Working together to provide health care for all

Ollie Idowu, JD, MPH

President + Chief Executive Officer

Ollie joined IPHCA as President + CEO in May 2021 following more than 10 years of continuous leadership as a healthcare business leader and development strategist.

Ollie led growth at a broad range of organizations, from two Fortune 500 managed care companies, to a start-up data-analytics company. He previously served as the Director of State Governmental Affairs at IPHCA. He regularly puts into practice many of the lessons learned from the last decade of innovation in health care.

The mission and purpose of our members is so vital to improving the health and well-being of communities across our state. Ollie is eager to advocate for Illinois’ community health centers so every person and community across the state can access the cutting-edge, compassionate care they need to thrive.

Chicago born, Ollie grew up in Lagos, Nigeria and lives in Geneva, Illinois with his family. He received his bachelor’s degree from Eureka College, his master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Illinois at Springfield and a Juris Doctor from Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School.

Cheri Hoots Tabor, RN

Chief Operating Officer

Cheri has been with IPHCA since 2017 and served first as Senior Vice President of Health Center and Clinical Operations before becoming the Chief Operating Officer.

Prior to joining IPHCA, she spent one year with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS – Illinois Medicaid Program) Office of Inspector General as a Peer Review Nurse Manager and five years as the Assistant Chronic Disease Division Chief for the Office of Health Promotion Illinois Department of Public Health. Before her work with state government, Cheri spent 17 years at the Springfield Urban League, Inc. (local nonprofit organization) as the Director of Workforce and Community Empowerment. There she was responsible for directing training and technical assistance for all Illinois public health and human services department staff.

Cheri’s career has revolved around improving the health outcomes of Illinoisans as is evident by her extensive clinical experience in both state government and non-profit management.

Cheri has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and is a Registered Professional Nurse. She has worked in the clinical areas of Maternal Child Health, Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, Health Promotion and Home Health throughout her career.

When not at the office, Cheri enjoys spending time with her family, making jewelry and other crafts, binge-watching Netflix series and traveling.

Robert Seipel, MBA, CPA

Chief Financial Officer

Robert joined the IPHCA team in May 2023 as Chief Financial Officer.  Prior to joining IPHCA, he served as the Director of Finance at HSHS St. John’s Hospital and was previously a Senior Manager in Crowe LLP’s healthcare group.  Robert is excited to oversee the financial matters of IPHCA and support a team that is committed to advancing the important mission and purpose of its members.

Robert is a CPA and a graduate of Indiana University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in Accounting and MBA in Accounting.

Outside the office, Robert enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Cyrus Winnett

Chief Public Affairs Officer

Cyrus joined the IPHCA team in early 2019 as Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Governmental Affairs and was named Chief Public Affairs Officer in July 2023. Prior to joining IPHCA, he served as Vice President of Health & Long-Term Care Policy for the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (IARF) and Associate Director of the Illinois Association of Medicaid Health Plans (IAMHP).

Cyrus is responsible for effectuating public policy and legislation at both the state and federal levels, advancing the mission of community health centers. He works closely with the state’s Medicaid authority (the Department of Healthcare and Family Services), the Illinois General Assembly, federal health care agencies, Congress and other health care trade and advocacy organizations.

After earning Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Illinois State University, Cyrus has focused his professional career on improving the health care delivery system. He is motivated by the belief that everyone should have access to high-quality, affordable health care.

Cyrus is a proud husband and father of two who enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, golf and St. Louis Cardinals baseball.

Naila Al Hasni, MPH, PCMH CCE

Associate Director of Clinical Quality Improvement

Naila began her career at IPHCA as a Grants Program Coordinator in 2017. Prior to officially joining the IPHCA team, she completed an internship with IPHCA as part of her graduate program. During the internship, she assisted in the development of the ‘Performances and Promising Practices Binders’ resource for health centers based on the Uniform Data System’s clinical indicators.

Naila has always been interested in healthcare since working as a certified nursing assistant in high school. Her passion for serving underserved communities strengthened over time through various volunteer and outreach projects in her community.

Naila is a graduate of Benedictine University in Lisle, IL, where she completed her undergraduate degree in biology. She also received a Master of Public Health degree from Benedictine University with a certificate in Epidemiology.

In her free time, Naila enjoys traveling, exploring different cultures, baking, DIY projects and reading.

Dwain Barker

Communications + Graphic Design Specialist

Dwain Barker is a creative professional with more than 14 years of experience in graphic design, branding, and marketing across industries including health care, education, and small business development. With a strong focus on visual storytelling and brand identity, he brings ideas to life through thoughtful design and strategy that connect with audiences and elevate brands.

Outside of work, Dwain enjoys staying active through golf, soccer, and volleyball, as well as spending time outdoors gardening and tackling DIY projects.

Katie Blyth

Director of Governmental Affairs

Katie joined the IPHCA team in February 2026 as Director of Governmental Affairs. Prior to joining IPHCA, Katie worked at the Illinois Department of Human Services Office of Legislative Affairs as a legislative liaison. Before her time with the State of Illinois, Katie worked at Democrats for the Illinois House during the 2024 election cycle as campaign lead to State Rep. Lilian Jiménez.

Katie is responsible for aiding the implementation of the Association’s legislative agenda with the Illinois General Assembly and supporting IPHCA’s federal advocacy efforts. She works regularly with state agencies, various healthcare and human services organizations and legislators, advocating for the Association’s interests. On the federal level, she works in conjunction with NACHC to support Illinois health centers with members of Congress, HRSA, and CMS.

Katie earned her bachelor’s degree in public policy with a certificate in Women’s Studies from University of Maryland in 2021. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in public administration from DePaul University. Katie has a passion for Illinois politics and feels grateful to work in a space that focuses on addressing our healthcare systems’ inequities by providing holistic care to underserved populations.

Katie is a proud Chicagoan and mom to an orange cat. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at Lake Michigan, reading, playing pickleball, and trying new restaurants with friends.

Paula Campbell

Associate Vice President of Healthcare Access + Emergency Preparedness

Paula has been with IPHCA since 2014. Prior to joining the team, she served as Coordinator of Public Health Education and Community Development with Macoupin County Public Health Department for 16 years. Paula’s career in public health included working with public health issues like HIV, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, substance use and prevention, emergency preparedness, and much more. Paula has always worked toward identifying ways to reach vulnerable populations.

Paula made a commitment to her community and the greater community when she chose a path in public health. She was raised in a rural community, and still resides there. Paula has seen firsthand what the lack of access to good healthcare means to a community, family, and person.

Paula is an appointed member of the CMS Advisory Panel on Outreach and Education (APOE) for a 2 year term: September 9, 2023- September 9, 2025.

Paula is a graduate of Illinois State University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts in public health.

Outside of the office, Paula enjoys spending time with her family—including her four children, coaching youth sports such as basketball and soccer, supporting community programs such as PTO, Post Prom and church committees. Paula is also the founder of Macoupin Montgomery Addiction and Behavioral Coalition.

Ashley Colwell, MS, PHR

Vice President of Clinical Services
+ Workforce Development

Ashley has been with IPHCA since 2006 and currently serves as the Vice President of Clinical Services and Workforce Development. In this role, Ashley assists community health centers with their clinical workforce needs by administering IPHCA’s Clinician Recruitment Service, supporting the development of a clinician pipeline, serving as a local expert on state and federal loan repayment programs, and overseeing IPHCA’s oral health, behavioral health and chronic disease programming.

With nearly two decades of experience serving community health centers, Ashley offers a wealth of knowledge and expertise to IPHCA’s members. Growing up in a rural area, she understands the barriers many patients face in accessing care close to home.

Ashley received her Bachelor’s Degree from Western Illinois University in Communication Sciences and her Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior from Benedictine University. She also holds certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) from the HR Certification Institute.

Outside of work, Ashley enjoys home improvement projects, interior design, spending time with her family and attending her children’s many extracurricular activities.

Cassandra Curry

Membership + Training Coordinator

Cassandra joined IPHCA in June 2021 as the Membership and Training Coordinator. Cassandra assists with coordinating all training, event planning and management of internal and external events. She is also responsible for performing various member service and administrative duties for the association.

Previously, Cassandra worked as an Administrative Assistant in the Training Center Department at the Springfield Urban League for 30 years.  Outside of the office, Cassandra enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Katie Doolin

Director of Training + Member Services

Katie has been with IPHCA since 2008 with a year and a half break between 2019 and 2021.

She currently serves as the Director of Training and Member Services. In this role, Katie is responsible for assessing, managing and evaluating the training needs of the association. She is also responsible for managing logistics, scheduling, and on-site assistance for each training and event.

For member services, Katie is responsible for developing strategies and overseeing implementation of member programming and services, member renewal, engagement, recruitment and retention. She is also responsible for overseeing IPHCA’s database and learning management system.

Katie received her Bachelor’s Degree from Western Illinois University in Instructional Design and Technology and Graphic Communications.

Outside of work, Katie enjoys home improvement projects, cooking and spending time with her family and friends.

Beth Fox

Associate Vice President of Communications

Beth serves as Associate Vice President of Communications at IPHCA, where she provides strategic leadership for the association’s communications and brand strategy. Since joining IPHCA in February 2021, Beth has led the development and execution of integrated communications initiatives that elevate the visibility and impact of community health centers across the state. She oversees all internal and external communications, including digital strategy, media relations, public affairs messaging, and statewide marketing campaigns, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and policy goals.

Beth plays a key role in advancing IPHCA’s advocacy efforts, including high-impact communications strategies supporting 340B policy initiatives. Her work helps mobilize stakeholders, engage legislators, and amplify the voice of health centers in critical policy discussions. In addition to her communications leadership, Beth contributes to the planning and execution of IPHCA’s Annual Leadership Conference and other high-profile events that convene leaders from across the healthcare landscape.

Beth brings more than 25 years of experience in communications, marketing, and strategic leadership across the private and nonprofit sectors. She has a proven track record of building strong brands, leading high-performing teams, and developing integrated strategies that drive engagement and organizational impact.

Beth holds a Bachelor’s degree in Public Communications from American University. In addition to IPHCA, she serves as a Trustee for the Village of Sherman (Illinois), where she helps guide local policy decisions, supports community development initiatives, and works to ensure responsible governance and long-term sustainability for residents. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, cooking, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs.

Allorah Garner

Grants - Program Lead

Allorah joined IPHCA in 2021 and is a Program Coordinator for the Navigator grant. She began her time with the program as an assistant, where she built a foundation in data management, compliance oversight, and program operations. Over the years, her responsibilities have grown to include collaborating directly with sub-grantee organizations and providing support to strengthen their grant outcomes.

She is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Illinois Springfield. Through her studies and experience at IPHCA, Allorah has developed strong skills in coordination, analysis, and communication.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, drawing, playing video games here and there, and caring for her many pets.

Jean Garner, MBA

Workforce Development Manager

Jean supports the IPHCA member recruitment activities by running IPHCA’s Clinician Recruitment Service. She provides assistance to IPHCA members by posting jobs, sourcing candidates for jobs, referring candidates to centers, and also assisting in workforce and human resources needs at the health centers. 

Jean attended the University of Illinois in Springfield where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a focus on the individual in the organization, as well as a Master of Business Administration. She has served as a past board member for both MERCY and Helping Hands and is a graduate of Leadership Springfield.

Outside of the office she enjoys spending time with her family, listening to music and audiobooks.

Jennifer Howard

Associate Director of Accounting

Jennifer originally began working for IPHCA in September 2006 as the Accounting Specialist.  During her tenure, she received high accolades for her work. In June 2019, Jennifer moved offices and became the exclusive accounting manage for CQuest America, Inc. With great pleasure, IPHCA welcome Jennifer back to the accounting department in May 2022.

Outside of the office, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband, four grandchildren and her dog.  She also enjoys reading, relaxing, roller skating and baking.

Jeff Johnson

Senior System Administrator

Jeff Johnson is a dedicated and detail-oriented IT System Administrator with a strong foundation in managing and maintaining complex IT infrastructures. With a passion for clear communication, Jeff excels at bridging the gap between technical systems and user needs, ensuring seamless operations and support across all levels of an organization. Outside of work, he enjoys swimming and engaging in outdoor activities, which reflect his energetic and balanced approach to both life and career.

Barry Lacy

Associate Director of Community Development

Barry joined IPHCA in 2010 and is the Associate Director of Community Development. Barry started his career in health care by joining the Navy as a Medical Technician and serving on several submarines as care provider to the ship’s company. After some time in medical sales, Barry continued with health data as a data analyst prior to joining the team at IPHCA.

Working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Barry produces Health Professional Shortage Areas and designates Medical Underserved Areas and Populations for areas and for organizations. He also produces legislative maps along with any specialty maps needed for grant applications.

Barry enjoys the outdoors, particularly mountain hikes and ocean kayaking. He also referees soccer, enjoys cycling and spending time with his family and cats.

Jacob Lakin

Communications Manager

Jacob joined IPHCA in March 2024. Prior to joining the association, he worked as a graphic designer for an association management company, which included clients in the healthcare field. Jacob later worked as a creative designer at a law firm where he expanded his skills to web design. Jacob received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design from Millikin University.

As Communications Manager, Jacob is responsible for upkeeping and developing IPHCA’s branding and visual identity.

In his free time, he enjoys spending time with family, attending conventions, making ceramics, and spending time with his three cats.

Rylee McGuire

Grants - Program Lead

Rylee joined IPHCA in 2021 and serves as a Program Coordinator for the Navigator grant. She began her work with the program as an assistant, where she gained experience in data management, compliance oversight, and program coordination. Since then, her role has grown to include working more closely with sub-grantee organizations and supporting their success in the grant.

Rylee is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology at the University of Illinois Springfield. Her academic background and hands-on experience at IPHCA have allowed her to develop strong skills in program coordination, data analysis, and communication.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, cuddling with her cat, binging TV shows, going to the movies, antique or thrift shopping, and swimming when the weather is right!

Cristina McKay, MPH, PCMH CCE

Associate Director of Clinical Integration

Cristina has been with IPHCA since 2016 and previously served as the Grants Program Coordinator. She is a PCMH Certified Content Expert and provides technical assistance to federally qualified health centers during their transformation to becoming recognized as a patient-centered medical home. She also works with the DentaQuest Foundation and the Midwest Network for Oral Health Integration (MNOHI), focusing specifically on oral health integration.

Cristina received a Master of Public Health and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Springfield. Her passion is to improve the health of individuals and communities by promoting healthy lifestyles, preventing chronic diseases and providing education on overall health.

Outside of the office, Cristina enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, traveling and playing sports such as basketball, soccer and volleyball.

Michelle Sanders

Associate Director of Healthcare Access

Michelle joined IPHCA in April 2024 and is a community advocate and leader based in Peoria, Illinois. With a deep commitment to empowering others, she has dedicated her career to making a positive impact in her community. Michelle is known for her work in organizing and hosting events that focus on professional development and community engagement.

Michelle holds a degree in Business Management and Finance and brings more than 20 years of experience in community engagement, marketing, professional development, and public health. She has excelled in community outreach, patient navigations, grants management, fundraising, and business development, establishing herself as a community advocate and co-trainer for CHW 101 Basics.  Michelle is an expert in Community Health Worker (CHW) programming and development, with a strong dedication to education and community awareness. She earned her CHW basics certification through SIU Echo training.

Michelle’s professional journey encompasses a variety of roles, including Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator for Public Housing, Housing Program/Project Manager for Advocates for Access, Program Manager/Marketing for Area Agency on Aging. She has also served as a Community Engagement Specialist for a Managed Care Organization (Molina), and as Director of Marketing and Community Engagement for a local Federally Qualified Health Center, Heartland Health Services where she oversaw a Department of Community Health Workers/Federal Navigators/Certified Application Counselors. Additionally, Michelle held the position of Assistant Director of Community Health for Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA).

As a certified grant writer, Michelle is also skilled in social media marketing, podcasting, creative content marketing and non-profit leadership. Her goal is to develop a vibrant workforce of Health Professionals as Community Health workers in Illinois while continuing her volunteer work on local community boards that serve underserved populations. In her free time, Michelle enjoys traveling, bowling, and spending time with her family.

Taylor Thompson

Associate Director of Community Health Initiatives

Taylor joined the IPHCA in November 2024 as the Associate Director of Community Health Initiatives. Prior to joining IPHCA, Taylor served as the Senior Quality Initiatives Manager at Colorado’s Primary Care Association (CCHN). Taylor’s experience is in clinical transformation and supporting federally qualified health centers to implement team-based care, behavioral health integration, cancer prevention and early detection, and chronic disease prevention.  

Taylor earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health.

Outside of the office, Taylor enjoys quality time with her husband and son, art projects, fantasy football, and rooting for the Chicago Bears and Cubs. 

Joe Tosetti

Vice President of System Operations

Joe Tosetti joined IPHCA as Senior Director of System Operations in June 2022. He oversees all IT needs throughout the association and will lead the transition of Early Intervention from Cquest to IPHCA. He has more than 20 years of IT experience that includes server and workstation imaging and configuration, virtualization, infrastructure maintenance for local and wide area networks, and onsite troubleshooting of network and hardware equipment.

In his free time, Joe enjoys spending time with family and being outdoors.

Jason Young, MHA

Associate Vice President of Community Development + Financial Services

Jason joins IPHCA in 2025 serving as Associate Vice President of Community Development and Financial Services.

Prior to joining IPHCA, he worked as Revenue Cycle Director for the Orthopedic Center of Illinois, providing directional oversight of the revenue cycle for professional, ancillary, and ASC services. Before the Orthopedic Center of Illinois, he worked as the Revenue Cycle Manager for the Macoupin County Public Health Department managing revenue cycle operations for the department as well as UDS and financial reporting for the CFO.

Jason’s career has heavily focused on revenue cycle optimization through data analysis and workflow optimization. His utilization of data to identify key areas of need and leveraging software capabilities to streamline the ever-changing revenue cycle have helped organizations bolster their revenue cycle throughout his career.

Jason has a master’s degree in healthcare administration from Maryville University of Saint Louis. When not at work, he enjoys reading and home improvement projects.