Meet our team of advisors

Wendell Potter is a leading advocate for health care system reform in both the political arena and the marketplace. Working dual roles, Wendell is president of the Center for Health and Democracy, he regularly engages across the political spectrum to discuss health insurance issues with members of Congress, state legislatures and their staffs. He is also the editor-in-chief of HEALTH CARE un-covered, which investigates and reports on health care corporations and insurance conglomerates in particular. He frequently posts on X. A New York Times bestselling author, Wendell returned to his first career of journalism after serving for two decades as head of communications for two of the country’s largest insurers, Cigna and Humana. He became an industry whistleblower when Congress was debating what became the Affordable Care Act. Wendell testified before several Senate and House committees, pulling the curtains back on prevalent industry business practices that resulted in higher health care costs and a growing number of uninsured and underinsured Americans. His first book, Deadly Spin, won numerous awards and is still used in journalism and health policy classes at universities across the country. He has contributed to The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today and many other publications, and has appeared frequently on CNN, NPR, MSNBC, Fox Business and other media outlets. 

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Desirée A. Duncan is a strategic communications professional with over 15 years of experience across public media, philanthropy, and mission-driven marketing. She specializes in building narratives that inspire trust, mobilize communities, and advance equity—having led national campaigns and media projects for organizations focused on social justice, human rights, and systemic change. Desirée brings expertise in narrative strategy, inclusive communications, and audience-centered storytelling. She's known for helping leaders communicate complex ideas with clarity, credibility, and cultural awareness, especially in moments of transformation or public scrutiny. Her approach blends strategic rigor with empathy, ensuring values are reflected not just in messaging, but in ac/on. Outside of her professional work, she's a photographer and avid traveler who believes the most powerful movements start with honest conversations and that meaningful change begins with listening.

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Lewis Williams is an accomplished Creative Director and Brand Storyteller with more than three decades of Total Market and Multicultural marketing experience. He has held senior creative leadership roles at two of Chicago’s most iconic agencies—Leo Burnett and Burrell Communications, where he served as Chief Creative Officer—and most recently expanded his impact as EVP, Head of Brand Impact at global PR firm Weber Shandwick. Throughout his career, Lewis has partnered with CMOs from some of the world’s most recognizable brands, including Toyota, McDonald’s, Walt Disney World, Coca-Cola, Google, American Airlines, and Procter & Gamble, delivering strategically driven, award-winning creative that builds lasting emotional connections with consumers. His work has been recognized by virtually every major creative award show, and his perspective is trusted industry wide. Lewis serves on the Ad Council Creative Review Committee, has been a Cannes Lions juror, including Glass: The Lion for Change and is a Board Director for the Chicago Ad Federation. He is also a committed mentor, educator, and host of the OGs AND AUNTIES podcast, celebrating the legends who shaped advertising and culture.

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Mitch is a former financial services executive and entrepreneur. Over the course of his career, Mitch built a reputation for transforming complex organizations through strategic vision, operational efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to empowering people at every level. His leadership helped companies streamline processes, strengthen performance, and create cultures where employees felt valued, energized, and motivated to contribute their best.  After a long tenure of driving organizational success, Mitch transitioned from corporate leadership to a new chapter focused on giving back. Drawing on his deep experience in guiding teams, leading change, and solving multifaceted business challenges, he now dedicates his time to community service, nonprofit support, education, and social advocacy.  In his free time Mitch loves to travel or just spend time at the cabin working on projects and decompressing

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Kelsey Combellick has worked in leadership roles across entertainment, healthcare and government sectors in operations, strategy, communications and marketing. Known for her personable nature, professional engagements are approached with curiosity, agility, empathy and inclusivity. Kelsey previously led an integrated marketing and communications team for a Silicon Valley-based health system and has spent the last five years growing her policy expertise in local government and non-profits. A lifelong volunteer, Kelsey pursues philanthropic endeavors through volunteer leadership roles – serving on various boards - client engagements in social services and housing, and deep community involvement. She loves to travel and see new places, listen to live music, eat yummy food and hug her family every day. One of her favorite quotes is: “All that is necessary for the forces of evil to win in the world is for enough good men to do nothing.”

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Ryan Colaianni is a seasoned communications strategist and reputation expert dedicated to helping mission-driven organizations navigate complex societal challenges. As the founder of Motio, a reputation consultancy, Ryan leverages nearly two decades of experience to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and impactful execution. Throughout his career, Ryan has specialized in protecting and elevating the reputations of organizations, including not for profits. He has served senior roles at a number of communications agencies where he has led integrated teams in tackling some of the nation’s most high-profile crises and public affairs campaigns.  A graduate of the University of Kansas, Ryan combines deep expertise in issues management with a commitment to empowering organizations that champion social justice, healthcare reform and democratic values. Ryan lives in Nashville with his wife and twins. 

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With 25 years of experience in healthcare and social impact, Jeff Speer is dedicated to helping organizations create meaningful change and expand opportunities for individuals and communities. Known for his collaborative approach, Jeff has led teams and partnered with a diverse range of clients—including nonprofits, health systems, and medical technology companies—on projects spanning brand strategy, messaging, integrated marketing, internal communications, and research. His work has engaged stakeholders across the healthcare spectrum, helping organizations amplify their impact and achieve real-world results. Jeff is passionate about supporting people and organizations who are actively working to make the world a better place. He currently serves as President and Managing Partner of Merryman Communications, an integrated healthcare marketing communications firm. Jeff earned a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, and lives in Santa Barbara, CA with his wife. They have three kids.

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Melissa Foust is a marketing and communications professional with more than ten years of experience helping organizations clarify their message, strengthen relationships, and work more effectively across teams. She currently works within Vanderbilt University’s Communications and Marketing team, where she leads cross university programs that support the university’s brand and reputation. Earlier in her career, Melissa led integrated marketing programs for large health systems and managed complex projects with multiple stakeholders. She is valued for her thoughtful approach, collaborative style, and ability to turn big ideas into practical action. Outside of work, Melissa enjoys exploring Nashville’s growing food scene and all that it has to offer, hot chicken included.

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Sasha has spent more than two decades building strategies that fuel breakthrough marketing and communications work and forge reputational distinction for many of the country's leading brands. Baptized by fire in high stakes crisis management and political campaigns early in his career, Sasha went on to lead strategy and research departments at both independently operated and globally owned creative agencies, leading client engagements and fostering cross-functional collaboration. He has served as a member of executive leadership teams, helping manage operations and business strategy for several agencies. Sasha is obsessive about solving challenges for brands. He has a unique instinct for understanding what audiences need, and formulating strategies anchored in answering those needs with creativity.

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Shontell James, a seasoned professional with a wide range of corporate financial expertise spanning across industries including marketing and advertising, non-profits and life insurance. Shontell has specialized experience within, but not limited to: corporate finance, contract management, financial strategizing and personal budget management. She’s held positions at the executive level, participates as a member on non-profit boards, and has been a devoted contributor to the communities where she’s resided. She’s recently entered a new sector of the financial industry, credit unions, with the goal to broaden her finance scope and knowledge. In her time spent outside of the professional journey, Shontell is always looking for opportunities to contribute to the betterment of her community. For years, she has volunteered additional time serving at her place of worship, community board, and non-profit activities; particularly in support of the arts and financial literacy for youth and under-served communities.  Additionally, she loves dogs and is devoted fur-mom to her cockapoo, Symba.

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