David S. Wilkes, MD, CEO
David S. Wilkes, M.D., is a physician scientist, mentor, philanthropist, administrator and entrepreneur. For over 30 years, Dr. Wilkes has been committed to creating opportunities and opening doors for individuals, ranging from students to senior faculty, to fulfill their dreams of advancing to leadership in academic medicine and science. Examples of his commitment to training the next generation include serving as principal investigator on numerous NIH-funded training grants, including a Bridges to the Doctorate grant to train PhD candidates, multiple T32 grants to train MDs, PhDs, medical and graduate students.
For thirteen years, Dr. Wilkes served as the National Director of the eminent Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program. At the Indiana University School of Medicine, he was the Director of the Strategic Research Initiative and the Physician Scientist Initiative. At the University of Virginia School of Medicine, he directed the Physician Scientist Initiative and developed the foundation for the Health Leadership Institute. He has served as a PhD thesis advisor for numerous doctoral candidates, as well as a primary mentor/sponsor for individual faculty, post-doctoral fellows, graduate and medical students. His trainees have achieved high level leadership roles in academic medicine, industry, and higher education. Dr. Wilkes has received numerous national awards for his mentoring and career development activities.
His academic appointments include serving as Dean at the University of Virginia School of Medicine where he currently serves as Dean Emeritus. Before University of Virginia, Dr. Wilkes was the Executive Associate Dean for Research Affairs at Indiana University School of Medicine and Assistant Vice President for Research at Indiana University. Currently, Dr. Wilkes is Professor of Medicine Emeritus at Indiana University.
An NIH-funded investigator for over two decades, Dr. Wilkes led pioneering research in lung immunology. Studies from his lab resulted in drug discovery and becoming the founder of ImmuneWorks Inc. In administrative and advisory roles, Dr. Wilkes serves on the Board of Visitors of the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University and the Board of Trustees at Villanova University. He is a current member of the Board of Directors for Baxter International, past board member of Syneos Health, and is a scientific advisor to multiple biotech/pharma companies.
Dr. Wilkes obtained his undergraduate degree in Biology from Villanova University before receiving his medical degree from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. He completed an internship and residency at Temple University Hospital, and a pulmonary and critical care fellowship at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. A military veteran, Dr. Wilkes served three years as a major in the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps where he earned a commendation medal for service.
Dr. Wilkes and his wife, Toni Eldridge Wilkes, MD, a retired obstetrician/gynecologist, have provided millions of dollars in philanthropic support of trainees seeking career development to achieve success in higher education, medicine and science. Married for over four decades, they are the proud parents of two highly successful adult children and two grandchildren.
Nina Ardery, MA, MBA, COO
Nina Ardery has more than 30 years of experience as the Deputy Director of the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. She managed the application process, oversaw the implementation of partnerships, and instituted a comprehensive leadership training and career development program. She earned a BA in Germanic Languages and Psychology, an MA in Applied Linguistics, and an MBA in Finance and International Business, all from Indiana University, Bloomington.
Monica Reiff, Senior Program Services Officer
Monica Reiff has a multifaceted background with experience in the legal field, research finance, and strategic program development. She began her career as a paralegal in major law firms in New York and New Jersey before transitioning into research administration and financial management.
Monica has successfully led initiatives that advance academic and institutional growth at the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Indiana University School of Social Work, where she was responsible for fiscal management and compliance of over $24 million in state, federal, and nonprofit awards. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Rutgers University, and is passionate about building systems that support sustainable, mission-driven work.
Board
James R. Gavin III, MD, PhD, Chair
James R. Gavin III, MD, PhD, is a renowned physician-scientist with a profound impact on diabetes research, clinical care, and healthcare leadership training. With both a medical degree and a PhD in biochemistry, his research focused on understanding the pathophysiology of diabetes, with particular attention to the cellular and molecular pathways that regulate glucose metabolism and insulin signaling. His work has provided insights into the role of inflammatory processes, oxidative stress, and genetic factors in the development of insulin resistance and beta-cell dysfunction. He has also conducted significant research on the development of new pharmacological therapies aimed at improving insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
In his academic and administrative roles, Dr. Gavin has been a strong advocate for translational research, working to bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice. He was a Senior Science Officer at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) from 1991 through 2002 and served as the director of the HHMI-NIH Research Scholars Program, helping to prepare medically-trained individuals for research careers. He was National Director of the Minority Medical Education Program (later the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program), programs designed to improve the numbers of historically-underrepresented groups in medicine and dentistry. He was one of the founding organizers of the Harold Amos Medical Faculty Development Program, and served as Director for 20 years. As President of the Morehouse School of Medicine, he emphasized the importance of research in improving healthcare outcomes for underserved populations. Under his leadership, the school advanced its research initiatives on diabetes and other chronic diseases. In this role, he also mentored numerous students, residents, and young researchers, fostering the next generation of physician-scientists dedicated to advancing diabetes care.
As President of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), Dr. Gavin influenced national healthcare policy related to diabetes prevention, treatment, and education. He played a key role in shaping ADA guidelines and educational programs aimed at improving diabetes care and reducing health disparities. His work at the ADA also included promoting greater awareness of the importance of lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, in managing diabetes, alongside pharmacological treatments. He was one of the original organizers of the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP), and served as National Chairman for 4 years. He has served on multiple corporate boards, including Baxter, Amylin, Baxalta, Nuvelo, MicroIslet, and Equidyne.
Gavin is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, a member of the American Association of Physicians (AAP) and the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and has been recognized with multiple lifetime achievement awards for his leadership and innovation in diabetes care, and for his contributions to mentorship. He was selected as Mentor of the Year by the Endocrine Society in 2022. He has served as faculty for the PRIDE Programs at SUNY-Downstate, NYU, Washington University, and the University of Miami. He holds memberships in numerous scientific and medical societies, including the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), the Endocrine Society, and the American Society of Clinical Investigation (ASCI), where he is acknowledged for his contributions to advancing the field of endocrinology and metabolic diseases. He also served as chairman of the board of directors for the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA), co-led by honorary chair and former First Lady Michelle Obama. He is Chairman Emeritus of the PHA, Trustee Emeritus for Emory University, served on the board of Duke University and currently serves on the board of trustees at Livingstone College.
Martha Liggett, JD
Martha Liggett is a distinguished administrative leader known for her significant contributions to nonprofit governance, medical research organizations, and professional societies. She has served as the Executive Director of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) for over two decades, where she has played a critical role in shaping the society’s strategic direction, expanding its global reach, and strengthening its influence in hematology research, education, and policy.
With a legal background specializing in nonprofit and health law, Liggett has been instrumental in guiding ASH’s advocacy efforts, regulatory initiatives, and research funding programs. Under her leadership, ASH has launched major initiatives such as the ASH Research Collaborative, which accelerates scientific discovery and clinical trials for blood disorders, and the Sickle Cell Disease Initiative, aimed at improving treatment and global awareness of sickle cell disease.
Ms. Liggett was a member of the board of directors of the Council of Medical Specialty Societies beginning in 2019 and served as its president-elect, president, and past president, respectively, from 2000 to 2022. She served on the membership committee (2020-2024) and served as the chair of the nominating committee in 2023. Ms. Liggett served on the board of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) from 2013 to 2016, during which time she served on its Awards, Leadership, and Audit Committees. She continues as a member of the ASAE Key Professionals Associations Committee, on which she served as Vice Chair and Chair (2009-2010). She is also a member of the Key Global Associations Committee. Ms. Liggett was a member of the board of directors of the Association Mutual Health Insurance Company (AMHIC) from 2005 to 2010.
Prior to joining ASH, Ms. Liggett was assistant professor at Boston University School of Dental Medicine; Associate Professor at Georgetown University School of Dentistry; and served as General Counsel and Assistant Executive Director at the American Association of Dental Schools.
Stan Miller, JD
Stan Miller is a renowned estate planning attorney, entrepreneur, and author known for his expertise in wealth preservation and legacy planning. He is the co-founder of Pinnacle Legacy Law, where he has helped families and business owners develop comprehensive estate plans that protect assets and ensure lasting legacies.
With decades of experience in estate and business succession planning, Miller has guided countless clients in structuring their financial futures with strategies that align with their values and long-term goals. He is also a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of estate law. Miller is the author of Your American Legacy, a book that goes beyond traditional estate planning by emphasizing the importance of passing down not just wealth, but also values, wisdom, and a meaningful family legacy.
Katherine L. Peck, MBA
Katherine L. Peck, MBA, has been a distinguished leader in academic medicine administration, with a career spanning key roles at both Indiana University and the University of Virginia with a strong foundation in organizational management and strategic planning.
At Indiana University School of Medicine, Peck served as the Executive Associate Dean for Administration and Financial Services. In this capacity, she oversaw financial planning, facility management, information services, technology, and human resources, contributing to the institution’s growth and operational excellence.
Following her tenure at Indiana University, Peck joined the University of Virginia School of Medicine as the Chief Operating Officer. In this role, she was responsible for the school’s administrative and financial operations, playing a pivotal role in advancing its mission of education, research, and clinical care.
She has been very active in the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) Group on Business Affairs serving on many committees and as the National Chair. Peck’s leadership has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical school operations, ensuring that both institutions maintained high standards in medical education and research.
Roderic I. Pettigrew, MD, PhD
Roderic I. Pettigrew, MD, PhD, is a distinguished physician-scientist, bioengineer, and leader in biomedical imaging and healthcare innovation. He was the founding director of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) at NIH, where he played a pivotal role in advancing interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering and medicine.
Dr. Pettigrew is internationally recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to cardiovascular MRI, which have significantly enhanced diagnostic imaging techniques. Currently, he serves as CEO of Engineering Health (EnHealth) and Executive Dean for Engineering Medicine (EnMed) at Texas A&M University, leading efforts to integrate engineering solutions into medical practice.
His exceptional contributions have earned him numerous prestigious honors and awards. He is a member of both the National Academy of Medicine and the National Academy of Engineering, making him one of the few individuals elected to both esteemed institutions. He has also received the Gold Medal Award from the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) for his pioneering work in MRI. Additionally, he was named the inaugural recipient of the National Academy of Engineering’s Gordon Prize for Innovation in Engineering and Medicine, recognizing his transformative efforts in merging engineering with healthcare education.