PSI Leadership 

Gwen Cooper, MPA, CFRE

Chief Executive Officer

Gwen Cooper joined PSI as our new Chief Executive Officer on June 1, 2020. She brings over 20 years of executive nonprofit experience in all facets of healthcare, from leading statewide voluntary health organization fundraising and advocacy platforms to serving as an executive in provider delivery systems.

Gwen most recently served as the Senior Vice President & Chief External Affairs Officer with Hosparus Health, the 19^th largest hospice and palliative care provider in the nation, serving Kentucky & Indiana.  Gwen led multiple teams focused on marketing, business development and policy, contributing to the organization’s 35% growth in three years. Prior to Hosparus Health, Gwen served as the Chief External Affairs Officer for Louisville’s Seven Counites Services, a $100 million Behavioral Health Organization.  She also served as the President & CEO of Community Health Charities of Florida for 12 years where she represented 65 statewide voluntary health organizations in fundraising and advocacy and served as the peer elected CEO representative to the Community Health Charities of America’s National Board.

Gwen was twice nominated for the Kentucky Healthcare Advocate of the Year Award through Kentucky Medical News, was listed as Insider Louisville’s 28^th most influential marketing executive in metro Louisville (out of the top 100) and recognized as one of 20 People to Know in Nonprofits by Louisville Business First.

A few of her notable accomplishments include procurement of millions of state and federal dollars to combat the opioid crisis and passage of numerous new state statues creating patient access to care in multiple states.  In addition, Gwen created the first drug prescription resource card in Florida, distributing hundreds of thousands of cards throughout the state. She served on the initial Florida Medicare Part D roll-out, representing Pharma to educate Medicare beneficiaries about the new benefit.  For the past several years, she has served as a founding core team member of the 12 member Louisville Healthcare CEO Council created to focus on revolutionizing healthcare for America’s aging population.

When not advocating for patients and families, Gwen can be found running, hiking, fishing and spending much of her time outdoors with her husband and youngest son.  Her oldest son, along with most of her immediate family members, are serving or have served in our military.

Deanna Callahan, JD

Compliance Officer

Deanna joined PSI as the Compliance Officer in February 2020. She brings over 30 years’ experience in all aspects of healthcare regulation and delivery, including the nonprofit organization that oversees the nation’s human organ procurement and transplantation network, large health systems, an independent hospital, a large distributor, a medical supply company, and physician practice groups. She presents on healthcare regulation at conferences and continuing legal education programs of the American Bar Association and the American Health Law Association, and she served as a faculty member for the inaugural AHLA’s Women’s Leadership Institute. Deanna also teaches legal writing at a local college.
Deanna earned her B.A. from Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY and her J.D. from the University of Richmond. She is licensed to practice law in Virginia and the District of Columbia.

Chuck Dushman

VP, Business Development & Strategy

Chuck joined PSI as our new Vice President of Business Development and Strategy in February 2021. He brings 30+ years’ experience as a healthcare executive with proven success in global, emerging and start-up businesses including GlaxoSmithKline, Bausch & Lomb, Sunstar, Omron Healthcare, GOhear, and MD Labs.

Most recently, Chuck focused on bringing pharmacogenetics, a key component of precision medicine, into the mainstream healthcare ecosystem with MD Labs, an innovator in molecular diagnostics.  He helped create the Pharmacogenetics Center of Excellence, which trained over 500 pharmacists in this emerging science.  He and his team were invited to the White House Office of Science and Technology to share their innovations in the pharmacogenetics space.  Another recent focus has been working with Cognivue Inc. to help consumerize the first FDA-cleared device to detect cognitive decline before dementia.  His work has helped expand cognitive screening by enabling non-physician healthcare providers to integrate screenings into their clinical settings.

At Omron Healthcare, Chuck worked with global development teams on multiple innovations in home blood pressure monitoring and fitness diagnostics, which helped set the stage for digital health innovations in remote patient monitoring and chronic care management. He formed and lead Omron’s New Business Innovation Group which developed and launched the first OTC transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulators (TENS devices) in the U.S., as well as a disruptive technology in the hearing care space that dramatically reduced the time and cost of care. His initiatives helped establish Omron as a perennial leader at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which to this day is used to showcase their global innovations. Over the years, Chuck has developed innovative programs with nonprofits, including the March of Dimes, and the American Heart Association.

Chuck matriculated at Indiana University where he earned his B.S. in Quantitative Business Analysis and later his M.B.A.  He is married to his college sweetheart, who is a kindergarten teacher at their local elementary school. They have four adult children, all of whom graduated from the University of Illinois, where Chuck is a past president and honorary board member of the Dads Association.

Tiara Green, MSEd

VP, Patient Services

Tiara joined PSI in 2013 as a Program Manager, assisting with the implementation of patient programs. In 2016, Tiara was promoted to Director of Operations, overseeing our call center operations and implementation of patient programs. Most recently in 2021, Tiara was promoted to VP of Patient Services, where she leads the Patient Services department in developing new initiatives and efficiencies to best serve our patients. Her in-depth experiences range from Program Consultant with a state health department to an Assistant Executive Director of a national non-profit organization. Tiara has worked in a variety of health care areas to include health insurance enrollment, diabetes, sickle cell disease, preconception health, and overall wellness. She is a hands-on leader dedicated to fostering organizational growth and coaching staff members to expand leadership skills. Tiara’s visionary mindset has assisted PSI in growing its health education offerings to patients. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to patient education and improving health outcomes.

Tiara earned her B.S. from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA and her MS.Ed. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University focusing on community health and health promotion, respectively.

In her spare time, Tiara engages in philanthropic activities and spends time with her two sons and husband.

Ashley Lee

Executive Project Manager

As Executive Project Manager, Ashley directs and integrates the activities of multiple projects within the Business Development, Patient Services, and Executive Departments ensuring that project efforts are cohesive, consistent, and effective in supporting PSI and the P.S.I. Foundation’s mission, goals, and strategic plan.  Ashley joined the PSI team in 2016 as Executive Assistant, then transitioning to Director of Development and Engagement in 2019.  The Executive Project Manager role allows Ashley to go back to her career roots while continuing her passion for helping patients with rare and chronic illnesses.

Ashley received her A.A. from Richard Bland College of William & Mary in 2001 and went on to B.A. studies at Virginia Commonwealth University.

As Virginia natives, Ashley and her husband reside just outside of the state capital where they spend time with their daughter enjoying the beautiful city of Richmond and East Coast Beaches.

James Romano, MBA

Government Affairs Consultant

James Romano serves as a Government Affairs Consultant for PSI. James began his career in patient advocacy at the age of 19. As a freshman in college, he lobbied for the passage of the Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act (Public Law 105-369) on behalf of the Hemophilia Community. James has five members of his family with hemophilia and is the fourth generation to advocate on behalf of the rare disease and plasma community. Since joining PSI’s team, James has advocated for access of therapies and treatments for patients with expensive rare conditions, building relationships on Capitol Hill and with patient advocacy groups around the country. James is an avid reader and the author of the blog, Reading1000Books. 

Daniel Wise, MBA

Director of Finance

Dan joined Patient Services, Inc. in 2013 and became our Director of Finance in 2018. He oversees all financial management and accounting functions at PSI.

Prior to PSI, Dan worked in a variety of management accounting and financial leadership roles at both for-profit and non-profit organizations, including Anthem Insurance, GE, and Habitat for Humanity International. In fact, he met his wife at HFHI and they have one adult daughter.

A Michigan native, Dan graduated with a BS in Economics from Valparaiso University (Indiana) and received his MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University. When not busy with meetings, budgets, and other work projects, he enjoys traveling, reading, and sporting events.

Dan likes working with the PSI team and finds it rewarding to be part of an organization that helps thousands of patients improve their healthcare outcomes.

Stacey Pugh

Director of Business Services
HIPAA Security Officer

Stacey joined PSI in 2014 as the Information Technology Project Manager as the department was completely rebuilding it’s systems and database. In 2015, Stacey was promoted to Information Technology Manager to complete that project and lead the department in both the development and networking efforts. Stacey is that rare combination of technical skill, business acumen, marketing expertise and leadership ability that makes her an asset to any company. She brings experiences from a multitude of industries including the service industry, the banking and financial industry, the energy sector, higher education and healthcare. Throughout Stacey’s tenure at PSI, she has expanded state of the art services to broaden our patient offerings, always on time and under budget. Stacey is passionate about working every day for the betterment of the people we serve and extending their lives in the best possible ways.

Stacey earned her B.S from Mary Baldwin College in Staunton, VA and in the process of gaining her Project Management certification. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and relaxing with her husband, daughter and Bassett Hound (LulaBelle).

Michael Brown, CFRE

Executive Director, P.S.I. Foundation

Michael became PSI’s first Foundation Executive Director in January 2021. In this new role he is responsible for raising funds and the philanthropic profit of PSI to support our mission. He joins PSI with 15 years in the nonprofit sector most recently as the Chief Philanthropy Officer at Voices for Virginia’s Children. At Voices for Virginia’s Children, Michael was responsible for setting and strategically executing the organization’s development plan, raising the profile of Voices, and building relationships with new and current donors, partners, and funders.

Prior to Voices, Michael worked with Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia and the YMCA of Greater Richmond. He was also a 13^th round draft pick to the Detroit Tigers in the 2003 Major League Baseball Draft, playing two seasons in their minor league system.

Michael attended the College of William & Mary where he played baseball, and was inducted into their athletics Hall of Fame in 2017. He is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) and Certified Fund Raising Manager (CFRM). He and his wife Mary live in Richmond with their twelve year old beagle.

Jennifer Noonan, MSN, RN

Clinical Program Director

Jennifer Noonan joined PSI as the Clinical Program Director in April 2021 with 23 years of clinical nursing experience. She started her career in the emergency department at St. Mary and Elizabeth Hospital in Louisville, KY. In her 17 years there, she served in leadership roles while also assisting with EMR development and updates. Jennifer spent several years devoted to the clinical development, training, and implementation of Cerner within the Jewish Health System in Louisville. Jennifer moved into hospice and palliative care in 2014 and has served in leadership roles for both adult and pediatric patients. Jennifer earned her associate degree in nursing at Kentucky State University, her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Western Governors University, and her master’s degree in nursing informatics with a focus on data analytics at Western Governors University.

Jennifer is married to her husband Sean and has four teenagers. When she isn’t spending time with her family and two rescue dogs, you can find her practicing martial arts (Taekwondo and judo), hiking, or traveling.

Ashlea Christiansen, JD

Director of Government Affairs

Ashlea Christiansen joined PSI as the Director of Government Affairs in April 2021. As a licensed attorney in Kentucky and Indiana, Ashlea has served in numerous roles: Director of Regulatory Affairs for a state-wide association; State Director & Counsel of Marsy’s Law for Kentucky; lobbyist in Frankfort and D.C. for a non-profit Medicaid managed care organization; owner of her small family law firm; and child sexual abuse therapist.

Ashlea is the proud mom of a smart, strong, articulate, and only occasionally sassy college-bound daughter. When not scuba diving or hiking, she happily lives in a renovated barn with her ragtag family of rescue animals.

Lamont Brown

Controller

Lamont joined Patient Services, Inc in 2008 as a staff Accountant to assist with financial services, audits, and manage the inventory reconciliations for our Free Product program at the time.  Over his tenure, he has served in several leadership roles within the organization and was recently promoted to Controller in November 2020. Prior to PSI, Lamont served as an officer in the banking and financial industry, where he also held leadership positions in Mortgage, Private Client Services, and Commercial Credit Services.

A Richmond native, Lamont earned his B.S. in Business Administration from Old Dominion University, double majoring in Accounting and Economics, while also completing an Internal Audit program endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Outside of PSI, Lamont has also served in several leadership roles within his church and fraternity which are also dedicated to service and philanthropy.  He also has volunteered with several youth sports organizations.  In his spare time, Lamont is an avid video gamer and loves spending time with his wife and two kids.

Mitch Mula

Chairman of the Board

Mr. Mula received his Bachelor of Science degree in Allied Health School of Physical Therapy from Louisiana State University Medical Center. He has served as a staff physical therapist at Baton Rouge Medical Center and currently owns his own physical therapy practice. In addition to Mr. Mula serving as our board member, he also is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, APTA Geriatrics Division, and APTA Health Care Administration Division. He is married and has a son and a daughter.

Brian Thomas Landry

Secretary

Brian is a native New Orleanian, and received a BS degree in Marketing from Louisiana State University. He served as Senior Vice President of Marketing, Public Affairs and Development for LCMC Health, a five-hospital non-profit New Orleans area healthcare system, until his retirement in January 2016. He is actively involved with St. Joseph Benedictine Abbey & Seminary College, located in southern Louisiana. Brian has served as Chairman of both the long range strategic planning committee and the department of institutional advancement, and was selected the college’s 2016 alumnus of the Year. Brian is a board member and past president of Ronald McDonald House Charities of South Louisiana, Inc., and also serves on the boards of both the Miracle League of Greater New Orleans and North Shore, which are not-for-profit organizations dedicated to providing the opportunity for kids with special needs to play baseball and other sports in organized leagues.

“ Throughout my adult life, I have been passionately involved with non-profits that serve the needs of others. I sincerely thank Gary Cross for introducing me to PSI and for nominating me to serve on its Board.”

Brian is married, and has a daughter, two sons, and six grandchildren.

Russell E. Phillips, Jr., CPA CVA MAFF

Treasurer

Russ is the Managing Partner of The Phillips Organization, a Certified Public Accounting and Consulting Firm located in Canton, OH. He earned his B.A. degree in Accounting from Walsh University and obtained his Certified Public Accountant’s license from the Accountancy Board of Ohio. He also holds the credentials of Certified Valuation Analysis (CVA) and Master Analyst in Financial Forensics (MAFF), with a specialty in bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganizations accredited by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA).

Russ has been married to his wife Tammy since 1982 and has two adult children. He currently serves on several local and national not-for-profit organizations and is an advocate for individuals with chronic health conditions.

Brian L. Fink, Esq.

Board Member

Mr. Fink is currently the President & CEO of an Ohio-based manufacturing company.  Brian holds a Master’s in Business Administration and a Juris Doctor from the University of Akron.  Brian is admitted to practice in law in the State of Ohio.  Brian has over 30 years of diverse experience including service on profit and non-profit boards, small business ownership, executive and operational leadership, and international business development.  Brian enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and working on his farm.  Mr. Fink was introduced to Patient Services, Inc. through fellow Patient Services Board Member, Russ Phillips.

Terrie L. Glass, LCSW

Board Member

Ms. Glass is a trainer, speaker, and consultant working with both public and private sector organizations. She has expertise in leadership development, communication, customer service, and team building.

Her professional experience includes serving as president of Leadership Solutions Associates, Director of Leadership Development for Zelos, LLC, adjunct faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work and 15 years in leadership roles at Henrico Mental Health & Developmental Services.

Her education includes receiving her MSW from Virginia Commonwealth University, a MA from the Presbyterian School of Christian Education, and BSW from Eastern Mennonite University. Ms. Glass is a member of the National Speakers Association and is a Certified Professional Speaker.

Denise Gloede, MSN, RN, CHPN

Member at Large

Denise Gloede has more than 20 years of clinical nursing experience, with the last 15 years in leadership positions within hospice and palliative care organizations. She joined Hosparus as the executive director of palliative care on October 31, 2016. She leads the Kourageous Kids pediatric hospice and palliative care team as well as the adult community-based palliative care program. Denis recently relocated from Madison, WI, where she was the vice president of business development for Agrace leading strategic growth and expansion planning for hospice and palliative care services lines. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a master’s in nursing with a focus on leadership and health system management from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Lud Kimbrough

Board Member

Lud Kimbrough is the Managing Partner at Fahrenheit Advisors. Lud has provided financial, strategic, and executive management expertise to publicly held, private equity-backed, and startup companies. He is adept at balancing human capital, strategy and analytics, and shareholder and lender interests by serving as a leader and advisor to dozens of middle market companies during periods of turbulence, turnaround, and dramatic growth. With more than 35 years of entrepreneurial and consulting experience, Lud has built strong teams by developing a clear vision and strategies, embracing new technologies, and understanding risk tolerance.

Throughout his career, Lud has served in various roles including president, CEO, and managing director. He has led or advised businesses in diverse industry sectors including marketing, aerospace tooling, cryogenics equipment, outdoor advertising, and cable television. He has guided businesses in exiting or outsourcing non-core segments, stabilizing workforces, transitioning family owned businesses to professional leadership, and leading business spin-off and sales processes in a variety of manufacturing industries.

Lee Smith

Chairman of the Board 

Lee will serve as Chair of the P.S.I. Foundation.  He is the area Vice President of Sales with BioTelemetry Healthcare with over 10 years of experience in effective medical-based sales management. He is an entrepreneurial leader who develops high-performance sales teams and creates winning sales organizations with heightened senses of urgency and accountability. Prior to his time at BioTelemtry, he was the National Sales Director for LipoScience and Regional Sales Manager for Hologic, Inc.

Erin Collins

Board Member

Erin Collins has spent nearly 20 years as a policy advocate across the financial services and insurance sectors. Erin currently manages the National State Legislative and Regulatory Team and related lobbying objectives for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies. She also leads NAMIC’s involvement with the National Conference of Insurance Legislators and participates in NAMIC’s activities with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

At NAMIC, Erin has testified before numerous state legislatures and Congress on behalf of the association’s 1,400 member companies and their 170 million policyholders on topics ranging from frequency and severity of auto accidents, reform of opioid abuse in the workers’ compensation sector, and pre-disaster mitigation aimed to harden local communities throughout the United States.

In addition to her professional work, Erin is passionate about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, an organization aiming to cure childhood cancers through dedicated cancer research. Erin shaved her head in September 2019 for the cause, becoming the world’s fifth-leading fundraiser for that year.

Erin received her bachelor’s degree in political science from Mary Baldwin University and her master’s degree in public administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Prior to joining the NAMIC team, Erin spent more than six years as the director of government affairs for the Virginia Society of Certified Public Accountants, where she led all lobbying initiatives, grassroots activity, and the Society’s Political Action Committee. Erin resides in Richmond, Va. with her wife Erin and their son Anderson.

Jessika Acosta

Board Member

Jessika is the Agile Delivery Lead at Capital One. She is an experienced IT professional with a unique combination of technical and managerial experience, business development, design, and production support to lead the delivery and implementation of mission-critical software systems. Prior to Capital One, Jessika worked for McKesson, a medical distribution company, for over 12 years managing document management software development.