Announcement: Updates to HealthSpark’s Board

With the start of our new fiscal year, HealthSpark Foundation is happy to share changes to Board of Directors composition and officers. 

Joel Johnson is ending his two-year term as Board Chair. He will remain on the Board for another year and serve in the role of Ex-Officio Chair on the Executive Committee. Dr. Natasha Patterson has been elected to serve as Chair, from her role as Vice Chair the past two years.

“As my two-term comes to a close, I’m proud to have worked with my fellow Board members to welcome and on-board our dynamic new President/CEO.  I know I speak for the Board when I say we’ve enjoyed watching Emma Hertz excel in her new role and lead HealthSpark Foundation by engaging with diverse communities across Montgomery County and broaden our staff in a thoughtful and strategic manner.  Under our in-coming Chair Dr. Natasha Patterson, HSF will continue to thrive as we deepen our connections and investments in our community,” Joel shared.

Dr. Patterson is newly appointed as Chair of the Department of Public Health at The College of New Jersey, where she has taught since 2018. She is the author of the book, “Combatting Institutional Racism Through Mentoring,” published in 2023. A strong champion of investing in young people, especially young people of color, Dr. Patterson has provided her expertise on leadership development, community engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion through her roles on HealthSpark’s Governance and Grants Committees.

Additional Board Officer changes include:

• Dr. Nathaniel Williams- elected to serve as Vice Chair, from Secretary the last two years.
• Joyce Miller- elected to serve as Treasurer.
• John Kepner- elected to serve as Secretary.
• Ray Solomon- his two-year term as Treasurer has ended, but he will continue as a Board Member.

Finally, we have the pleasure of welcoming Lawrence Mangan to our Board as of July 1. Larry served as a Community Volunteer for the past two years, a HealthSpark initiative which engages individuals to participate in meetings and strategic discussions with our staff, Board and committees. Larry brings significant expertise to the Foundation’s investment operations, and will be especially important to the Foundation’s future efforts in mission-aligned investing.

“Our Board of Directors is at the helm of work moving ahead, and consistently encourages staff to pursue innovation, excellence, and justice in all we do. I’m so thankful to Joel for his support during the last two years of transition, and am excited to welcome Natasha as she steps into the role of Chair,” shared Emma Hertz, President, CEO.

We deeply appreciate our Board Officers and the entire Board for their dedication, wisdom, and guidance in advancing HealthSpark’s mission of a more just and healthier Montgomery County.

To learn more about our Board of Directors, click here.