BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As the Virginia Cardiac Services Quality Initiative, our Board of Directors serve as the guardians of our noble mission by providing the organizational insight and leadership that is essential in steering VCSQI towards a prosperous future. Our board members are experts in their fields, who share a passion for improving healthcare quality and reducing cardiovascular health disparities. We recognize the importance of strategic thinking and are committed to being at the forefront of innovative solutions that foster positive change.

The Board's Mandate:

At the heart of VCSQI's leadership, the Board of Directors stands as the pivotal force driving the organization's direction, management, and control. The Board's fundamental role encompasses overseeing the strategic direction of VCSQI and ensuring that our actions consistently align with our mission. Key responsibilities include:

Establishing and upholding the highest governance standards.
Managing and directing organizational affairs.
Controlling the disbursement of funds to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with VCSQI's goals.

Composition and Tenure:

The board's strength lies in its diversity and expertise, with sixteen directors who bring a rich mosaic of professional insights. This includes:

Thirteen directors elected from VCSQI membership.
Three at-large directors bringing external perspectives.

Our directors serve staggered three-year terms, offering continuity and fresh perspectives. Importantly, the dedication to VCSQI's cause isn't limited by term count, as there are no restrictions on re-nomination, allowing us to retain invaluable experience and leadership.

Regular Convening:

The pulse of VCSQI's governance rhythm is the regular convening of the Board of Directors. Monthly meetings are the norm, with quarterly gatherings offering a blend of in-person and online attendance to foster greater collaboration. We believe in the power of presence; hence, directors must attend to vote, although provisions exist for unanimous written consent in certain circumstances.

Commitment to Participation:

Being a director at VCSQI is a role characterized by active participation and leadership. The directors are the champions of engagement, expected to:

Attend at least three-quarters of the Board meetings annually.
Actively participate in VCSQI's array of activities.
Maintain their associated Hospital and Physician Practice's standing in terms of dues and database submissions.
Advocate and inspire involvement in VCSQI's quality improvement initiatives among their hospital staff and fellow physicians.

Mohammed Quader, MD (Chair)

Assistant Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery

Virginia Commonwealth University

Jeffrey Behneke, MBA, BSN, RN

Senior Director

Heart & Vascular Services

Valley Health

Cindi Cole, BSN, RN

Senior Director Quality & Clinical Care

Centra Heart & Vascular Institute

Ourania Preventza, MD, MBA

Chief of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery Co-Director, Heart and Vascular Service Line

UVA Health

Robert Shor, MD

(Immediate Past Chair)

Cardiologist, Medical Director of Cardiac Rehab at Inova Fairfax Hospital

Michael Brown, CCP

Chief Perfusionist

Program Director, Cardiac Surgery & Structural Heart

Mary Washington

Evelyn "Eve" Dallas, CCP

Staff Perfusionist

Perfusion Team Quality Initiatives Coordinator

University of Virginia

Jeffrey Rich, MD

At Large

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Robert Lancey, MD (Vice Chair)

Medical Director, Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists, Sentara RMH

Shelley Cahalan, MSN

Quality Manager

Sentara Healthcare

Michael Kontos, MD, FACC

Medical Director, Coronary ICU
Co-Director, Chest Pain Center

Virginia Commonwealth University

Associate Professor

Brody Wehman, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Bon Secours Mercy Health System

Alan Speir, MD

(Co-Founder, Past Chair)

Medical Director, Cardiac Surgical Services

Inova Heart and Vascular Institute

Angie Carneal, MSN, RN, CCRN

Nursing Director

Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center

Pauley Heart Center

Pete O’Brien, MD

Director of the Acute MI program – Stroobants Cardiovascular Center

Director Cardiac Cath Lab – Lynchburg General Hospital

Co-Chair, Virginia Heart Attack Coalition (VHAC)

David Wyatt, MD

Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital

Diverse Expertise:

The composition of the Board is deliberately diverse, encompassing a range of professionals from the healthcare sector—nurses, surgeons, cardiologists, perfusionists, and administrators. This rich tapestry of expertise ensures that the Board's decisions are informed by comprehensive clinical and administrative perspectives, fortifying VCSQI's commitment to quality and excellence in healthcare.

Through their diverse experiences and shared commitment to VCSQI's vision, our Board of Directors is a beacon of guidance, driving the organization forward with integrity and strategic insight. Join us in celebrating the dedication of our Board members, whose governance ensures that VCSQI continues to be a leader in quality improvement in healthcare.