Board of Directors

This group oversees our leadership and our activities. Each one of our members brings a special connection to CHD, special talents and strengths to our organization.

Learn more about ACHA's Emeritus Board and meet the members.

The Board meets bimonthly to discuss ACHA matters. Each member spends at least 12 hours a month working for ACHA. These activities range from fundraising to working with ACHA Board committees, volunteers and staff. Their contributions, both individually and as a group, are vital to advancing ACHA’s mission and advocating for people living with CHD.

Board of Directors Roles, Responsibilities and Qualifications »

The 2023 Board of Directors

James Ruppel MD, MS Chair

Retired, Gailey Eye Clinic
Galesburg, IL

Aliza Marlin Vice Chair

President, HenYoga ®
New York, NY

Jeff Ishida Immediate Past Chair

Vice President of Real Estate Development, Costco Wholesale
Reston, VA

Tom Wix Treasurer

Senior Director of Customer Success, Landis+Gyr
Atlanta

Susan Timmins Secretary

Co-owner, Beach Bistro
Anna Maria Island, Florida

Richard Krasuski MD Medical Advisory Board Chair

Director, Adult Congenital Heart Center
Professor of Medicine
Duke University Medical Center
Durham, NC

Arwa Saidi MB, BCh, MEd, FACC Immediate Past Medical Advisory Board Chair

ACHD Cardiologist
Professor, Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine at the University of Florida College of Medicine
Gainesville, FL

Mindy Beyer RN Patient & Family Advisory Board Co-Chair

Quality Improvement Specialist, Maine Medical Partners MaineHealth Cardiology and Congenital Heart
Scarborough, ME

Jennifer Cortes Patient & Family Advisory Board Co-Chair

Project Manager, Together for Medicaid at Community Catalyst
Slidell, LA

Stephen Back DO

Diagnostic Radiologist
Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences
Partner-Diagnostic Imaging Associates
Tulsa, OK