High Alert Institute

Meet Your Institute Leaders

BEEN THERE + DONE THAT = EXPERIENCED EXPERTS

Our leadership team includes not only current and former Federal Medical Officers but the FDNY EMS Medical Director during 9/11, the CDMS (Canada) head of Disaster Behavioral Health, and committee members of Florida’s Regional Disaster Behavioral Health Team. Our Chairperson is the Recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award in Disaster Medicine and was the Founding Chairperson for the American Board of Disaster Medicine. Recognized for her work in hurricane response, our Executive Director was recognized as a Distinguished Member of the Year by the National Disaster Medical System (HHS/DHS/ASPR) in 2005 and also is a therapy animal trainer/handler. The High Alert Institute now brings these decades of experience to our partnerships for animal welfare.

YOUR BOARD & OFFICERS

Allison A. Sakara, NP, MSN, RN, PHRN, is a nurse practitioner with over 40 years of experience in nursing, including more than 34 years as a pediatric nurse practitioner in hematology/oncology, disaster response, and medical device regulation. Recognized for her work in hurricane response, she was named a Distinguished Member of the Year by the National Disaster Medical System (HHS/DHS/ASPR) in 2005. Allison has shared her expertise in disaster and pandemic preparedness with hospital committees, disaster responders, educational organizations, businesses, and as a Technical Advisor for Spike TV/Paramount Television. She continues to serve as a clinical and regulatory consultant primarily working with clients in the neurosurgery and endovascular surgery medical device industry. As a co-founder and Executive Director, Allison is passionate about applying her decades of experience and advocacy for pet therapy, animal rescue, and green energy initiatives to the Institute. An eager volunteer, she also serves as the primary caretaker for our aquatic animal shelter.

Maurice A. Ramirez, DO, PhD, is a seasoned medical professional with 35 years of experience, including roles as a Senior Physician, Federal Medical Officer, Emergency Room Doctor, Disaster Medicine Specialist, and Bioterrorism/Hazmat expert. He holds board certifications in ten medical specialties, such as Disaster Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and AI in Healthcare. He received the American Association of Physician Specialists Lifetime Achievement Award in Disaster Medicine and was the founding chair of the American Board of Disaster Medicine. Known as “Dr. Gadget” for his ability to adapt resources to disaster scenarios, he offers extensive clinical, field response, and professional speaking experience in disaster response. Dr. Gadget has authored numerous articles in professional and scientific journals and has been cited in over 24 textbooks. He wrote The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Disaster Preparedness and Making Sense of Disaster Medicine. He also served as the Technical Advisor for Spike TV’s Surviving Disaster and 1000 Ways to Die. He shares his expertise, insights, and experience to advance disaster healthcare science, research, policies, procedures, and innovative technologies. His interest in green energy solutions and his hobby of raising koi fish complement the Institute’s AHOHN initiatives.

Heidi P. Cordi, MD, MPH, MS, is an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Albany Medical Center in the Capital Region of New York. With 30 years of medical experience and board certifications in Disaster Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Internal Medicine, Dr. Cordi has provided prehospital trauma and basic life support training for organizations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organization, both domestically and internationally. During the 9/11 attack, she was the FDNY EMS Medical Director and continues to serve as the medical director for various EMS agencies in the New York State Capital District. Dr. Cordi is a founding member of the American Board of Disaster Medicine. She has served as President of the American Academy of Disaster Medicine and held other positions within the Board and the Academy. In addition to her medical degrees, Dr. Cordi has an M.S. in Biology Research and an M.P.H. in Healthcare Policy and Emergency Medical Services. On the frontlines of emergency healthcare throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, she was honored with the EMS Physician of Excellence award in 2020. Dr. Cordi has traveled internationally for medical missions and disaster response efforts in the Peruvian Andes, Nigeria, Malawi, Haiti, and China. She was also a professor of emergency medicine and critical care at the Third People’s Hospital of Chengdu, China. She has lectured not only in the United States but also in Germany, India, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, and Italy. Dr. Cordi is a founding board member of the institute, where she shares her extensive medical expertise, experience, and global leadership.

Amy Lynn Walters, MPH, RAC, is a Disability Advocate and former SVP at Microvention-Terumo. Amy began working in the medical device industry shortly after graduating from Harvard University in 1991, eventually becoming Vice President of Global Clinical Research. Her work in regulatory affairs, clinical research, and quality management across multiple companies earned her international recognition and respect. She was also the architect of clinical trials that resulted in the first FDA PMA approval of an implanted device to treat cerebral aneurysms from within the aneurysm itself. While attending the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery (SNIS) conference in 2017, Amy suffered a major stroke due to a sudden occlusion of her left internal carotid artery. With her family’s support, she has dedicated countless hours to physical and speech therapy and now lives independently with her husband. Amy advocates for stroke and aphasia survivors, regularly speaking at meetings for healthcare providers, survivors, and caregivers. In 2019, the SNIS community established the Amy Walters Patient Lecture in her honor, and she proudly delivered the inaugural lecture on the international stage. Amy volunteers as Vice President of National Aphasia Synergy, a charity founded and led by people with aphasia to support the community. She lives out their message of optimism and empowerment daily as a hiker, skier, and supporter of natural habitat preservation.

Andrea Keener, PhD, LMHC, MCAP, is a trauma-related stress injury expert and Associate Dean at Miami-Dade College. With nearly twenty years of experience in higher education, she specializes in academic program development, accreditation, and creating accessible, student-focused learning environments for first-generation and underrepresented students. As a licensed therapist and Master Level Addiction Professional, Andrea applies cognitive-behavioral techniques and positive psychology to promote healing and growth, concentrating on anxiety disorders, trauma recovery, and substance abuse treatment. A committed educator, scholar, and public speaker, Andrea is passionate about helping individuals reach their educational and professional goals while leading meaningful lives. Recognized for her strategic leadership, she excels at guiding teams through innovative solutions in higher education, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and fostering transformative change.

Brad Gautney, CP-NP, MPH, is practicing pediatric nurse practitioner and the Founder of Global Health Innovations, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing life-saving interventions to pregnant women living with HIV/AIDS and their babies affected by the virus. Brad and his team developed the HITSystem, an automated, cost-effective tool that enhances the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT), HIV Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), and treatment outcomes. He graduated from Johns Hopkins University’s Bloomberg School of Public Health, where he specialized in International Health, and is currently pursuing a PhD at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. His research focuses on using the HITSystem© to improve HIV PMTCT and EID programs in Kenya and Tanzania. His team’s most recent research paper was published recently in The Lancet HIV.

David Billingsley, BS, is a Disability Advocate and Conservationist. Starting with a degree in Geography and Earth Science, Dave has spent nearly three decades promoting a globally and ecologically responsible approach to all aspects of life. He has worked as a boat captain, commercial fisherman, and addiction counselor. As a lifelong conservation activist, Dave has also applied his environmental stewardship to various property development and management projects, incorporating green energy and renewable technologies. He retired in 2017 to support the recovery needs of his wife, Amy Walters, and remains very active in advocating for stroke survivors and people with aphasia. Dave enjoys hiking, skiing, traveling with his family, and supporting organizations that protect native ecosystems.

Donald A. Donahue, DHEd, MBA, MSJ, is Professor and Chair of the School of Allied Health at Excelsior University and a faculty member with the Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians fellowship in disaster medicine. He serves as President of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine and is the immediate past Chair of the World Humanitarian Forum’s Global Health Programming Board. A fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, Royal Society for Public Health, and International Commission on Disaster Medicine, Dr. Donahue is also a senior fellow at the Potomac Institute and a board member for the American Academy of Disaster Medicine, Team fEMR, One Health Lessons, and others. His previous roles include professor and program chair positions at the University of Maryland, Deputy Surgeon for the U.S. Army Reserve, and executive roles with NYC Health + Hospitals. He holds advanced degrees in health education, law, and business from A.T. Still University, Seton Hall University, and Baruch College, respectively. Dr. Donahue has a distinguished career spanning higher education, disaster medicine, public health, and healthcare operations. His expertise encompasses designing and delivering education and training in disaster preparedness, conducting policy analysis for non-pharmaceutical interventions, and providing consulting services on healthcare access and resiliency. With a strong background in leadership, he has held key roles across the military, government, and private sectors. Through research and innovative programs, Dr. Donahue remains committed to advancing emergency preparedness and improving healthcare systems worldwide.

Gregory Santa Maria, DHSc, MA, NR-P, is the CEO of Emergency Management Community Partners (EMCP) and has over 30 years of experience in emergency management and public safety. A seasoned leader, Greg has achieved significant progress in disaster response and healthcare preparedness. He served as a paramedic responder during 9/11, earning recognition for his exceptional contributions. At Sanford Health, Greg oversaw emergency preparedness for more than 200 facilities across 26 states, leading innovative initiatives such as mass vaccination plans during the H1N1 pandemic and a healthcare coalition Area Command model. His academic credentials include a Doctorate in Health Science and a Master’s in Emergency and Disaster Management, with research focused on enhancing first responders’ decision-making under stress. Greg is adept at crisis management, team building, and public speaking, and has developed impactful training and response programs. His visionary leadership continues to advance healthcare and disaster readiness through EMCP.

Mark Sayampanathan, BA, serves as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at VIPER Transitions. With 25 years of international experience in sales and strategic business development, he is known for his relationship-focused approach. Mark has worked with high-level clients, including U.S. Department of Defense leaders and senior government officials across Asia and Africa. His expertise covers corporate strategy, administrative and financial operations, and IT infrastructure solutions, addressing global security challenges and delivering innovative results. Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and pursued graduate studies in International Relations with a focus on National Security Affairs at Troy University. His leadership roles include being a founding Vice President of the Singapore American Business Association – East and a charter Governor of the American Biofuels Council. With a global network and a forward-thinking mindset, Mark excels at building partnerships and leading impactful initiatives across industries.

Morgan Cox, MS, is a Professor of Data Science, Engineering Technology Management, and Computer Science at Colorado School of Mines. Morgan specializes in using data and technology to solve complex challenges and support organizational goals. With advanced degrees in data science and management, along with an undergraduate background in computer science and entrepreneurship, Morgan combines technical skills with business insight to drive innovation. As an experienced data scientist, software engineer, and product developer, Morgan applies analytical methods and technological solutions to achieve measurable results. His passion for entrepreneurship motivates a commitment to fostering innovation and discovering opportunities at the intersection of business, data science, and technology. Morgan’s enthusiasm for collaboration and networking helps them build meaningful partnerships and promote creative solutions. Dedicated to advancing the potential of data and technology, Morgan aims to empower ventures and open new pathways for impactful growth and success.

Robert Gillio, MD, is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at The Force for Health® Network. Dr. Rob is dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their health. A visionary innovator, Dr. Rob combines deep clinical expertise with entrepreneurial strategy, holding 15 patents and achieving three successful exits to Fortune 500 companies. His contributions have significantly reduced drug errors and surgical complications and improved training for healthcare providers worldwide. A seasoned leader, Dr. Rob’s impact spans extraordinary events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, where he played a pivotal role in rebuilding healthcare services. His work extends across urban, suburban, and rural settings, ensuring equitable access to quality care. Dr. Rob champions sustainable, measurable healthcare solutions through knowledge, incentives, and advanced technology. Through the Force for Health Program, Dr. Rob envisions a global movement that addresses social determinants and caregiver challenges, fosters healthier communities, and advances holistic healthcare outcomes.

Ryan Chakra, MD, is a globally recognized executive and medical device regulatory expert with over two decades of experience in cardiovascular and neurovascular medical devices. His leadership covers medical affairs, safety, clinical development, and regulatory strategy, including the successful implementation of the EU MDR, PMA, and 510(k) approvals. Dr. Chakra has designed and overseen clinical trials, led risk-benefit assessments, and managed global regulatory submissions, driving innovation and operational excellence. A pioneer in medical safety, he has established safety functions, led clinical events committees, and developed strategies that speed up time-to-market, saving companies millions of dollars. Dr. Chakra is skilled in evidence generation, medical writing, and engaging key opinion leaders to improve the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. He excels at fostering cross-functional collaboration and influencing business strategies to achieve tangible results. With a committed focus on advancing medical science, Dr. Chakra continues shaping the future of healthcare through innovative solutions and strategic leadership.

Sarah Draugelis, BA, is the Co-founder and President of Team fEMR, where she leads efforts to revolutionize short-term medical relief through innovative technology. Team fEMR’s open-source electronic medical records system is specifically designed for high-volume clinics in low-resource settings, ensuring seamless operation even when internet or electricity are limited. The system encourages data-driven communication to improve care quality and maintain continuity in transient volunteer medical efforts. With a background as a professional ballet dancer trained at prestigious institutions, including the Joffrey Ballet School and the Dance Theater of Harlem, Sarah shifted to premedical studies at Wayne State University after an early retirement due to injury. Her published research on the psychosocial well-being of dancers reflects her multidisciplinary expertise. Sarah’s dedication to healthcare innovation and volunteer work is evident in her annual participation in humanitarian medical clinics, where she applies Team fEMR’s system to enhance patient outcomes. Her unique combination of artistry and scientific insight continues to advance healthcare solutions globally.

Veronica Pardini, DVM, CertAqVet, has over 10 years of experience in exotic animal veterinary medicine. Born and raised in Brazil, she moved to Florida in 2016. Dr. Pardini loves all animals but has a soft spot for aquatic species. She is one of only three doctors in Florida with the Aquatic Veterinarian Certification from the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association (WAVMA), and she has dedicated her career to becoming an expert in aquatic animal healthcare. Besides her role as the Institute’s consulting aquatic veterinarian, Dr. Pardini serves as the veterinary healthcare representative to the Space Healthcare Policy Working Group, helping develop animal healthcare and welfare standards for future space habitats. Veronica was also a featured veterinarian on the National Geographic Wild show “Dr. K’s Exotic Animal ER” for five seasons.

Zachary Walters, MS, is a mechanical engineer passionate about renewable energy and environmental activism. He owns a construction company that specializes in solar and outdoor pond installations and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity. Zach is especially drawn to renovating vintage homes; he is currently restoring a farmhouse in rural Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife. An outdoor enthusiast and environmental activist since childhood, Zach has worked as a ski instructor and first aid responder in northern California and is an experienced backpacker. Together with his wife, Zach actively participates in Rails-to-Trails projects and husky dog rescue groups.

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