Foundation Board of Directors

Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager is President and CEO of The MetroHealth System.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I was fortunate to grow up in a family with a strong foundation of faith and service. I learned early on that we are here on this planet to serve. The things we have – our time, our talents, our treasure – they are blessings that really aren’t ours: They are given to us … to give away.

I can think of no better place to serve and to share these blessings than MetroHealth, its patients, its caregivers and its Foundation.

Elected: 2009

Dr. Alfred F. Connors Jr. is MetroHealth's Emeritus Chair of Medicine.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: Since the day I arrived at MetroHealth in June 1974, I have been proud to serve our mission. It is a challenging mission that requires outstanding care and compassion for each individual who comes to us while also taking responsibility for the health of the community at large. The beauty of MetroHealth is that everyone who works here understands the mission and understands how what they do serves that mission.  It is why we work together so well.

The true secret of MetroHealth is our respect and admiration for the people we serve. We see the strength, the courage, and the goodness of our patients. We are proud to give them the excellent care they deserve. We are all committed to eradicating the disparities in health caused by poverty, hunger, homelessness, and other social ills.

I serve on the MetroHealth Foundation Board to make sure that MetroHealth continues to serve our patients, our community and our mission, not just today, but 50 and 100 years from now.

Kate Brown is President of The MetroHealth Foundation and Chief Development Officer of The MetroHealth System.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: MetroHealth has been an important part of my family for years, from the 1930s, when my grandmother worked in our laundry, to the 1980s, when my aunt received life-changing stroke care in our Rehabilitation Institute. A medical career was never in the cards for me, but in my role, I have the honor of sharing and engaging our supporters in the story of MetroHealth and its extraordinary mission.

Elected: 2020

Eric Fiala is Head of Corporate Responsibility at KeyBank.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: MetroHealth gave me 12 more years with one of my favorite people – my grandmother – after she suffered a life-threatening injury. I serve because I’m committed to ensuring all neighbors have access to high-quality health care – because even one day more with those you love matters.

Elected: 2019

Jennifer Hurd serves as chair of Philanthropy Engagement. She is also Senior Vice President, Local Market Executive, Cleveland, at Bank of America.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I am privileged to serve an organization that creates a space where healthcare is provided with dignity for every patient who walks in the doors regardless of their ability to pay. I also serve because of the passion that the caregivers bring to the patients and research.

Elected: 2017

Jonathan Pressnell chairs The MetroHealth Foundation's Finance and Investment Committee. He is also Partner at Blue Point Capital Partners.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: The amazing people at MetroHealth and their culture of compassion and dedication to the Greater Cleveland Area inspire me. From TB to polio to COVID, Metro has a history of providing care in times of significant need. Beyond that, the more recent focus on population health and driving meaningful innovation and change in healthcare delivery models should be a template for other institutions.

Elected: 2017

Marcy Levy Shankman, PhD, serves as chair of the Foundation Board's Nominating and Board Development Committee. She is the founder and owner of MLS Consulting, LLC, and provides leadership and organizational development training, consulting and coaching services.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board to contribute to one of the most important anchors for health and well-being in our community. Serving on the Board means I have the opportunity to share with my network and communities about the multiple ways in which Metro serves our community and to help people and organizations see the value and importance of their support of The MetroHealth System.

Michelle Wood is Chief Operating Officer of The MetroHealth Foundation and Vice President of Philanthropy Finance and Operations for The MetroHealth System.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I am inspired by MetroHealth’s mission to improve the health of everyone in our community. Without a healthcare background, I can’t directly care for patients, but by serving on the Foundation Board, I can utilize my financial skills to ensure funding is available to help fulfill our mission and improve the lives of our patients.

Elected: 2016

Nicholas Alexander is Account Vice President, Senior Wealth Strategy Associate, at UBS.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: As a grateful MetroHelth patient, I felt compelled to support the organization that provides wonderful care to me and my family. When my daughter was born, I was fortunate to experience the MertoHealth spirit firsthand. This motivated me to get involved.

Elected: 2023

Dr. John Chae is MetroHealth's Executive Vice President, Chief Academic Officer.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I serve because academics (research, education and scholarship) is a critical mission of The MetroHealth System. However, this requires a significant amount of investment from the System. Additional resources through the MetroHealth Foundation are essential to ensure that the academic mission continues to thrive at MetroHealth.

Elected: 2022

Bill Clawson is Chief Human Resources Officer at Progressive Insurance.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I appreciate the important role that MetroHealth provides to our community and want to help expand MetroHealth resources further. Everyone should have access to the great care and screening done by MetroHealth providers every day. Everyone should be able to partake in the many innovations and new approaches to caring for the whole person that MetroHealth provides. I will be extremely satisfied if through my role on the Foundation Board, I can play a small part in making that dream come to fruition.

Elected: 2022

Jade Davis is Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Office for Thornton Buckeye Group

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: Serving on the MetroHealth Foundation board allows me to contribute my skills, expertise and resources toward supporting the hospital's mission and enhancing healthcare services in our community. I believe in the importance of quality healthcare access and want to play an active role in improving the well-being of individuals within our region.

Elected: 2020

JoAnn Glick, a former nurse, is a community leader.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: As a nurse, I always felt it was important to focus on health maintenance and disease prevention in both the individual and the community. MetroHealth’s mission to care for the whole person and their community aligns with my belief in what health care should be. I hope my background can help MetroHealth realize that mission.

Elected: 2019

Miguel de Gracia is CEO of Root Candles.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I aspire to connect the hospital to the community, participating in fundraising programs and sharing the MetroHealth story, while promoting its vision. I like to collectively partner with the philanthropy team and executives to identify, engage and solicit potential donors.

Elected: 2021

Berry Grant III is Senior Vice President, Retail Banking Division, for Dollar Bank.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I truly believe that The MetroHealth Foundation Board mission truly aligns with my personal passion to help others. I am one that believes that anyone with the drive and motivation to be successful should be afforded the same resources and support that are made available in thriving communities. I serve with the goal of developing a self-sustaining community where there is opportunity for growth and success for all.

Elected: 2017

John J. Grech is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones Investments.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I am continuously inspired by the tremendous impact MetroHealth has on the local community. The opportunity to be a Board member as well as to be engaged in the mission of the organization provides a deeper understanding of all the outstanding attributes of MetroHealth. Serving on the Foundation Board allows me to provide advocacy for the incredible work of MetroHealth.

Elected: 2021

Kevin M. Grobelny is Senior Vice President & Managing Director at PNC Bank.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I believe our community deserves quality health care, and the caregivers at MetroHealth deliver on that commitment each day. These medical professionals inspire me to serve its mission by investing in Metro's well-being so that its delivery of top care to our community continues to grow, expand and reinvest over and again into Cuyahoga County.  

Elected: 2024

Chris Hess is Vice President, Global Public Affairs at Eaton Corporation.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: The MetroHealth Foundation provides quality, world-class healthcare to our community. I have personally experienced their patient-centric approach and am pleased to support their mission.

Elected: 2017

Why I Serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: MetroHealth has amazing caregivers and patients! Being a part of the Foundation allows me to share the good work that MetroHealth does, while also garnering additional support to continue its mission to serve the community.

Elected: 2019

Ricardo León is President and CEO, Cuyahoga Land Bank

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: My commitment to serving on the MetroHealth Foundation Board is driven by a deep desire to uplift our community's health. Every decision I’m able to contribute to is a stitch in the fabric of our collective well-being, ensuring that the organization’s actions resonate far beyond the hospital walls while fostering a lasting impact on the health and vitality of our community. As a lifelong resident of greater Cleveland, it’s an honor to serve on the board of the MetroHealth Foundation.

Elected: 2024

Larry Mack is a retired executive vice president at KeyBank, past board chair at Montefiore and currently serves on the boards of Mandel Jewish Community Center and Ohio Jewish Communities.

Elected: 2018

Dr. James E. Misak is Medical Director of the MetroHealth Institute for H.O.P.E.^TM

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: MetroHealth is Cuyahoga County’s essential public hospital and health care system, and it embraces a clear and compelling mission: to serve the community and to transform not just health care, but health. It has been a privilege for me to participate in this mission through my clinical practice and in my role as medical director of the Institute for H.O.P.E.^TM Serving on the Foundation board is one more way that I can contribute to keeping this mission alive and sustainable.

Elected: 2024

Lisa Ramirez, PhD  is Associate Director, MetroHealth Pediatric Psychology; Director, Community and Behavioral Health, MetroHealth School Health Program; and Associate Professor, Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I am proud to say that I have been a part of the MetroHealth family for the last 17 years.  Serving on the MetroHealth Foundation Board allows me to share the almost 20 years of stories and impact as the essential and vital health care provider for the vibrant communities in and around the Cleveland area. I am excited to tell the MetroHealth story and advocate for expanded reach and awareness of our incredible staff and programs.

Elected: 2024

Alexander Schauer is Vice President, Employee Benefits at Schauer Group, Inc.

Why I Serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: In my day job, I get to see how the current health insurance and healthcare environment does not work for everyone. I deal with parents who don't know how they can afford to care for their child, and that wears on me. Being a part of promoting MetroHealth through the Foundation allows me to support an organization that makes the system work for everyone and promotes true community health.

Elected: 2024

Paul Sidhu is CEO, Sidhu Realty Capital

Why I Serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I believe in MetroHealth’s mission to provide care to the indigent regardless of their ability to pay. In addition, I want to give back to MetroHealth in ways that go above and beyond financial motivations, to help connect industry leaders in my network and bring about awareness of the foundation on a local and regional level. MetroHealth has done a lot for my family personally, so I also feel compelled to help whichever way possible.

Elected: 2023

Dr. Terry Stancin spent 36 years with MetroHealth, retiring in 2022 as Chief of Psychology, Director of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology and Vice-Chair for Research in Psychiatry.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I am so proud to have served MetroHealth as a caregiver for 36 years. Now that I am retired, I am pleased to serve on the Foundation Board so that I can continue to find ways to support its mission to serve the community, especially in matters pertaining to behavioral health.

David Stepnick, MD, is Interim Executive Vice President, Chief Physician Executive and Clinical Officer at The MetroHealth System.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I am passionate about improving healthcare access and outcomes in our community. The Foundation is focused on addressing the needs of the community in critical areas, differentiating MetroHealth from other large healthcare organizations in Cleveland. With my personal connection to MetroHealth in various roles over the past 10 years, I am committed to supporting its growth and success, particularly in the areas which the Foundation has established priorities: the Institute for HOPE, Behavioral Health, and the Rehabilitation Institute.

Elected: 2020

George Sullivan is Chief Executive Officer at Equity Trust Company.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I have a passion for delivering value to the stakeholders of our business at Equity Trust Company. The communities we operate in are among our most important stakeholders, and I can think of no better mission than to help provide health benefits to our citizens. MetroHealth is a wonderful institution that galvanizes its tremendous employees to deliver health services to all, often against difficult odds. This is God’s work, and I’m happy to do my small part to help these committed employees fulfill their service.

Elected: 2024

Luis Tollinche, MD is Chair, MetroHealth Department of Anesthesiology and Professor, Anesthesiology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: In 1998 I began my love affair with MetroHealth. I was an eager, intrepid and impressionable medical student at CWRU SOM and had the unique fortune to complete my first medical school clerkship at MetroHealth. These formative years imprinted what would be a theme for the rest of my career; I learned early that few hospital systems have the responsibility—or better, privilege--to drive a mission to care for their community. At MetroHealth we stand alone in our success in delivering world class care to all patients at all walks of life. Despite, or perhaps, because of my experiences in many hospital systems I can revel deeply in calling MetroHealth my home once again. 

Elected: 2020

Jacke Wiedemer is a community leader.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I am honored to serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board because of the world class care, innovative programs and a belief that health begins in the community that MetroHealth represents.

Elected: 2017

Dr. Sherrie D. Williams is Chief, Medicine Service, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center,  Northeast Ohio VA Healthcare System.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I have practiced medicine for 26 years, and 21 of those years I spent at MetroHealth. My career mission is to be of service to those less fortunate in our society. I found at MetroHealth a place where I could carry out my life’s mission. More important, however, is what I found in MetroHealth, a place where the mission of service matters. The Foundation fosters that mission!

Elected: 2023

Deandra Williams-Lewis is Director of Ethics and Compliance at FirstEnergy Corp.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I am honored to serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board because MetroHealth is committed to serving the community beyond the walls of their facilities.

Elected: 2017

Aaron Witwer is Co-Founder and Chief Health Strategist at Humankind Health Consulting.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I serve on the Foundation Board to be an extension of the beautiful work that the caregivers provide each day.  MetroHealth is doing work that other health care organizations aren't willing to do. So giving my time to help advance that work is a small token of my appreciation.

Elected: 2004

Robert A. Durham is President of HKM Direct Market Communications.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I serve to help make high-quality healthcare accessible to all.

Elected: 1988

Richard B. Fratianne, MD, is Director Emeritus of The MetroHealth Burn Center.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I will do anything I can to help the hospital move forward with its mission to help the poor and advance the state of the art of medicine.

Elected: 2009

Brenda K. Kirk is a community leader.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: I serve on the MetroHealth Foundation Board of Directors to help advance awareness of the mission and advocate for the caregivers that ARE MetroHealth. The team that shows up each day with incredible commitment to care for patients and the community is so inspiring and serves a critical role in the future of our region. I am proud to support MetroHealth.

Elected: 1988

Collin K. Knisely is a community leader.

Why I serve on The MetroHealth Foundation Board: The MetroHealth Foundation has been an important part of my effort to help others for the last 35 years. Our core mission to care for patients regardless of their ability to pay is so critical in today's world. The hospital has helped Clevelanders return to health for so many years and that's why I will continue to find ways to be of service.