The National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Board of Directors and Leadership team is united by a single purpose: to save lives through the prevention and cure of ovarian cancer and to improve the quality of life for survivors and their caregivers. Our leaders bring diverse expertise, passion, and commitment to every aspect of our mission. Together, they provide the vision and guidance that fuel our programs, strengthen communities, and accelerate progress towards a world where no one ever loses their life to ovarian cancer.
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition Board of Directors and Leadership
As Chief Executive Officer for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, Melissa leads the strategic direction and day to day operations of the organization's mission. Under her leadership, the organization has seen significant and meaningful growth in their slate of mission programs and services, while continuing to extend their reach nationwide. In addition to improving business processes that have led to operational efficiencies and expense reduction, she was also instrumental in achieving the organization’s highest revenue results to date through the rebranding of its signature event and expansion of its revenue portfolio.
An industry veteran and champion of women’s health, she brings over two decades of expertise in a large-scale nonprofit environment, including organizational structure and development to her role. She was previously with Susan G. Komen as the National Director of their legacy event, Race for the Cure® where she led a team of professionals in developing growth strategies for volunteer development and revenue generation for the organization’s 100 plus Affiliates around the globe.
Melissa’s personal passion and vision for the organization are to create a future where all women are knowledgeable about ovarian cancer and feel empowered to advocate for their health so that outcomes improve, and lives are saved.
Suzen Stewart is a math specialist in Connecticut. She has over twenty years of experience working in public education with students in grades 5-8. In her current role, she works with students, completes data analysis for the district, and works with colleagues to help improve math instruction. Suzen has served as the coordinator for the philanthropic student group at her school for several years. She also served as a caregiver to her sister, Jean Maday, who battled ovarian cancer for over 3 years. Suzen supported Jean throughout her treatments, joined by phone calls, texts, and hospital stays. Throughout Jean’s journey and since her passing Suzen has worked to raise awareness, funds and educate others about ovarian cancer. She believes the caregiver role is tremendously important to the patient but also needs its own support.
Dr. Meredith Mitstifer is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist for the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Prior to her 13 years with the Bureau, she was a psychologist for the Arizona Department of Corrections Death Row & Special Management Units. Meredith was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at the age of 30, when she was four months pregnant. This year she celebrates 18 years of survivorship with her son. Meredith serves as NOCC's Chairman of the Board of Directors and has since 2018. She has presented and published research on perceived partner adaptation during a cancer diagnosis. She is a public speaker on vicarious trauma, transformational leadership and living both authentically and fearlessly after an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Meredith enjoys traveling with her son as they raise their voices together against this disease that whispers.
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides governance, accountability, and strategic oversight. These dynamic leaders bring diverse professional backgrounds and personal commitments to the fight against ovarian cancer. Together they strengthen advocacy efforts, expand the reach of NOCC, and ensure every decision aligns with our mission.
Debbie Robbins is an ovarian cancer survivor. Debbie is married to her husband Steve and they live in Asheville, North Carolina. Debbie is the mother of two beautiful daughters, Nicole and Leah, and Gigi to her grandson, Troy. After Debbie’s diagnosis in 2007, she knew she needed to be around women who knew what she was going through. Living in Texas at the time, she found the NOCC Dallas Chapter and participated in several of their Run/Walks. In 2011 Debbie and her husband moved to Phoenix and she immediately found the Valley of the Sun Chapter, becoming active immediately, eventually becoming a volunteer Chapter Coordinator. Prior to her diagnosis, she had no idea what the symptoms of ovarian cancer were. She considers herself “lucky” since they found hers early. It then became her personal mission to raise awareness so that other women would know the symptoms and, hopefully, save a life as a result. Debbie wants other women to be “lucky” (she likes to consider herself more “blessed” than “lucky”). Becoming a part of the NOCC helped Debbie do just that. Through the years, she has watched the NOCC grow and accomplish some amazing things. Debbie was beyond excited when she received the invitation to serve on the Board of Directors of the NOCC. She is looking forward to being a part of the great things the NOCC has accomplished and continues to accomplish all while continuing to pursue her personal mission to raise awareness of ovarian cancer.
Rhonda Reeve is a five-year Survivor of ovarian cancer who was elected to the NOCC Board of Directors in 2018. She has been associated with the organization as an active fundraiser and champion of awareness since 2016. Rhonda has worked in accounting and finance as a Certified Public Accountant for the past 30 years after graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting from West Texas State University. She now works with her husband in his law firm. She enjoys spending time with family, working out, gardening and tournament fishing for crappie as a member of Team Reeve. Team Reeve hosts two large fishing tournaments each year that raise awareness and funds for the NOCC. They also have a large boat that is wrapped with the NOCC logo that is a moving billboard for awareness! After diagnosis of Stage 3C ovarian cancer in 2015, this is the way they have chosen to make a difference.
Tiffani N. Mickens’ 16-year nursing career includes but is not limited to working in critical care nursing. She has experienced travel nursing, and for the past 11 years she has taught nursing at the collegial and university levels. Combined with her passion for teaching and hopes to do more in her community Tiffani continues to aspire and support her community to improve health literacy, health promotion and community awareness for women’s health conditions. She and her family have also experienced personal loss at the hand of ovarian cancer. Her cousin, Mrs. Belinda O’Neal Britton, educator and business owner, passed away after an 18-month battle with ovarian cancer. After many years of educating countless families and patients with life-threatening and even terminal health conditions, Tiffani now understood advocacy to be her “calling”.
Bio coming soon
Rick is a board-certified Gynecologic Oncologist and Director of Cancer Survivorship at the St. Luke’s University Health Network in Bethlehem, PA, where he also chairs the ACOS CoC Cancer Committee. After numerous family members were diagnosed with cancer, Rick found support, comfort, and wisdom in his patients’ experiences and narratives. With profound respect and admiration for their wisdom, he rededicated his career to the understanding of cancer survivorship. He began the Catherine Boulay Foundation, in honor of his grandmother, dedicated toward sharing the wisdom of cancer Survivorship. His numerous articles in the medical literature and lay press, written at the intersection of cancer and society, join his many recordings of therapeutic music and a recently Emmy-nominated documentary Close to Home: Cancer Survivorship, each sharing the wisdom of cancer survivorship. Join Rick on Twitter @journeycancer.
Eric comes to the NOCC Board of Directors after 7 years as a caregiver for his wife of 35 years, Kathy, during their years battling and living joyfully with ovarian cancer. He also was a Caregiver Ambassador for the Our Way Forward Ovarian Cancer Program which helps healthcare providers, women living with ovarian cancer, and their loved ones work together to navigate the physical, emotional, and medical challenges that this disease brings. Eric was also a volunteer with the NOCC Delaware Valley Chapter prior to serving on the Board of Directors. Eric graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and holds an MBA in graduate studies. Eric worked in the Software Industry, developing, designing, and managing systems software and business processes within several industries, including Healthcare Providers over the final 6 years of his career. Eric and Kathy, who owned a Tea Room (The Talking Teacup), retired early to travel, live aboard their sailboat, and provide an inspirational example of living actively and joyfully while battling ovarian cancer. He resides in Pennsylvania when land based and on his sailboat on the Chesapeake and elsewhere as weather, season, and time permits. Eric enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, sailing, kayaking, and writing as well as advocating for ovarian cancer patients and caregivers.
Bio coming soon
Bonnie Miller is the Executive Director Southeastern Pennsylvania for US Oncology.
With over 25 years in Oncology and 20 years of leadership experience in Oncology . Bonnie has previously served as Assistant Vice President of Oncology Services for MD Anderson Cooper as well as Senior Advisor for Cancer Care. She also worked for Fox Chase Cancer Center as a Sr. Project Manager for the Partners Network and then as Administrative Director of the first Women's Cancer Center. Prior to those roles, she worked as a clinical research nurse, nurse navigator and infusion nurse anchoring her love for Oncology, and in particular GYN Oncology. Bonnie received her nursing diploma from Abington School of Nursing, and her bachelor's degree from Immaculata University. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Medical Administrators (FAAMA), and has served on the board in various capacities for the Academy of Oncology Administrators (ACOA).
Bonnie is married to Wayne, and they have two grown children, Beveline and Mark. She also has two dogs, Millie and Bella. She loves to spend time in Ocean City, New Jersey and enjoys being involved in her local church working with children's ministry. She is also a health coach and is committed to helping others on their health journey. Some of her passions include: Tai Chi, decorating, crafting, music, reading, walking, biking, pickleball, and spending time with family and friends.
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Jeff Schwartz, President of Ashton Manor Environmental—a leading landscape contracting firm in the DC/Baltimore area- serves the NOCC Board with deep personal commitment, inspired by the memory of his sister Debra. Jeff is a passionate advocate for ovarian cancer awareness and has been a consistent presence at Team Teal events, including Kilimanjaro, Tour de Tucson, TD5 NYC Boro Bike Tour and the Annapolis Together in Teal Walk.
Beyond his advocacy work, Jeff has held leadership roles on several boards, such as the Literacy Council of Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Forest Conservation Advisory Committee, and WorkSource Montgomery. His work reflects a strong belief in community impact and positive change. At NOCC, Jeff is proud to help drive efforts that fund research, educate the public, and support those affected by ovarian cancer.
Beyond his advocacy work, Jeff has held leadership roles on several boards, such as the Literacy Council of Montgomery County, the Montgomery County Forest Conservation Advisory Committee, and WorkSource Montgomery. His work reflects a strong belief in community impact and positive change. At NOCC, Jeff is proud to help drive efforts that fund research, educate the public, and support those affected by ovarian cancer.
Bio coming soon
Staff Leaders
The staff leadership team works every day to bring our mission to life. Through program development, community engagement, and patient resources, they deliver meaningful support for survivors, caregivers, and families.
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Medical and Scientific Advisory Board
The Medical and Scientific Advisory Board is composed of leading gynecologic oncologists, researchers, and healthcare experts. Their guidance ensures NOCC programs reflect the latest science, inform our educational resources, and advance clinical and research priorities.
Rebecca Arend, MD
Associate Professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Jennifer Barton, PhD
Professor, University of Arizona
Michael Birrer, MD
Vice-Chancellor, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Stephanie Blank, MD
Director, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Richard Boulay, MD
St. Luke's University Health Network
Michael Bookman, MD
Director, Gynecologic Oncology Therapeutics, Kaiser Permanente, Northern California
Heidi Donovan, PhD, RN
Professor of Nursing and Medicine Co-Director, National Center on Family Support Director, GynOnc Family CARE Center, University of Pittsburgh
Linda Duska, MD
Lawrence Penniston Family Endowed Professor of Women’s Oncology Research, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Associate Dean for Clinical Research, UVA School of Medicine Interim Senior Associate Dean for Research, UVA School of Medicine
Melissa Hardesty, MD
Gynecologic Oncology, MPH, Alaska Women’s Cancer Care
Enrique Hernandez, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Elizabeth Jewell, MD
Vice-Chair, Regional Network and Affiliates, Director of Surgery MSK Monmouth & BSK, Director of BSK Monmouth OR's, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Sheila Jones
NOCC Volunteer - AZ, Patient Advocate
Jayanthi Lea, MD
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, UT Southwestern Medical Center
Nita Lee, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Section of Gynecologic Oncology, Assistant Director, University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
Sharyn Lewin, MD
Director for the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at Holy Name
Suzy Lockwood, PhD, MSN
Associate Dean for Nursing and Nurse Anesthesia; Director, Center for Oncology Education & Research, Texas Christian University
Scott Richard, MD
Summit Health
*Debra Richardson, MD, Medical & Scientific Advisory Board Chair
Associate Professor, Section of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, NOCC Board of Directors, *Vice-Chair, NOCC Medical & Scientific Advisory Board, Chair
Sarah Taylor, MD
Assistant Professor Gynecologic Oncology, University of Pittsburgh/UPMC
Shannon Westin, MD
Associate Professor, Dept. of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Jason Wright, MD
Chief, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Columbia University
Kristin Zorn, MD
Senior Medical Director, IVQIA Biotech
