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AA&MDSIF Staff

Position Staff Background
Executive Director John Huber John has more than 30 years of leadership experience in both national and international nonprofit organizations. He previously served as the Executive Director of the American Urological Association Foundation, and prior to that, served as the Vice President of Membership Support Service for eight years with Goodwill Industries International. His expertise includes creating and implementing new governance models and strategies, securing financial resources for patient education and research programs, expanding membership, and deploying "member service" driven concepts. John holds a Masters degree in Adult Education from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
Senior Director of Programs and Services Stephanie Chisolm Stephanie directs the design, development, and implementation of patient and health services programs and products. She comes to AA&MDSIF with over 20 years experience in health education for patients and providers. Originally from New York, Stephanie has worked in patient and professional education in nonprofit medical organizations in the Washington, DC area, as a community health educator in a New England hospital, and as an assistant professor in the Health Sciences Department at James Madison University in Virginia. Stephanie earned her PhD in Health Education/Health Promotion from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2000.
Senior Director of Information/
Management
 Benita Marcus With extensive experience in information and Web site management for nonprofit organizations, Benita leads efforts to enhance the foundation's online presence and web-based services, including our email communications, social media, and online activism tools. Benita also manages government advocacy campaigns for the foundation including advocating for Department of Defense research funding and support for the Bone Marrow Failure Disease and Treatment Act. She studied political science at the University of Pittsburgh and has taken graduate courses at George Washington University.
Director of Health Professional Programs Alice Houk Alice manages the research grant program, monitors newly published research and drug company announcements, coordinates the Scientific Symposium, serves as liaison to the Medical Advisory Board and is the primary contact with other professional and patient organizations. She also leads efforts in educating health professionals about bone marrow failure diseases.  Her nonprofit experience includes having served as a national organizer for the SAFE KIDS campaign and as a regional program coordinator for the March of Dimes. In addition, Alice has extensive experience working with volunteers in educational, fund raising and program areas. She holds a Master's degree in Health Policy from the University of Maryland.
Director of Development Sandra Walter With more than 20 years of nonprofit organization development and fundraising experience, Sandra leads our development efforts including annual and planned giving, major gifts, foundation and corporate support along with donor development. Sandra graduated from American University with a degree in Business Administration specializing in Marketing, Communication and Advertising.
Publications Manager Robert Burleson Robert manages the content and development of our print publications, including the Insider, and MDS Connection. His past experience includes many years working in marketing for commercial and nonprofit medical and scientific publishers, and more recent experience in scientific professional society membership management and member relations. With a strong publication background, Bob joined us in January 2011.
Grants and Industry Relations Manager Ramona Crawford Ramona is responsible for corporate development and grants management.  Establishing and maintaining relationships with AA&MDSIF’s partners in the pharmaceutical and healthcare  services area is a key part of her work.  Prior to joining AA&MDSIF, Ramona had a diverse nonprofit career that included work for medical and scientific professional organizations, The American Red Cross, and the Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. 
Community Development Manager Martha Crews Martha organizes volunteers with fundraising events and other activities, and manages our Communities of Hope program. She has over 12 years of experience with the International MOMS Club and holds prominent positions in several PTA organizations. Martha holds a degree in Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences from Northwestern University.
Learning Events Manager Catrell Harris As the Manager of Learning Events, Catrell directs all patient, family and health professional learning events and the Online Learning Center.  Most recently he comes to AA&MDSIF from the National Institutes of Health at the National Cancer Institute, where he worked in the translational research program in grants administration.  Catrell has a biomedical research and public health background with more than ten years of professional experience. Catrell completed his undergraduate studies in Biology and Spanish from Morehouse College and received his MPH from American Public University.  He is currently working on his doctoral degree (DrPH) in Public Health Advocacy and Leadership at Capella University.
Database Manager Desiree Ruiters With an accounting background, Desiree handles our financial processes and manages our member database. She acts as the first contact between donors and the foundation, ensuring the smooth processing of requests for information and receipt of contributions. Desiree studied at the University of Capetown and her previous experience includes work in accounting and asset management at Mobil Oil in South Africa before she moved to the Washington, DC area.
Development Manager Nila Vehar Nila is responsible for annual giving and donor relations. She ensures that we hold timely and appropriate communication with donors. Nila received her Bachelor of Science in Economics from Robert Morris University and has taken graduate level courses in the fields of ethics studies and public policy from Georgetown University and George Washington University. She has over 25 years of nonprofit management and fundraising experiences.
Patient Educator Leigh Clark Leigh communicates with patients and their families around the world through telephone and email contact. She provides information on treatment options, financial support, and education, and connects them to resourses. Her previous experience includes working as a patient advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities. She is currently pursuing a nursing degree.
Development Support Mike Breuer Mike’s major responsibilities include being the primary contact for Stories of Hope, administering our scholarship and Combined Federal Campaign programs, donor research, amd managing various projects of the Development Department. He studied journalism at the University of Wisconsin amd later received a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Illinois and a Certificate in Corporate Communications from Elizabethtown College.
Program Support Jacqueline Kallenbach Jackie manages our social media presence, including our Facebook page, Twitter feed and YouTube channel. She provides program support in the areas of patient and health professional programs. Jackie obtained her Bachelor of Political Science degree from Eastern Illinois University. She also interned with the foundation in the summer of 2010.
Adminsitrative Support Elise Harper Elise joined AA&MDSIF in 2010 and assists with database maintenance and general office support. She has experience in customer service and restaurant management.
Originally published on 04/21/2011 - 11:37am. Last updated on Mon, 03/04/2013 - 2:50pm.