OUR PEOPLE
We are a team of passionate individuals committed to putting
health in reach for all Chicagoans.
Our Leadership

Ameya Pawar
President and CEO
Ameya Pawar
President and CEO
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Ameya drives Michael Reese’s mission to partner with the Chicago community to advance lasting health solutions.
To do this, he provides visionary leadership, ensures effective program implementation, fosters partnerships, and maintains financial sustainability. Ameya is also responsible for enhancing operations, strengthening team development, and promoting a strong, inclusive culture.
“As someone deeply connected to the Jewish community, with family roots tied to Holocaust survivors, I am proud to further Michael Reese’s legacy and continue our commitment to Jewish institutions. I have built my career on a commitment to making the world a more just and equitable place, and I couldn’t be more honored to lead Michael Reese Health Trust as it uses its public status to build a healthier Chicago.”

Alejandra Iturbe-Mendez
Communications Coordinator
Alejandra Iturbe-Mendez
Communications Coordinator
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Alejandra provides critical support for Michael Reese’s communications, including website, social media, and events.
She is a firm believer in storytelling as a way to connect communities and promote the foundation’s mission.
“My work is driven by a belief that everyone deserves equal access to opportunities and resources, regardless of background or circumstance. By amplifying voices and stories through digital communications, I aim to foster understanding, empathy, and intentional action to better our communities. I am for equity, because who I am matters.”

Blair Harvey, MSW
Chief Program Officer
Blair Harvey, MSW
Chief Program Officer
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Blair provides executive leadership and strategic direction to advance the foundation’s programs and community investment strategy.
She oversees the foundation’s grantmaking, incubation, and advocacy efforts to ensure all Chicagoans have the resources to live healthy lives.
"I am passionate about advancing health justice and driving meaningful social change. I am committed to using my background in public health strategy to leverage the foundation’s resources and influence to take risks and build community power. I am proud that Michael Reese leans into this responsibility and is responsive to the evolving challenges of the field."

David Israel
Senior Administrative Assistant
David Israel
Senior Administrative Assistant
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David provides administrative support to the President and CEO and Chief of Staff, including scheduling, communication, expense reporting, organization, and meeting planning.
His efforts help to ensure smooth executive operations in support of Michael Reese’s mission.
“I love waking up every day knowing I will be contributing to an organization that works to make Chicago a better place for all, especially those experiencing homelessness, those affected by domestic violence and healthcare workers. When I provide support to the CEO, Chief of Staff, or any member of the Michael Reese team, I know the work being done contributes to the betterment of our community.”

Gina Massuda Barnett, MPH
Program Director, Health Workforce
Gina Massuda Barnett, MPH
Program Director, Health Workforce
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Gina leads Michael Reese’s priority of strengthening the health workforce.
This work primarily focuses on elevating community health workers as trusted experts in their communities and integrating them permanently into the healthcare workforce.
“My passion for social change was ignited through my service with City Year Chicago, an AmeriCorps program where I engaged directly with communities. This experience inspired my dedication to advancing population health and equity. Throughout my career in public health, I’ve harnessed the collective power of communities to advocate for shared, transformative solutions that create lasting impact.”

Jennifer Rosenkranz, MA
Program Director, Domestic Violence
Jennifer Rosenkranz, MA
Program Director, Domestic Violence
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Jennifer leads Michael Reese’s priority of preventing domestic violence.
This work primarily focuses on two critical areas: strengthening services for people who cause harm, and working to improve screening and treatment for survivors with head injuries.
“I seek to create a Chicago where people can live free from violence in their homes. To effectively address domestic violence, we must elevate the expertise of survivors and the community-based organizations engaged in this work. To truly end violence, we must also work with the people who are committing the abuse.”

Kerry Goese, CPA
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer
Kerry Goese, CPA
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer
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Kerry manages all aspects of the Finance Department and provides oversight of the foundation’s financial assets and investments.
She provides financial reporting to the board, oversees the annual audit, tax filings, and budget preparation, and serves as a strategic partner to management.
“I safeguard the foundation’s assets to ensure we can continue to carry on our work to provide equitable access to health care for all Chicagoans. We continue to seek strategic opportunities for our assets to effect change in our communities.”

LaTisha Hardy, DHS
Program Coordinator
LaTisha Hardy, DHS
Program Coordinator
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LaTisha works closely with Michael Reese’s Program Team and grantee partners and coordinates all aspects of the grantmaking process, including database management, proposal review, reporting, grant processing, and site visit coordination.
“Besides being a Michael Reese baby that was featured in the newspaper for being a New Year’s Day Baby, I aim to be the voice for the voiceless. This is a way for me to give back to my community where I live on the South Side of Chicago. My passion is to serve and help others, being a problem solver to develop solutions for the community to thrive.”

Launita Scott
Chief of Staff and Director of People and Culture
Launita Scott
Chief of Staff and Director of People and Culture
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Launita provides comprehensive support and guidance to the CEO, board of directors, and the leadership team.
She oversees the organization’s operations and manages all aspects of the Administration Department, including Human Resources, budgeting, and other operational and administrative functions.
“My connection to Michael Reese’s mission is rooted in my personal experience growing up in the same community where Michael Reese Hospital was founded. I firmly believe in the importance of serving and supporting underserved communities to create a healthier and safer environment for everyone in Chicagoland.”

Laura Embers
Senior Accountant
Laura Embers
Senior Accountant
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Laura provides core support for Michael Reese’s accounting functions, including audit and tax preparation, financial reporting, financial record maintenance, monthly accounting reconciliations, and accounts payable.
“I wholeheartedly believe in the Michael Reese mission of advancing equitable and lasting health solutions. It brings me joy to support the staff and board in my capacity as accountant so that we can all work together to make this happen.”

Rashonda Johnson, PhD
Program Director, Strategic Initiatives
Rashonda Johnson, PhD
Program Director, Strategic Initiatives
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Rashonda leads Michael Reese’s ongoing initiatives and spearheads community-led innovation through partnerships like the Health First Collaborative – an incubator of community-driven ideas that hold promise to transform health.
“I am passionate about collaborating with communities to not just identify problems but assess strengths and work toward equitable and lasting solutions. Having grown up on the west side of Chicago in Austin, and with family still living there, I've witnessed firsthand how health disparities and barriers to accessing quality care can significantly impact a person's life. I infuse my background in research and evaluation, social work, community psychology, and lived experience to inform my work and amplify Michael Reese’s core mission and values."

Join our Team
Interested in joining a team of dedicated people working to build a healthier Chicago for all?
There are currently no open job opportunities. Please check back at another time.
Our Board
Chair
Mally Z. Rutkoff
Executive Vice Chair
Judy L. Smith
Vice Chair – Finance
Andrew Glick
Vice Chair – Program
Kathy Chan
Secretary
Sally Benjamin Young
Officers
John Bouman
Linda Ginsburg
Greg Harris
Waldo E. Johnson, Jr., PhD
Deborah Schrayer Karmin
Marvin Lindsey
Edward S. Linn, MD
Lee Miller
Walter R. Nathan
Stacy Raviv, MD
David Rubovits
Sista Yaa Simpson