Our Staff

Mary Stutts serves as Chief Executive Officer of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA), a global leadership accelerator, business growth partner, and enterprise solution for the healthcare and life sciences industries. With presence in more than 80 locations worldwide, the HBA partners with nearly 150 organizations and reaches nearly six million professionals through its Corporate Partner ecosystem spanning biotech, pharmaceuticals, providers, payers, and technology.

Since becoming CEO of the HBA, Stutts has led the organization’s strategic expansion across the health ecosystem to include accelerating leadership at every level, closing the gap between women’s and men’s health, strengthening the talent pipeline, supporting workforce representation, elevating voices that will shape the future, and expanding globally to accelerate the HBA’s programs beyond the United States and Europe to the Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Stutts’ cross functional acumen has provided global leadership to companies including Genentech, Bayer, Bristol Myers Squibb, Sumitovant, UnitedHealth Group, Kaiser Permanente, Stanford Health Care, and Comcast NBCUniversal. She excels in leading strategic growth transformations in the face of rapid technology and market changes while executing multi-faceted campaigns in dynamic, high stakes, and competitive environments. She has advised and consulted public, private, and academic organizations and is a sought-after speaker and thought leader.

Stutts is an accomplished author whose newest book, Power Connections: The Executive’s Guide to Influential Leadership guides leaders to achieving business and workforce transformation through acumen, innovation, and influence. Her book The Missing Mentor: Women Advising Women on Power, Progress and Priorities has been dubbed a surrogate mentor for women focused on career advancement.

Stutts earned a Master of Health Administration degree at the University of Southern California and is a graduate of the Executive Program on Strategy and Organization at the Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

Amy has spent her career forging alliances and seeking joint solutions in cutting edge industries as they work to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. Most recently, Amy was vice president of member services for the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) where she succeeded in building participation and membership in virtually every sector and level of the unmanned community. She helped businesses grow by leveraging assets of the organization through education, advocacy and events. Prior to AUVSI, she spent seven years in member development and services for the World Airline Entertainment Association which represents over 90% of commercial airlines around the world. 

In her free time, Amy is a world traveler, having visited over sixty countries, enjoys many outdoor activities including camping and hiking, and plays competitive soccer.   
 

Nikki M. Jones is a seasoned people and culture executive with over 30 years of professional business experience, including 16 years in the not-for-profit sector. She currently serves as the Chief People, Data, & Research Strategy Officer at the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association (HBA), where she leads the development and execution of the organization's people and data strategy for professional staff.

Since joining HBA in 2009, Nikki has held executive leadership roles across various functions, including finance, marketing, communications, technology, and people operations. Prior to her tenure at HBA, she held finance management positions at Johnson & Johnson, supporting the consumer care business, and at Prudential's former healthcare division, focusing on accounting and finance.

Nikki earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Elizabeth City State University, a historically Black college and university (HBCU). She is a certified human resource professional (SHRM-CP) through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

In recognition of her leadership and impact, Nikki was named a Bloc Vanguard Honoree and was included in the "100 Most Impactful Women of Color & Allies Shaping The Future of Healthcare, Life Sciences, & Biopharma" list.

Outside her professional endeavors, Nikki enjoys a fulfilling personal life with her husband of over 25 years and their three college-aged children. She has a passion for dancing and singing and is dedicated to inspiring others to make a positive impact. Nikki actively volunteers in her church's women's ministry and the broader community. She also serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the YWCA Princeton in Princeton, NJ, and has been a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, for over 30 years.

Yesenia Hernandez-Brito joined the HBA in January 2021 and serves as the Director, Executive Office & Global Board Affairs. In this position, Yesenia leverages her status as a Master Certified EA Pro to provide high-level support to the executive leadership team, while managing global board meetings and events. She also leverages strong relationships with a broad variety of senior level customers and member leaders. 

As the principal liaison to the Global Board of Directors and the Global Advisory Board, Yesenia ensures that all board activities are meticulously organized, her oversight of governance, policy, and procedure documentation further highlights her comprehensive understanding of association governance and best practices.

Yesenia plays a vital role in administering HBA’s prestigious awards, ACE and the Woman of the Year (WOTY) awards. She excels in VIP management, ensuring that awardees, chairs emeritae, and founders receive exceptional support throughout their involvement.

Yesenia has over 25 years' experience in board management and c-suite executive support. Before joining the HBA, she served as Director of Board Relations and Programs at a New York City nonprofit association, where she was the staff lead for the board, executive management, councils, and committees. She earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baruch College and holds various certifications, including the Professional Administrative Certification of Excellence (PACE) from the American Society of Administrative Professionals (ASAP), DEI in the Workplace and Inclusive and Ethical Leadership from the USF Muma College of Business, Executive Presence Certificate from UNF Coggin College of Business, and a certificate in Association Management from the American Society of Association Professionals (ASAE).   

In August 2023, Yesenia was recognized as the Above the Call Award Winner at the Washington, D.C. Admin Awards. The Admin Awards is the Administrative Profession’s highest honor and nationally known as the “Academy Awards for Admins.” It is the first and only public recognition program of its kind that specifically focuses on recognizing the achievements, dedication, and importance of Administrative Professionals. She also serves on the American Society of Administrative Professionals Advisory Board, the Admin Awards Advisory Board, and the EA Pros Board. 

Yesenia currently resides in New Jersey with her husband and is a proud mom of three sons. She enjoys traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her extended family. 

Nancy White joined the HBA team in early 2017 and serves as Senior Director, Awards & Recognition. In this role, Nancy leads the association’s overall communications strategy with oversight on thought leadership,  signature and awards event brand messaging, media and ally outreach, and social media. She also helps develop and publish HBA brand content, working with HBA’s global leadership and network of volunteers and partners. 

With more than 30+ years experience, Nancy brings significant public relations and marketing expertise to the HBA. She has worked in similar roles with other globally recognized associations including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Automobile Association (AAA) and SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). A native of Michigan, Nancy earned her bachelor’s of arts in English from Wayne State University.

Leena Gademsky joined the HBA as a director of IT in 2011. She is responsible for developing and implementing HBA’s virtual technology and support strategy.  Her main duties include managing the organization’s technology-related vendors, the HBA website, the membership and event database, hardware and software, e-communications, and other technology-related activities.

Leena has a master’s degree in computer science from New Jersey Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from India. She began her career at Electronic Data Systems and has held progressively more responsible positions within the consulting industry. She has 20+ years of experience in information technology.

Malissa Quarterman joined the HBA in October 2017 as the senior manager, finance. The responsibilities of this role include, general ledger maintenance and chapter financial statements and analysis.

Malissa has held various accounting positions in state government, for-profit and non-profit organizations. She earned her bachelor of science in accounting at Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA and master of business administration in business management from Strayer University.                                                                                                                                                               

Christa McCray-Ameen is HBA’s newest Manager, Finance and Accounting. Her responsibilities include the daily, monthly, and annual aspects of accounting and financial reporting for the association.

Christa has over 10 years of accounting experience in investment banking, small business, animal pharmaceuticals, and the horse racing industry. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgia Southern University and a Master of Science in Accounting from Walden University. Christa currently resides in Stone Mountain, GA with her husband and their 8-year-old bulldog, Max.  

Outside of her responsibilities with the HBA, Christa enjoys spending time with her family, traveling abroad, shopping, reading, and cooking unique and yummy recipes

Ken Burris is an accomplished business development and sales professional who has 15 years experience building solid growth programs for companies. Previous roles include director of sales, ASIS International, a society of security professional, director of sales, Food Marketing Institute (FMI), which acts as the voice of food retail, and sales manager, for the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI).  

Ken is passionate about the needs and goals of his clients, and he specializes in bringing a collaborative and consultative approach in building relationships with people and businesses. As senior director, global business development and sales, Ken is tasked with growing the Corporate Partner program and driving the gender parity mission of HBA.

Ken has an MBA from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor of science in business administration (marketing) from Sonoma State University. He currently lives in the Washington D.C. Metro area with his wife and two children.

Danielle Trama is the Director of Global Business Development & Sales at the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association. With over 13 years of experience in sales and customer support across both for-profit and non-profit sectors, Danielle brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.

Danielle joined HBA as an Associate Manager, Sales, where she quickly demonstrated her ability to drive results and build strong relationships. Her exceptional performance led to her promotion to Director, Business Development & Sales. In this role, she oversees strategic initiatives to expand HBA’s market presence and supports the organization’s mission to advance women’s leadership roles in the healthcare industry.

Throughout her career, Danielle has held various sales and management positions, including Senior Account Executive at Dispensary of Hope, where for 7 years she worked closely with pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors. She also served as Branch Manager for a staffing agency, where she honed her skills in sales, client relations, and team leadership. Her diverse experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of market dynamics and customer needs.

Danielle is passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and supporting them through challenging times. At HBA, she is committed to advancing women’s leadership roles and helping businesses enhance their gender parity initiatives.

Danielle holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Middle Tennessee State University. She resides in Colorado Springs, CO, with her husband, two dogs, and two cats. In her spare time, she enjoys hosting family and friends, engaging in DIY projects, and hiking.

Serene B. Hollingsworth joined the HBA in 2020 as director, corporate accounts where she looks to create powerful alliances with our corporate partners to advance gender parity in healthcare executive roles. She is responsible for managing the corporate relations team and key HBA corporate partner accounts. Serene provides strategic guidance with a focus on building deep relationships and being the voice of our HBA corporate partners.

Serene brings to the HBA over 15 years of experience building trusted relationships and sustaining strategic winning partnerships with key stakeholders in U.S. health systems, media, publishing and advertising verticals. She has partnered with global accounts managing relationships with McDonalds, Proctor & Gamble, Ford, AT&T and others.

Outside of work, Serene is mother to four young adult daughters, grandmother to Naomi, Ezra, and Liam; and mom to a Black Lab she calls, Egypt. She is also a college sports fan. “Go Buckeyes” and March Madness fanatic! Serene is an avid reader of online content and books. She is often found reading several books at once. Many have a play list. Serene has a read list. Current read list: “The Day Howdy Doody Died My Stolen Memoir”; “Bint” The Complete Trilogy; “Anonymous Is Woman: A Global Chronicle of Gender”; “Conscious Business”; and “Washington Black”. Serene looks forward to stretching, building, and doing great work with the HBA.

Rob Smith joined the HBA in 2022 as Corporate Partner Engagement, Senior Account Manager. His goals are to create a fusion of harmony with our Corporate Partners to advance gender equity in healthcare executive roles. Rob is responsible for managing many of the HBA's most key accounts. He delivers on the voice of customer and representing the needs of our partners.

Rob started his career in healthcare as combat medic for the USAF and took his clinical experience to SaaS EHR software consulting industry and eventually managed services account management/vendor services for large health systems on the global level, to include the VA and DoD.

Rob earned his Bachelor's of Science - Global Business from Arizona State University. He's passionate about improving the overall patient experience along with advancing and supporting those who provide patient care!

Gabrielle is passionate about the advancement of all women into executive leadership in every business vertical and a champion for social justice. 

Gabrielle is Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association’s (HBA) newest Corporate Partner Engagement Associate Manager. Gabrielle has a business administration, accounting, and banking background. Looking forward to learning more about the HBA and using this position to create the most positive, inclusive, and successful environment for ALL for generations to come!
 

Lanesha Whitefield is from Nashville, Tennessee. She is a proud graduate of Middle Tennessee State University. There, she was an active member of Alpha Kappa Psi, Inc. Professional Business Fraternity. After graduating from undergrad with a BA in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing, she relocated to Chicago, IL where she attended Keller Graduate School of Management and received a Master’s in Non-Profit Organization Management. For the last 15 years, she has been an active member in her community, served as a Personal Banker, Fraud Investigator, and a Corporate Account Manager in the Chicago-land area. She is passionate about creating opportunities for youth to thrive in their chosen field and regularly enjoys watching football and track & field.  

Amanda joined the HBA in 2022 as a member of the Corporate Account Engagement and Relations team. She comes to us as an ally for the advancement of women within the healthcare industry.

Amanda was born and raised in Texas and graduated from The University of North Texas. She has a background in social work, clinical research, and pharma. She is most passionate about women’s rights, animal rights, mental health, and DV survivor support.

Outside of work, Amanda enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and pets. She also enjoys traveling, antiquing, Broadway shows, and hiking to get the most picturesque views. Amanda looks forward to creating meaningful partnerships that evoke success for all.

Jeanne Piceno joined the HBA in 2017 as a corporate accounts coordinator and has since grown into her current role as senior data coordinator. Over the years, she has played a key role in advancing the organization’s data strategy, helping ensure that HBA staff and stakeholders have the insights they need to support our members, Corporate Partners, and Member Leaders. She works to maintain data integrity and deliver actionable information that drives strategic decision-making.

Prior to joining the HBA, Jeanne held roles in communications and professional development across several associations, as well as administrative and office management positions in both corporate and small business environments.

She holds a BA in Communication Studies with a concentration in public relations and a minor in marketing.

Telesia enjoys designing high-impact educational experiences. She activated this passion in her roles as director of multicultural affairs at the University of South Carolina Aiken and as dean for campus life at Presbyterian College. She later transitioned to the association space at the National Association for Campus Activities, serving as director of education and research. She joined the HBA team in early 2021 and works to establish the educational content strategy for the association and to develop global learning initiatives.

Her own life-changing educational experiences ignited and cultivated her enthusiasm for education. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English from Paine College, a Master’s degrees in student personnel services and higher education business administration and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policies from the University of South Carolina.

Telesia resides in Columbia, SC and finds joy in reading, traveling and spending time with her husband and son. She is also an avid women’s basketball fan, never missing an opportunity to cheer on her Gamecocks at UofSC and any WNBA team with former Gamecocks.

Rachael Callahan joined the HBA in 2023 and holds the position of Director, Central Meetings and Events. She is actively involved in progressing the MICE industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) through her service on professional committees and as a mentor to hospitality students. In her role at the HBA, she blends her career passion for designing innovative and engaging event experiences with her personal passion of advancing women in business.

Prior to working at the HBA, Rachael acquired more than a decade of event experience through progressively more complex convention and meeting planning roles at medical associations and third-party meeting planning companies. She holds both the CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) and DES (Digital Event Strategist) credentials. Rachael was named a 40 under 40 Event Professional and Smart Women in Meetings Industry Leader. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Illinois State University.
 
Rachael resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and son. When she isn't spending time with them or other friends and family, she likes to travel, read, cook, and bake.

Kayla Brennan joined the HBA in 2022, bringing 10 years of experience in the events and association industries to her position as Senior Manager of Global Events. In her current role, she supports the strategy, planning, and execution of HBA’s large-scale conferences and events around the globe. With a strong background in logistics, project and program management, and attendee engagement, Kayla has developed a reputation for leveraging her versatile skillset to elevate events with experience-driven design.

Prior to working at the HBA, Kayla managed the educational offerings and supported the volunteer experience at a non-profit association in the higher education space.  She holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Clemson University. Kayla is an avid reader, loves to travel, and currently resides in Sumter, SC, with her fiancé and their two dogs.

Barbara Bull, Senior Director of Member and Volunteer Experience, joined the HBA as a part-time contract employee in 2007 and transitioned to a full-time staff role in 2009. She began her career at the HBA as an event database specialist, working directly with chapters on their signature and special events. Over the years, Barbara has held various roles in chapter operations and supporting our volunteer leaders, eventually leading to her current role.

Barbara leads the Member Experience team, which oversees all aspects of component operations. This includes ensuring compliance with HBA standards and processes and providing access to the resources needed for leaders to fulfill their roles effectively.

Barbara has been instrumental in shaping HBA’s new operating model and spearheaded the organization’s expansion into new geographies. Her responsibilities include developing implementation timelines and selecting key leaders to support these efforts.

Barbara continues to play a critical role in driving the organization's global growth, ensuring that the member and volunteer experience remains at the highest standard.

Michelle Morse joined the HBA Staff team in February 2021 and leads several of the association’s flagship, members-only programs including the HBA Global Mentoring Program, Circle of Advisors, and Global Member Networks. She also partners closely with regional and chapter member leaders to shape and deliver volunteer-led local events. She enjoys keeping programs and events on track, on budget, and aligned to their goals. She brings a focus on efficiency to every initiative.

What Michelle loves most about her work is building meaningful relationships with Member Leaders, partners, and other key stakeholders. Advancing the HBA’s mission is personally fulfilling for her—and she’s energized by the chance to inspire others with it every day.

Michelle holds a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute and earned her bachelor’s degree from American University, where she studied psychology and literature. She brings more than fifteen years of association management experience to her role. She is also an HBA SPRINT Scholar and a McKinsey Leadership Institute graduate.

Outside of work, Michelle serves on the board of the PMI New Jersey Chapter and was honored with its Volunteer of the Year Award in 2023. When she’s not chasing after her twin toddlers and dog, she loves settling in with a good book or movie and spending time with her family.

Kathleen Rietzl joined the HBA in February 2016 as corporate support administrator, with the HBA’s corporate relations team providing customer service and operational activities associated with the HBA’s Corporate Partner and sponsorship benefit programs. Kathleen continues to work with HBA corporate partners developing strategy and setting goals to ensure continued success for all. 

Prior experience in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries includes facilitation of medical educational and promotional programs, and conference and stakeholder research and reporting.

Katie Cammer joined the HBA in October of 2013 and currently holds the position of manager of chapter care. Katie serves as the main point of contact for all chapter and affiliate board members, to include the oversight of onboarding executive committee members, ensuring compliance with HBA standards and processes, and providing access to resources needed to execute their roles and responsibilities. She aids in the development of the HBA expansion into new geographies, including determining the timeline for implementation and selecting key leaders in HBA affiliates, as well as serving as an HBA staff person on the HBA Europe expansion. 

Before joining the HBA, Katie previously served in a program development/office management role at a national nonprofit association. She held several roles in the government contracting/telecommunications field prior to joining the association world in 2012. She attended Christopher Newport University where she worked towards a bachelor’s of science in business administration. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, as well as volunteering at her daughter’s elementary school. 

Bridget Fairbanks joined the HBA family in 2015 and holds the position of customer experience manager. In this role, Bridget works a great deal in aiding in technical support questions, cancellations and refunds and general customer service questions. She also serves as support to her colleagues on the HBA staff.

Bridget is new to nonprofit associations but has worked for over nine years in the healthcare industry serving in many roles from secretary, scheduling manager and administrative assistant. In her free time, Bridget enjoys spending time with her husband and two children.

Petrina Hurtado joined the HBA in 2014 and currently holds the position of Associate Director, Data Analytics and Intelligence. Petrina oversees the reporting and maintenance of internal data systems, ensuring stakeholders have access to accurate and actionable insights. Additionally, Petrina leads research initiatives and data analysis efforts for the HBA Think Tank, providing strategic insights to advance the HBA’s mission.

Petrina earned her master’s degree in social work from the University at Buffalo with a focus on community work, research methods, and program evaluation. She received the Therese Eusanio Memorial Award for work toward social change in the area of women’s health. She has held diverse roles in both direct services and administration of nonprofits including the Erie County Coalition Against Family Violence, Haven House domestic violence shelter, and Adirondack Medical Center. Outside of work, she is an avid knitter and Buffalo Bills season ticket holder.
 

Devon Bortz joined the HBA team in early 2022 and serves as the Digital Marketing Manager.

Prior to joining the HBA, Devon managed all B2B and B2C marketing efforts for MDsave, the nation’s leading online healthcare marketplace. She has also interned with Scholastic, Arts & Letters Creative Co., and Virginia Business Magazine.

Devon is a graduate of the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA, where she received degrees in English and Marketing (with a concentration in Innovation and Entrepreneurship). She lives in Richmond, VA. In her free time, she enjoys volunteering, reading, watching TV, and spending time with her friends, family, and goldendoodle.