self-care Archives &ndash; Avow Hospice

Executive Leadership

Anna Gloth, Vice President of Program Development

As Vice President of Program Development at Avow, Anna Gloth leads the strategic oversight of clinical programming and operations across Avow Care Services, adult bereavement services, and the Avow Kids loss and bereavement program. She also provides executive leadership for Avow’s physicians and advanced practice providers, shaping clinical standards that advance compassionate, evidence-based, and cost-effective care for patients and families.

An accomplished nurse practitioner and healthcare operations leader, Anna brings more than 20 years of experience to her role, including over a decade in adult and geriatric advanced practice. She began her clinical career in hospice and palliative care and has since expanded her impact through senior leadership roles spanning post-acute care, internal medicine, and telehealth. Her background includes healthcare consulting, the implementation of digital clinical tools, and the oversight of compliant, multi-state care delivery models. Across each role, Anna remains deeply committed to patient advocacy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care throughout the continuum.

Anna holds a Master of Science in Nursing from Maryville University of St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing Accelerated Program, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminalistics from The George Washington University. She maintains multiple professional certifications, including board certification as an Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner through the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and Advanced Certification in Hospice and Palliative Care Nursing.

Board of Directors

Jennifer Tenney

Jennifer is a lifelong resident and native of Marco Island. She graduated from Lely High School in Naples, Florida as Salutatorian. She then went on to study Political Science at Rollins College in Winterpark, Florida, where she graduated Suma Cum Laude.
Jennifer graduated from Duke University School of Law with Honors in 2004.

Jennifer has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2004.

Jennifer started her law career on Marco Island as an Associate at Woodward, Pires & Lombardo, PA from 2005-2020. Jennifer has been focusing on Real Estate Law, Estate Planning and Probate, and Elder Law for the last 15 years.

As a Marco Island resident, Jennifer is very involved in the community. She has been on the Marco Island Charter Middle School Board for the last 14 years, where she is Past President and current Treasurer. She is a proud member of the Marco Island Noontime Rotary Club and is Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, and current Membership Orientation Chair. She is a Paul Harris Fellow. Jennifer is the race director of the Marco Island Half Marathon and 5K, which is an annual event that benefits the Marco Island Charter Middle School. She is a member of St. Marks Episcopal Church on Marco Island. Jennifer is a graduate of Leadership Marco, Class of 2005. Jennifer also teaches Zumba at the Marco Island YMCA.

Jennifer has been married to Derek Tenney since 2004 and they have a wonderful daughter, Dakota.

Board of Directors

Ilia Echevarria Ilia Echevarria, PhD

Ilia M. Echevarria serves as Chief Nursing Officer for Naples Community Hospital’s (NCH) North Naples campus. Echevarria joined NCH in December 2015 from the Philadelphia area, where she served in progressive nursing leadership roles throughout her career. Before joining NCH, she served as Assistant Vice President for Professional Development at Cooper University Hospital in Camden, New Jersey, as Administrative Director of Critical Care and Inpatient Services at Virtual Health in Marlton, New Jersey, and as Director of Nursing Education at the University of Pennsylvania Health System in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Echevarria served as Associate Chief Nursing Officer at NCH from 2015 to 2022 and oversaw the critical care and emergency service lines, Nursing Professional Practice Programs, the hospital-based Wound Care Program, nursing research and evidence-based practice, and the School Health Program. During her tenure at NCH, she led the transition of the Nursing Education Department to a system-wide workforce Center for Learning and Innovation, spear-headed Pathway to Excellence re-designation, implemented nursing peer review, the ongoing annual Research and Quality Improvement Conference, and other nursing development programs.

In 2020, Eche was appointed Director of the COVID taskforce and led efforts to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to employees and community members, establish and oversee a hospital-based COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic, and serve as the COVID-19 Incident Commander.

During her 24-year nursing career, Echevarria has successfully transformed nursing practice environments to foster collegiality, professional excellence, and clinical proficiency, leading to enhanced service, safety, and quality of care delivery. She has been recognized for being a change agent, earning the Florida Organization of Nurse Executives (FONE) Excellence in Leadership Award in 2019. She also received the DAISY Leader Award (2021) and was a four-time NCH Leadership Excellence Award (2018-2021) nominee. Echevarria has published various professional practice and leadership pieces, including programs implemented under her leadership. She completed the Wharton Nursing Leaders program in 2021 and the Mayo Clinic Leadership program in 2017.

Board of Directors

L. Richard Flury

L. Richard Flury served as non-executive Chairman of the Board of Callon Petroleum Company. Prior to 2001, he spent more than 30 years with Amoco Corporation and later BP p.l.c., most recently as Chief Executive of Gas and Power and Renewables. Before Amoco’s merger with BP in 1998, Flury served in various executive positions, including Chief Executive for Worldwide Exploration and Production and Executive Vice President of Amoco Corporation.

Flury was a member of the Board of QEP Resources, Inc., a publicly traded oil and gas exploration company, from 2010 until 2015, and is also a director and the non-executive Chairman of Chicago Bridge and Iron Company, N.V., a publicly traded engineering, procurement, and construction company. He is a graduate of the University of Victoria. Flury’s vast experience, extensive knowledge, executive-level perspective, and strategy-making abilities strengthen his collective qualifications, skills, and experience.

He and his wife, Liz, support local Collier County charities, including Habitat for Humanity, St. Mathews House, and Friends of the Library. They split their time between their home in Naples and outside Florida.

Board of Directors

Deb Henry Deb Henry Avow Board

Deb Henry was born and raised in the suburbs of Philadelphia. In 1989, Deb joined her father in the family specialty construction business, Tracorp. In her 30-year career at Tracorp, Deb went from receptionist to president, loving every aspect of the construction industry and treasuring her employees. When Deb took over Tracorp in 2010, it became Philadelphia’s only woman-owned specialty construction company. Her main focus was project management and accounting, delegating the sales department to her brother.

Deb met her husband of 20 years, Brian, on a job site, as he was a long-time client. They were married on the beach in Marco Island in 2003, starting their family in 2005 with the birth of their daughter Emily, now a freshman at The University of Florida. Retiring in June 2019, Deb and her family relocated to their vacation home on Marco. At that time, she focused on being a mom while Emily was in high school, including being the President of St. John Neumann Catholic High School’s Home and School Association. The responsibilities included fundraising and recognizing teachers and staff. As a bored retiree, Deb purchased several homes, renovated them, and managed weekly and annual rentals on Marco Island.

As a new empty nester, Deb has made her second career one of volunteerism. She is a member of the Marco Island Noontime Rotary, volunteers at the local food bank Our Daily Bread, is on the Audit Advisory Committee for the City of Marco Island, is 1st Vice President of the DWC Marco, and is looking forward to being part of Leadership Marco, class of 2024.

Board of Directors

Kim Borselli Kim M. Borselli, Avow Board

Kim M. Borselli joined the Avow Board of Directors in October 2023, after serving on the Avow Foundation Board from April 2016 through April 2022. Kim was born in New Jersey and grew up working and managing funeral homes around the state. In 2001, he and his family moved to Broward county Florida where he managed cemeteries and funeral homes in Broward and Dade Counties.

In 2014 Kim came to Naples, Florida as managing Partner for Fuller Funeral Homes. His two children still reside in Palm Beach County while attending college. Kim is a member of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, the Naples North Rotary Club, and the Collier 100 Club. Kim also is an active board member of the Sampson International Nurses Tribute Society and sits on the Board of Directors of Kiwanis Naples on the Gulf. He’s member and trustee of St. Agnes Knights of Columbus council 14202, a member of the fourth degree assembly #084, and also a member of the Naples Interagency.

Board of Directors

Dana Hall

Dana Hall, originally from New Jersey, has been a resident of Naples since 2003 and is a Real Estate Broker Associate with Premiere Plus Realty. She is a graduate of the Realtor Institute, earning the prestigious GRI designation and certifications as a Real Estate Negotiating Expert and Pricing Strategy Advisor.

Dana began volunteering for Avow Hospice through the annual Butterfly Release and is a long-time donor to the organization. That dedication led her to become a member of the Avow Board of Directors. Dana served from 2016-2022 in various roles, including on the Executive Committee and as Vice Chair of the board, before returning in 2023. Her community service also includes volunteering for her homeowner’s association and within the Collier County Public Schools system.

Dana has two children, Justin and Ashlyn. Justin and Dana work together in real estate as “Team Hall Naples.”

Foundation Board

Lou Traina Louis Traina, Avow Foundation Board

Lou is the president of Traina Philanthropic Services, Inc., a consulting company that provides philanthropic services for nonprofit agencies, family foundations, and individual philanthropists. He is also a senior consultant for Soukup Strategic Solutions, Inc. where he specializes in Major Gifts, Capital Campaigns, Mixed Methods Research, Strategic Planning, and Executive Mentoring.

Lou received his Doctor of Education from Columbia University – Teachers College and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Seton Hall University. Early in his career, he was employed as a staff psychologist caring for mental health, spinal cord trauma, and addiction recovery patients and chaired doctoral committees for Nova Southeastern University.

Lou has served in public and private higher education holding positions of advancement vice president, foundation executive director, and campus top executive. He served as the Vice President Emeritus of Institutional Advancement at Florida Southwestern State College (FSW) and the FSW Foundation Executive Director. Lou also led several capital and major gift campaigns at FSW, Hodges University and Healthcare Network.

Board of Directors

Chip Olson

Clifford “Chip” Olson joined the Avow Board of Directors in 2022.

Originally from Portage, Wisconsin, Chip is the owner and broker of RE 1 Advisor in Naples, a real estate consulting firm specializing in valuations, development services, and professional team selection for family offices and their clients. Chip spent his career specializing in commercial real estate and property management and is a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). He has nearly three decades of experience in medical office sales, leasing, acquisitions, management, building, and development in the Southwest Florida area. This has allowed him to gain extensive product knowledge with an ability to analyze and dissect projects financially. Chip has also worked as a court-appointed receiver of real estate properties and has been a part of Avow’s search and acquisition for key properties that have contributed to the organization’s growth. Chip has sat on the board or is a member of several groups, including the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), 5th Avenue Business Improvement District, Naples Area Board of Realtors, and the Florida Commercial Brokers Network. Chip lives in Naples with his wife Kim and works with his daughter Megan.

Board of Directors

Chuck Hoffman, Chair

Chuck Hoffman is a Senior Vice President, Portfolio Management Director, Financial Advisor and the Founder and leader of The Naples Group at Morgan Stanley. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oneonta and volunteered on the Board of Directors at Avow Hospice for 10 years, four as Chairman. After a respite from board service, Chuck rejoined the Avow board in 2021. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, is married to Anne who is originally from Pittsburgh, and has three daughters.

Give Where You Live

Board of Directors

Cherry W. Smith

Cherry Smith joined the Avow Board of Directors in 2020.

She serves The Naples Trust Company as an Executive Vice President of Wealth Services, assisting clients in managing and maximizing their assets to achieve personal, legacy and philanthropic goals.

Prior to joining The Naples Trust Company, she held leadership positions with Northern Trust Bank (Naples) and Bank of America (various Florida markets).

Cherry is an active community leader, currently supporting the Naples Concert Band, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and Marco Island Historical Society. In recent years she has served on the boards of the Naples Art Association, Senior Friendship Center, St. Matthews House, Champions for Learning (formerly Collier County Education Foundation) and the Naples Historical Society.

She holds a BA in finance from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Board of Directors

Darren Gersch, Treasurer

Darren Gersch joined the Avow Board of Directors in 2020, bringing a wealth of experience in financial analysis and planning, banking, and budgeting. He currently serves as Market President for Lee and Collier Counties for Branch Bank and Trust of Naples (now Truist), where he helps clients develop strategic banking solutions and maximize opportunities for growth.

In addition to helping to advance the work of Avow, Darren is a former Director and Treasurer at the Multiple Sclerosis Center of Southwest Florida. He holds an MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University and a BS in business management from Clemson University. Darren is also a member of the 2008 class of Leadership Collier.

Foundation Board

Jaysen Roa, President & Chief Executive Officer

Jaysen Roa joined Avow as President & Chief Executive Officer in 2015. During his tenure, Mr. Roa has overseen the growth of Avow Hospice, Avow Palliative Care Services, Avow Foundation, Avow Kids children’s grief and loss program, and Avow We Honor Veterans Program. Under his direction, Avow programs, services, facilities and resources for patients, their families and the community at large have grown significantly, serving more children and adults each year.

Mr. Roa’s 20 years of not-for-profit experience includes developing innovative patient-centered approaches to providing care, facilities and outreach in an ever-changing health landscape. His efforts include public policy advocacy both nationally and at the state level to advance hospice, palliative care and post-acute, home-centered care.

Mr. Roa serves on the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association Board of Directors as the immediate past chairman of the board. He is also a member of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation. Additionally, Mr. Roa is the chairman and president of Synthase, a not-for-profit collaborative organization specializing in home centered care. Synthase members provide care to over 2,200 patients each day. Annually, providing care and services to more than 18,000 adults and children. Together, member organizations serve 23 Florida counties.

Prior to joining Avow, Mr. Roa served as Executive Director at Good Shepherd Hospice based in Lakeland, Florida. He also held executive positions at HPH Hospice and began his hospice career at Hospice of the Nature Coast, all based in Florida.

Mr. Roa has completed numerous industry certifications in hospice and fundraising management. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in health administration from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from University of South Florida in Tampa.

Foundation Board

Roger Lipitz

Roger Lipitz joined the Board of Directors in July 2011. He is a former chairman of the board of the Baltimore Development Corporation and of the University of Maryland Medical System. He also chaired the board of Meridian Healthcare, the largest provider of long-term care services in Maryland. He is a past president of the American Health Care Association, the largest nursing home association in the U.S., and served as president of the Maryland Nursing Home Association. He is a trustee emeritus of the Johns Hopkins University and member of the Health Advisory Board at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Foundation Board

Chuck Hoffman, Chair

Chuck Hoffman is a Senior Vice President, Portfolio Management Director, Financial Advisor and the Founder and leader of The Naples Group at Morgan Stanley. He is a graduate of the State University of New York at Oneonta and volunteered on the Board of Directors at Avow Hospice for 10 years, four as Chairman. After a respite from board service, Chuck rejoined the Avow board in 2021. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, is married to Anne who is originally from Pittsburgh, and has three daughters.

Foundation Board

Patrick Neale, Secretary

Pat Neale joined the Board of Directors at Avow in 2016. Mr. Neale is an attorney who practices law in the areas of land use, contractor, real estate, zoning, governmental and administrative law, foreclosure prevention and defense, and bankruptcy. Mr. Neale moved to Marco Island in 1987. Prior to settling in Marco, he lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the New York metropolitan area, Houston, Texas and Miami. Mr. Neale’s community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Collier Foundation, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Naples Equestrian Challenge, Naples Pathways Coalition, Youth Haven, Searching for Solutions Institute, United Way of Collier County, YMCA of Marco Island, University of Miami, American Cancer Society – Marco Island Chapter and the Immokalee Friendship House.

Mr. Neale has served leadership roles on most of the boards he has been affiliated with and has served on numerous advisory and other community-focused committees. Mr. Neale is a member of the Collier County Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the American Bar Association. Mr. Neale is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law and also earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry there. Patrick Neale and his wife Karen Klukiewicz live in Naples.

Foundation Board

Jaysen Roa, President & CEO

Jaysen Roa joined Avow as President & CEO in 2015. During his tenure, Mr. Roa has overseen the growth of Avow Hospice, Avow Palliative Care Services, Avow Foundation, Avow Kids children’s grief and loss program, and Avow We Honor Veterans Program. Under his direction, Avow programs, services, facilities and resources for patients, their families and the community at large have grown significantly, serving more children and adults each year.

Mr. Roa’s 20 years of not-for-profit experience includes developing innovative patient-centered approaches to providing care, facilities and outreach in an ever-changing health landscape. His efforts include public policy advocacy both nationally and at the state level to advance hospice, palliative care and post-acute, home-centered care.

Mr. Roa serves on the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association Board of Directors as the immediate past chairman of the board. He is also a member of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation. Additionally, Mr. Roa is the chairman and president of Synthase, a not-for-profit collaborative organization specializing in home centered care. Synthase members provide care to over 2,200 patients each day. Annually, providing care and services to more than 18,000 adults and children. Together, member organizations serve 23 Florida counties.

Prior to joining Avow, Mr. Roa served as Executive Director at Good Shepherd Hospice based in Lakeland, Florida. He also held executive positions at HPH Hospice and began his hospice career at Hospice of the Nature Coast, all based in Florida.

Mr. Roa has completed numerous industry certifications in hospice and fundraising management. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in health administration from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from University of South Florida in Tampa.

Executive Leadership

Heidi Buffenbarger, Chief Clinical Officer

Heidi Buffenbarger is a strategic healthcare executive with more than 15 years of progressive leadership experience across hospice, home health, skilled nursing, and academic nursing settings.

Heidi’s experience includes serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Stillwater Hospice in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a non-profit hospice and palliative care organization serving a 13-county region. In this role, she was responsible for clinical, bereavement, grief, and health informatics teams. During her tenure, she guided the organization through two acquisitions and a rebranding. Heidi also served as Director of Nursing at Parkview Health, where she led a 41-bed skilled nursing unit within a hospital-based health system. Her healthcare journey began in direct care nursing and education roles, including time as a clinical instructor at Indiana University–Purdue University Fort Wayne, and Indiana University’s School of Nursing.

Heidi holds a Master of Science in Nursing Leadership and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, both from Purdue University Fort Wayne, and maintains certifications including Certified Hospice Professional Operator (CHPO) and Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC). She is a frequent presenter at national conferences on topics such as quality and compliance, emergency preparedness, and hospice integration, and remains active in professional and community leadership.

Executive Leadership

Katharen Chamberlain, Vice President, Communications

Katharen Chamberlain joined Avow in 2002, serving as public relations manager. During her tenure with the company, she has assumed responsibility for board management, annual operational planning, and brand management. She and her team led the company through its name change from Hospice of Naples to Avow in 2006/2007. Chamberlain holds a master’s degree in English from Michigan State University and was certified in strategic communication management by Ithaca College of New York.

Executive Leadership

Cynthia Nehrkorn, MD, Vice President of Medical Services

Dr. Cynthia Nehrkorn has been a dedicated member of the Avow team since 2003, bringing more than two decades of clinical and leadership experience in internal medicine and hospice care. As Vice President of Medical Services, she provides strategic medical leadership across the organization, guiding clinical practices to ensure compassionate, high-quality, and cost-effective care for all patients.

Dr. Nehrkorn holds a Doctor of Medicine degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine and a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from Temple University School of Pharmacy. She completed her residency in internal medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center. Her comprehensive medical background also includes experience with leading healthcare institutions, including the Cleveland Clinic and Beacon Health.

Triple board certified in internal medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, and as a hospice medical director, Dr. Nehrkorn oversees the medical care of Avow’s hospice patients. She leads the interdisciplinary care team and collaborates closely with patients’ primary care physicians to develop and implement individualized care plans. Her approach emphasizes dignity, comfort, and holistic support for patients and their families.

Dr. Nehrkorn is a respected member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, the American College of Physicians, the American Medical Association, the Florida Medical Association, the Collier County Medical Society, and the Southwest Florida Physician Association. She has also been recognized for academic excellence as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and the Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honor Society.

In her executive role, Dr. Nehrkorn serves as a key member of Avow’s senior management team, providing medical oversight, operational guidance, and clinical expertise to advance the organization’s mission of delivering exceptional end-of-life care.

Executive Leadership

Annalise Smith, Chief Philanthropy Officer

Annalise Smith is a certified hospice administrator and the Chief Philanthropy Officer for Avow Foundation. Passionate about Avow’s mission, she plays a critical role in ensuring sufficient funding to support essential programs and services while overseeing fundraising and communications efforts that amplify Avow’s message of hope and healing.

In her role, Annalise leads a dedicated fundraising team, developing creative initiatives to support Avow’s nonprofit hospice, palliative care, and grief support services. She finds inspiration in her colleagues who provide direct care to individuals during their most desperate hours, witnessing firsthand the profound impact that compassionate care can have on families in need. Before becoming Chief Philanthropy Officer, Annalise served as the Senior Vice President of Business Development, where she led the patient access and marketing teams.

A resident of Collier County since 2001, Annalise has been actively involved in the community as the past chair of the executive board and a current member of the Governance Committee of the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida, as well as a past president of the Naples Interagency Council. A graduate of the Leadership Collier program in 2010, she is also a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta alumnae club of Southwest Florida and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Family, Child, and Consumer Sciences from Florida State University, where she was honored as a member of the Seminole Torchbearers leadership society. She furthered her education with a graduate business certificate in Health Services Management from Keiser University and a Master’s degree in Health Services Administration from Hodges University. Additionally, she is a Florida CORE trained assisted living facility administrator. In 2019, Annalise earned a certificate in Fundraising Management from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University and became a Certified Fund Raising Executive in 2021.

As a member of Toastmasters International since 2013, Annalise enjoys speaking to audiences of all sizes, with one of her greatest professional accomplishments being her presentation at an international fundraising conference. As of June 2026, Annalise has joined the Parkinson’s Association of Southwest Florida board of directors.

Executive Leadership

Kerri Ervin, Chief Compliance Officer, Avow

As Chief Compliance Officer for Avow, Kerri Ervin provides comprehensive oversight of compliance programs across all Avow entities, including Hospice, Avow Care Services, AmeriCare Home Health Services, and the Avow Foundation. In addition, she serves as the organization’s Privacy Officer, managing all HIPAA-related privacy concerns.

With over 24 years of experience in hospice and health services, Kerri brings a depth of knowledge and leadership that has helped shape one of the most respected compliance programs in the industry. She joined Avow in 2003 and has since held various key positions, including Corporate Compliance Officer, Senior Director of Quality, Compliance, Risk, and Education, and Team Administrator, among others.

Kerri’s commitment to excellence and integrity has earned her national recognition. She has presented at the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) Management and Leadership Conference and served in several leadership roles, including Vice-Chair of the NHPCO Regulatory Committee. She has also contributed her expertise on the NHPCO Quality and Standards Committee and the Florida Hospice & Palliative Care Association (FHPCA) Quality and Regulatory Committee.

Kerri holds a Master of Jurisprudence in Health Law from Loyola University Chicago, a Master of Science in Health Services Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida Atlantic University. She is a registered nurse and holds multiple professional certifications, including Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC), Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Administrator (CHPCA), Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse (CHPN), and Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC).

Executive Leadership

Dr. Rebecca Gatian, Chief Operating Officer

Rebecca Gatian joined Avow in 2012. In her role as chief operating officer, she is responsible for the direction and oversight of Avow’s palliative care services, hospice clinical teams, business development initiative, grief support programs for children and adults, and volunteers. As a member of Avow’s executive managment team, Gatian provides vision and leadership to create and maintain a best-practice environment and a superior and compliant patient care delivery system.

Gatian has worked in the healthcare sector for more than 25 years. Her experience includes nursing home administration, acute care nursing and extended care director roles, pediatric homecare experience and cardiac unit nursing. Gatian’s hospice experience began at Hospice Care Corporation and included serving as compliance officer and director of nursing. Gatian is a Florida- licensed assisted living facility administrator and registered nurse, an Alzheimer’s certified trainer, a certified hospice and palliative care nurse, and a certified hospice and palliative care administrator.

Gatian earned a bachelor of science degree in health sciences from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania, a master of business administration degree from Frostburg State University, a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Mountain State University, and a doctor of healthcare administration from Franklin University. She currently serves as an adjunct professor and dissertation committee member at Franklin University and as an adjunct professor at Purdue Global. Gatian is a member of the national chapter of the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association. She serves as a member of the Collier County Health Facilities Authority and is a Leadership Collier 2023 graduate. She lives in Naples with her husband Brad and enjoys traveling.

Executive Leadership

Jessica Orlando, Chief Financial Officer

Jessica Orlando is a Certified Public Accountant with more than two decades of experience spanning public accounting, healthcare finance, and corporate operations. Known for her analytical rigor, sound judgment, and ability to build trust with clients and colleagues alike, she has built a career defined by delivering accurate, deadline-driven results in complex financial environments.

Her career began at Rucci, Bardaro + Barrett, PC (now a part of Withum), where she spent six years as a Senior Accountant and Supervisor, advising clients across construction, manufacturing, retail, and nonprofit sectors. Jessica moved to Fresenius Medical Care North America, where she spent 18 years in various accounting, operational and management roles, culminating in her role as Vice President and Liaison to the North American Division for Fresenius Medical Care’s Global Efficiency Program. Reporting through the office of the CEO, she served as the primary business partner to the company’s largest operating division and worked directly with the Management Board to launch and execute two successive efficiency initiatives. Most recently, Jessica served as Director of Accounting at Vi at Bentley Village in Naples, where she led accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, budgeting and forecasting.

A summa cum laude graduate of St. Bonaventure University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Jessica is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Massachusetts and Florida. Jessica also completed the Advanced Management Program at INSEAD (European Institute of Business Administration) in Fontainebleau, France.

Board of Directors

Cindy Shingler

Cindy Shingler joined the Avow Board of Directors in 2022.

Originally from Minnesota, Cindy has been a Florida resident for more than 20 years, dividing time between Minneapolis and Naples. During her professional career, Cindy was the Vice President of Human Resources and Training for 15 years with a corporate travel management firm based in Minnesota. Her other professional experience includes working as a project manager with two Minneapolis-based educational assessment companies developing and analyzing various state curricula.

Cindy’s Avow philanthropy includes service on the Avow Women’s Board, and most recently, she served as the honorary Chair of the Avow Palliative Care Tea event. She is also the first non-Avow Board Member to join the Avow Foundation Compassionate Care Society. Cindy and her husband Jim are 1983 Society members supporting Avow for nearly a decade. Cindy is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a bachelor of arts degree in Organizational Communication and a master’s degree in Cultural Studies and Comparative Literature. She enjoys traveling, reading, and most of all, the wonderful Florida sunshine.

Board of Directors

Rev. Kathryn Schillreff

Rev. Schillreff joined the Board of Directors in January 2014. She retired as rector of St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Naples, and has continued serving Collier County Episcopal churches in interim roles. Prior to joining the Board, Rev. Schillreff was a member of the Avow Spiritual Advisory Board. Her community involvement includes engagement with the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

Board of Directors

Patrick Neale, Secretary

Pat Neale joined the Board of Directors at Avow in 2016. Mr. Neale is an attorney who practices law in the areas of land use, contractor, real estate, zoning, governmental and administrative law, foreclosure prevention and defense, and bankruptcy. Mr. Neale moved to Marco Island in 1987. Prior to settling in Marco, he lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the New York metropolitan area, Houston, Texas and Miami. Mr. Neale’s community involvement includes serving on the boards of the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Collier Foundation, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Naples Equestrian Challenge, Naples Pathways Coalition, Youth Haven, Searching for Solutions Institute, United Way of Collier County, YMCA of Marco Island, University of Miami, American Cancer Society – Marco Island Chapter and the Immokalee Friendship House.

Mr. Neale has served leadership roles on most of the boards he has been affiliated with and has served on numerous advisory and other community-focused committees. Mr. Neale is a member of the Collier County Bar Association, Florida Bar Association, National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys and the American Bar Association. Mr. Neale is a graduate of the University of Miami School of Law and also earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry there. Patrick Neale and his wife Karen Klukiewicz live in Naples.

Board of Directors

Dr. Giuliana McQuirt

Dr. Giuliana McQuirt joined the Board of Directors in May 2017. She currently serves as clinical assistant professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Social Medicine at Florida State University College of Medicine (FSUCOM), at its health education site in Immokalee, FL. She provides behavioral health consultation services to rural underserved, ethnic minorities and migrant farmworkers within Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida (HN). She also provides clinical supervision to FSUCOM psychology post-doctoral fellows and medical students. Dr. McQuirt brings a valuable perspective to Avow’s treatment of children and adults as our patients work through the psychological effects of their illness, treatments, and condition.

Board of Directors

Patrick Martin

Patrick Martin spent his career at Fisher Titus Medical Center and its related companies in Norwalk, OH. He joined the company as an assistant administrator in 1976 and retired in 2013, having served as president & CEO since 1998. When Pat began his career, Fisher Titus consisted of a hospital and a nursing home with annual patient service revenues of $4 million. By the time he retired, the company and its affiliates had grown to produce $230 million in annual patient service revenues and had more than 1200 employees. Pat has a long history of service to others, including serving on multiple health care-related boards in Ohio and several community boards. He holds a BS in business administration from Otterbein University, a master’s degree in health care administration from The George Washington University, and served in the Air National Guard.

Board of Directors

Brad Havemeier

Brad Havemeier has served as President of Gulfshore Insurance since 1985. He actively manages Gulfshore’s carrier relationships and sales initiatives, and continuously seeks out new business opportunities, thereby allowing for future growth. His dynamic leadership and sales ability have aided in the agency’s continued success over the past 30 years. Originally from Minnesota, Brad joined Gulfshore Insurance in 1980. Brad holds strong ties to the local community and is actively involved in a number of organizations. In addition to sitting on the Avow Board of Directors, Brad is a board member of the Botanical Gardens Finance Committee and the Stonegate Bank Advisory Board.

Board of Directors

Jaysen Roa, President & CEO

Jaysen Roa joined Avow as President & CEO in 2015. During his tenure, Mr. Roa has overseen the growth of Avow Hospice, Avow Palliative Care Services, Avow Foundation, Avow Kids children’s grief and loss program, and Avow We Honor Veterans Program. Under his direction, Avow programs, services, facilities and resources for patients, their families and the community at large have grown significantly, serving more children and adults each year.

Mr. Roa’s 20 years of not-for-profit experience includes developing innovative patient-centered approaches to providing care, facilities and outreach in an ever-changing health landscape. His efforts include public policy advocacy both nationally and at the state level to advance hospice, palliative care and post-acute, home-centered care.

Mr. Roa serves on the Florida Hospice and Palliative Care Association Board of Directors as the immediate past chairman of the board. He is also a member of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation. Additionally, Mr. Roa is the chairman and president of Synthase, a not-for-profit collaborative organization specializing in home centered care. Synthase members provide care to over 2,200 patients each day. Annually, providing care and services to more than 18,000 adults and children. Together, member organizations serve 23 Florida counties.

Prior to joining Avow, Mr. Roa served as Executive Director at Good Shepherd Hospice based in Lakeland, Florida. He also held executive positions at HPH Hospice and began his hospice career at Hospice of the Nature Coast, all based in Florida.

Mr. Roa has completed numerous industry certifications in hospice and fundraising management. He holds a master’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in health administration from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri and a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from University of South Florida in Tampa.

Board of Directors

John “Jack” Fulmer III John 'Jack' Fulmer III

Jack Fulmer began his board service in 2017. In his professional life, Jack served as IT director for the U.S. Treasury Department and as a senior project manager for an international monetary fund. He is a supporter of multiple military/veterans organizations and has participated in fundraising events for Avow. Jack holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and was a captain in the US Marine Corps.

Board of Directors

Gerald Lanz

Gerald Lanz was a founding partner and Chief Operating Officer of Navigant Consulting, Inc., a specialized international consulting firm providing strategic, operational, and technical guidance. In addition to his role as COO, he consulted with CEOs and senior management on issues related to corporate strategy, organization structure, and management effectiveness. Prior to working with Navigant, Mr. Lanz spent more than 20 years in the telecommunications industry with Ameritech and AT&T. Mr. Lanz was on the Board of Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, and chaired the hospital’s Quality Management and Professional Services Committee. He resides in Chicago and Naples, Florida

Board of Directors

Roger Lipitz

Roger Lipitz joined the Board of Directors in July 2011. He is a former chairman of the board of the Baltimore Development Corporation and of the University of Maryland Medical System. He also chaired the board of Meridian Healthcare, the largest provider of long-term care services in Maryland. He is a past president of the American Health Care Association, the largest nursing home association in the U.S., and served as president of the Maryland Nursing Home Association. He is a trustee emeritus of the Johns Hopkins University and member of the Health Advisory Board at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Board of Directors

Russell Budd, Vice Chair

Russell Budd joined the Avow Board of Directors in 2022.

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in building construction from the University of Florida in 1981, Russell came to Naples, becoming a State Certified General Contractor the following year. Through applying his talents, Russell was able to found PBS Contractors in 1986 and has managed the general contracting firm ever since. In every project the company undertakes, Russell aims to impact those involved in a way that truly enriches their lives. His philanthropy through PBS Contractors stretches wide across many non-profit throughout Southwest Florida. Russell has served as chairman of the Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce, chaired the Collier County Planning Commission and was president of the Collier Building Industry Association. He currently serves on the board of the David Lawrence Center for Behavioral Health.

Board of Directors

Vip Grover, Chair

Vip Grover joined the Board of Directors in 2011. He is currently serving his first term as Chair. Grover also served as a member and chair of Avow’s Marco Island Community Advisory Board. He is the managing partner and agent of Advanced Insurance Underwriters on Marco Island, a past president of the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce, and has chaired and co-chaired fundraisers for the Art League of Marco Island, as well as the corporate sponsorship team of Relay for Life (American Cancer Society, Marco Island Unit). Grover is a graduate of Leadership Marco and holds a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Lafayette College of Easton, Penn.

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