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.

Joshua Barnett, Ph.D.

Dr. Joshua Barnett has served as county health administrator to two counties in Florida (Manatee and Pinellas), managing safety-net health services provided to low-income and uninsured adults in Florida for the past seven years and CEO of a federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Clearwater, FL overseeing site-based operations, mobile medical services, street medicine, and the federal requirements of leading a multi-site patient-centered medical home (PCMH). Prior to this, he was a clinical and policy consultant to the State of Delaware’s Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health and the United States Department of Justice. With over 14 years of cumulative experience in state, county, and non-profit public health administration, his administrative work is primarily focused on the administration of public-sector health services; strategies for population-based service planning, assessment, and policy; the integration of primary and behavioral health services; opioid overdose epidemiology; and, health system evaluation. His areas of research include health services research, health policy, and community engagement methods for collaborative health systems.

He is also an adjunct instructor of Mental Health Law and Policy at the University of South Florida and has served on boards throughout the Mid-Atlantic area and Florida’s Suncoast Region focusing primarily on public awareness related to health care policy, improving mental health and substance use disorder screenings and grief awareness. Dr. Barnett serves as Project Director for a variety of federally-funded grant programs including the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Bureau of Justice Assistance (USDOJ/BJA), and others.

Terri Runo, MHSA

Professor Runo has been a leader in the medical devices industry at Abbott Laboratories with a career spanning over three decades. She currently serves as the Director of the LECOM Master in Health Services Administration (MHSA) program.

Transitioning to academia, she brought a wealth of practical experience and industry insights into her role as a professor. Her teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that real-world experience is invaluable in preparing students for successful careers in healthcare administration. As Director, Ms. Runo strives to create a curriculum in which courses are known for their dynamic and interactive approach, incorporating case studies, industry projects, and guest lectures from leading healthcare professionals.

Her commitment to research has been extensive through the LECOM Bradenton Inter-professional Research Day annual event. Since 2016, she has coordinated the event with over 1.000 research projects pr4esented in the health & wellness space.

As the Director of the MHSA program, she is committed to preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders. Ms. Runo’s understanding of the healthcare landscape, combined with her hands-on experience in research, medical device development, regulatory compliance, quality and manufacturing, provides students with a unique and invaluable perspective.

Bonnie Brown, Ph.D.

Bonnie W. Brown, Ph.D. is an applied behavioral health researcher with experience in public education, child and family studies, public and population health studies, and substance abuse. Her research and evaluation studies focus on behavioral health strategies for those struggling with mental illness and community-based interventions that support vulnerable populations. Most recently, Dr. Brown has focused on the community-based service and interventions aimed at supporting children and their families impacted by the opioid use epidemic, particularly those involved in the child welfare system of Florida. She is an experience professor and has been teaching at the University level since 2011. Dr. Brown is also a trainer in mental health and is passionate about raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health issues.

Dr. Brown is currently a research professor and evaluator for the Louis de la Parte, Florida Mental Health Institute at the University of South Florida. She has previously been the lead epidemiologist for the Manatee County Substance Abuse Prevention Collation and conducted research for federally supported grants focused on reducing substance use in disparate populations. Additionally, she is a native of the Suncoast area in Florida, and was previously a public-school educator, she is invested in her community and dedicated to working to improve the lives and wellbeing of its citizens, particularly children and individuals with foster care experience.

Richard Henderson, D.H.A., M.A., FACHE

Dr. Don Henderson serves as the Director of the LECOM Doctor of Healthcare Administration program in Bradenton. He has previous experience teaching at the both the graduate and undergraduate level in the field of healthcare administration. Prior to joining LECOM, Dr. Henderson served as a hospital executive for over 30 years advancing community health and wellness. His leadership roles included service as both a hospital CEO and regional health system Vice President. He has extensive experience in health systems governance, operations, leadership, organizational team building, strategic planning, business development, physician relations, medical practice development, ambulatory services, managed care, quality improvement, fundraising, advocacy, compliance, and government relations. His community volunteer roles have included service on the boards of numerous local charities including the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society, United Way, hospice, economic development organizations, and the Florida Hospital Association. More recently, he served as a Florida Regent (elected representative) to the national Congress of the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). He is also a Fellow of that organization (FACHE). Dr. Henderson’s extensive healthcare industry experience, formal education, coupled with strong desire to train the next generation of leaders, offers our LECOM DHA students an amazing scholar-practitioner to mentor their success.

Tim Novak, D.B.A., M.S.A., FACHT

Dr. Timothy S. Novak is the Dean of the LECOM School of Health Services Administration, which includes four master’s programs and one doctorate degree. Dr. Novak’s areas of graduate instruction include: healthcare financial and organizational management, biostatistics, and leadership communications & professionalism. Tim has served as a board member of the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation since 2015, working to expand and enhance the regional business community. He is the co-author of the 4 Circles of Good Business, published in November 2006. A former board member and treasurer of the CEO Council, Inc., a national organization of public company officers and directors providing information, advice, and counsel to the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) and council membership on business ethics, accountability, and policy. Dr. Novak served as chief executive officer for two fully reporting publicly traded companies engaged in acquiring and developing innovative healthcare safety, diagnostics, and wellness products. Working directly with physician leadership, he helped direct development of new ancillary services, supervised financial reporting, and coordinated all operational aspects of a 100-member OB/GYN management services organization (MSO) with annual revenue exceeding $75,000,000. Dr. Novak has managed the medical credentialing and contracting for a 1,400-member independent physicians association (IPA) serving 500,000+ patients through 13 major hospital systems and 23 payers in Louisville, Kentucky. He served as business-launch competition panel judge for the TIME (The Integration of Management and Engineering) and International Nano Technology Forum at Case Western Reserve. Drug-Free Manatee named Dr. Novak the Champion of Prevention Awardee for the Higher Education Sector in November 2017 in recognition of the campus-wide Addiction Prevention Education for all faculty and students at LECOM’s Interprofessional Research Day on April 20, 2017. He recently presented research on the convergence of U.S. Graduate Medical Education (GME) to a single accreditation system in June 2020, at the 2019 AACOM Educating Leaders Conference in Washington D.C. and American College of Healthcare Trustees 2018 Health Innovation by the Sea Conference in Pacific Grove, California. Other areas of research include medical student’s aptitude for business curriculum and the healthcare system’s organizational development.