HBA Central Staff

Wanell Boone is the Senior Program Manager for the HBA Think Tank.  In her role, Wanell will support key initiatives and oversee programs that advance the Think Tank’s mission, foster impactful growth, and expand its influence. Wanell brings over 15 years of nonprofit program management and development expertise, including aligning programs with organizational goals, managing data-driven DEI initiatives, and fostering a culture of inclusion and continuous improvement. Her proven ability to design and deliver high-quality initiatives that serve diverse stakeholder needs will be invaluable as we continue to drive the Think Tank forward.

Wanell is a proud graduate of Morgan State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She resides in Maryland with her husband and children.

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.

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.

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.

Samantha Fitzgerald, Senior Manager, Digital Marketing , joined the HBA in late 2024. Samantha brings over a decade of experience in marketing and advertising, with expertise in digital marketing and graphic design. In her new role, she will be instrumental in driving the HBA's global digital presence, advancing our mission through strategic and data-driven digital initiatives. Her responsibilities will include managing the HBA’s email marketing campaigns, optimizing the HBA website and event microsites, and working closely with our sales and business development teams to enhance the overall customer journey while ensuring the HBA’s digital touchpoints deliver measurable results. 

A proud mom to two energetic little boys, Sam and her husband enjoy traveling and creating cherished memories on Cape Cod. 

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.

Tashina Hamilton is a seasoned Senior Account Manager with a strong background in customer success, healthcare technology, and corporate engagement. She has partnered with health insurance providers, government agencies, and enterprise clients to drive strategic growth, optimize customer experiences, and strengthen corporate relationships. Passionate about relationship-building and process improvement, Tashina has led initiatives in client retention, system implementation, and stakeholder engagement to support long-term success.

A Gullah native of Bluffton/Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, Tashina now resides in Metro Atlanta, Georgia. She enjoys traveling, particularly cruising with Virgin Voyages and Disney Cruises, and exploring different cuisines along the way. Outside of work, she has a passion for interior decorating and event planning. She also brings a creative touch to character transformations through makeup artistry, helping bring elaborate looks to life.

With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Tashina plays a key role in advancing HBA’s mission and fostering meaningful partnerships.

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.
 

Sanjuana "SJ" joined the HBA in May 2024 as Senior Manager, Global Education and Events, where she will contribute her expertise to managing the HBA Academy after its launch later this year; coordinating and hosting Career Conversations; coordinating aspects of the HOPE program, including mentor/scholar and coach/scholar pairings and strategy session development; supporting the Global Education Advisory Committee; contributing to global education strategy; and supporting other education initiatives as they evolve.

SJ holds a Bachelor of Business Management from the University of Houston - Downtown and a Master of Science in Educational Human Resource Development with a focus in Adult Education from Texas A&M University. SJ has more than a decade of experience in various industries such as Health & Wellness, Oil & Gas, and Higher Education and holds a diverse skillset through her experiences as a Learning & Development specialist, Relationship Manager, and Career Counselor.  She is a first-generation graduate and career professional dedicated to mentoring and supporting individuals through their professional journeys with a humanist approach in order to enact change within individuals. 

Outside of work, SJ enjoys reading various categories of books (her favorite smell is that of a stocked bookstore) and spending time outdoors. She is bilingual in Spanish, offering translation assistance to members of her community. She continues to mentor first generation students from underrepresented groups through her close proximity to a large public university and alumni associations. SJ resides in Texas with her son and goldendoodle.

Hannah McKee is a results-driven communications professional with a decade of experience crafting compelling narratives and building strong relationships. Before joining the HBA, Hannah worked as Manager of General Communications at the University of Pennsylvania's Gene Therapy Program where she translated complex scientific research into accessible language to advocate for patients living with rare diseases. In a prior role, she worked as a reporter for ABC13 News in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she honed her skills in news writing, production and community engagement. Hannah is passionate about using her communication expertise to drive impactful results for organizations serving their communities. She enjoys developing and executing strategic communication plans, building and maintaining media relationships and crafting impactful messaging.

Based in Chicago, Gazmend Meni is a seasoned financial professional with over eight years of experience in financial analysis, budgeting, and financial reporting across the telecommunications, retail, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors. He holds a bachelor's degree in economics and an MBA in international finance, bringing a strong analytical and strategic approach to financial management. 

At the HBA, Gazmend plays a key role in managing financial operations, ensuring accuracy in reporting, and supporting strategic decision-making through financial analysis. His expertise in budgeting, compliance, and financial process optimization helps drive efficiency and fiscal responsibility within the organization. 

Prior to joining the HBA, he served as Budget & Financial Reporting Manager at Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, where he oversaw government financial reporting, audits, and the organization’s budgeting process. He also held key financial roles at Connectel Albania, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and the University of New York Tirana. 

Fluent in English, Albanian, Greek, and Italian, Gazmend brings a global perspective to financial management and thrives in cross-functional collaboration. With advanced proficiency in financial modeling and Excel, he is committed to delivering data-driven insights that support organizational growth. 

Outside of work, he enjoys Mediterranean cuisine and spending quality time with his wife and two children. 

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.

Karina Nelson has worked in the nonprofit sector for several years, bringing a wealth of experience in volunteer management, event planning, and stakeholder engagement. She holds a BA in Human Communication and an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a concentration in Social Justice and Advocacy.

Her dedication to serving others has given her a deep appreciation for her role in connecting volunteers to their missions. Karina's passion for nonprofits began in her teenage years, inspired by her Deaf mother, who led the charge and created spaces where there were none. This attitude of determination and advocacy became a cornerstone of Karina's career.

Currently at HBA, she serves as the Manager, Member Events and Programs. In previous roles, she developed high-impact volunteer programs, boosted engagement across individual and corporate partners, and championed initiatives that supported youth and families in Central Florida

As of 2024, she continues to inspire, encourage, and lead individuals to engage with missions they care about.

Lauren Peck joined HBA in December of 2013 and is currently director of stakeholder engagement. As a member of the Member Experience department, she helps oversee the HBA’s stakeholder-facing volunteer functions (corporate relations, membership, and volunteer experience), working closely with cross-functional staff, to create the optimal experience for all. In her role, Lauren is invested in designing and implementing the ideal organizational structures across HBA for maximum efficiency and volunteer satisfaction, and is a resource for volunteer leaders at all levels, across all functions. Lauren works globally across the organization: advising/supporting the global council and affinity groups; helping drive HBA’s global growth strategy/locations and Community engagement; overseeing the HBA’s global Ambassador Program and committee, and supervising HBA’s European office and European Leadership Summit team.

Over her time with HBA, Lauren has held a number of evolving roles. Most recently, she was senior manager of corporate development, focusing primarily on HBA’s corporate customers. Prior to that role, she was manager of chapter development and assisted in the design of the organization’s new operating model before supporting and managing the transition into the new model with multiple regions. When Lauren first joined HBA, it was as manager of meetings and events administration, where she managed and supported the former Metro chapter (now the NY/NJ/CT Region), their board and volunteers.

Before joining HBA, Lauren worked in event coordination and office management for a private entertainment company and graduated from Rutgers University with a focus in art history and Italian. Lauren currently resides in New Jersey, USA and volunteers for Big Brothers Big Sisters and YWCA Princeton. In her free time, Lauren is a self-proclaimed bookworm, loves traveling, baking (but not cooking), and spending time with her friends, family, husband and dog.

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.

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.                                                                                                                                                               

Lauren brings to HBA over a decade of Business Development and Sales experience within the Health and Wellness Industry.

Throughout her career Lauren has held various sales and leadership positions including Senior Sales Consultant and Sales Manager at Chopra Global, where for 6 years she worked alongside the esteemed pioneer of mind-body medicine, Deepak Chopra, to guide and empower individuals to embark on transformative journeys towards wellness.

Lauren has also worked as a B2B National Sales Manager for the nonprofit organization, the Institute for Meditation and Inner Harmony where she developed a deep understanding and passion for contributing her skillset to driving impact and influencing outcomes within the nonprofit sector.

Lauren holds a Bachelor of Communication degree from the University at Albany. She resides in Las Vegas, NV, with her husband, and two-month-old son.

As a Certified Meditation and Yoga Instructor, Lauren enjoys sharing wellness practices with others. She has cultivated a deep understanding of ancient healing practices and modern methodologies, equipping her with a unique blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary insights.

During her free time, she can be found spending time with her family, hiking, practicing yoga and traveling to coastal California.

She is committed to making wellness accessible to all individuals and is passionate about helping others to thrive and to reach their full potential. By joining forces with the HBA, she amplifies her impact and looks forward to making a significant contribution on a global scale.

Lauren Rhodes is Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association’s new Membership Coordinator where she will focus on supporting members and Corporate Partners. Prior to joining the HBA, she coordinated executive recruiting searches specializing in gender equity and has experience in account management. She is excited to continue pushing for an inclusive environment with gender equity in every workplace.
 
Lauren graduated from Middle Tennessee State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness. She and her partner live just outside of Nashville and spend their time with their animals (horse, dog, and two cats), going to concerts, and gardening.

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!

LaToya Tapscott is the Senior Director, Global Head of the HBA Think Tank and she will focus on strategic planning, governance, and the development of products and partnerships to drive the Think Tank's growth and influence. As an experienced non-profit membership association professional, she brings 15+ years of experience in driving stakeholder engagement and fostering vibrant communities across diverse sectors. 

Previously, she served as the Senior Director of Digital Health Communities at the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) where she engaged healthcare technology executives and successfully oversaw strategic partnerships. Prior to that she played a pivotal role at the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) in developing and executing impactful programs for committee members, volunteer leaders, and corporate sponsors. LaToya's journey in the association industry began at the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA), where she gained valuable insights into association management through various roles.

LaToya is committed to giving back to her professional community through volunteer service. She currently serves on committees with organizations such as Association Women Technology Champions (AWTC), Black Association Executives (BAE), and ASAE's Healthcare Community Advisory Committee (HCAC).

LaToya resides in Maryland with her family and she holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from the University of MD Global Campus and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE).

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!
 

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.

Anna joined the HBA in 2024 as Senior Manager, Corporate Programs. She looks to scale the Global Ambassador Program and design meaningful program offerings to its corporate partners as GAP continues to expand.

Anna earned a Master of Public Health degree from Northwestern University with an emphasis on public health program evaluation and equitable resource development. Her career background includes launching national standards-based QI programs for healthcare regulators assessing hospitals/healthcare organizations. She has partnered with key health executive innovators across the industry and is focused on driving health equity competencies and building sustainable infrastructure in her work.

Anna lives in Chicago, IL and loves traveling, dogs, and training for the Chicago marathon.

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.  

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.