WHO WE ARE
JoAnn Andrews
CEO
JoAnn’s core expertise – development and acceleration of sustainable strategic execution – is based on her experience of over 25 years of leading organizations. Focusing on the right things to tackle the immense challenges within government, companies, and organizations to provide sustainable change. A proven communicator and leader, JoAnn is an expert on clear care communications – a skill set further enhanced through extensive international experience in identifying language and communication style barriers and how to overcome them strategically and effectively.
Over the years, JoAnn has led key initiatives for a diverse array of some of the world’s leading companies, including Boston Scientific, where she led European cardiology team (seventeen countries and ten languages); engaging Key Opinion Leaders on new market entries and recalls through the FDA and European Commission, product evaluation and education.
She also has consistently engaged state and local health departments, universities, non-profits and various health organization in grant development and sustainability providing millions of dollars to transforming local communities as well as state initiatives. These grants funded community health improvement initiatives, planning, community needs assessments and coalition building. JoAnn provided grant writing services to develop the strategy, with continual evaluation of the Tulane University, Workforce Development Plan utilizing ECHO Project Model for peer-to-peer clinical consultation to address the opioid epidemic. The initiative provides e-consult and academic detailing for the Office-Based Opioid Treatment (OBOT) and clinicians in Louisiana.
Expertise
JoAnn is a previous member and former chair of has been appointed to the National Association of County and City Officials (NACCHO) Performance Improvement Workgroup, which provides leadership and guidance to NACCHO, local health departments (LHDs), and partner organizations regarding the design, development, and evaluation of performance improvement projects including quality improvement, accreditation, Mobilizing for Action through Planning and Partnerships (MAPP), and health equity, oversight committee for strategic planning, Community Health Assessments (CHA), Community Health Implementation Plans (CHIP), and performance improvement.
JoAnn is one of the ten national experts certified by NACCHO as leaders in utilizing the framework: Mobilizing for Action through Planning & Partnerships (MAPP). She is also a collaborator with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Healthy People 2030.
- American Marketing Association (AMA) Marketer of the Year Award
- Recipient of the prestigious Marketing Strategy Award Cardiovascular from Frost & Sullivan; the award recognizes excellence within the Global and European healthcare industry.
- Recipient of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Sesquicentennial Hail the Heroes Distinguished Health Professional Award.
Sandra Whitehead
Senior Consultant
Sandra is a nationally recognized leader and has authored numerous papers and book chapters on workforce development, health in all policies (HiAP) and the built environment impacting community health. She was appointed in 2017 by the EPA Administrator to the National Environmental Justice Advisory Council and has a passion for working to improve communities and the lives of people living in them. Sandra has worked at all levels of government and has a wide network she can leverage to help you achieve your goals. Sandra has worked with multiple jurisdictions to create a HiAP framework including: the City of Richmond, Virginia; the City of Cincinnati; Franklin County (MA) Regional Council of Governments and Kitsap County (OR). She is actively working with a consortium of partners in Pinellas County, Florida to implement a $1.3 million HiAP initiative funded by the Foundation for a Healthy St Petersburg which includes partnerships with: the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County; the Cities of St. Petersburg and Pinellas Park and Pinellas County. She recently published an article in the Journal of Environmental Health on intersectoral collaboration. In 2018, she taught a HiAP class with the World Health Organization.
Sandra’s expertise in Health Impact Assessment (HIA) has been well honed over the past ten years. She has worked on over 25 HIAs across the US on a variety of topics ranging from state education policies to comprehensive plans. Sandra has trained over 500 professionals to conduct HIAs and serves on the Steering Committee of the Society of Practitioners of HIA (hiasociety.org). Sandra’s background includes almost 20 years of local government experience, over 11 years of public health work and teaching appointments at the University of Florida and Florida State University. She is currently the Program Director and Chair of the Department of Sustainable Urban Planning at George Washington University.
Phyllis Gonzalez
Director, Partnership Development
Phyllis Gonzalez is a dynamic professional committed to fostering positive change both in her professional endeavors and personal pursuits. With a fervent dedication to innovation and creativity, she strives to push boundaries and inspire others to reach their fullest potential.
With a rich background spanning diverse sectors, Phyllis has cultivated a wealth of experience and expertise. Having served in the United States Air Force and retired with honor, she transitioned into a vital role within the State of Florida’s Child Welfare System as a Community Development Administrator. This journey instilled in her the values of service, integrity, and community engagement, shaping her into the driven individual she is today.
Phyllis’s career journey has been marked by significant contributions and impactful initiatives. From her service in the military to her role in community development, she has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and a passion for making a difference. Her leadership and strategic vision have been instrumental in driving positive outcomes and fostering collaboration across various sectors.
Grounded in her experiences and guided by her values, Phyllis believes in the power of collective action and collaboration. She approaches challenges with resilience and determination, viewing them as opportunities for growth and innovation. With a focus on empathy and inclusivity, she seeks to create meaningful change and uplift those around her.
Phyllis is deeply committed to continuing her work in helping families and communities move out of the “tyranny of the moment” and into a “better future story.” Her specific initiatives include implementing comprehensive support programs that address the root causes of challenges, providing resources for education and skill development, and fostering community connections to create a strong support network. By empowering individuals to envision and pursue a brighter future, she aims to break the cycle of adversity and create sustainable positive change.
Driven by her values and fueled by her desire to serve, Phyllis Gonzalez is a beacon of inspiration and resilience. With a steadfast commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for community engagement, she continues to inspire others and leave an indelible mark on the world.