MHSA Program Advisory Committee Charter

The MHSA Program Mission Statement

The mission of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s Master’s in Health Services Administration (MHSA) program is to prepare executive healthcare administrators through educational excellence in a focused, case-based curriculum with experiential discovery and action research delivered through a flexible on-line learning platform. Graduates can effectively adapt to rapidly changing health care systems and deliver effective interprofessional strategic leadership throughout the healthcare continuum.

MHSA Program Advisory Committee Statement of Purpose

The purpose of this academic advisory committee is to provide input and feedback related to relevance of curricula offered to LECOM MHSA students in support of our continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Committee members will assist our administration and faculty in better understanding overall key healthcare industry trends, current needs and developments related to maintaining community wellness. The committee will meet quarterly via virtual synchronous video conference.

Academic Advisory Committee Members

Jennifer Bencie, M.D., M.S.A.

In August 2009, Jennifer Bencie became the County Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Manatee County. She oversees a staff of over 100, and a $15 million budget. The agency is involved in many population health initiatives including worksite wellness, school health, environmental monitoring and of course the response most recently to the COVID-19 pandemic. In her over 25 years with the Department of Health, Dr. Bencie has also served in leadership roles in the health departments in Orange, Seminole, Miami-Dade and Bay counties, as well at the state health office in Tallahassee, overseeing the Division of Emergency Medical Operations.

Dr. Bencie is a former Adjunct Professor at Everglades University, LECOM, Florida State University’s College of Medicine and the University of Central Florida.

Dr. Bencie is a board member of Manatee Memorial Hospital, Centerstone of Florida, the Manatee Healthcare Alliance, and the Arts and Health Coalition of Sarasota/Manatee, University of South Florida Advisory Council and a former board member of the South Florida Museum, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, International Women’s Forum Florida Suncoast Chapter and local Ivy League Club.

Jennifer received her undergraduate degree from Brown University, her medical degree from UAG, Mexico and her master’s degree in health administration from Central Michigan University at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Her interests include rowing, beagle rescue and travel.

Geoffery Cordes, M.H.S.A.

Geoffery B. Cordes currently leads health-related efforts in Manatee County as the Health Information Services Manager. Alongside his team, he coordinates a broad spectrum of local health efforts. These include managing indigent care, facilitating non-profit investments, overseeing behavioral health services, championing substance use disorder prevention and response, and spearheading local homeless response initiatives.

Before joining Manatee County, Geoff held several prominent senior health-related roles, including Disease Control Director – Florida Department of Health, Corporate Compliance Officer, Risk Manager & Safety Officer – MCR Health, Chief Compliance Officer – AllCare Options, and Director of Health, Safety & Procurement – Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM).

Beyond his professional commitments, Geoff actively contributes to various local boards and committees. His engagement extends to Drug Free Manatee, Manatee Healthcare Alliance, Addiction Crisis Taskforce, Acute Care System Taskforce, Manatee County System of Care, and the Coalition for Health and Medical Preparedness.

Geoff’s dedication to service goes beyond his career in health. He is a highly decorated Florida Army National Guard veteran, having served with distinction for nearly 21 years. He retired as a Captain in August 2022. Geoff also participated in multiple deployments throughout his tenure, supporting Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and various state and nationwide emergency efforts.

Geoff received his undergraduate degree in public health from the American Military University and his master’s in health services administration from the LECOM School of Graduate Studies. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate studying Health Administration.

Doug Feller, M.B.A.

Doug Feller is a graduate of the University of Alabama and is a diehard Alabama Fan. He began his career working for medical devices conglomerate Medtronic in Ft. Myers, FL. Attracted to the health care industry, Doug transitioned to senior living at Plymouth Harbor in Sarasota, FL as project manager in 2007. He relocated to Alabama in 2009 where he became the VP of Health Services at Westminster Village, a life plan community, in Spanish Fort, AL for six years. Doug has held various roles at Village On The Isle including Resident Services Director, Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer before becoming Chief Executive Officer in 2020.

Doug and his wife currently reside in Venice, FL and are parents of 10-year-old triplets. He and his family enjoy everything southwest Florida has to offer.

Pamela Goldman, D.O., M.H.S.A., F.A.C.O.I.

Dr. Pamela Goldman is a board-certified Internist and a graduate of the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) in Erie, Pennsylvania. Her internship and residency in Internal Medicine were at the Frankford Health Care System (now known as Jefferson Northeast) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Goldman completed a Master in Health Services Administration with LECOM School of Health Services Administration. She is currently Clinical Assistant Professor at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and Adjunct Professor at the LECOM School of Health Services Administration.

Professionally, Dr. Goldman worked as a Hospitalist – both employed and contracted, Academic Hospitalist, Attending Physician for an outpatient Internal Medicine Residency Clinic, Clinical Research Physician for clinical trials, and as Physician Advisor for a consultant company for reimbursement optimization. Currently, Dr. Goldman is a Senior Medical Director for a major healthcare company. Prior professional leadership positions included Medical Director for the Hospital Medicine group at Aria Health-Jefferson NE Frankford Campus and Associate Chair and Interim Chair for the Division of Hospital Medicine at Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia.

A dynamic speaker, Dr. Goldman presents to national and regional audiences on various topics pertaining to the business of medicine. She continues to teach residents in addition to being adjunct faculty for the LECOM MHSA and DHA programs.

Andy Guz, MHA

Andy Guz is Chief Executive Officer of Manatee Health, which includes Manatee Memorial Hospital, several Freestanding Emergency Departments and ambulatory centers, and a multi-specialty physician practice. Prior to that, he served as Chief Executive Officer at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. Andy has also served in executive roles at several hospitals across the United States.

Andy is a current board member for the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation, Chair of Meals on Wheels Plus of Manatee County, and has served on the Sloan Alumni Association Board of Directors at Cornell University. He is a graduate of Leadership Sarasota, active in the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance and Manatee Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He was selected as a 40 Under 40 honoree of both the Tampa Bay Business Journal and Business Observer.

Andy received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia and his Master of Health Administration from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

Rachel Barnes, MHSA Student

Rachel Barnes is a dedicated healthcare administration professional with a robust background in both clinical and operational roles, currently pursuing a Master of Health Services Administration from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, expected to graduate in 2025. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where she specialized in Human Performance and earned a minor in Fitness Instruction and Personal Training.

Currently, Rachel serves as the Director of Operations at BirthRoot Community Doula Alliance, where she manages office policies, financial operations, and data management systems, ensuring seamless service delivery and compliance with operational standards. Concurrently, she also holds the position of Director of Health Professions Training at the Pennsylvania Area Health Education Center, facilitating community-based training programs for medical and allied health professions students, and supporting interdisciplinary curriculum development.

Previously, Rachel was the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Vertis Therapy, where she was instrumental in building and maintaining key relationships, driving business development, and ensuring the successful execution of strategic goals. She also served as the Department Coordinator at Vertis Therapy, leading the therapy team, overseeing daily operations, and ensuring compliance with healthcare standards.