Media contact:
Courtney McCall
Missouri Foundation for Health
(314) 345-5505
cmccall@mffh.org
ST. LOUIS, MO (January 21, 2026) Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) welcomes three new members to its Board of Directors. These incoming leaders bring valuable experience, regional insight, and a deep commitment to advancing health and well-being across Missouri.
- Kerri Morgan, PhD, OTR/L – Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy and Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. A dedicated researcher and Paralympian, Dr. Morgan is an expert in disability and rehabilitation science, physical activity, and inclusive community health initiatives.
- Dave Dillon – Vice President of Public and Media Relations at the Missouri Hospital Association. With over 30 years in communications and a strong background in health policy, Dillon brings rich [DW1.1]knowledge of Missouri’s health systems and a passion for clear, values-driven narrative change.
- Leann Chilton – Former Vice President of Government Relations at BJC HealthCare. Chilton is a respected public policy strategist whose advocacy has spanned local and national arenas, with a focus on strengthening systems that support hospitals, behavioral health, and community wellness.
The MFH Board governs with a focus on advancing the Foundation’s mission to eliminate the underlying causes of health inequities, transform systems, and enable individuals and communities to thrive. In addition to approving strategic direction and overseeing fiduciary responsibilities, the Board plays a critical role in ensuring that all decisions align with the Foundation’s core values of Equity, Trust, Humility, Integrity, and Commitment.
This year, Nalini Mahadevan, Principal Attorney and CEO at MLO Law LLC, assumes the role of Board Chairperson. Additional board officers include:
- Dr. Alex Garza, Chief Community Health Officer at SSM Health, Vice Chairperson and Governance Committee Chair
- Eric Ralph, Managing Director for Highland Associates, Treasurer and Finance Committee Chair
- Estrella Carmona, Health Equity and Communications Services Coordinator for Saint Francis Healthcare System, Secretary
- Emily Dai, Director of Fundamental Research at Pacific Life, Investment Committee Chair
- Stephen Lewis, Vice President at Segal, Programmatic Strategy Committee Chair
Todd Ahrens, President and CEO of Hannibal Regional Healthcare System; Cynthia Dean, CEO of Missouri Bootheel Regional Consortium, Inc.; Francine Pratt, Director at Prosper Springfield; Craig Stevenson, Manager of Population and Health Strategy for Home State Health Plan; Kyler James Sherman-Wilkins, Interim Head of the Dept. of Sociology, Anthropology, and Gerontology at Missouri State University; and Ashanti Tate, Regional Director at Heartland Center for Behavioral Change, round out the returning Board members.
The Foundation is grateful for the dedication of outgoing members Simone Cummings, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Kansas State University, and Brian Kinkade, former Vice President of Children’s Health and Medicaid Advocacy with the Missouri Hospital Association. Kinkade held various offices during two terms on the Board, including leading the group as the chairperson.
“Our Board of Directors is one of the most powerful ways we stay connected to our mission and vision,” said Dwayne Proctor, President and CEO. “These new members reflect professional excellence that will ensure sound governance for MFH, not just now, but for our future.”
