About Our Team

Elena Rios, MD, MSPH, MACP | President and CEO

• For all inquiries (e.g. requests for meetings, speaking engagements, government affairs, partnerships, etc.), please contact us at [email protected]. 

Jeanne Duvall | CFO: Jeanne Duvall completed her Bachelor of Science in Accounting at American University. Jeanne has been the longest-standing staff member at NHMA, serving as NHMA’s head accountant for the last 12 years. Jeanne is passionate about serving Hispanic and Latino physicians as well as underserved communities.  

Nancy Brighindi, PhD, MBA, CAE | Executive Director: Dr. Brighindi is a certified association executive (CAE). She has a doctorate in Human Services and specializes in the Management of Nonprofit Agencies. Her doctoral research focused on leadership traits and motivational factors of association volunteers (chapter presidents of a national medical specialty society). 

Yanecia Green | Membership Director: Yanecia has worked in the membership, marketing and communications capacity for a number of professional organizations for more than 25 years. She holds a BS in Communications Media Studies from Bowie State University.

Yvonne Malloy, MPP | Program Director: Yvonne is a passionate champion for inclusive communities, health equity, racial reconciliation and healing, and youth mentoring.  She holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Carleton College in Northfield, MN.  

Vincent Gearity | Program Manager: Vincent has a background in Community Health Education and Business. He completed his BS in Health Science in May 2020 and has been with NHMA since. He was born and raised in Toms River, New Jersey. 

Jason Hernandez | Program Manager: Jason has a background in Public Health with an interest in Health Equity and Latin American Studies. He completed his BS in Public Health Science with a Minor in Spanish Language, Culture, & Professional Contexts from the University of Maryland, College Park. Born and raised in the D.C. Area, Jason is excited to serve as an advocate for underrepresented communities.

Maegan Samuel, MPH | Program Coordinator: Maegan comes to NHMA with 6 years of public health experience. She has a variety of experience including HIV/AIDS, Health Equity, and COVID-19 response. Maegan completed her Master's degree in Public Health from George Washington University and a Bachelor's degree in Human Development from Howard University.

Madeline Canas | Program Coordinator: Madeline joins NHMA with a background in public health and community health education with a passion for equity and inclusion for underrepresented communities. She earned her BS in Health Science from Virginia Commonwealth University and has been an advocate for the Hispanic/Latino community to minimize health disparities and improve access to care.

Dylan Garcia | Communications Director: Dylan Garcia joins NHMA with a background in new and traditional media, non-profits, as well as web development and fundraising. While earning a BA in Media Studies from the University of Virginia—graduating in 2019—he supported newsroom diversity research and was actively involved in political advocacy. He’s now passionate about fueling public health messaging that reflects and empowers the Hispanic communities we serve.

José Carlos Villegas | Communications Manager: José Carlos holds a Master of Arts in Media, Culture and Technology from the University of Virginia, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, in Northern Mexico. He has worked as a strategic communications consultant in the public and private sectors. He is passionate about advancing social justice and health equity, loves plants and enjoys long road trips. 

Claire Cantrell | Communications Associate: Claire holds a BA in International Affairs with a concentration in Latin America from the George Washington University and is currently completing her MS in Geography. A Texas native, Claire has always had a close relationship with the Hispanic community and is passionate about finding new ways to make a difference in others' lives.

Cristina Garcia Ayala, MA | Communications Associate: Originally from Puerto Rico, Cristina holds Master's in International Affairs from the George Washington University and a Bachelor's in Political Science from Duke University. She is passionate about advocating for the rights of all underrepresented communities, especially when it comes to making essential services like healthcare more accessible.

Jeanne Ponsa | NHMA Conference Sponsorship and Exhibitors Manager | (818) 429-7603