breastfeeding consultant and pediatric emergency clinic staff nurse. Kimarie was a board member of the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) and faculty for CHAMPS (communities and hospital’s advancing maternal practices) a Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. She also provided training for WIC Breastfeeding administrative staff and Peer Counselors nationally. Dr. Bugg completed a Community Health Leadership Program, within the Satcher Health Leadership Institute at Morehouse School of Medicine that stressed best practices to provide global health equity and eliminating health disparities through action-oriented projects. Mrs. Bugg is married to Dr. George W. Bugg Jr. a neonatologist and they are the parents of five adult children.

Ms. Kimberly Seals is the Executive Director of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia (HMHBGA).   In this role, she leads a dynamic team focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes through advocacy, education, and access to vital resources. Prior to joining HMHBGA, Ms. Seals was the former Director of the Bureau of Maternal and Child Health with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. As Director, Ms. Seals led activities across several Divisions that sought to protect and promote the lives of moms, children and families across the state.  As part of Ms. Seals’ role as Bureau Director, she led several initiatives to confront infant and maternal mortality issues including co-chairing the state Maternal Mortality Review Committee, reestablishing the state’s Fetal Infant Mortality Review Committee earlier this year, and informing policing critical to improving maternal and child health outcomes.   Prior to relocating to South Carolina, Ms. Seals was the Maternal and Child Health Director for the March of Dimes Alabama office where she led the state’s programmatic and mission related activities of giving every baby a fighting chance. One of Ms. Seals largest initiative was launching Healthy Babies are Worth the Wait in both Alabama and Texas, where she got her start with the organization. Her work in the nonprofit sector also involved several statewide efforts to promote early entry into prenatal care, preterm birth, infant mortality and healthy equity.  Among other experiences, Ms. Seals has been afforded many opportunities to sit on several boards and committees as well as be recognized nationally for her outstanding leadership in MCH.   In 2021, Ms. Seals was featured in the Association of Maternal and Child’s Health Program (AMCHP’s) Bold Voices from the MCH Field: The Urgency of Accompliceship to Advance Racial Justice and has completed the esteemed Association of State and Territorial Health Officials’ (ASTHO’s) Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health program.  Kimberly is completing her doctoral level studies in Organizational Leadership and received her Master of Public Administration degree from Texas Southern University and her Master of Public Health degree from Meharry Medical College. She completed her undergraduate work from University of Alabama at Birmingham, and is passionate about racial/ethnic disparities research, mitigation of burnout among millennial leaders, and evidenced-based programs.

Kimberly Stewart-Lucas is the Training and Resource Coordinator with Prevent Child Abuse Georgia (PCA Georgia) housed in the Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development in the School of Public Health. Along with administrative support, Kimberly provides training coordination for Mandated Reporter and Connections Matter. She leads the Find Help Georgia program through training and community engagement outreach to providers and those seeking help.

Kimberly is passionate about event planning, curating art exhibits and wellness workshops. She is an advocate and educator for natural and home birth and receives joy in bringing people together, providing valuable resources, and creating lasting, meaningful memories that inspire and educate.

Kristina Lam, MD, MPH, is a medical epidemiologist at the Georgia Department of Public Health. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Emory University and a Doctor of Medicine from Mercer University. She completed an internship in Emergency Medicine at Emory University and residency in Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Morehouse School of Medicine. She currently serves as the lead epidemiologist supporting the Georgia Perinatal Quality Collaborative, the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, and other programs and initiatives led by the Office of Women’s Health.

Kristy Thomson, M.S., Chief Operating Officer, HomeTown Health, LLC (https://hometownhealthonline.com/)

Kristy Thomson joined the HomeTown Health Team in 2006 and currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer where she is responsible for both the HomeTown Health operations and the education programs of HomeTown Health University. HomeTown Health, LLC is a network of rural hospitals, healthcare providers, and best practice business partners who collectively pursue ways to help rural hospitals survive and thrive in the environment of constant change in reimbursement, operations and technology.

After graduating from Stephens County High School in Toccoa, Georgia, Kristy earned her B.S. from Clemson University and M.S. from the University of Georgia. Among other community and industry related commitments, Kristy currently serves on the GA DCH Continuous Program Improvement – Healthcare Access Committee, Georgia Rural Workforce Advisory Committee, Anthem-MAG Advisory Committee, Georgia Clinical Transformation Team, Georgia Maternal Health Task Force, and IACET Awards Committee.

Kyesha (Ky) Lindberg serves as Georgia Health Initiative’s Vice President of Community Engagement.  In this role, she leads and engages community partners and the Initiative team in the creation and implementation of philanthropic initiatives that advance health equity.  Lindberg brings nearly 20 years of experience leading local, statewide, and national efforts to address health disparities through policy, education, outreach, and coalition-building.  After spending her early career working in policy and education in Michigan, Lindberg came to the Southeast as Regional Lead, Early Childhood Partnerships for LENA Research Foundation. Most recently, she served as CEO of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia, a nonprofit organization which identifies and supports policy and practice solutions to increase maternal and infant health outcomes. Ky leverages her own experiences navigating maternal health inequities to ground her in this work and fuel her commitment to positive change.

Laura Layne, MSN, MPH, is a Registered Nurse with almost 20 years of experience in nursing and public health. She serves as the Women’s Health Director at the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and in this role is responsible for statewide programs to improve maternal and infant care including leading the Georgia Perinatal Quality Collaborative to implement equitable, data-driven quality improvement initiatives. She previously served as the Deputy Chief Nurse for Quality Improvement in the Office of Nursing at DPH and has a Lean Six Sigma green belt certification. She is a former Global Service Corps volunteer and has a strong clinical background in primary care and public health nursing. Since 2006, she has maintained an adjunct faculty and clinical instructor position at the Emory University School of Nursing and for the last five years has served as the Co-Director of the Farm Worker Family Health Program. Her educational background includes a dual Master’s degree in Public Health and Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Emory University, and a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Spanish from Auburn University.

Laurisa Guerrero, MPH, serves as the Executive Director of the Georgia Council for Recovery (GC4R). Laurisa has worked with multiple teams of peer recovery coaches providing support to individuals with substance use disorders in emergency departments, neonatal intensive care units, the Department of Family and Children Services, family treatment courts, and a recovery support warm line. Laurisa earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from Kennesaw State University and a master’s degree in public health from Emory University. Laurisa is a person in long-term recovery from substance use disorders and has not felt the need to use drugs or alcohol to change the way she feels since October 2014.

Lynne, RN, BSN, works for the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) as advocate for patient safety and quality. She also represents GHA as a Maternal/Child Expert with the Georgia Department of Public Health. With over 30 years in the healthcare field, Lynne began her career as a Labor and Delivery and neonatal nurse for 18 years when Quality Improvement became her passion. Working directly with the DPH Commissioner Dr. Fitzgerald of the Georgia Department of Public Health in 2013, Lynne was instrumental in reducing Early Elective Deliveries in Georgia, improving the rate from 32% down to 2% utilizing her Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification skills. Lynne has been a member of the Leadership Team for the Georgia Perinatal Quality Collaborative since 2012. She currently serves on the Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Lynne became a Master TeamSTEPPS Trainer in 2012. Teaching and sharing her knowledge are another one of her passions. She is also a Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Lynne received her BSN from Emory University and graduated Cum Laude. She is also a cat lover with 2 cats of her own!

Madison Scott is the Director of Policy and Research at Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia. Receiving her B.A. and J.D. at University of North Carolina, she is passionate about bringing her legal background to maternal and infant health policy, data and equity.

Makayla Walker is a 28-year-old woman from Covington, Georgia. She is a mother of two boys. Makayla became interested in maternal health after her own near miss experience and battle with severe postpartum anxiety. She is on a mission to change maternal health outcomes and bring awareness to the issues mothers face during the prenatal and postpartum period. Makayla is the founder of Postpartum Warriors and the author of the postpartum workbook and journal entitled “Everything Is Going to be Okay”. She enjoys spending time with family and learning new things.   

Marsha Stringer, RN, MSN, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC, has more than 25 years of healthcare experience as a RN and NP and works as a nurse practitioner for the Georgia Heart Institute. She is a Newtown Florist Club board member and the chairman of the African American Health Disparities Committee in which the mission is to bridge the health disparity gaps in their local black community through education and conversations. She is actively involved in her local community in areas focused on healthcare, education and homelessness.

Miriam Goodfriend is a native of Atlanta, Georgia, where she was born and raised. She earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from Georgia State University, becoming deeply ingrained in the local landscape of Georgia politics.

Miriam’s career journey includes pivotal roles such as Advocacy and Awareness Manager and Advocacy Coordinator at NAMI Georgia. In these positions, she effectively demonstrated her commitment to positive impact in health policy, program management, and relationship building. Currently, as the Policy and Research Manager at the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia, Miriam continues a strong work ethic and a steadfast commitment to equity. She collaborates with communities and individuals with lived experience to drive positive policy changes that benefit the well-being of mothers, babies, and families throughout Georgia.

As the Deputy Director at Georgia Watch, Natasha Taylor demonstrates not only a diverse knowledge and understanding of public policy, community outreach, consumer relations, civic advocacy, and healthcare access but also a strong leadership and innovative spirit. She is dedicated to increasing access to quality healthcare and clean energy and improving financial literacy and well-being for marginalized populations across Georgia. She has led the Georgia Community Health Worker Advocacy Coalition since 2021 and is passionate about amplifying the voices of Community Health Workers (CHWs) across the state. She currently leads advocacy efforts toward a state-recognized certification for CHWs to build further credibility and sustainability for this valuable workforce.

Dr. Padmashree “Champa” Chaudhury Woodham is Professor in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, MFM Fellowship Program Director at the Medical College of Georgia, and Director of the Regional Perinatal Center at Wellstar MCG Health. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Emory University in 2001. She then attended Emory University School of Medicine to complete her MD and remained at Emory to finish her Internship and Residency in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2009. Dr. Woodham then went on to complete a fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2012. She is board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine. Dr. Woodham joined the faculty of Mercer School of Medicine at the Medical Center Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, GA as the Director of Maternal-Fetal Medicine in August 2012, where she spent the first 10 years of her career. During that time, Dr. Woodham served numerous leadership roles, including Director of the Regional Perinatal Center, Chair of the Finance Council, and Vice Chair of the Atrium Health Navicent Leadership Council. Among her various honors and achievements, she received the ACOG/CREOG National Faculty Award. Additionally, Dr. Woodham serves as a reviewer and editor for numerous publications. She is a Medical Advisor for Georgia’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee. Dr. Woodham was the 2022-2023 President of the Georgia OBGYN Society.

Dr. Woodham provides high risk obstetric care to patients with a range of complex maternal and fetal conditions. She specializes in ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT procedures), fetal thoracoamniotic and vesicoamniotic shunt placement, ultrasound-guided fetal pericardiocentesis and pleurocentesis, percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling, intrauterine fetal transfusion, as well as abdominal cerclage placement via transvaginal approach. Her research involves predictive markers for pre-eclampsia and techniques to better predict growth restriction on fetal ultrasound.

Paige L. Rohe, MPH, is the founder of The ROBIN Project (Reducing OBstetric INjury), a Georgia nonprofit childbirth safety organization. She also is a senior public relations advisor for Jackson Spalding, supporting health care and nonprofit clients.

Rohe and her young daughter experienced multiple, serious complications during and following childbirth, the most serious and long-lasting of which has been Eva’s severe brachial plexus birth palsy. She has since devoted her volunteer time and expertise to supporting childbirth safety awareness and supporting patient families who have experienced childbirth injury.

Rohe has 20 years of experience in healthcare communications for large corporations, global and national nonprofits, academic institutions, and healthcare delivery systems.

She has traveled to as far-flung places as South Sudan, Liberia, Ethiopia, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti in her work in global health communications as well as traveled extensively in the United States.

She began her career in Washington, D.C., working for a prominent a public affairs consultancy on mental health advocacy, and went on to work for a global health organization specializing in disease eradication and elimination and reducing stigma against mental illnesses. Rohe credits her experiences in DC, global health, and as a physician communications specialist within a large pediatric healthcare system as helping to inform her work with The ROBIN Project.

Rohe holds a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Emory University.

Dr. Quantrilla Ard, PhD, is a champion of reproductive justice and maternal health disparities and serves as a Certified Patient Family Partner with MoMMA’s Voices through the Preeclampsia Foundation, and a Family Health Advocate through the H.E.A.R.T for Georgia program. She is an engaged member of the Healthier Generations Community Action Network and also volunteers with the March of Dimes Atlanta Collective Impact as Co-chair of the Dismantle Racism Workgroup and steering committee member. Currently, she uses her social media platforms to engage, educate, and inform others on her doctoral research and personal experience with preeclampsia. In addition, she often provides expert opinion on maternal health in various print and online media outlets. Lastly, Dr. Ard humbly stewards a grief and loss community and podcast, both entitled It’s All Grief to Me, as a coach and liason for individuals navigating their journeys. You can follow her and the work she is involved in at https://www.thephdmamma.com. 

Rachell M. Dumas, RN, is a dedicated registered nurse, maternal health advocate, and entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience in healthcare, including 8 years as a nurse. She has worked at some of Georgia’s leading hospitals, including Emory and Grady, where she gained extensive clinical experience. Rachell is the founder and CEO of A Light After Nine, a nonprofit committed to supporting families experiencing pregnancy loss, infertility, and maternal trauma, as well as Onward Healthcare Solutions and Education, a company focused on healthcare compliance and education. Inspired by her deeply personal journey of enduring nine pregnancy losses before giving birth to her miracle child, Rachell has become a national advocate for maternal health. She collaborates with hospitals across the United States to implement maternal/fetal palliative care management and discharge case management programs, ensuring compassionate, comprehensive care for families during high-risk pregnancies, loss, and postpartum recovery. Passionate about transforming maternal healthcare, Rachell combines her personal experience and professional expertise to champion systemic change.

Renée Byfield, MS, RN, FNP, C-EFM is a clinical leader, specializing in obstetric and newborn care. She is currently the co-author and Program Director for Perinatal Quality Improvement’s Implicit and Explicit Bias Program. She has been a nurse educator in both academic and hospital settings. At Temple and Drexel University Nursing schools in Philadelphia, PA. Ms. Byfield Clinical Assistant Professor in both undergraduate and master programs. She has held obstetric educator roles at St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital and Weill Cornell Medical Center – New York Presbyterian. At Cornell, she became Patient Safety Administrator for the obstetric service where she coordinated quality improvement and perinatal patient safety initiatives and sat on the Perinatal Maternal Mortality Review Committee. She developed and launched interdisciplinary simulation drills and team training as an AHRQ TeamSTEPPS master trainer. As a Senior Manager of Clinical Program Development at AWHONN she authored and facilitated development of the Perinatal Orientation Education Program (POEP) and the Neonatal Orientation Education Program (NOEP), 3rd and 4th editions. Ms. Byfield authored the first edition of AWHONN’s Obstetric Patient Safety (OPS) Program focused interdisciplinary management of postpartum hemorrhage utilizing simulation-based training.

Robyn N. Bussey, Just Health Director, provides leadership and day-to-day management of the Partnership for Southern Equity’s (PSE) health equity portfolio. In addition, she leads the design, development, and implementation of health equity training, technical assistance, and other communication and education resources for communities, organizations, and other stakeholders seeking to understand and operationalize health and racial equity.

Prior to joining PSE, Robyn served as the Community Health Strategist for ARCHI (Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement) for over nine years where she managed the community-based portfolio. Robyn also served as a Senior Research Associate at the Georgia Health Policy Center in the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University.

Robyn received her BS in Biology from Florida A&M University and her Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Health Administration from Georgia State University.

She believes that believes that racism is an influencer of health, and that structural racism is the primary barrier to health equity; thus, she is committed to highlighting and addressing the persistent inequities that impact a substantial number of the residents in the metro Atlanta region, throughout the state of Georgia, and the American South. Robyn’s commitment to engaging communities to assess their health and wellbeing, and community and policy development is exampled in her body of work that includes leading several community health improvement initiatives in metropolitan Atlanta; and designing initiatives focused on advancing health and social equity.

A native of Waycross, GA, she lives in East Point with her son Kemp.

Rose L. Horton, MSM, RNC-OB, NEA-BC, FAAN is the Founder & CEO of NotOnMyWatch Consulting Partners, an LLC she created 3 years after coining the hashtag #notonmywatch.  In this role she provides consulting for healthcare organizations, keynotes and teams training.  She created the hashtag out of her frustration at the rising rate of maternal & infant morbidity and mortality. As an executive nurse leader, she believed that nurses, as the largest healthcare employee contingent, have the power to change the trajectory of morbidity and mortality. The hashtag is a call to action for all nurses to use their collective voices to support, listen to, advocate for, and follow evidence-based practices in caring for all birthing people.

Rose was inducted as a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing (FAAN) in October 2022, nursing’s highest honor. She is the 2024 President Elect of the Association of Women’s Health Obstetrics & Neonatal Nurses (AWHONN), a 25,000-nurse member association that is pivotal in creating, supporting, legislating, researching best practices, and evidence-based care of women and newborns.

Rose serves on the Board of Directors for Healthy Birth Day Inc, Count the Kicks, well as the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board for Medela and on the Nurse Executive Advisory Board for Synova Associates. She serves on the Executive Committee for the National Network of Perinatal Quality Collaboratives

Sarah C. Blake, PhD, MA is an Associate Professor and Director of the Maternal and Child Health Center of Excellence at the Emory University Rollins School of Public Health. She is a health services researcher who applies a health equity lens to address women’s health care, particularly health disparities in reproductive and maternal and child health. Dr. Blake leads several public health research projects that address access to health care for low-income, medically underserved women and their families. Additionally, Dr. Blake works closely with the CDC and Georgia Department of Public Health to examine how social and community level factors influence maternal morbidity and mortality. Dr. Blake also collaborates with several community-based organizations to address the growing maternal health crisis in Georgia. Dr. Blake is a native of Georgia and is an appointed member of the Georgia Maternal Mortality Review Committee, lending her research and policy expertise to examine the contributing factors and causes of maternal mortality in the state. Dr. Blake received her PhD from the Georgia Institute of Technology/Georgia State University joint doctoral program in Public Policy. She teaches several graduate-level public health courses including those related to women’s health policy, qualitative research methods, and foundations of maternal and child health.

Dr. Seema Csukas is the Vice President, Chief Medical Officer for the Georgia Market at CareSource, a not for profit, multi-state health plan. She serves as a liaison to the state, healthcare providers and community organizations regarding clinical initiatives that impact improved quality care outcomes for members. Previously, Dr. Csukas was with the Georgia Department of Public Health addressing maternal and child health at the local, state and national levels with a particular focus on infant mortality, maternal mortality, birth to five populations and partnership development. Prior to that, she worked as a primary care pediatrician at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta serving low income families and promoting community engagement in children’s health issues.

Sekesa Berry is a Birth Justice Activist and community leader for Black Birth Workers throughout Metro Atlanta. She honors many titles such as the Founder and Director of the Atlanta Doula Collective, Developer of the Maternal Health Consultant Training, a Lactation Specialist, and a Traditional Midwife and Author. However, there is one title that Sekesa raises above all others – Mother. She is a loving mother to four children and a community mother to many. She believes that mothers are the first teachers to their youth and therefore at the center of nation building. Respectively, for over a decade Sekesa has worked closely with several grass-roots organizations and local non-profit foundations in an effort to decolonize birth, curtail birth traumas, and restore natural birth rights. Through these efforts Sekesa continues to be a valued and resourceful woman within her community.

Shaconna Haley is a Holistic Intuitive Practitioner™, Perinatal Consultant, Certified Holistic Doula (CHD), Independent Sociological Researcher and Dean of Students for The Matrona Foundation’s Birthkeeper Program. She has over 28 years of experience in women and girls’ life course transitions, education, reproductive empowerment, mentoring/life coaching, and as a holistic doula/ birthkeeper. She is Founder of InnerLight Holistic Doula & Perinatal Consulting. Shaconna obtained a B.A. in Psychology from Hampton University, M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University and M.A. in Sociology and doctoral studies, specializing in Sociology of Birth and Race, Gender, Social Justice from American University. As a Holistic Prenatal & Birth Doula, she has received doula training from DONA International as a Birth Doula and the Matrona Center Holistic Doula Certification. In addition, Shaconna proactively serves Georgia and Atlanta Metro community as a contributor to the Georgia Postpartum Support International Advocacy Committee, Birth Equity Lab of The Center for Black Women’s Wellness (CBWW) & IHI and the Georgia Perinatal Quality Collaborative (GaPQC) Health Equity sub-committee, the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) Research Advisory Committee, HMHB Doula Access Work Group, 4th Trimester Collaborative and, at the national level the National Preeclampsia Foundation’s Racial Disparities Task Force. Most recently, Shaconna serves as Dean of Students for the Matrona Foundation Quantum Midwifery Birthkeepers Program.

Shelley Spires is currently the CEO of Albany Area Primary Health Care, Inc. where she has worked for the past 22 years. She received her Bachelor’s Degree from Georgia Southwestern University in Human Resource Management in 1998. From 1998 – 2000, Shelley served as Human Resource Director for America’s Counseling Service. In 2000, Shelley worked for Dooly County Medical Center until it closed in 2001. At that time, Shelley went on to serve as Human Resource Director for Albany Area Primary Health Care, Inc. With much support and encouragement from her boss and family, Shelley went on to pursue her Master’s of Science with a concentration in Health Care Management from Troy State University in 2003. She served as Human Resource Director until 2009 when she was promoted to Deputy Director for Albany Area Primary Health Care, Inc. In 2013, the CEO announced his plans to retire and the Board of Directors started a search committee for the next CEO. At that time Shelley applied and was offered the job effective September 2015.

Accomplishments:

• 2015 Small Town America’s 100 Most Influential People
• 40 under 40 for Dougherty County
• 2013 Graduate of Leadership Albany
• Chair of the Recruitment and Retention Committee for the Georgia Association of Primary Health Care, Inc.
• Board member of the Association of Clinicians for the Underserved
• Member of the Georgia Association of Primary Health Care Workforce Committee
• Member of Rural Committee for the National Association of Community Health Centers
• Member of the Legislative Committee for the National Association of Community Health Centers
• Member of the Dougherty County Rotary
• Member and Past President for the Georgia Rural Health Association
• Member of the United Health Care FQHC Advisory Group

Shontel Cargill is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) whose passion for helping others, commitment to service, and dedication to being a change agent in the community led her to a professional career in mental health. She has over a decade of clinical and leadership experience. She is currently serving as a Regional Clinic Director for Thriveworks, a national mental health company. She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia and a Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Valdosta State University. She specializes in marriage and family therapy, couples therapy, and perinatal mental health.

Shontel has a lifelong commitment to moving the needle forward in perinatal mental health care as a survivor, advocate, perinatal mental health professional, and as President of the Georgia Chapter of Postpartum Support International. After experiencing the loss of her daughter and enduring birth trauma, she turned her pain into passion and purpose to help mothers and families who have experienced loss, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), birth trauma, infertility, and those who are impacted by maternal mortality in the state of Georgia. Her goal is to eradicate disparities in our healthcare systems, increase the number of trauma-informed trained providers in the state of Georgia, and improve access to healthcare for all.

Stephanie received her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health from Florida International University. She has experience working with the National MCH Workforce Development Center as a Title V intern and a Fellow with the Association of State Public Health Nutritionists (ASPHN) program completing public health research, program planning, and data collection. Stephanie’s professional goals are to implement sustainable changes within health policy to improve quality care within the healthcare system and women’s reproductive health. Stephanie is the Policy & Advocacy Associate with Black Mamas Matter Alliance. In her role she supports BMMA’s current policy and advocacy portfolio with a focus on the state of Georgia and other southeastern state stakeholders including partner engagement. She tracks state legislation, and industry policies related to Black Maternal Health, assist with the coordination of programmatic activities such as the Black Maternal Health Week Campaign (BMHW), and the Black Maternal Health Conference and Training Institute (BMHC).

Dr. Suchitra Chandrasekaran graduated Med school from Northwestern University, Residency in OBGYN at Ohio State University, MFM Fellowship and Masters in Clinical Epidemiology at The University of Pennsylvania, and then was on faculty for 6 years at the University of Washington on an NIH funded grant.

Moved to Emory as faculty in 2020 and am a physician scientist with an interest in maternal cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Tamara Mason, MPH, CHES is a public health professional, consultant, and advocate who works to improve the health and well-being of marginalized communities. Tamara graduated from Brown University in 1998 with a B.A. degree in Health and Society, with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health. She earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree, with a concentration in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education in August 2003 from the Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University. She has held several research and program management positions within Emory University, including serving as the Director of a breast cancer education and outreach program for over a decade. Currently, Tamara is the Director, Maternal and Child Health Collective Impact, at the March of Dimes. In this role, she leads the efforts in Atlanta to reduce the inequities in preterm births and maternal mortality. Tamara is also the Founder and Principal Equity Consultant of Mason Consulting, Inc. LLC. Mason Consulting assists communities and organizations with improving their health outcomes and indicators via a health equity and social justice lens. Lastly, Tamara is also a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and certified labor doula.

Dr. Tamika Lasege is a pediatrician and neonatologist who has over 10 years of experience in Managed Care. Dr Lasege currently serves as Chief Medical Officer for Georgia Medicaid at UnitedHealthcare. Dr. Lasege leverages her formal education, personal and professional experiences, and her passion to enhance the lives of children and underinsured populations with quality healthcare through direct patient care and/or advocacy. Dr. Lasege’s clinical interests include Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, Value-Based Care, and health equity.

Dr. Tembele Yangadawele is originally from the D.R. Congo and has committed his life to take care of those who are in medical need with no prejudice or discrimination. He has provided primary care, including maternal care in the wonderful state of West Virginia over the past 8 years and hopes to do the same here in Georgia.

Dr. Teresa Byrd, MD, MSCI, FACOG, is a native of Los Angeles, California.  She received her undergraduate degree in biology/pre-medicine from Florida A&M University and went on to obtain her medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee.  Dr. Byrd completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Texas at Houston Health Sciences Center. After residency, she returned to serve on the faculty at Meharry Medical College and UT Houston.  Currently Dr. Byrd is the Program Director of the Wellstar Kennestone Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency in Marietta, Georgia.  Dr. Byrd’s clinical focus as an academic generalist has been in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, office gynecology, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery.  She currently serves on the ACOG District IV Committee on Health Equity and Respectful Care, the Georgia Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (GOGS) Advisory Board and on the Georgia Perinatal Quality Collaborative as the Maternal Co-Chair and Health Equity Liaison. Her most recent initiatives are aimed at reducing black maternal mortality through focusing on cardiac disease and hypertension. Dr. Byrd’s entire career has been devoted to academic medicine, focusing on innovations in medical student and resident education, hospital and residency quality improvement efforts, diversity, inclusion, and equity in healthcare.

Teresa Zayas, MS 

Health Insurance Specialist 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 

Teresa.zayas@cms.hhs.gov  

Teresa Zayas, M.S., is a Health Insurance & Outreach Specialist with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services since 2005, bringing nearly 39 years of experience in health care program development, partnership, coalition building and public relations. She is a member of the Local Engagement and Administration at the CMS Atlanta Office, leading and conducting CMS’ communication campaigns by educating the public on Health Equity, Medicare, Medicaid, and Marketplace. 

Previously she implemented health programs in local government and non-profit organizations managing daily operations including staff, program deliverables, and budget. She spent eight years providing technical assistance on self-sufficiency and health promotion to six medical underserved communities in the South Atlanta area. Simultaneously, Zayas managed the 

Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program for the East Metro Health District providing services to more than 1,000 in Gwinnet County, Georgia. Prior to these endeavors, she administered four programs including the community services for the first Medicaid managed company in Georgia doubling membership, clinical services for the Gwinnett County Family Connection securing funding, international services at Grady Health System initiating translation and education programs and family services at the Latin American Association overseeing case management to non-English speaking families. 

A native of Puerto Rico, Teresa Zayas holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Science degree in Community Counseling from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA. 

Dr. Toby Goldsmith is Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Emory University School of Medicine. Since 1996, Dr. Goldsmith has worked as an academic psychiatrist at major medical centers in Ohio, Florida, and Georgia, specializing in the care of pregnant and postpartum women. She has a BS from Cornell University, an MD from the State University of NY at Buffalo College of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and did her residency at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. As Director of PEACE for Moms, Dr. Goldsmith’s work on the project includes everything from providing clinician consultations to working on budgets.

Tosi Adeniyi-Miller is a Senior Analyst, Maternal Child Health Advocate for Center for Black Women’s Wellness, and Co-founder of a women’s nonprofit, Criado Studios, dedicated to bridging the gap between women and wellbeing. Her commitment to fostering positive change is reflected in her analytical expertise and her role as a prenatal yoga instructor, with a mission to make the US a safer place to birth.

Virginia Voyles Tester, CNM, FNP-C
Virginia is dedicated to welcoming and supporting our newest American neighbors through compassionate, culturally sensitive care. As the Director of Embrace Refugee Birth Support, a program of Friends of Refugees, she leads efforts to improve maternal health and well-being for women and families in Atlanta’s refugee and immigrant community. With over 15 years of experience in women’s health, Virginia combines her background as a Certified Nurse Midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner with a deep commitment to holistic health, social justice, and patient-centered care. She graduated as a Morehead Scholar from UNC-CH in 2005 with a degree in International Studies and earned her Master of Science in Nursing in 2010 as a Fuld Fellow at Emory University. Her love for learning has led her to pursue a Doctorate in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Virginia grounds herself through her family and faith, drawing strength and inspiration from both as she serves her community.

Dr. Zachary Taylor is the health director for North Health District, District 2, based in Gainesville. Dr. Taylor is also the interim health director for North Georgia Health District, District 1-2, based in Dalton. District 1-2 includes Cherokee, Fannin, Gilmer, Murray, Pickens, and Whitfield Counties. Originally from LaGrange, Dr. Taylor graduated from LaGrange College with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and his Master of Science degree from the University of Maryland. He completed an internship in internal medicine at the University of Kentucky and a residency in preventive medicine at the University of Maryland. Dr. Taylor served for 30 years as an Officer in the United States Public Health Service, including clinical practice with the Indian Health Service from 1983 to 1987 and public health practice with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other Health and Human Services agencies from 1989 to 2015. Dr. Taylor retired with the rank of Assistant Surgeon General. He and his wife, Joanie, live in Gainesville, Georgia.