Our Team

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 several 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 roles within the Board and the Academy. In addition to her medical degrees, Dr. Cordi earned an M.S. in Biology Research and an M.P.H. in Healthcare Policy and Emergency Medical Services. On the frontlines of emergency healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was recognized 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 also served as 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.

Donald A. Donahue, DHEd, MBA, MSJ, is a faculty member involved with the Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians fellowship in disaster medicine. He is the President of the World Association for Disaster and Emergency Medicine (WADEM) and the immediate past Chair of the Global Health Programming Board of the World Humanitarian Forum. Dr. Donahue is a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives, the Royal Society for Public Health, and the International Commission on Disaster Medicine. He is also a senior fellow at the Potomac Institute and serves on the boards of the American Academy of Disaster Medicine, Team fEMR, and One Health Lessons, among others. His previous positions include professor and program chair at the University of Maryland, Deputy Surgeon for the U.S. Army Reserve, and executive roles at NYC Health + Hospitals. He holds advanced degrees in health education, law, and business from A.T. Still University, Seton Hall University, and Baruch College. Dr. Donahue’s career spans higher education, disaster medicine, public health, and healthcare operations. His expertise involves developing education and training in disaster preparedness, analyzing policies for non-pharmaceutical interventions, and consulting on healthcare access and resilience. With extensive leadership experience across military, government, and private sectors, he is committed to advancing emergency preparedness and improving healthcare systems worldwide through research and innovative initiatives.

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 on 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.

David Billingsley, BS, is a Disability Advocate and Conservationist. Starting with a degree in Geography and Earth Science, Dave has dedicated nearly three decades to promoting a globally and ecologically responsible approach to all areas of life. He has worked as a boat captain, commercial fisherman, and addiction counselor. As a lifelong conservation activist, Dave continues to apply his environmental stewardship to various property development and management projects, incorporating green energy and renewable technologies. He retired in 2017 to support his wife’s stroke and aphasia recovery needs 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.

Ryan Chakra, MD, is a globally recognized executive and medical device regulatory expert with over twenty years of experience in cardiovascular and neurovascular medical devices. His leadership spans medical affairs, safety, clinical development, and regulatory strategy, including the successful rollout of EU MDR, PMA, and 510(k) approvals. Dr. Chakra has designed and overseen clinical trials, led risk-benefit analyses, and managed worldwide regulatory submissions, fueling innovation and operational excellence. A pioneer in medical safety, he has established safety functions, led clinical events committees, and developed strategies that accelerate time-to-market, saving companies millions. Dr. Chakra is proficient in evidence generation, medical writing, and engaging key opinion leaders to enhance the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. He excels at fostering cross-functional teamwork and influencing business strategies to produce concrete results. With a dedicated focus on advancing medical science, Dr. Chakra continues shaping healthcare’s future through innovative solutions and strategic leadership.

Morgan Cox, MS, is a Professor of Data Science, Engineering Technology Management, and Computer Science at Colorado School of Mines. He specializes in leveraging data and technology to solve complex challenges and support organizational objectives. With advanced degrees in data science and management, along with an undergraduate background in computer science and entrepreneurship, Morgan combines technical expertise with business insight to foster innovation. As an experienced data scientist, software engineer, and product developer, he applies analytical techniques and technological solutions to produce measurable results. His passion for entrepreneurship drives a commitment to promoting innovation and identifying opportunities at the intersection of business, data science, and technology. Morgan’s enthusiasm for collaboration and networking helps him build meaningful partnerships and advance creative solutions. Dedicated to expanding the potential of data and technology, Morgan strives to empower ventures and create new avenues for impactful growth and success.

Sarah Draugelis, BA, is the co-founder and president of Team fEMR (fast Electronic Medical Record), where she leads efforts to revolutionize short-term medical relief with innovative technology. Team fEMR’s open-source EMR system is specifically designed for high-volume clinics in low-resource settings, ensuring smooth operation even when internet or power are limited. The system promotes data-driven communication to improve care quality and maintain continuity during 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 transitioned 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 commitment to healthcare innovation and volunteer work is clear in her annual participation in humanitarian medical clinics, where she uses Team fEMR’s system to improve patient outcomes. Her unique blend of artistry and scientific insight continues to advance healthcare solutions worldwide.

Brad Gautney, CP-NP, MPH, is a 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 improves 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 enhance HIV PMTCT and EID programs in Kenya and Tanzania. His team’s most recent research paper was published in The Lancet HIV.

Robert Gillio, MD, is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at The Force for Health® Network. Dr. Rob is committed to empowering people to take control of their health. A visionary innovator, Dr. Rob combines extensive clinical expertise with entrepreneurial strategy, holding 15 patents and leading three successful exits to Fortune 500 companies. His efforts have greatly reduced drug errors and surgical complications and improved training for healthcare providers worldwide. As a seasoned leader, Dr. Rob’s influence spans major events like 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, where he played a key role in rebuilding healthcare services. His work reaches urban, suburban, and rural areas, ensuring fair access to quality care. Dr. Rob promotes sustainable, measurable healthcare solutions through knowledge, incentives, and cutting-edge technology. Through the Force for Health Program, Dr. Rob envisions a global movement that tackles patient and caregiver challenges, fosters healthy communities, and advances holistic healthcare outcomes.

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 recognized for his relationship-oriented 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 encompasses corporate strategy, administrative and financial operations, and IT infrastructure solutions, addressing global security issues 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 an emphasis 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 outlook, Mark excels at building partnerships and leading impactful initiatives across industries.

Amy Lynn Walters, MPH, RAC, is a Disability Advocate and former SVP at Microvention-Terumo. Amy started working in the medical device industry shortly after graduating from Harvard University in 1991, eventually rising to Vice President of Global Clinical Research. Her work in regulatory affairs, clinical research, and quality management across multiple companies has earned her international recognition and respect. She was also the architect of clinical trials that led to 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 caused by 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 the 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.

Zachary Walters, MS, is a mechanical engineer who is passionate about renewable energy, environmental activism, and all things outdoors. Since graduating from University of Colorado Boulder, he has founded and managed several construction-related businesses. Currently, he owns and operates a solar installation company and a welding business in northern California. Zach has a keen eye for renovation of older homesteads and has served as a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Rails-to-Trails projects. An outdoor enthusiast since childhood, Zach has worked as a ski instructor and first aid responder in northern California and is an experienced backpacker. He currently resides in the California mountains with his wife and their horses.

The High Alert Institute is looking for passionate leaders to join our Board of Directors. Board members influence our direction, help develop resources, and promote our mission. Responsibilities include setting policies, overseeing the budget, actively participating in meetings, and serving on at least one committee. The minimum three-year term provides an opportunity to offer guidance, maintain organizational integrity, and foster positive change. Bring your leadership and expertise where it can have the greatest impact—your involvement truly makes a difference. Join us and help create a stronger future for our organization and the community.

The High Alert Institute is looking for passionate leaders to join our Board of Directors. Board members influence our direction, help develop resources, and promote our mission. Responsibilities include setting policies, overseeing the budget, actively participating in meetings, and serving on at least one committee. The minimum three-year term provides an opportunity to offer guidance, maintain organizational integrity, and foster positive change. Bring your leadership and expertise where it can have the greatest impact—your involvement truly makes a difference. Join us and help create a stronger future for our organization and the community.