THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS ADDS MEMBERS & ELECTS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DURING ANNUAL MEETING
[Columbus, October 3, 2024] – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prevention Action Alliance, a non-profit committed to preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health wellness, is pleased to announce the election of Kathryn Dann, MSW, LSW, Karen W. Hogan, DNP, MSN, RN, NE-BC, Adrian M. Schau, CFP, AIF, and Shashawna Washington to its Board of Directors at its annual meeting on August 9, 2024.
Kathryn Dann, MSW, LSW, is a dedicated Clinical Supervisor and Psychotherapist with extensive experience in behavioral health and community engagement. Currently serving at Prosperity Haven as a Clinical Supervisor, she previously excelled as Director of Clinical Outreach, blending her deep knowledge of therapeutic approaches with her commitment to patient care. Kathryn’s background includes roles as a Psychotherapist at Insight Counseling and Wellness and a Social Worker/Therapist at En Pointe Behavioral Services, LLC. With a strong foundation in fundraising and community service, exemplified by her work with the Alzheimer’s Association and as a co-founder of Joggin for the Noggin, she combines her marketing and communication skills with her passion for mental health to drive impactful outcomes. Kathryn holds a Master of Social Work from Youngstown State University and a Bachelor of Social Work from the same institution.
Karen Hogan, DNP, RN, NE-BC, is a transformational nursing leader with extensive experience in behavioral health and addiction services. Currently serving as the Associate Chief Nursing Officer at Summa Health, she has a strong background in mental health care reform and nursing leadership. Karen previously held key roles at University Hospitals Cleveland and the Cleveland Clinic, including Director of Behavioral Health and Director of Behavioral Health, Magnet® Program, and Emergency Services. She also served as Chief Nursing Officer at Generations Behavioral Health, where she was instrumental in opening a new 76-bed behavioral health hospital. With a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Case Western Reserve University and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and biology from Cedarville University, Karen has dedicated her career to advancing mental health care, improving patient outcomes, and supporting healthcare teams.
Adrian Schau is a Senior Client Advisor and Principal at 1919 Investment Counsel, LLC, specializing in creating comprehensive financial plans and investment advisory services for individuals, families, foundations, endowments, and non-profit institutions. His approach involves understanding each client’s unique financial situation, including cash flow, retirement, insurance, college savings, and estate planning, to develop tailored solutions. Adrian joined 1919 from Legacy Financial Advisors, where he was CIO and Director of Investments, and has also served as an Investment Analyst at Brighton Jones. He maintains a longstanding consulting relationship with my529 and holds certifications as a Certified Financial Planner® and Accredited Investment Fiduciary®. Adrian graduated cum laude with a BS in Finance from Villanova University and enjoys spending time with his family, visiting National Parks, staying fit, and playing baseball.
Shashawna Washington is a forward-thinking HR professional with eight years of experience in talent acquisition and workforce development, currently serving as Talent Acquisition Manager at the Achievement Center for Children. Specializing in Behavioral Health, with a focus on Mental Health, Disability, and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), she has successfully developed employee engagement strategies and improved company culture. A Magna Cum Laude MBA graduate in Human Resource Management, Shashawna is also the founder of Woman Making a Difference Today, an organization supporting parents with resources for children. She served on the board for Social Studies at Clark State University and is a member of The National Society of Leadership and Success.
“We are thrilled to welcome Kathryn, Karen, Adrian, and Shashawna to the Board of Directors,” said Fran Gerbig, Executive Director of Prevention Action Alliance. “Their combined expertise, passion for prevention, and unwavering commitment to our mission will be invaluable as we continue to advance our efforts. Each of them brings a unique perspective and set of qualifications that will enhance our ability to address the complex challenges of substance misuse and mental health wellness. We are confident their leadership will contribute significantly to our organization’s growth and impact in the communities we serve.”
In addition to the new board member appointments, Prevention Action Alliance is proud to announce a new slate of officers elected to the Executive Committee at the organization’s Annual Meeting. The officers will be crucial in guiding the organization’s strategic direction and initiatives.
The newly elected officers of Prevention Action Alliance’s Executive Committee are as follows:
- Michael J. Evans, President
- Gregg Pieples, President-Elect
- David A. Bell, Esq., Past President
- Dalon Myricks, Treasurer
- Kyle Clark, Secretary
- Chris Cugini, MPH. Member-At-Large
- George “Pat” Willis , Member-At-Large
“We are thrilled to welcome the leadership of our newly elected officers,” said Michael Evans, Board President of Prevention Action Alliance. “Their dedication and commitment to our mission will empower us to make a meaningful difference in addressing substance misuse and promoting healthier communities.”
Prevention Action Alliance is committed to reducing the harm caused by substance misuse through education, advocacy, and collaboration with individuals and organizations across Ohio. With the addition of Kathryn Dann, Karen Hogan, Adrian Schau, and Shashawna Washington to the Board of Directors and the newly elected officers, the organization remains poised to support the health and wellness of all Ohioans.
Media Contact:
Leah Blewitt
Communications & Graphic Design Coordinator
614-540-9985, ext. 13
614-570-3964
lblewitt@preventionactionalliance.org
About Prevention Action Alliance
Prevention Action Alliance (PAA) is a statewide non-profit organization leading healthy communities in preventing substance misuse and promoting mental health wellness. PAA provides all Ohioans with opportunities for prevention education, resources, and advocacy, with the goal of empowering communities to create local solutions for local problems. Programs and initiatives include The G.A.P. Network, Know! Prevention Tips, the Ohio College Initiative to Enhance Student Wellness, the Ohio Youth-Led Prevention Network, Parents Who Host Lose The Most™ Campaign, School-Based Initiatives including the Prevention and Wellness Academy, and the Statewide Prevention Coalition Association. For more information on Prevention Action Alliance, please visit www.preventionactionalliance.org.