College of Health and Human Services Inaugural Advisory Board
Northern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services recently launched its inaugural advisory board. This exceptional group of volunteer leaders brings deep expertise across healthcare, business, and related industries, along with a shared passion for advancing the health and well-being of our communities. Identified by college leadership, these distinguished professionals have committed their time and insight to helping shape a bold and ambitious future for CHHS, and we are grateful for their willingness to serve.
The advisory board will serve in an advisory role to Dean Janelle Chiasera, providing strategic guidance and industry perspective to ensure the college’s programs remain relevant, innovative, and aligned with current and emerging workforce needs. Board members will offer feedback on new ideas and strategic initiatives, participate in visioning and planning efforts, foster industry partnerships, and help elevate the visibility and impact of the college. Through this collaboration, the board will play a vital role in strengthening academic offerings, supporting student success, and ensuring our work remains future-focused and market-driven.
The board convened for its introductory meeting this semester to learn more about NAU and the College of Health and Human Services and to begin building a strong foundation for their work together. Members were energized by the dedication of our faculty and staff and deeply moved by the impact the college has on students, communities, and the state. As the advisory board officially begins its work at the end of the semester, there will be future opportunities for faculty and staff to engage with and get to know these new partners who will help champion and advance the mission of CHHS.
Board members:
Julia Cencioso, MS, CCC- SLP Speech-Language Pathologist, Flagstaff Unified School District
Jon Cook, DPT, MBA Chief Executive Officer, Rehabilitation Hospital of Northern Arizona
Heather Carter, EdD Chief Executive Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice
Kim Despres, DHA, RN Chief Executive Officer, Circle the City
Jim Elco, MBA, MHSA Vice President of Strategy and Financial Planning, Northern Arizona Healthcare
Jeffrey Garelick, DDS Dentist, Retired
Kerilyn Graham, PT, DPT, OCS, MBA Vice President of Clinic Operations, Vibrantcare
Joyce Hamilton Director, Hopi Tribe – Hopi Tribe Department of Health and Human Services
Will Humble, MPH Executive Director, Arizona Public Health Association
Jeffrey Leid, PhD Chief Scientific Director, W.L. Gore & Associates
Tom Pop Territory Business Manager, Haleon
Charlton Wilson, MD Transformational Fellow, The NARBHA Institute