, Executive Director

"Futurist"

Brian provides leadership to HealthHIV's staff and Board of Directors. He is responsible for ensuring the organization's programmatic achievement, fiscal stability, and organizational development.  Brian has over twenty-five years experience -- primarily in HIV -- in healthcare association management, medical advertising, public relations, public policy and medical education.

Prior to joining HealthHIV, Brian served as Deputy Executive Director of the American Academy of HIV Medicine and, before that, Vice President, Account Director for Medicus (Publicis) where he supervised consumer and professional advertising and medical education for numerous HIV treatments and diagnostics.  Brian also worked in the healthcare practice at several major public relations firms (Ketchum, Hill & Knowlton and Burson-Marsteller) where he managed numerous HIV product introductions and worked with a variety of HIV/AIDS service organizations, community based organizations and other non-profits.

, Research & Program Associate

"Story Teller"

Paul assists with the evaluation of ongoing projects and uses his unique perspective to help tell their story.  He is excited by working at HeatlhHIV because it allows him to be a part of advancing responsible HIV/AIDS public policy.   

Prior to joining HealthHIV, Paul worked for the Chicago based Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), the Obama for America campaign and at the White House.  He holds a Bachelor of Urban Planning and Development from Ball State University and studied at Gujarat University's Center for Environmental Planning and Technology in Ahmedabad, India.  Following college, Paul lived in Hanoi, Vietnam for a year teaching English and working as an editor.

, Director of HIV Prevention

"Idealist"

Chris has worked in HIV for the past 16 years. He began as an HIV Prevention Program Manager running the AIDS/STD Helpline and Speakers Bureau at St. Louis Effort for AIDS (EFA) in St. Louis, Missouri. In 1998, he became a case manager for the organization. Chris joined the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) in 2000, working on issues related to both HIV prevention and care. Chris led NASTAD's efforts related to the eligibility of HIV rapid tests for a CLIA waiver and implementation of rapid testing upon the approval of the first kit. In April 2006, Chris joined Gilead Sciences to develop an initiative to increase HIV and HBV screening and linkages to care. Chris joined HealthHIV in October 2009.

Chris has a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from the University of Missouri and a Masters in Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis.

, Project Associate

"Cultivator"

Liam serves as Project Associate on multiple HealthHIV projects, assisting in any program wherever he is needed. Prior to joining HealthHIV, Liam worked as an intern for The AIDS Institute, participating in policy advocacy meetings and learning about HIV/AIDS national policy.

A recent graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a Bachelors degree in Social Welfare, Liam today calls Washington, DC home. Originally from Michigan, Liam is enjoying the process of exploring his new environment and all its offerings.

, Technical Assistance and Intensive Capacity Building Coordinator

"Reasoner"

Jarret coordinates Technical Assistance and Intensive Capacity Building to partner organizations. Prior to joining HealthHIV Jarret provided education and support to communities struggling with the impact of HIV/AIDS in rural Zambia as a Community Health Extension Agent with the Peace Corps. He has also worked at WebMD where he assisted with 2008 Presidential election coverage from a health care perspective.

He graduated from Emory University with a Masters degree in Public Health and has a BA in Anthropology from the University of Vermont. Jarret utilizes diagnostic reasoning to identify areas where organizations and communities can make improvements to their functionality and service delivery. He is from central New York and enjoys most winter sports especially ice hockey and snowboarding.

, Project Associate

"Collaborator"

Angelo works with all programs to ensure that daily operations are running efficiently. He also serves as the Executive Assistant and works closely with vendors and partnering organizations to help advance the organization's mission. Outside of HealthHIV, Angelo is a national competitive bodybuilder and health enthusiast. He also enjoys University of Kentucky basketball and Redskins football.

, Research and Evaluation Manager

"Discoverer"

Connie M. Jorstad has been working in HIV at the national level since 2001. She joins HealthHIV as the Research and Evaluation Manager from Gilead Sciences. As a Senior Program Manager at Gilead, Connie developed and implemented an evaluation strategy for the Testing and Linkage to Care Initiative based in Medical Affairs. Prior to Gilead, she was the Program Manager at NASTAD (the National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors) responsible for a diverse portfolio of prevention issues including the CDC-funded peer-to-peer technical assistance program, mental health, substance use, corrections, and community planning. Connie has been instrumental in the development of many national surveys and reports including the NASTAD and Kaiser Family Foundation HIV Prevention Inventory.

She holds a Masters of Public Policy from the American University (Washington, DC) and an M.A. in Political Science from Ball State University (Muncie, IN) as well as a BA from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

, HIV Clinical Specialist
"Contributor"

As Clinical Specialist for HealthHIV, Patricia provides oversight for all clinical activities and participates in the development and delivery of clinical trainings and technical assistance to recipients of HealthHIV's outreach efforts.

As a teacher and researcher in the basic sciences of chemistry, human physiology and nursing, Patricia holds a Masters in Physiology Education from Georgia State University and a Masters Degree in Nursing from Vanderbilt University.  Her PhD degree in Nursing Science was awarded from the University of South Florida and her dissertation research focused on the transition of adolescents with HIV disease from pediatric to adult medical care.  Patricia has been active in HIV education and training activities with the Florida/Caribbean AIDS Education and Training Center at the University of South Florida and has more than 10 years clinical experience as a Nurse Practitioner in Ryan White funded clinics, providing primary and HIV care. She has been a credentialed HIV Specialist since 2002.

Patricia lives in Tarpon Springs, Florida with her husband and three babies (aka 2 cats and her cocker spaniel, Maddy). She enjoys kayaking, sailing and reading.

, Prevention Project Coordinator

"Engager"

Angela Knudson supports HealthHIV activities to exchange prevention information among CDC, Mayors, health officials and community based organizations. Angela is thrilled for the opportunity to engage local leaders and raise awareness to the issue. Before joining HealthHIV, Angela worked in Health Programs at the United States Conference of Mayors, helping to manage an HIV prevention grant program serving at-risk populations. Prior to this, she was a Public Policy Fellow at The AIDS Institute.

Angela is a recent college graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a B.A. in Politics & Community Studies. A California native, Angela misses her friends, family, and beaches, but loves the excitement of living in our nation’s capitol.

, Communications Manager

"Promoter"

Victor is responsible for developing and executing all HealthHIV communications and public relations efforts. Victor oversees external communications, including media relations, web site development and content, as well as the development of all HealthHIV marketing materials.   Prior to joining HealthHIV, Victor held various positions with Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and in the office of Congresswoman Illeana Ros-Lehtinen (18-FL).

A graduate from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Victor lives in Washington, DC.

, Director of Programs

"Motivator"

Javier is responsible for leading the management and implementation of HealthHIV evaluation, research, and policy activities. Working closely with the Executive Director, he also manages the organization's outreach and marketing activities.

Before joining HealthHIV, Javier served as the Acting Director for Government Relations and Public Policy and the Federal Affairs Manager for the National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC). Prior to NMAC, Javier worked in public relations, advising clients on HIV related and health care policy issues. He also served as a legislative representative for AIDS Action Council in Washington, DC and in various capacities in the US Senate for Senators Byron L. Dorgan (D-ND), Bob Krueger (D-TX) and Lloyd Bentsen (D-TX).

Javier has served as a member of American Psychological Association (APA)'s Advisory Committee on Psychology and AIDS, as a co-chair for the National Organizations Responding to AIDS (NORA) coalition and on the board of the National AIDS Housing coalition.

The son Mexican immigrants, and originally from San Antonio, TX, Javier earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Notre Dame and has been living with HIV since 1993.

, Office Manager

"Juggler"

Randel joined HealthHIV in August 2007 as a Technical Assistance Coordinator, working with health centers and AIDS service agencies to support efforts to enhance their capacity to provide quality HIV clinical and support services to underserved communities. In February 2009, he was promoted to Office Manager, where he supervises general organization of HealthHIV office space and assists the Executive Director with personnel file management. He works closely with the Director of Finance performing bookkeeping, check and payroll processing, bank reconciliations, audit coordination and working with vendors.

Prior to joining HealthHIV, Randel worked in the Office of Admissions at Marymount University. During that time he also volunteered with Us Helping Us, to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS in the Black community and Damien Ministries where he worked with low income HIV/AIDS clients.

In 2005, Randel earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Marymount University. He is originally from Louisiana and loves to share with friends his Creole home cooking. In 1997, he relocated from Houston, TX to Washington, DC, and he has come to enjoy the diversity of the nation’s capitol.

, Director of Finance

"Enthusiast"

Alisha is responsible for leading the management of HealthHIV financial and budgeting systems. She works collaboratively with the Executive Director and other Directors to oversee accounting, budget reporting, auditing coordination, and reporting deliverables for the organization. She also manages large federal grants and subcontracts, and provides leadership and supervision to the finance and administration team.

, Technical Assistance Manager

"ADVOCATOR"

With more than five years experience managing technical assistance activities in the fields of HIV and substance abuse, Christine coordinates and implements all HealthHIV technical assistance activities related to community based organizations, health centers, and state agencies.

Prior to joining the HealthHIV, Christine worked on a variety of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) contracts where she managed technical assistance activities with state alcohol and drug abuse directors and worked to support peer grant review processes. She has also held internships with the National Women’s Health Network and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Christine received a Master of Public Health degree from the George Washington University, where she concentrated in Health Policy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Health Education from University of Maryland – College Park.  Christine currently lives in Maryland with her husband and dog and is awaiting the birth of her first child.

, Senior Clinical Specialist

"LEADERTRESS"

Rebecca is a highly qualified bi-lingual, bi-cultural physician with more than twenty-years experience in the U.S. and overseas. Her work has included directing and supervising professional teams in charge of developing and managing international programs and projects targeting culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

While in the research and education arena, Rebecca was directly responsible for leading and providing expert guidance to experienced teams creating innovative systems for targeted under-served communities. She assisted in promoting awareness and participation in different clinical trials, training sessions, focus groups, and medical education, at various locations throughout Washington, D.C.

A citizen of the world, Rebecca was born in Peru and has lived and worked in five continents. Currently a resident of Washington DC, she lives in Virginia with her husband, ninety year old mother and college age niece.

, Capacity Building Manager

"Reconcilor"

Brad provides overall coordination of capacity building services at HealthHIV. His responsibilities include oversight of planning and implementation for diagnostic site visits, coordination of capacity building assistance activities, and cultivation of potential capacity building sites. He also contributes to other special projects. Prior to joining HealthHIV, Brad was Executive Director of AIDS Resources of Rural Texas (ARRT) for five years. At ARRT, Brad oversaw the operation of three HIV primary care and social services offices which served 27 rural counties in North Central and West Texas. Following his tenure at ARRT, Brad moved to Washington, DC where he served as Executive Director of GALA Choruses, an international association of LGBT and allied choruses, and as Chief Operating Officer at Center for Inspired Teaching, an educational nonprofit organization.

His widely diverse non-profit background provides Brad with an unique ability to bring seemingly discordant concepts into a cohesive vision. Brad lives with his husband and two canine kids in Washington, DC.

, Training Manager and TA Coordinator

"Transcender"

Shar'ron manages and coordinates technical assistance and all training services at HealthHIV by providing case management to organizations receiving technical assistance and managing meeting logistics and registration.

, Technical Assistance Coordinator

"Relater"

Robert implements capacity building and technical assistance to health centers, AIDS service organizations and faith-based organizations. In this capacity, Robert establishes relationships with the points of contact to clearly understand the needs of service providers and support their efforts to enhance their capacity to provide quality HIV clinical and support services. He also coordinated outreach and marketing activities for HealthHIV focusing on recruitment of organizations to participate in HealthHIV programs and services.

Prior to joining HealthHIV he served as a Community Development Associate for Youth Programs at the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA), where he was the youth representative for the national advocacy organization for People Living with HIV and AIDS, and lead coordinator for the Ryan White National Youth Conference on HIV/AIDS. Prior to NAPWA, he served as a Training Assistant for the Midwest AIDS Training and Education Center (MATEC) assisting in the coordination of their trainings.

Robert is an ordained Interfaith Minister and Reiki Master Teacher. He is also an active alumnus (1996-1998) of City Year, an Americorps program, and a mentor to current corps members.

, Intensive Capacity Building Coordinator

"Linkador"

Niko works primarily with organizations serving a majority of Spanish speaking clients both in Puerto Rico and the Mainland.  He brings experience in capacity building from Africa as well as over fifteen years work and volunteer experience in food security and production, agriculture, and neurotoxicology among other areas.  He speaks Spanish, Tonga, and English and strives to link ideas, methods, cultures, and people both to expand learning opportunities and to improve health outcomes especially for those in poverty and disproportionately affected by HIV and other preventable diseases.      

Niko was born in Ecuador, raised in New Mexico and has since lived in CO, CA, GA, Thailand, Zambia, and DC. He spends a good deal of time volunteering as a youth coordinator for the urban agriculture program at Common Good City Farm in Washington DC and also relaxes playing West African djembe.