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:
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Establishing and upholding the highest governance standards.
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Managing and directing organizational affairs.
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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:
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Thirteen directors elected from VCSQI membership.
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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:
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Attend at least three-quarters of the Board meetings annually.
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Actively participate in VCSQI's array of activities.
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Maintain their associated Hospital and Physician Practice's standing in terms of dues and database submissions.
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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
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)
Robert Shor, MD
(Immediate Past Chair)
Cardiologist, Medical Director of Cardiac Rehab at Inova Fairfax Hospital
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
Jeffrey Rich, MD
At Large
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Nick Teman, MD (Vice Chair)
Cardiac Surgeon and Surgical Intensivist
ECMO Director
Medical Director of the Cardiovascular ICU
University of Virginia
Michael Brown, CCP
Chief Perfusionist
Mary Washington
Evelyn "Eve" Dallas, CCP
Staff Perfusionist
​Perfusion Team Quality Initiatives Coordinator
University of Virginia
Behnam Tehrani, MD, FSCAI
Medical Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratories
Inova Heart and Vascular Institute
Robert Lancey, MD (Treasurer)
Medical Director, Heart and Vascular Institute
Sentara Rockingham.
Shelley Cahalan, MSN
Quality Manager​​
Sentara Healthcare
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Michael Kontos, MD, FACC
Medical Director, Coronary ICU
Co-Director, Chest Pain Center
Virginia Commonwealth University
Associate Professor
David Wyatt, MD
Cardiothoracic Surgeon
Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital
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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.
