Working together to provide access for all

Ollie Idowu, JD, MPH

President + Chief Executive Officer

Ollie joined IPHCA as President + CEO in May 2021 following more than 10 years of continuous leadership as a healthcare business leader and development strategist.

Ollie led growth at a broad range of organizations, from two Fortune 500 managed care companies, to a start-up data-analytics company. He previously served as the Director of State Governmental Affairs at IPHCA. He is excited to be back at IPHCA and hopes to put into practice many of the lessons learned from the last decade of innovation in health care.

The mission and purpose of our members is so vital to improving the health and well-being of communities across our state. Ollie is eager to advocate for Illinois’ community health centers so every person and community across the state can access the cutting-edge, compassionate care they need to thrive.

Chicago born, Ollie grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and lives in Geneva, Illinois with his family. He received his bachelor’s degree from Eureka College, his master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Cheri Hoots Tabor, RN

Chief Operating Officer

Cheri has been with IPHCA since 2017 and served first as Senior Vice President of Health Center and Clinical Operations before becoming our Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to joining IPHCA, she spent one year with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS – Illinois Medicaid Program) Office of Inspector General as a Peer Review Nurse Manager and five years as the Assistant Chronic Disease Division Chief for the Office of Health Promotion Illinois Department of Public Health. Before her work with state government, Cheri spent 17 years at the Springfield Urban League, Inc. (local nonprofit organization) as the Director of Workforce and Community Empowerment. There she was responsible for directing training and technical assistance for all Illinois public health and human services department staff.

Cheri’s career has revolved around improving the health outcomes of Illinoisans as is evident by her extensive clinical experience in both state government and non-profit management.

Cheri has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and is a Registered Professional Nurse. She has worked in the clinical areas of Maternal Child Health, Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Health Promotion and Home Health throughout her career.

When not at the office, Cheri enjoys spending time with her family, making jewelry and other crafts, binge-watching Netflix series and traveling.

Robert Seipel, MBA, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Robert joined the IPHCA team in May 2023 as Chief Financial Officer.  Prior to joining IPHCA, he served as the Director of Finance at HSHS St. John’s Hospital and was previously a Senior Manager in Crowe LLP’s healthcare group.  Robert is excited to oversee the financial matters of IPHCA and support a team that is committed to advancing the important mission and purpose of its members.

Robert is a CPA and a graduate of Indiana University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Accounting and MBA in Accounting.

Outside the office, Robert enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Cyrus Winnett

Chief Public Affairs Officer

Cyrus joined the IPHCA team in early 2019 as Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Governmental Affairs and was named Chief Public Affairs Officer in July 2023. Prior to joining IPHCA, he served as Vice President of Health & Long-Term Care Policy for the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF) and Associate Director of the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP).

Cyrus is responsible for effectuating public policy and legislation at both the state and federal levels, advancing the mission of community health centers. He works closely with the state’s Medicaid authority (the Department of Healthcare and Family Services), the Illinois General Assembly, federal health care agencies, Congress and other health care trade and advocacy organizations.

After earning Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Illinois State University, Cyrus has focused his professional career on improving our health care delivery system. He is motivated by the belief that everyone should have access to high-quality, affordable health care.

Cyrus is a proud husband and father of two who enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, golf and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

Naila Al Hasni, MPH, PCMH

Associate Director of Clinical Quality Improvement

Naila began her career at IPHCA as a Grants Program Coordinator in 2017. Prior to officially joining the IPHCA team, she completed an internship with IPHCA as part of her graduate program. During the internship, she assisted in the development of the ‘Performances and Promising Practices Binders’ resource for health centers based on the Uniform Data System’s clinical indicators.

Naila has always been interested in healthcare since working as a certified nursing assistant in high school. Her passion for serving underserved communities strengthened over time through various volunteer and outreach projects in her community.

Naila is a graduate of Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, where she completed her undergraduate degree in biology. She also received a Master of Public Health degree from Benedictine University with a certificate in Epidemiology.

In her free time, Naila enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, baking, DIY projects and reading.

Connor Bertrand

Program Coordinator-Health Equity Grant

Connor joined IPHCA in February 2021 as a member of AmeriCorps and as a contractual employee working on the Pandemic Health Navigator Grant before joining as a full-time staff member in December 2022. He provides program and fiscal assistance on our Health Equity grants as a grant coordinator. Prior to joining IPHCA, he attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he received a Bachelor of Applied Health Science in Community Health with a focus on Health Administration, Health Education and Rehabilitation Studies. His interest in ensuring equitable healthcare for all began during his time in college while volunteering at a local homeless shelter.

Outside of the office, Connor enjoys spending time with his family, a trip to the movie theater, playing sports and watching football, particularly the Indianapolis Colts.

Paula Campbell

Associate Vice President of Health Equity + EP Response

Paula has been with IPHCA since 2014. Prior to joining our team, she served as Coordinator of Public Health Education and Community Development with Macoupin County Public Health Department for 16 years. Paula’s career in public health included working with public health issues like HIV, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, substance use and prevention, emergency preparedness, and much more. Paula has always worked toward identifying ways to reach vulnerable populations with the goal of reducing their disparities in access to services and health care.

Paula made a commitment to her community and the greater community when she chose a path in public health. She was raised in a rural community, and still resides there. Paula has seen firsthand what the lack of access to good healthcare means to a community, family, and person.

Paula is an appointed member of the CMS Advisory Panel on Outreach and Education (APOE) for a 2 year term: September 9, 2023- September 9, 2025.

Paula is a graduate of Illinois State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in public health.

Outside of the office, Paula enjoys spending time with her family—including her four children, coaching youth sports such as basketball and soccer, supporting community programs such as PTO, Post Prom and church committees. Paula is also the founder of Macoupin Montgomery Addiction and Behavioral Coalition.

Ashley Colwell, MS, PHR

Vice President of Clinical Services
+ Workforce Development

Ashley has been with IPHCA since 2006 and currently serves as the Vice President of Clinical Services and Workforce Development. In this role, Ashley assists community health centers with their clinical workforce needs by administering IPHCA’s Clinician Recruitment Service, supporting the development of a clinician pipeline, serving as a local expert on state and federal loan repayment programs, and overseeing IPHCA’s oral health, behavioral health and chronic disease programming.

With over a decade of experience serving community health centers, Ashley offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise to IPHCA’s members. Growing up in a rural area, she understands the barriers many patients face in accessing care close to home.

Ashley received her Bachelor’s Degree from Western Illinois University in Communication Sciences and her Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University. She also holds certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from the HR Certification Institute.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys home improvement projects, interior design, spending time with her family and attending her children’s many extracurricular activities.

Cassandra Curry

Membership + Training Coordinator

Cassandra joined IPHCA in June 2021 as the Membership and Training Coordinator. Cassandra will assist with coordinating all training, event planning and management of internal and external events. She is also responsible for performing various member service and administrative duties for Illinois Primary Health Care Association.

Previously, Cassandra worked as an Administrative Assistant in the Training Center Department at the Springfield Urban League for 30 years.  Outside of the office, Cassandra enjoys traveling and spending time with her family
and friends.

Katie Doolin

Director of Training + Member Services

Katie has been with IPHCA since 2008 with a year and a half break between 2019 and 2021.

She currently serves as the Associate Director of Training and Member Services. In this role, Katie is responsible for assessing, managing and evaluating the training needs of the Association. She is also responsible for managing logistics, scheduling, and on-site assistance for each training and event.

For member services, Katie is responsible for developing strategies and overseeing implementation of member programming and services, member renewal, engagement, recruitment and retention. She is also responsible for overseeing IPHCA’s database and learning management system.

Katie received her Bachelor’s Degree from Western Illinois University in Instructional Design and Technology and Graphic Communications.

Outside her work, Katie enjoys home improvement projects, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

Beth Fox

Associate Vice President of Communications

Beth joined IPHCA in February 2021. Prior to joining the association, she served as the marketing director at a legal software company for the previous 13 years.

Beth is responsible for developing communications strategies that help advance the association’s mission: to educate, empower and advocate for Illinois’ community health centers so every person and community across the state can access the cutting-edge, compassionate care they need to thrive. She leads a team that produces all internal and external communications for the Association, including the website, social media, press releases, and marketing campaigns. She also assists with event planning for IPHCA’s Annual Leadership Conference.

Beth received her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Communications from American University. When not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, cooking and rooting for the Chicago Cubs.

Jean Garner

Workforce Development Manager

Jean  supports the IPHCA member recruitment activities by running IPHCA’s Clinician Recruitment Service. She provides assistance to IPHCA members by posting jobs, sourcing candidates for jobs, referring candidates to centers, and also assisting in workforce and human resources needs at the health centers. 

Jean attended the University of Illinois in Springfield where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a focus on the individual in the organization, as well as a Master of Business Administration. She has served as a past board member for both MERCY and Helping Hands and is a graduate of Leadership Springfield.

Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music and audiobooks.

Jennifer Howard

Associate Director of Accounting

Jennifer originally began working for IPHCA in September 2006 as the Accounting Specialist.  During her tenure, she received high accolades for her work. In June 2019, Jennifer moved offices and became the exclusive accounting manage for CQuest America, Inc. with great pleasure, IPHCA welcome Jennifer back to the account department in May 2022 where she will be the Grants Compliance Manager.  Jennifer will work primarily on the CMS Navigator and COVID Equity grants, which also preforming accounts payable, payroll and purchasing duties at this time. Jennifer is thrilled to be working again with all of the amazing and talented employees/members at IPHCA.

Outside of the office, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, four grandchildren and her dog.  She also enjoys reading, relaxing, roller skating and baking.

Amber Kirchhoff

Associate Vice President of Public Policy + Governmental Affairs

Amber has a decade of dynamic experience, including work in state government and with health care providers, nonprofit organizations and public research institutions. As a key member of IPHCA’s Government Affairs team, she advances public policy, legislative and budgetary priorities on behalf of Illinois’ community health centers, and serves as a liaison to stakeholders in Chicagoland.

Previously, Amber was Manager of Public Policy at Thresholds, one of Illinois’ largest and longest-serving community mental health centers. There she played a critical role in the development and successful passage of bipartisan legislation including the Children and Young Adult Mental Health Crisis Act and the Mental Health Early Action on Campus Act. She also helped to launch Healthy Minds Healthy Lives, a diverse statewide coalition of mental health and substance use advocates.

Previously, she served in the Office of the Governor as a policy analyst, after completing the James H. Dunn, Jr. Memorial Fellowship. She is also a graduate of the inaugural class of the Illinois Conference of Women Legislators NEW Leadership Program.

Amber holds a Master of Political Science from the Civic Leadership Program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) as well as a Bachelor of Political Science and Sociology from UIUC.

Alexandra Kozar

Graphic Designer + Project Specialist

Alexandra joined IPHCA in February 2024. Prior to joining the association, she worked as a junior designer at an advertising agency and earned her master’s degree in strategic design.

Alexandra is responsible for creating and developing visual branding that helps advance the association’s mission: to educate, empower and advocate for Illinois’ community health centers so every person and community across the state can access the cutting-edge compassionate care they need to thrive.

Alexandra received her bachelor’s degree in studio arts and film studies from Trinity College. When she is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with her family and miniature schnauzer, creating art, crafting, cooking, and watching films.

Barry Lacy

Associate Director of Community Development

Barry joined IPHCA in 2010 and is the Associate Director of Community Development. Barry started his career in health care by joining the Navy as a Medical Technician and serving on several submarines as care provider to the ship’s company. After some time in medical sales, Barry continued with health data as a data analyst prior to joining the team at IPHCA.

Working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Barry produces Health Professional Shortage Areas and designates Medical Underserved Areas and Populations for areas and for organizations. He also produces legislative maps along with any specialty maps needed for grant applications.

Barry enjoys the outdoors, particularly mountain hikes and ocean kayaking. He also referees soccer, enjoys cycling and spending time with his family and cats.

Jacob Lakin

Communications Specialist + Graphic Designer

Jacob joined IPHCA in March 2024. Prior to joining the association, he worked as a Graphic Designer for an association management company and later as a Creative Designer at a law firm. Jacob received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design from Millikin University.

Jacob is responsible for creating and maintaining IPHCA external communications, as well as developing and implementing visual graphics.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, attending conventions, making ceramics, and spending time with his three cats.

Cristina McKay, MPH, PCMH CCE

Associate Director of Clinical Integration

Cristina has been with IPHCA since 2016 and previously served as our Grants Program Coordinator. She is a PCMH Certified Content Expert and provides technical assistance to federally qualified health centers during their transformation to becoming recognized as a patient-centered medical home. She also works with the DentaQuest Foundation and the Midwest Network for Oral Health Integration (MNOHI), focusing specifically on oral health integration.

Cristina received a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Springfield. Her passion is to improve the health of individuals and communities by promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing chronic diseases and providing education on overall health.

Outside of the office, Cristina enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, traveling and playing sports such as basketball, soccer and volleyball.

Paige Remmert, PMP

Administrative Service Coordinator

Paige joined IPHCA in May 2024 as the Administrative Service Coordinator. In this role Paige assists with meeting and committee coordination and functions, provides logistical and administrative support to the Executive Leadership Team, assists with coordination of training and events, and performs various member service duties.

Paige received her bachelor’s degree from University of Dayton OH and holds a Project Management Professional Certification. Prior to IPHCA, she worked in various positions performing administrative coordination and project management duties.

Outside of work, Paige enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids (particularly outdoors), running, reading, and creating pottery.

Grecia Rodriguez, MPH, MHI

Health IT Project Director

Grecia has been with IPHCA since January 2018 and previously served as our Grants Program Coordinator. Prior to joining IPHCA, Grecia worked with the Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics. There, she implemented and sustained a coordinated system of care that integrated clinical and community-based programs to improve patient outcomes for childhood obesity in health center sites.

Grecia has worked closely to support health centers with data collection and analysis to improve program outcomes. Her background in clinical quality improvement, operational workflows, clinical outcomes and regulatory compliance allows her to leverage technology tools and data for efficient, patient-centered health care delivery and improved population health.

Grecia graduated from Benedictine University with a Master of Public Health and certificates in Epidemiology, Health Management and Policy, and Health Education and Promotion. She also holds a second Master’s in Health Informatics, specializing in Health Technology, from Northwestern University.

Outside of the office, Grecia enjoys being active, seeing movies, spending time with loved ones and being a mom to a shih-poo.

Michelle Sanders

Associate Director of Health Equity

Michelle joined IPHCA in April 2024 and is a community advocate and leader based in Peoria, Illinois. With a deep commitment to empowering others, she has dedicated her career to making a positive impact in her community. Michelle is known for her work in organizing and hosting events that focus on professional development and community engagement.

Michelle holds a degree in Business Management and Finance and brings more than 20 years of experience in community engagement, marketing, professional development, and public health. She has excelled in community outreach, patient navigations, grants management, fundraising, and business development, establishing herself as a community advocate and co-trainer for CHW 101 Basics.  Michelle is an expert in Community Health Worker (CHW) programming and development, with a strong dedication to education and community awareness. She earned her CHW basics certification through SIU Echo training.

Michelle’s professional journey encompasses a variety of roles, including Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator for Public Housing, Housing Program/Project Manager for Advocates for Access, Program Manager/Marketing for Area Agency on Aging. She has also served as a Community Engagement Specialist for a Managed Care Organization (Molina), and as Director of Marketing and Community Engagement for a local Federally Qualified Health Center, Heartland Health Services where she oversaw a Department of Community Health Workers/Federal Navigators/Certified Application Counselors. Additionally, Michelle held the position of Assistant Director of Community Health for Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA).

As a certified grant writer, Michelle is also skilled in social media marketing, podcasting, creative content marketing and non-profit leadership. Her goal is to develop a vibrant workforce of Health Professionals as Community Health workers in Illinois while continuing her volunteer work on local community boards that serve underserved populations. In her free time, Michelle enjoys traveling, bowling, and spending time with her family.

Raj Savalia, MBA, MPH

Project Manager + Creative Producer

Raj began his career at IPHCA as a contractual employee in 2018 working on multiple programs, such as social determinants of health and the pandemic health navigator program. Before officially joining the IPHCA team he completed an internship with IPHCA as part of his graduate program. During the internship, he assisted in updating best clinical practices for providers and developed patient resources for asthma control care to support physical care and disease management functions.

Raj is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago where he completed his undergraduate degree in biology. He also received a Master of Public Health and MBA degree from Benedictine University in Lisle, IL. Outside of the office, Raj enjoys creative writing, watching movies, traveling, cooking, reading, and being active.

Taylor Thompson

Associate Director of Community Health Initiatives

Taylor joined the IPHCA in November 2024 as the Associate Director of Community Health Initiatives. Prior to joining IPHCA, Taylor served as the Senior Quality Initiatives Manager at Colorado’s Primary Care Association (CCHN). Taylor’s experience is in clinical transformation and supporting federally qualified health centers to implement team-based care, behavioral health integration, cancer prevention and early detection, and chronic disease prevention.  

Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Her professional interests lie in reproductive justice and the belief in access to quality, affordable health care as a right, not a privilege.  

Outside of the office, Taylor enjoys quality time with her husband and son, art projects, fantasy football, and rooting for the Chicago Bears and Cubs. 

Joe Tosetti

Vice President of System Operations

Joe Tosetti joined IPHCA as Senior Director of System Operations in June 2022. He will be overseeing all IT needs throughout the association and will lead the transition of Early Intervention from Cquest to IPHCA. He has more than 20 years of IT experience that includes server and workstation imaging and configuration, virtualization, infrastructure maintenance for local and wide area networks, and onsite troubleshooting of network and hardware equipment. In his free time, Joe enjoys spending time with family and being outdoors.

Riley Wilkins

Facilities Manager

Riley joined the IPHCA team in late 2012 as Facility Manager. He is responsible for the IPHCA headquarters in Springfield, IL ensuring the building is in compliance with state and local building codes. Riley’s career in Facility Management began working for the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ main church, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral, for twelve years. Prior to joining IPHCA, he served as Facilities Manager for Security Bank in Springfield, IL for over ten years and was responsible for four bank branches.

Riley is also a military veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged after four years of service. He also served two years of reserve status.

Riley is a graduate of Indiana Vocational Technical College where he received his Associate’s Degree in Industrial Maintenance Technology. Riley also earned a Certificate in Heating and Air Conditioning Technology while attending Indiana Vocational Technical College.

Outside of the office, Riley likes spending time with his family, traveling, and listening to and studying music.