Formed on September 29, 2020, the Clinical Advisory Task Force is an independent group of scientists and health experts who work together to advise New York State officials on vaccine safety and effectiveness. The Task Force was created to foster trust between researchers, the government, and the general public, as well as to reduce vaccine skepticism and hesitancy. After the FDA’s official recommendation of the Moderna vaccine, the Clinical Advisory Task Force worked extremely efficiently, approving the vaccine within a day and ensuring that New Yorkers had early access to their first shots.
Carlos Cuevas
Chief Strategy Officer, SOMOS Community Care
Carlos is the chief strategy officer at SOMOS, Independent Practice Association. SOMOS is a network of over 2,500 diverse, community-based providers that deliver culturally competent health care to predominantly low-income and minority communities in New York City. SOMOS’ patient population comprises over 20% of the New York City Medicaid population, a group that faces significant challenges accessing and maintaining care, including language barriers and social determinants of health. At SOMOS, Carlos is responsible for helping community-based physicians transition and thrive in an era of new payment models where reimbursements are tied to outcomes rather than volume.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Helping members of my community gain access to high-quality, culturally competent health care.
What is your favorite form of exercise?
Elliptical.
Do you have a favorite healthy meal?
Stuffed red bell peppers.
Tom D’Angelo
Chairman of the Board, Pharmacists Society of the State of New York
Tom D’Angelo is the current chairman of the board for the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York, an organization representing over 28,000 pharmacists and thousands of independent pharmacies. In addition to advancing PSSNY’s mission of promoting public health by offering resources and support to pharmacists, Mr. D’Angelo works with state policy makers to strengthen protections for independent pharmacies, such as the one he co-owns on Long Island.
Alexandro Damiron
Executive Vice President of Operations and Chief of Staff, SOMOS Community Care
Alexandro Damiron is the executive vice president of operations and chief of staff at SOMOS Community Care, a non-profit, physician-led network of 2,500 health care providers, launched in 2015 and serving close to one million Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries in New York City. A native of the Dominican Republic, Mr. Damiron specializes in implementing and managing new initiatives that support the education and progress of minority community physicians, and he has been pivotal in SOMOS’s extraordinary work to fight the COVID-19 pandemic in NYC and nationwide.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Everyday that I work with the most motivated and hard-working staff ever, brings so much satisfaction.
What is your favorite form of exercise?
Basketball as a proud Dominican.
Do you have a favorite healthy meal?
I take care of myself. Grilled fish and veggies are a favorite.
Kenneth L. Davis
Chief Executive Officer, Mount Sinai Health System
Kenneth L. Davis, M.D., chief executive officer of the Mount Sinai Health System, is widely recognized as a visionary leader who has placed Mount Sinai at the forefront of building a population-health and value-based model of care focused on wellness, health equity, and prevention. In 2013, the Mount Sinai Health System was formed by the combination of The Mount Sinai Medical Center and Continuum Health Partners, becoming one of the largest nonprofit systems in the country with eight billion dollars in revenue, 42,000 employees, eight hospitals, and more than 410 ambulatory practices.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Leading this great institution and community of health professionals and scientists.
Emma DeVito
President and Chief Executive Officer, VillageCare
With a concentration in finance, management, and strategic planning, Emma DeVito’s career spans more than 25 years. She led VillageCare’s reconfiguration and reform of its long-term and chronic care services, shifting the emphasis from institutionalized care to community-based services. As a member of the Governor-appointed Medicaid Redesign Team II, Emma worked alongside government officials, as well as a select number of other health care industry stakeholders, to identify changes necessary to New York State’s Medicaid program to help ensure recurring savings while protecting beneficiaries.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Working with an amazing team that is committed to improving the lives of seniors in NYC.
What is your favorite form of exercise?
Walking.
Do you have a favorite healthy meal?
Ginger rice bowl with fried egg, avocado, and veggies.
Michael Dowling
President and Chief Executive Officer, Northwell Health
Michael Dowling is one of health care’s most influential voices, taking a stand on societal issues such as gun violence and immigration that many health system CEOs shy away from. As president and CEO of Northwell Health, he leads a clinical, academic and research enterprise with a workforce of more than 77,000 and annual revenue of $15 billion. Prior to joining Northwell in 1995, Mr. Dowling served in New York State government for 12 years in leadership roles such as director of health, education and human services, commissioner of social services, and a chief adviser to former Governor Mario Cuomo.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Spending time with Northwell’s staff – especially our dedicated front line health care workers.
What is your favorite form of exercise?
Exercising with weights in the gym.
Do you have a favorite healthy meal?
A big salad.
Rose Duhan
President and Chief Executive Officer, Community Health Care Association of New York State
In her role as president and CEO of CHCANYS, Rose Duhan passionately advocates for community-based care as the foundation of an equitable health care system. Ms. Duhan argues on behalf of community health centers, which offer a practical and efficient way of providing affordable, high-quality primary care to underserved groups. She also leads her team in working with policy makers, engaging in conversations and educating them on the needs and benefits of community health centers.
Sharen Duke
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Alliance for Positive Change
Sharen I. Duke has served as executive director and CEO of Alliance for Positive Change since its founding in 1990. Under her leadership, the nonprofit has grown from a three-person AIDS service agency into one of NYC’s premier multiservice community organizations that provides access to quality health care, housing, harm reduction, substance use treatment, mental health support, and PATH to Jobs — a renowned peer training and job placement program that cultivates leadership and economic mobility.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Attending Alliance’s Peer Graduations.
What is your favorite form of exercise?
Running.
Do you have a favorite healthy meal?
Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box.
Deanna Ennello-Butler
Executive Director, Pharmacists Society of the State of New York
As executive director, Deanna Ennello-Butler leads the Pharmacists Society of the State of New York in its efforts to advance the profession of pharmacy. Ms. Ennello-Butler works with stakeholders, sponsors, and members to establish a legislative agenda, increase revenue, and grow the organization’s brand recognition. Before assuming her current position in 2019, Ms. Ennello-Butler served as assistant vice president of development at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
