Public Health Institute Welcomes Four New Board Members, New Slate of Officers

SPRINGFIELD — The Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts (PHIWM) announced the addition of four new members to its board of directors, as of Jan. 25.

Amanda Lesnick is vice president of Support Services at Gándara Center, where she provides strategic, mission-focused leadership of the Prevention and Community Services division. Last year, she served as a non-board member of the PHIWM board’s governance committee.

Geoff Naunheim is the executive director of the United Way of Franklin and Hampshire Region. He started working there in 2017 in a community-investment role before becoming executive director.

Lizzy Ortiz is a senior community health worker and care coordinator at the Community Care Cooperative ACO. Over the years, she has worked with various state and local agencies.

Anni Zhu is chief of staff at Way Finders, where she leads policy and advocacy efforts and manages strategic planning and special projects. She is an urban planner and former educator.

“We are thrilled to welcome Amanda, Geoff, Lizzy, and Anni to our Board,” said Jessica Collins, executive director of PHIWM. “They bring a remarkable blend of lived experience with inequities, leadership, dedication, and diverse expertise in areas such as community services, philanthropy, healthcare, and urban planning that will undoubtedly enrich our organization.”

In addition to the new board members, PHIWM announced a new slate of officers. Taking on the role of president is Luz Lopez of Breaking Oppression. Sarah Morgan of Health New England was elected vice president. Kim Robinson of the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission will continue her role as clerk, and Amale Neary of the Center for Human Development will continue serving as treasurer.

“It’s an exciting time for the PHIWM,” Lopez said. “We look forward to our continued support of the organization’s vision of ensuring all people within our region have access to what they need to lead healthy lives.”

Other board members include Johnetta Baymon of Deliverance Center Ministries, Gloria Caballero Roca of Bard Micro College, Rachel Gordon of Movement Voter Project, Kimberley Lee of MiraVista Behavioral Health Center, Edna Rodriguez of Trinity Health Of New England, Doug Salvador of Baystate Health, Illana Steinhauer of Volunteer in Medicine ­– Berkshires, and Linda Thompson of Westfield State University.