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Brooks College of Health
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Dean's Council

The Brooks College of Health Dean's Council is established for those who are concerned about health to collectively work for quality health educational programs. Particularly at a time of great challenge and unprecedented change, it is essential that those in the health care industry and the business community establish ways of working together to reduce costs of medical and health care and continually improve the quality of education for future health care professionals.

 

Chair

Paul C. Sapia headshot

Paul C. Sapia, MHA

Chief Population Health Officer | Telescope Health

Paul Sapia is the Chief Population Health Officer of Telescope Health. In this role Paul will lead Telescope Health’s population health initiatives, focusing on identifying social determinants of health within diverse populations. He is responsible for building collaborative partnerships and assisting with value-based clinical programs, partnering with our current clients and community-based organizations to expand Telescope Health’s capacity to serve the growing number of populations in need.

Before joining Telescope Health, Paul served as Humana’s Population Health Strategy Principal for Florida. This role was the latest in a diverse tenure with the company spanning nearly a decade. Paul also held leadership positions at Automated Healthcare Solutions and Heartland Rehabilitation Services during a career that spanned over 20 years. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and his Master in Health Administration from the ³ÉÈË´óƬ. Currently, he serves as Chair of the Brooks College of Health’s Dean’s Council and Vice President of the Board of Trustees for the National Kidney Foundation of Florida.

Vice Chair

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Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE


President and Chief Executive Officer| Baptist Health

Michael A. Mayo, DHA, FACHE, is President and Chief Executive Officer of Baptist Health, the only locally governed, faith-based, not-for-profit, mission-driven health care system in North Florida.

As CEO, Dr. Mayo leads a team of more than 13,000 team members and more than 2,000 medical staff members in the delivery of high-quality, coordinated care for every stage of life. Founded in 1955, Baptist Health has evolved into a community-focused, regional health system committed to achieving excellent patient outcomes and helping all people improve their health and well-being.

Dr. Mayo has more than 32 years of health care executive experience including as the CEO of Orange Park Medical Center (HCA), CEO of Frankfort Regional Medical Center (HCA), Chief Operating Officer of Memorial Hospital Jacksonville, and President of Methodist Dallas Medical Center, a Level I Trauma Center and the flagship facility of the Methodist Health System.

From 1989 to 1999, Dr. Mayo held progressive leadership positions with Baptist Health System of Birmingham, Ala., where he first joined as an administrative fellow.

Dr. Mayo earned his Doctor of Health Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina, his Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Texas Woman's University and his Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from the University of Alabama. He is board-certified in Health Care Management and a fellow with the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). He was elected to the Board of Governors of the ACHE Class of 2022. Dr. Mayo has served as the ACHE Regent for Florida – Northern and Western; on the Healthcare Executive Editorial Board; and on the Regents Advisory Council. He currently serves as a state delegate of Regional Policy Board 4 (Southeastern U.S.) with the American Hospital Association and on the Florida Hospital Association Board of Trustees, representing Region 2.

In 2022, Dr. Mayo was selected by Florida Trend in the Florida 500 edition as one of the 500 most influential executives in the state. He was also recognized as an Ultimate CEO for 2022 by the Jacksonville Business Journal.

In 2023, Dr. Mayo was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Healthcare Education & Leadership by Jacksonville University recognizing his contributions to the healthcare industry and academics.

Dr. Mayo serves in various community leadership positions, including ³ÉÈË´óÆ¬ (UNF) Foundation Board, Dean’s Council of UNF, adjunct professor, Master of Health Administration program at ³ÉÈË´óƬBrooks College of Health, Board of Directors with Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and Board of Directors at Community Hospice & Palliative Care.

Dr. Mayo and his wife Jennifer have two daughters and four grandchildren.

Council Members

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Colleen Bell, MD, FACHE, DFAPA


President | Sulzbacher, Health Division

Colleen Bell, MD, FACHE, DFAPA is the President for the Health Division at Sulzbacher, a federally qualified healthcare center in Jacksonville, FL. She leads a dedicated healthcare team, providing clinical care as well as administrative functions that include funding, growth and development of healthcare programs and services for the underserved and at risk. Dr. Bell developed and leads an innovative and national award-winning treatment court program to help severely mentally ill nonviolent offenders stay out of jail. She is also co-director of a community psychiatry fellowship program. Dr. Bell enjoys teaching and has faculty roles with two psychiatry residencies and precepts medical students.

She serves as Vice President of the Florida Psychiatric Society and Secretary for the American Association for Community Psychiatry. She is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, the American Psychiatric Association – Distinguished Fellow, the Florida Psychiatric Society, the American Association of Community Psychiatry, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and a fellow and member of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE).

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Adam M. Boyd, DHA, ACNP-BC, CRNA


Vice President of Clinical Performance | Anesthesia at Sound Physicians, Inc.

Dr. Adam M. Boyd, DHA, ACNP-BC, CRNA, is a highly accomplished professional with an extensive background in anesthesia leadership roles. Presently holding the position of Vice President of Clinical Performance for Anesthesia at Sound Physicians, Inc., Dr. Boyd plays a pivotal role in fostering strong partnerships with various healthcare facilities, providing leadership in clinical performance insights, and ensuring the delivery of top-tier patient care standards. Previously, Dr. Boyd served in leadership capacities at HCA Healthcare, Inc., Executive Anesthesia, Inc., and Southeast Anesthesia Consultants, LLC, contributing significantly to business development and operational efficiency. Throughout his career, Dr. Boyd has consistently demonstrated transformative leadership and an unwavering commitment to excellence, driving substantial improvements in both clinical performance and operational efficiency, thus serving as an inspiration for others in the field.

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Jon D. Cooper, MBA


Chief Operating Officer | UF Health St. Johns

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Dr. Doug Casa


Chief Executive Officer | Korey Stringer Institute

Dr. Douglas J. Casa, PhD, ATC, FACSM, FNAK, is a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at the University of Connecticut and CEO of the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI), which he founded in 2010 with support from the NFL and Kelci Stringer. His career has focused on preventing sudden death in sport and optimizing performance in the heat—work inspired by his survival of exertional heat stroke during a 10K race in 1985. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, delivered 400+ presentations globally, and successfully treated 225 exertional heat stroke cases with zero fatalities. His research centers on heat-related illnesses, hydration, and athlete safety. Among his many honors are the Medal for Distinguished Athletic Training Research (2008), induction into the University of Florida Alumni Hall of Fame (2011), and recognition as a Fellow of the National Academy of Kinesiology (2016). Under his leadership, UConn’s kinesiology doctoral program was ranked #1 nationally in 2005 and 2010.

Dr. Casa earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Allegheny College, master’s in athletic training from the University of Florida, and PhD in exercise physiology from the University of Connecticut. He marked the 30th anniversary of surviving exertional heat stroke on August 8, 2015—a defining moment that continues to drive his mission. He is also a devoted husband to Dr. Tutita Casa and proud father of three children: Montana, Navia, and Alessio.

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Christine Cauffield


CEO | Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) Health Systems

Dr. Christine Cauffield has served as President and CEO of organizations providing integrated health services for children through seniors, including a corporation that provides in-patient, acute psychiatric care to seniors in crisis. She received her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Florida Institute of Technology and completed her Internship and Post-Doctoral Residency at Harvard Medical School, where she specialized in geriatric neuropsychology. She serves as President of Florida Council on Aging, President of Florida Association of Managing Entities, and serves on the Executive Board of Smart Justice of Florida. Dr. Cauffield is appointed to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs State Plan Advisory Group.

Dr. Cauffield was recently appointed to serve on the White House National Drug Control Policy National Advisory Panel to identify and define evidence-based public health recommendations for the prevention, treatment of and recovery from substance use disorder in the United States for the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) as it prepares President Biden’s drug control strategy.

Dr. Cauffield is a Leadership Florida alumna. Dr. Cauffield has written book chapters on senior behavioral health issues in addition to numerous articles. She has appeared on CNN Nightly News, ABC Prime Time, AP Press, and several national and international media. Her clinical expertise includes substance abuse, trauma recovery, grief and loss issues, integrated health, and brain disease/disorders. She is a sought-after speaker and frequently presents at State, National and International conferences.

She currently is CEO of LSF Health Systems, the Managing Entity comprised of 93 Behavioral Health Care organizations that span a 23-county region.

The network serves over 1.2 million clients annually with a budget of 300 million in North Central and Northeast Florida. Dr. Cauffield represents the United States for EUCOMS, an organization composed of 36 European countries that are dedicated to advancing community based behavioral healthcare in Europe.

Dr. Cauffield’s proven track record of management success has resulted in several company turn-arounds. Additionally, her vision and strategic planning allow organizational growth and expansion, with innovative clinical programs. She has developed national Best-Practice models that include in-home care, out-patient, in-patient, and acute care hospital-based units. Dr. Cauffield has successfully integrated healthcare services that encompass both urban and rural community settings. She is a passionate healthcare advocate and is adept at working with local, state, and national governmental officials to champion policy and funding initiatives. Dr. Cauffield incorporates philanthropic fund-raising and effectively engages the communities she serves. She has successfully worked with local, state, and national policy makers on critical healthcare initiatives.

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Tera L. Gross, DNP, RN, NEA-BC


Chief Nursing Officer | Mayo Clinic

Tera L. Gross, DNP, RN, NEA-BC is the Chief Nursing Officer for Mayo Clinic in Florida. She has served in leadership roles at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota and Jacksonville, Florida for over 20 years. Tera obtained a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing with a focus in Nursing Administration from South Dakota State University and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from the University of Minnesota. Tera is an Assistant Professor of Nursing in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and holds a Gold Certification from the Mayo Quality Fellows Program. She is personally committed to lead and empower healthcare professionals with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive and achieve success. As such, Tera is the President of the Northeast chapter for the Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership (NEFONL), encouraging and supporting Florida Nursing Leaders to influence healthcare and professional nursing practice.

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Reed Hammond


Chief Executive Officer | HCA Florida Memorial Hospital

Reed Hammond joined HCA Florida Memorial Hospital June 1, 2023. Reed joins Memorial Hospital from HCA Healthcare’s Frankfort Regional Medical Center (FRMC) in Frankfort, Kentucky, where he served as CEO for the last four and a half years. In that time, the FRMC team reduced colleague turnover, improved employee and physician engagement scores, launched two robotics programs, and a de novo bariatric program. FRMC also earned Magnet® recognition in nursing excellence from the American Credentialing Center, placing the hospital in the elite 8% of nationwide hospitals with Magnet® distinction.

Before FRMC, Hammond served as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at HCA Healthcare’s 332-bed Conroe Regional Medical Center, in Conroe, TX. Prior to Conroe, he was the COO at Tenet Healthcare’s Centennial Medical Center in Frisco, TX., COO at the 519-bed St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, TN, and was COO at the Health Management Associates 95-bed Gilmore Memorial Hospital in Amory, MS.

Hammond is no stranger to Florida. His bachelor’s and master’s degrees are in business administration from the University of South Florida in Tampa.

He has been an active member of the community previously serving on the Chamber of Commerce in Frisco, TX, Healthcare Advisory Board of Antonelli College in Flowood, MS, the Healthcare Advisory Board of Midway College in Midway, KY, the board of directors of Montgomery Christian Academy in Montgomery, TX, and has been a Rotarian with the Rotary Clubs in Brandon, MS and Amory, MS. Hammond plans to get equally engaged in Jacksonville. He previously worked as a golf professional and remains an avid player, and enjoys watching football - especially the Florida Gators.

Reed, his wife, Missy and three young daughters reside in Jacksonville.

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Tim Horvath


Neptune Beach City Council | Seat 2

Tim Horvath, DNP, CRNA, is a healthcare professional, commercial real estate investor, and civic advocate currently serving on the Neptune Beach City Council (Seat 2). A lifelong Jacksonville native, he earned his BSN (2008), MSN (2012), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (2020) from the ³ÉÈË´óƬ. With over 15 years of clinical experience, Tim has provided anesthesia care in high-acuity environments including trauma, obstetrics, open heart, and a broad spectrum of surgical settings. Though he stepped away from full-time practice two years ago, he continues to serve patients monthly to stay engaged in the field.

In addition to his clinical background, Tim leads Bold City Commercial Real Estate, a Jacksonville-based brokerage that helps business owners and investors grow through strategic acquisitions and leasing. His real estate journey began nearly a decade ago and has evolved into a successful business. Beyond his professional endeavors, he serves on the board of the Jacksonville Speech and Hearing Center and remains a committed supporter of medical education and community health in Northeast Florida as a proud ³ÉÈË´óƬalumnus.

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Jackie Kennedy


Chief Operating Officer | Borland Groover Clinic

Jackie Kennedy has served as Chief Operating Officer of Borland Groover’s Ancillary division since November 2020, bringing over a decade of experience within the organization. Since joining Borland Groover in 2011, she has held a variety of leadership roles, steadily advancing her impact across clinical and operational domains.

In her current role, Jackie provides strategic and operational oversight of the organization’s Ambulatory Surgery Center, Anesthesia, Imaging, Infusion, and Pathology service lines. She is also a key driver of Borland Groover’s business development initiatives, playing a central role in the planning and execution of growth strategies across the enterprise.

Jackie holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Florida and earned her Master of Business Administration from the ³ÉÈË´óƬ.

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Andrew Lepkoske


Vice President, Growth | Lucerna

Andrew Lepkoske has recently joined Lucerna as their Vice President, Growth and leads their national expansion in the hospital and health system vertical. He most recently served as the National Sales Director for Medxcel, a healthcares support services management company, Prior to that he served as President and CEO of eHealthScreen a Jacksonville based nurse outreach and engagement company. His healthcare career began in 1993 in hospital operations and transitioned to managed care contracting after earning his master’s degree from the ³ÉÈË´óÆ¬ in 1998. Beginning in 2005, Andrew began selling hospital support services for several organizations on a regional and then national level. Following these roles, he ventured into value-based care software sales before taking his role at eHealthScreen.

Andrew has a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of South Florida and is a veteran of the US Army. In addition, Andrew currently serves as co-Chair of the ³ÉÈË´óƬMHA Advisory Board.

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Mauri Mizrahi, LNHA, PT


Chief Executive Officer | River Garden Senior Services

Mauri Mizrahi currently is the Chief Executive Officer at River Garden Senior Services in Jacksonville, Florida. Ms. Mizrahi serves on the board of trustees of LeadingAge Florida and is a strong advocate for public policy that supports seniors.

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Elizabeth Sholar


Executive Director | Vicar’s Landing – Ponte Vedra, Florida

Elizabeth Sholar, NHA, is the Executive Director of Vicar’s Landing, a premier Life Plan Community in Ponte Vedra, Florida. A licensed Nursing Home Administrator, she earned her BA in Psychology and a master’s in health care administration from the ³ÉÈË´óƬ. With over 25 years of leadership experience in Life Plan Communities, Elizabeth is deeply committed to fostering purpose, engagement, and a human-centered model of care for older adults. Her early work with the Florida Division of Blind Services and the North Florida AIDS Network shaped her lifelong dedication to serving vulnerable populations and ignited her passion for aging services.

Elizabeth is actively involved in developing future leaders through her role as a Coach for the LeadingAge Southeast Leadership Academy and as a Preceptor for Administrator in Training (AIT) candidates. Known for her compassionate and visionary leadership, she continues to champion innovation and excellence in senior care. Outside of work, she enjoys life with her husband of over 30 years, Jimmy, and their two children.

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Tara Spruill, MSN RN CPN NE-BC


VP, Chief Nursing Officer | Nemours Children's Health

My name is Tara Spruill and I currently serve as the Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer at Nemours Children's Health, North Florida. Working at Nemours for the past 14 years has truly been rewarding as I have been fortunate enough to progress with the same organization from a surgical nurse to CNO.

I am a native of Jacksonville and grew up living with my parents and older sister off Hendricks Avenue. I attended Assumption Catholic School and Wolfson High School. I spent several summers in high school volunteering at Nemours and Ronald McDonald House to obtain community service hours. At that time, I never thought about becoming a nurse and certainly did not think I would ever work for Nemours!

I obtained my bachelor’s in science of nursing degree from the ³ÉÈË´óÆ¬ and master's in science of nursing leadership degree from the University of Central Florida. I am currently in my doctorate of nursing program with an executive focus at UCF. I am a Certified Pediatric Nurse and Board Certified Nurse Executive. I also serve on the Ronald McDonald House Charities board and really enjoy community outreach. My passion in nursing is pediatrics and teaching others to alleviate pain/anxiety in children without always having to use medication.

On a personal note, I have been married for 20 years and have 2 children, Mariele (19) and Michael (17) who both attend Clay High School.

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Kristen Sutton MSN, RN, NEA-BC


Vice-President & Chief Nursing Officer of the Palm Coast/Flagler/St. John’s Market | Advent Health

Inspired to be a nurse by her grandmother, Kristen Sutton entered nursing 21 years ago, with the goal of being a shining light during a dark time for others. Kristen has held the role of Chief Nursing Officer since 2019 and prior to that worked primarily in critical care nursing for 15 years. Sutton has served in some form of nursing leadership for the past 12 years. This year she will be celebrating her 21st anniversary with AdventHealth and was able to be a part of opening two new hospitals- AdventHealth Wesley Chapel in 2012 and Texas Health Hospital Mansfield (THM) in 2020. In January of 2024 Kristen relocated back to Florida to join the team as the Chief Nursing Officer responsible for the Palm Coast/Flagler/St. John’s market. Education is important to her which is why she holds four degrees; Master of Science degree with a nurse executive focus from Chamberlain University in October 2018, prior to that received a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of South Florida and an Associate of Science degree in nursing as well as Associate of Arts degree from Pasco Hernando State College.

Kristen has been married to her husband James for 24 years and has two children, Alexis 23 and Bryce 22. As an avid traveler she has a passion for exploring new places, in addition to international travel she is working on visiting every state in the US, so far, she’s at 46 states. In her free time locally, Kristen enjoys volunteering with various organizations in our communities and going to the beach with family.

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Amy VanSach


Operating Unit President, Medtronic ENT | Medtronic

Amy M. Van Sach is a prominent figure in the medical technology industry, currently serving as President of the Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Operating Unit at Medtronic.

With a successful health care career spanning over 25 years, she is known as a high-impact leader that has achieved success in global business roles at Medtronic, J&J, and prior to that was a health care professional, managing physical therapy clinics and providing patient care in inpatient and outpatient settings.

Amy is renowned for her collaborative leadership style and her ability to drive success in both global and local business environments. Her expertise includes new product development, strategic acquisitions, and launching successful products, all underpinned by her passion for continuous improvement and building high-performing teams.

Amy holds an MBA with a Health Sector Management Certificate from Duke University, a Master of Science in Physical Therapy (MSPT) from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a BA in Zoology from Miami University.

Residing in Jacksonville, Florida, with her husband and miniature Schnauzer, she enjoys beach life, travel, gardening, and exploring global cuisine.

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Alan Worley


Founder and CEO | Money Pages

Alan founded Money Pages, a multi-media company, in 2001. He started franchising the direct mail concept in 2012 and Money Pages is now published in six states. It has ranked on the Entrepreneur Magazine “Franchise 500” list in 2023, 2022, and 2021. In 2014 Alan started 3D Digital, a full-service digital agency. 3D Digital is equipped with a full on-site production studio and offers in-house services including digital marketing, video production, social media management, branding, logo design, and more.

Passionate about Jacksonville, Alan serves his city in many ways. He is an investor in JAXUSA Partnership, served as the Chairman of the 2023-24 TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, and sits on numerous advisory boards including the JAX Chamber Board of Directors, and boards for the Better Business Bureau and Synovus Bank. He and his wife Kristin lead many initiatives throughout the year through the Money Pages Foundation, the charitable arm of Money Pages which gives back to local non-profits.