MEET PHA’S TEAM

Azalea Candelaria

Vice President, Development x767

Azalea got her start in fundraising in 1998 at the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and went on to hold national and regional leadership positions at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, March of Dimes and the American Occupational Therapy Foundation. She has a strong track record in fundraising strategy and execution, and extensive experience in partnering with volunteers. Azalea leads PHA’s development efforts including individual giving, events, corporate and foundation grants and planned giving programs.

Chris Forberg

Vice President, Finance x751

Chris is responsible for the oversight of the Finance and Database teams. Working closely with the President, he produces monthly financials, forecasting, and cash management reports. Chris also leads the annual budget and audit processes. As part of the management team, he is charged with organizing and developing office, staff, and system policies and procedures.

Katherine Kroner

Senior Director, Advocacy & Treatment Access x749

As PHA’s Senior Director of Advocacy and Treatment Access, Katie advocates on behalf of the PH community with federal policy makers, coordinates PHA’s grassroots advocacy network, and works to ensure that individuals living with PH have access to the specific PH therapies prescribed by their physician. She is the first point of contact for PH community members with insurance challenges and for anyone interested in fighting back through advocacy.

Jordan Jennings

Associate Director, Communications x768

Jordan manages PHA’s web properties and online communications and serves as the editor of PHANews.  She also manages public relations and stakeholder communications to increase awareness of the issues that affect people with pulmonary hypertension. Through strategic partnerships and projects, she leads online communications efforts in support of PHA’s mission and reach.

Kathryn Frix

Web Services Manager

Kathy works to maintain PHA’s website and other e-channels and assists staff and the community at-large with online technical issues.

Tommia Hayes

Social Media Manager x759

As part of the communications and marketing team, Tommia works with the national office and chapter staff to connect the PHA community with resources, information and support through social media. She will oversee all PHA’s social media channels, assist with the creation of innovative campaigns to help raise awareness for the PH community, the health community and the general public.

Kristin Brooks

Director, Fundraising Events X753 

As a part of the Development team, Kristin leads PHA’s efforts through fundraising events. These special events at PHA are both staff and community driven. The goal of these events is to increase awareness of PH and PHA while increasing funding to develop programs and support resources.  Kristin’s background includes development positions at a non-profit integrated healthcare system as well as a national non-profit for SIDS/Stillbirth awareness and support.  She has also worked in Residence Life for multiple universities and Events Marketing for a non-profit software company.

Brittani Harris

Fundraising Events Coordinator x765

As Fundraising Events Coordinator, Brittani provides event organizers with the resources and tools to execute successful fundraisers and supports the O₂ breathe™ events program. She is responsible for providing ongoing programmatic support for fundraising event organizers. Brittani also assists with the organization of the PHPN Symposium’s Networking Walk and helps with development events at PHA’s International Pulmonary Hypertension Conference and Scientific Sessions. She dedicates herself in helping to engage and educate all communities about PHA’s efforts.

Randall McLeod

Associate Director, Database & Finance x748

Randall oversees PHA’s donor database, The Raiser’s Edge. Randall serves PHA by ensuring all data is entered in a timely and accurate manner, and maintaining accurate records for all constituents. Randall assists the staff with any issues related to the database, and trains staff on how to use the database to serve their needs most effectively.

Efren Cazares

Finance and Data Entry Associate x757

Efren helps manage and maintain PHA’s database, with primary responsibilities including constituent data processing, updating, and reporting. He assists staff with general database needs and inquiries. He provides support to gather and interpret financial data in order to assist in financial decisions. Additionally, Efren is tasked with ensuring compliance with State fiscal permits and regulations.

Michael Gray

Senior Director, Medical Services x770

Michael oversees the department’s involvement with PHA’s professional medical membership groups, PH Professional Network (PHPN) and PH Clinicians & Researchers (PHCR), helping to facilitate networking and other activities within these groups and promoting membership. Additionally, he works closely with the Scientific Leadership Council, which provides leadership and guidance for the mission of PHA and leads the development of the wide array of all PHA’s medical programming.

Lori Lopez

Patient Education Program Associate x744

As the Patient Education Program Associate, Lori supports and promotes patient education materials and programs on behalf of the Pulmonary Hypertension Association. She is the program lead for annual patient and education forums for PHA’s on the Road events, and manages patient education content on PHA Classroom, an online educational portal geared towards creating easy and accessible learning for our PH community. In previous work, she has had experience in patient education and community development, working with DC’s impoverished communities. Lori is a firm believer in the phrase, “knowledge is power,” and that patient education is the cornerstone to enhancing quality of life and establishing a community of support.

Emily Outtarac

Administrative Assistant x804

Emily Outtarac is the Administrative Assistant to the Medical Services department. In this position, Emily supports the Medical Services team and all of their program lines, including Building Medical Education in PH, relationship management of organizational allies, and scheduling for the PHCC Review Committee. Prior to joining PHA, she served in administrative roles for a development organization, professional association and collegiate charity.

Chanel Ricks

Senior Manager, Meeting and Conference Planning x779

Chanel is the Senior Manager of Meeting and Conference Planning department, with primary responsibilities including site selection and contract negotiation for all meetings and conferences, and managing 2 meeting planning associates. The Meeting and Conference Planning team manages all logistics for PHA’s major education events, Committee and Board of Trustee meetings. Chanel has over 12 years of experience planning meetings and conferences throughout the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada, ranging from 50 to 1500 attendees.

Elizabeth Summerville

Assistant to the President & CEO x801

Elizabeth “Liz” Summerville has an extensive background as a nonprofit executive right-hand professional and a strategic fundraiser and events planner.  She joined PHA from Make-A-Wish of the Mid-Atlantic region, where she supported the CEO and worked closely with board members and funders.  A dynamic, versatile, highly organized professional, Liz has strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects while remaining detail oriented, enthusiastic and determined. She has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Delaware – Lerner College of Business and Economics.

Jessica Ritter

Director, Operations x766

Jessica works closely with staff as a project manager for organization-wide projects. She acts as the liaison with our corporate partners and works closely with PHA’s Corporate Committee. Jessica is also responsible for administrative management, including facilities and technology.

Michael Knaapen

Director, Patient & Caregiver Programs x758

Michael oversees PHA’s patient and caregiver programs. These programs ensure PHA’s patient and caregiver constituents are empowered to manage their health, develop resilience, connect to others and contribute to the PHA community in ways their health and interest allow. The department works with more than 400 community volunteers to provide peer support in person, online and by phone, as well as other resources to improve and extend the lives of people affected by PH. His team also supports PHA events like Conference and PHA on the Road, PHA’s international programs, Lantos Awards and more.

Olivia Onyeador

PHCC Program Manager x778

Olivia is responsible for guiding and managing the implementation for the Pulmonary Hypertension Care Centers’ (PHCC) process of accreditation. She maintains the modes of communication for each PHCC committee and PHCC taskforce as well as facilitates further discussion between these members. Olivia also provides support to the content management, resource development and organization of the PHCC website.