Gary A. Puckrein, PhD
Executive Director
Dr. Gary A. Puckrein is a visionary leader who established the Foundation in 1998 to help communities and policy-makers eliminate the disproportionate burden of premature death and preventable illness in special populations through the use of evidence-based, data-driven initiatives. Dr. Puckrein was graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University where he received his doctorate. Dr. Puckrein was publisher of American Visions and Minority Health Today . Dr. Puckrein also serves as the Executive Director of the Alliance of Minority Medical Associations, a collaborative effort of the Asian and Pacific Physicians' Association, the Association of American Indian Physicians, and the National Medical Association.

Gretchen C. Wartman
Senior Program Director
Ms. Wartman has over 30 years of experience in health policy analysis, strategic planning, and program design and administration. She has held key positions in both the public and private sectors, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Missouri Department of Health, the Comprehensive Health Planning Council of Southeastern Michigan, the Greater Detroit Area Health Council, and the City of Detroit Department of Health. She served as the Missouri Title V director and has administered divisions with budgets of $200 million and 300 employees. Her experience in testifying before the Missouri General Assembly, and in drafting budget proposals and legislation addressing critical health issues such as family planning, HIV/AIDS, obesity, WIC and other nutrition issues have afforded her a solid foundation of knowledge and experience that informs her performance in this leadership position.

William A. Griffith
Director of Client Services
Mr. Griffith has over twenty-five years experience in the healthcare industry. Mr. Griffith began his career as a research scientist supervising vaccine research and development at Wyeth-Ayerst. He was awarded a patent for improving antigen yields in the development of an acellular pertussis vaccine. Prior to assuming his current responsibilities as director of client services, he worked for several major medical communications agencies as a senior account manager -- providing strategic and tactical leadership for many prescription and over-the-counter brands.

Cleve A. Mesidor
Director of Communications and Media Strategies
Ms. Mesidor is an experienced communications strategist. She has implemented national and local issue-based media campaigns to build awareness around minority health. Ms. Mesidor has held positions with CNN's Washington Bureau, Common Cause, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, and with several national campaigns. She earned a Masters Degree in Communications from Howard University