MO HealthNet Oversight Committee Members
Margaret Donnelly
Margaret Donnelly was appointed director of the Department of Health and Senior Services by Governor Jay Nixon on January 12, 2009. As director of DHSS, she serves as the state’s top public health official, overseeing 1,900 employees and a budget of almost 900 million. Her responsibilities range from planning Missouri’s response to disasters to inspecting hospitals and child care centers to supervising programs that allow seniors and people with disabilities to live independently. Ms. Donnelly, who holds both a master’s degree in social work and a law degree, spent six years (2003-2009) in the Missouri House of Representatives representing part of St. Louis County. She focused much of her work on the state budget and issues relating to families, seniors and health care. The St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association selected her to receive its Statesman Award in 2005 and the St. Louis Business Journal gave her its Legislative Award in 2007. She was named Child Advocate of the Year in 2004 by the St. Louis Council on Child Abuse and Neglect and in 2006 by the Missouri Alliance for Children, Youth and Families. Ms. Donnelly was lauded as legislator of the year by the Missouri Association for Social Welfare in 2005 and received the 2005 Legislative Leadership Award from Paraquad Disability Rights. In addition to her service in the House of Representatives, Ms. Donnelly was an attorney in private practice for 20 years. She previously worked as a social worker at schools in Missouri and Wisconsin and with the Missouri Department of Social Services. A 1988 graduate of St. Louis University’s law school, Ms. Donnelly earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from the same university in 1975 and 1977, respectively. She also has served as a guest lecturer at Washington University, St. Louis University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Fontbonne University and Maryville University.
Slot: DHSS Representative (ex officio member).
Representative Keith J. Frederick
Representative Keith J. Frederick represents Phelps County (District 149) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to his first two-year term in November 2010. In addition to his legislative duties, Rep. Frederick is a practicing orthopedic surgeon. He also has been employed as a registered pharmacist. He also owns a small business, Frederick Hardwoods & Flooring, located in Tunas, Missouri. Representative Frederick attends the Methodist Church in Rolla. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, Missouri State Orthopedic Association and the American Osteopathic Association. He has served on numerous medical boards and committees. He is the current chairman in the Department of Surgery at Phelps County Regional Medical Center. Representative Frederick is a 1971 graduate of Cleveland High School. He received B.S. from St. Louis College of Pharmacy in 1976 and his D.O. from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1981. He also attended the University of Missouri – Columbia for graduate studies. Born in St. Louis, Representative Frederick currently resides in Rolla with his wife, Marylin. They have three children and one grandson.
Slot: Member-House of Representatives, Appointed by the House Speaker.
Gerard Grimaldi
Gerard Grimaldi, Kansas City, is Vice President of Health Policy & Government Relations for Truman Medical Centers. In this capacity, Grimaldi is responsible for government relations activities and strategies at the federal, state, and local level; federal grants; managed care; and the Hospital Hill Medical Pavilion. Grimaldi is an active leader in a number of local, state, and national hospital and health care organizations. He is a past chair of the Government Relations Committee of the National Association of Public Hospitals. In addition, Grimaldi serves on the Board of Directors of the Downtown Council and the Labor-Management Council. In 2005, Grimaldi was a key strategist in the campaign for a Kansas City, Missouri health levy for indigent health care. Previously, Grimaldi was Kaiser Permanente’s Vice President, Strategy and Human Resources in the Kansas City market. Early in his career, Grimaldi was a U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives staffer; in that role he played a key role in numerous economic development, health care, and other projects in Western Missouri. Grimaldi’s many past community activities include chairing the Jackson County Community Mental Health Levy Board of Trustees. A Kansas City native, Grimaldi graduated with honors from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Journalism. Grimaldi and his wife, Julie, are the proud parents of four children.
Slot: State Hospital Association Representative.
Senator Joseph Keaveny
Senator Joseph Keaveny was first elected to represent the citizens of the 4th Senatorial District, which includes the St. Louis City, during a special election on November 3, 2009, to fill an unexpired term. He was re-elected to a full term which will expire in 2014. Senator Keaveny is one of six children born to the late John Joseph and Mary Justine Keaveny. He grew up in the city’s Skinker-DeBaliviere neighborhood and graduated from Christian Brothers College High School. He earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and holds a master’s degree in finance and a law degree, both from St. Louis University. For the past 20 years, Sen. Keaveny has worked in the banking industry, managing portfolios for high-income individuals and later managing compliance issues with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for US Bank. For several years, he volunteered as a board member for the Skinker-DeBaliviere Housing Corporation — learning first-hand the challenges of rebuilding derelict properties, which led to a strong advocacy for state Historic Tax Credits. During a long tenure on the Skinker-DeBaliviere Community Council, Sen. Keaveny spent countless hours working with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department on public safety issues; an experience that reinforced his belief that the City of St. Louis must regain local control of its police force. Senator Keaveny’s dealings with the Metro system and daily use of MetroLink forged his commitment to an expansion of public transportation in the St. Louis metropolitan area. He also strongly supports public early childhood education because he believes that is a solution to St. Louis Public Schools. Senator Keaveny and wife Karen have four grown children: Shannon, Lauren, Joseph and Ellen.
Slot: Member-Senate, Appointed by the Senate Minority Floor Leader.
Representative Jeanne Kirkton
Representative Jeanne Kirkton represents District 91 which includes part of St. Louis County, including Glendale, Oakland, Shrewsbury, and most of Webster Groves. Prior to her service in the legislature, Representative Kirkton served as a member of the Webster Groves City Council from 2006-2008. She worked as a Critical Care Nurse from 1973-1982 and as a Nurse Anesthetist from 1982-1992. Representative Kirkton is a member of the Webster Groves/ Shrewsbury Area Chamber of Commerce. She previously served on the board for the Open Space Council. Additionally, she served on the Missouri State Parks Advisory Board from 2005 to 2007. A 1971 graduate of St. Charles High School, Representative Kirkton received a nursing degree from Maryville University in 1973; a certificate from Barnes Hospital School of Nurse Anesthesia in 1982; and a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Webster University in 1996. She currently resides in Webster Groves with her husband, Dr. Larry King.
Slot: Member-House of Representatives, Appointed by the House Minority Leader.
Kecia Leary
Kecia Leary, DDS, Nixa, is a certified pediatric dentist who serves as associate dental director for Jordan Valley Community Health Center in Springfield. She received a BA from Truman State University and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), MS in Dental Public Health, and Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the University of Iowa College of Dentistry. Dr. Leary is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a member of the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Association of Public Health Dentistry. She has been employed by Jordan Valley Community Health Center in Springfield, MO since 2007 and the Associate Dental Director since 2008. Dr. Leary currently serves as a resource on pediatric dental issues to the Missouri Primary Care Association, a board member to the Greater Springfield Dental Society, as well as a member of the work group for addressing dental care for persons with special health care needs in the state of Missouri. Research activities include school nurses and their ability to access dental care for students, utilization of an ambulatory surgery center for oral rehabilitation, and dentists providing care for persons with special health care needs. Dr. Leary has been involved on a local level in training primary care providers to provide oral screenings and fluoride varnish in the medical setting. In her free time she enjoys traveling with her family.
Slot: Dentist.
Ronald Levy
Ronald Levy was appointed Director of the Missouri Department of Social Services by Governor Jay Nixon in January 2009. He also serves as the health policy advisor for the Governor and in September, 2009, was appointed the HIT Coordinator for Missouri to lead the development of a statewide health information exchange. Levy also chairs the State’s Health Care Cabinet, responsible for implementing the Affordable Care Act. Before joining state government, Levy worked in the health care field for 35 years. Since starting out as a rural hospital administrator in Wisconsin, Levy has served in a variety of executive roles, most recently as president and chief executive officer for SSM St. Louis, a member of the 10th largest Catholic health system in the country and the first health care recipient of the Malcolm Baldridge National Quality Award. Levy has held leadership positions on the local, state and national level, including the National Health Policy Forum, the Missouri Foundation for Health and the St. Louis Regional Health Commission. He has also served as adjunct faculty member and guest lecturer at St. Louis University and Washington University. Levy received his bachelor of arts degree and a master’s degree in health services administration, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Slot: DSS Representative (ex officio member).
Timothy D. McBride
Timothy D. McBride, Ph.D., is currently a Professor and Associate Dean of Public Health in the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to joining the Brown School in August 2008, he spent five years in the Department of Health Management and Policy and served as Division Head of Health Policy at the School of Public Health, Saint Louis University. Dr. McBride spent 12 years at the University of Missouri-St. Louis as an Associate Professor in the Departments of Economics and Public Policy and spent four years at the Urban Institute in Washington, D.C. from 1987-1991. Dr. McBride, who received his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Wisconsin, focuses his research in the areas of health economics, health policy, and aging. In particular, most of his research has focused on Medicare policy, the uninsured and insurance markets, rural health, and long-term care. McBride is co-author of a book, several book chapters, and almost a few dozen articles in these subject areas. McBride is currently serving as a member on the nationally-recognized Rural Policy Research Institute (RUPRI) Rural Health Panel, which provides advice and briefings on rural health issues to the U.S. Congress and other policymakers. This Panel received a Special Recognition Award from the National Rural Health Association for service to the rural health community in 2000. Dr. McBride is a member of several national committees and Boards, including the Methods Council for Academy Health, the State Health Policy Advisory Committee for Academy Health, the Editorial Board for the Health Administration Press, the MO HealthNet committee for Missouri (overseeing Medicaid), and several other professional committees.
Slot: One of Two Patient Advocates.
Bridget McCandless
Bridget McCandless, MD, Independence, is a Board Certified Internal Medicine Specialist, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and mom to Maggie and Nathan. She serves as the medical director and co-founder of the Jackson County Free Health Clinic (2000-present) now called the Shared Care Free Clinic. She provides direct patient care as well as the administrative oversight. She continues her work in the area of health care reform and advocacy. Dr. McCandless also serves as the President of the Metropolitan Medical Society of Greater Kansas City, serves on the Safety Net Coalition, and was past President of the Missouri Association of Free Clinics. She was a member of the Clean Air Independence steering committee, served as the chairperson for the State Government Relations Committee of Metropolitan Medical Society, and as Chair of the Healthy Independence Coalition.
Slot: One of Two Primary Care Physicians.
James J. McMillen
James J. McMillen, MD, St. Joseph, is the Medical Director for Heartland Regional Medical Center’s Hands of Hope Hospice, Home Health and Palliative Care; the center’s Health Information Systems; and the center’s Community Health Plan. Born in New York, Dr. McMillen’s undergraduate studies were at the University of Maryland-College Park where he obtained a B.A. in Economics. He obtained his medical degree at the University of Maryland-Baltimore with post-graduate studies at University of Minnesota Hospitals, Department of Medicine, Minneapolis. Prior to joining Heartland Regional Medical Center Dr. McMillen spent nearly 20 years specializing in internal medicine and geriatrics. He is certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine as well as the American Board of Internal Medicine – Geriatric Medicine, among others. Dr. McMillen holds members in many organizations, including the Missouri State Medical Society, the American Medical Director Association, Missouri Association of Long Term Care Physicians, American Association of Hospice and Palliative Care Physicians, and the American Geriatrics Society. He also served on the Board of Regents of Missouri Western State College Board of Regents. In 2008, he was honored with the Dr. Robert R. Stuber Physician Recognition award and Ingram’s Top Doctor Selection.
Slot: One of Two Non-primary Care Physicians.
Carmen D. Parker-Bradshaw
Carmen D. Parker-Bradshaw, Springfield, serves as the Director of Care Management Projects for the Sisters of Mercy Health System, an integrated health system which implements and advocates for innovative health and social services to improve the health and quality of life of communities served, with particular concern for people who are economically poor. Prior to this, Ms. Parker-Bradshaw served as the Executive Director for The Health Commission; Health Policy Administrator for the Springfield-Greene County Health Department and a health policy fellow for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Global Health Affairs in Washington, D.C. Ms. Parker-Bradshaw has bachelor degrees in government and biology and a masters degree in public administration with a concentration in health policy. Ms. Parker-Bradshaw is an active member of several community boards and organizations.
Slot: Consumer Representative.
Dr. Joseph Parks
Dr. Joseph Parks serves as the Chief Clinical Officer for the Department of Mental Health as well as the Director for the Division of Comprehensive Psychiatric Services for the State of Missouri Department of Mental Health in Jefferson City. He also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Missouri Institute of Mental Health and University of Missouri in Columbia. He serves as President of the Medical Director’s Council of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors. He practices psychiatry on an outpatient basis at Family Health Center, a federally funded community health center established to expand services to uninsured and underinsured patients in the Columbia area. Dr. Parks has authored or co-authored a number of original articles, monographs, technical papers, and reviews on implementation of Evidence Based Medicine and Pharmacy Utilization Management and behavioral treatment programs. His work has appeared in several journals. He was awarded the 2006 American Psychiatric Association Bronze Achievement Award for a program controlling pharmacy costs by improving prescribing practices.
Slot: DMH Representative (ex officio member).
Joseph E. Pierle
Joseph E. Pierle, Jefferson City, was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Missouri Primary Care Association in April 1999. The Association serves as a voice for the medically underserved and represents Missouri’s community health centers, or FQHCs. Prior to this appointment, he worked for United States Senator Christopher S. Bond in Washington D.C., serving as an advisor on issues concerning health, children, the elderly, and veterans. Mr. Pierle has shared his experience as a member of the National Advisory Committee on the National Health Service Corps, MOHITECH Advisory Board, and as a board member of the National Association of Community Health Centers. He is currently the board chair of the Central Missouri Chapter of the March of Dimes, MO HealthNet QI Council, Governor’s Advisory Council on Physical Fitness and Health, Community Advisory Board to the UMKC School of Dentistry, and Community Advisory Council to the Missouri Foundation for Health. Mr. Pierle received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas and a masters in public administration from George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. He also received a certificate from the UCLA Anderson School of Management for completing a health care executive program. He has been honored by the March of Dimes for his work promoting healthier babies, the National Association of Children’s Hospitals for child advocacy efforts, and by the National Association of Community Health Centers for Exceptional Service on behalf of community health.
Slot: DIFP Representative.
Mark Sanford
Mark Sanford, St. Louis, serves as the Executive Vice President of Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers in St. Louis. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Washington University, graduating magna cum laude; he received his Master’s degree from St. Louis University in Health Care Administration where he was honored as an A.U.P.H.A. Fellow; and his Nursing degree from St. Louis Community College. He has worked for People’s Health Centers, a federally qualified health center, since 1989. His responsibilities progressed from outreach coordinator, planning and development officer, chief financial officer to his present position. Prior to working for People’s Health Centers, he served as Vice President of St. Mary’s Hospital of East St. Louis. Sanford has hands on experience understanding of principles and practices of community health, healthcare delivery systems, and program development along with 29 years experience in health administration. Sanford’s many past community activities include involvement in the several groups and organizations including the American Heart Association, Promise Center for the Developmentally Disabled among several others. Current responsibilities are supervision of the program, outreach and business development areas of senior healthcare management including: service expansion, project development and implementation, grant writing, community development, facility maintenance and patient navigation. In his free time he enjoys traveling and is the proud father of two children.
Slot: One of Two Patient Advocates.
Senator Rob Schaaf
Senator Rob Schaaf, represents Buchanan and Platte counties in northwest Missouri. Before being elected to the Senate, Senator Schaaf represented Andrew and northwest Buchanan County (District 28) in the Missouri House of Representatives. He was elected to the House in November 2002 and served for four two-year terms. Senator Schaaf has been a family physician in northwest Missouri since 1985 and is Chairman of the Board of the Missouri Doctors Mutual Insurance Company (MoDocs), which he helped form in 2004 to provide medical liability insurance to Missouri doctors. In addition to his legislative duties, Senator Schaaf is a member of the St. Joseph Area Chambers of Commerce; past president of the Buchanan County Medical Society; the Missouri Pilots Association; councilor of the Missouri State Medical Association; and a board member of the Missouri State Medical Foundation. Senator Schaaf is also a devout Christian. Senator Schaaf received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from Missouri Western State College (now Missouri Western State University) in 1979, and earned his medical degree from St. Louis University School of Medicine in 1983. Senator Schaaf resides in St. Joseph with his wife and their two children.
Slot: Member-Senate, Appointed by the Senate President Pro-Tem.
Ingrid D. Taylor
Ingrid D. Taylor, MD, Clayton, is a board-certified family physician with Capital Region Medical Center’s Edgewood Family Practice in Jefferson City. In addition to her practice, Dr. Taylor is President and CEO of Allies in Healthcare, LLC and Allies in Healthcare Publishing, LLC. The mission of Allies in Healthcare is to provide supportive health information through multimedia venues to both patients and health providers. Dr. Taylor has been on staff at the Institute for Research and Education in Family Medicine and practiced family medicine at the John C. Murphy Health Center, Evangelical Children’s Home, and the Community in Partnership Services Health Center – all of which serve the underserved and underinsured. Dr. Taylor received her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans and was a Kruker Scholar at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. She completed her internship in surgery/urology at the University of Cincinnati Hospital and finished her residency in family medicine at Kansas University Medical Center. Dr. Taylor is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians; the St. Louis Metropolitan, Missouri state, and national medical associations; and the Mound City Medical Forum. She has served on the Board of Directors of Health Literacy Missouri; Board of Trustees of the National Medical Association (NMA); and received the NMA’s 2007 Woman in Medicine Award.
Slot: One of Two Primary Care Physicians.
Corinne A. Walentik
Corinne A. Walentik, M.D., M.P.H., University City, is currently Professor of Pediatrics/Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at Saint Louis University. She received an Honor A.B. (1970), M.D. (1974), and M.P.H. (1992), all from Saint Louis University. She is Board certified in Pediatrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, and is a certified physician executive. Dr. Walentik served as co-Director/Director of the NICU at St. Louis City Hospital (1979-1985) and Chair of the Department of Neonatology at St. Louis Regional Medical Center (1985-1996). She returned as full time faculty at Saint Louis University in 1997 and serves as attending physician at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center, St. Mary’s Health Center, and St. Anthony’s Medical Center. In addition, she has broad experience in community public health, serving on the Boards of Nurses for Newborns Foundation, the St. Louis Maternal, Child, Family Health Coalition, and Health and Dental Care for Kids. Dr. Walentik serves as a commissioner of the St. Louis Regional Health Commission and chairs its Provider Services Advisory Board. She was a founding member of the Missouri Foundation of Health Community Advisory Committee (2000-2006) and was elected to the Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2006 where she chairs the Program and Grants Committee and serves as Vice Chair of the Board. She has also served as president of the Missouri Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and recently finished six years of service on the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Child Health Financing. She has received a number of local awards for her community effort including the UMSL Non-Social Worker of the Year, the Saint Louis University School of Public Health M.P.H. Alumni Award, the Nurses for Newborns Champion for Babies Award, and the St. Louis Maternal, Child, Family Health Coalition Provider Award.
Slot: One of Two Non-primary Care Physicians.
7/11/11