Our Team old

Leadership

Enawgaw Mehari, MD President/Founder
</p> <p>Dr. Enawgaw Mehari has a distinguished reputation for leadership in healthcare, most notably as founder and president of People to People, Inc., which has been in existence for approximately twenty-five years. He is also internationally recognized as an expert in neurology, pain management, and Neuro-AIDs. He earned his medical degree from Comenius University in Czechoslovakia, completed his neurology residency at the University of Kentucky, finished his fellowship in pain management and neurophysiology at Case Western University in Cleveland, and completed a fellowship at Washington University in St. Louis, in Neuro-AIDs. Enawgaw has published in refereed journals, book chapters, Triangular Partnership the power of the diaspora ( book ), Introduction to Clinical Neurology and Manual of Ethiopian Medical History.<br /> Dr. Mehari through his p2p leadership has been instrumental in the establishment of Neurology residency program, Emergency Medicine Residency program at Black Lion Hospital, and Social Work Master /PhD program at AAU.<br /> In 2005, He founded the People's’ Free Clinic in Morehead, Kentucky, to provide free healthcare for the working poor.<br /> In 2006, Dr. Mehari won a distinguished service award from the Society of Ethiopians Established in the Diaspora (SEED), and in 2007, he was nominated as a CNN Hero— awarded by the cable network to everyday people around the globe who have made a major impact in the world. In addition, he was awarded a Humanitarian Award by the Black Hall of Fame, and the 2010 Patient Advocate award by the American Academy of Neurology.<br /> He has been granted the highest commendation by the Kentucky Governor’s office, Senate of the State of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He has been commended by the US House of Congress and was awarded the Abebe Bikila Award by Bikila Organization for his working community service.<br /> Dr. Mehari is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry, a diplomate of Neurology, Inc., and a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties. He is an adjunct Clinical Professor of Neurology at Meharry School of Medicine, PikeVille University, AAU and Bahir Dar University. His other engagements include chairman of the diaspora health care and higher education advisory council, and founding member and board director for both ARTS TV and Arif Pay Financial Institute.
Zelalem Attlee, MD, PhD Chief Executive Officer
</p> <p>Dr. Zelalem Attlee is a Medical Doctor from Addis Ababa University-GCMS, with an additional Master's in Healthcare Management (USA) and Doctorate in public health (USA). Dr. Zelalem has a diverse experience in organizational leadership, business development, fundraising, health systems strengthening, epidemiology, advocacy, policy, health care management and public health programs leadership, grants management, providing technical support, consultation, training and research. Dr. Zelalem has extensive international experience in leading and managing large-scale bilateral and non-governmental agency programs funded by USAID, CDC, UN bodies and private foundations in public health programs such as reproductive health, Family planning, MNCH, HIV and AIDS, infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases. He led multimillion-dollar funded programs in sub-Saharan Africa and conducted STTAs in Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, USA, and France in the last 31 years. Currently, he consults on COVID-19 prevention in the US and works as a CEO of P2P-USA.
Kebede H. Begna, M.D., Msc. Executive Vice President
</p> <p>Dr. Kebede H. Begna an associate professor and consultant hematologist, practicing at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. He received his medical degree from Gondar University in Ethiopia. He finished internal medicine residency at St. Vincent Medical College, an affiliate of New York Medical College, where he was the Chief Resident. He completed hematology and medical oncology fellowship and obtained master’s in clinical research at the University of Minnesota, and later joined the Mayo Clinic, Division of Hematology in Rochester, Minnesota. He authored and co-authored many publications and book chapter. He was on the board of Ethio-American Doctors Group, Inc. Currently serve as Vice-president of Medical education of P2P, co-director of Global bridges Oncology at the Mayo Clinic
Lekidelu Tadesse, MD VP of Accreditation
Dr. Taddesse-Heath is an Associate Professor of Pathology and Director of Hematopathology at Howard University Hospital and Howard University College of Medicine in Washington, DC. She is the Assistant Dean for Assessment and Accreditation. She has led medical student missions to Gondar University Hospital, Ethiopia since 2013.
Abraham Betre, MD Chief Operations Officer
Dr. Abraham N. Betre is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist in Tulare, California and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area. He received his medical degree from NYIT College Of Osteopathic Medicine and has been in practice for more than 20 years. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology and served as an Administrative chief resident at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health center, affiliated with Cornell University Medical Center in New York.</p> <p>Dr. Abraham is also the founder of Dr. Abraham Betre D.O. INC. and COO of P2P.
Mr. Israel Mekonnen Director of Finance/Compliance
Woodneh Mulugeta, MD Director of Faculty/ Staff Development
Addis Aemiro, MSc Director of education
Zewdu , MD Country Director, Ethiopia
Joseph Bogale IT Director
Teddy Gessesse IT officer
Adey Hailu, MA, MSc Director of Operations HOA Affairs
Kidist Yimam, MD VP Healthcare Development

Board of Directors

Anteneh Habte, MD Chair
Dr. Anteneh Habte is the Chairman of People to People’s (P2P) Board of Directors. He is Section Chief in the Geriatrics & Long-Term Care Department at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Martinsburg, WV and clinical faculty at both the West Virginia School of Medicine and the Lewisburg School of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Anteneh is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and a certified educator of palliative and end-of-life care (EPEC). He coordinates People to People (P2P)’s effort to promote the training of medical personnel and provision of clinical services in hospice and palliative care in Ethiopia. Dr. Anteneh is one of the editors of a series of web-based modules in Hospice and Palliative Care for Ethiopia prepared under the auspices of the Mayo Clinic Global HIV Initiative. He is also a contributor to P2P’s recently published “Triangular Partnership” manuscript.
Dimitri Misailidis MD
Dr. Dimitri Misailidis is a diagnostic radiologist in private practice since 1989 to current in Martinsburg, WV at the WV Medicine Berkeley Medical Center. He is a clinical associate professor at the West Virginia School of Medicine. His primary interest is Mammography and Nuclear Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Radiology and is currently a member of the American College of Radiology and the Radiological Society of North America. He has done 2 years of undergraduate studies at Addis Ababa University prior to his medical school at the Aristotelian University in Salonica, Greece. His Radiology Residency was done at Howard University Hospital
Alitash Kebede (Gallery)
Alitash Kebede represents the work of African, African American and African diaspora artists. She opened her first gallery, in Los Angeles, in 1994 after working as a private dealer for 10 years. The gallery earned a reputation for being a source for first-time and seasoned art collectors, as well as for being a supporter of artists working in a variety of media. At the gallery. Kebede presented the first solo exhibitions in Los Angeles of numerous artists including, the pioneer Ethiopian artist, Skunder Boghossian (1937 - 2003) and numerous other artists from the United States and beyond.</p> <p>Kebede's past and present clients include, Kaiser Permanente, 20th Century Studios, Broadway Federal Bank, Burrell Communications, and U.S. State Department Art in Embassies (AIE) Program, among other private and corporate entities. In 2020 Kebede was named among "The Top Five Black Women You Should Know in the Art World" by Fortune Magazine. She is involved with a number of nonprofits, including Early Childhood Education Ethiopia, Watts Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, and Theater of Hearts Youth First, among others.</p> <p>Kebede co-produced the documentary film on the renowned American sculptor, Richard Hunt, which premiered at the Museum of Modern Art (M0MA) New York. She is currently working on a film about the acclaimed late painter, Edward Clark (1926 - 2019)</p> <p>Kebede is a graduate of Linfield University. She received her B.A. in history with a minor in art. She is a regular practitioner of the Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi.
Lydia Tesfa, PhD Vice Chair
</p> <p>Assoc Research Professor, CVM - Microbiology & Immunology DEPT<br /> Director, Flow Cytometry Facility<br /> Cornell Institute of Biotechnology<br /> Biotechnology Bldg. 135<br /> Ithaca, NY 14853<br /> https://www.biotech.cornell.edu/core-facilities-brc/facilities/flow-cytometry-facility</p> <p>Dr. Lydia Tesfa received a Ph.D. in Immunology from Humboldt University in Berlin, Germany. She pursued a postdoctoral fellowship at The Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she was subsequently appointed Assistant Director of the flow cytometry facility and Research Associate Professor of microbiology and immunology, working on T-cells in mycobacterial infections. In 2019, Dr. Tesfa brought her extensive expertise in flow cytometry and infectious diseases to Cornell University and took the positions of Director, Biotechnology Institute Flow Cytometry Shared Resource Laboratory and Research Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. She employs her expertise in flow cytometry and related fields to establish and maintain a standard of scientific excellence and customer service. She considers teaching to be integral tenets of her professional mission, and actively consults PhD students, post-docs, research associates and other investigators on experimental design, data interpretation and manuscript revision pertaining to flow cytometry. Dr. Tesfa's research has been included in more than 30 peer-reviewed scientific journals. Dr. Tesfa served as a member of the People-to-People board for over 10 years. She has also served on the board of the German DAAD Alumni Association of the USA and is also Research Ambassador for DAAD. Dr. Tesfa is passionate about improving health outcomes for children and women in developing countries.
Professor Demissie Alemayehu Board Member
Professor Demissie Alemayehu is a board member of P2P. He is Faculty Director of Graduate Studies for the M.A. Program in the Statistics Department at Columbia University. In addition, Professor Demissie has over 25 years of leadership experience in the pharmaceutical industry. He has held important offices at key professional societies, and has been on editorial boards of major journals. He has served on the advisory boards of several academic institutions, including Business Analytics at Steven Institute of Technology and the RUSIS programs at Oregon State and Indiana Universities. He is an elected Fellow of the American Statistical Association, and holds a Ph.D. degree in Statistics from the University of California at Berkeley. He has published extensively on pertinent statistical topics in refereed journals, and his current areas of focus include precision medicine, Big Data analytics, and health technology assessment.
Yoseph Bogale BOARD MEMBER
Yoseph Bogale is a Senior Software Developer and Team Lead with severals years of experience in software development. He holds a Computer Science degree from University of Kentucky, has several certifications that include AWS Cloud Practitioner and Cloud Solution Architect.<br /> Yoseph is employed by Churchill Downs Technologies and responsible guiding and leading a team of software developers to deliver highly available and fault tolerant software for key segment of the company. Currently Yoseph’s two main focus of software includes architecting cloud-based software systems and building and maintaing iOS apps.</p> <p>His attention to details, deep knowledge of software development cycle and his ability to work well with others allowed him to continue grow his career as top software developer in his company.
Rahel Getachew Managing Director - Afrolehar
Ergeba Shifaraw, MD
Dr. Ergeba Sheferaw, is a board certified radiologist at Advanced Radiology in Baltimore, MD. She specializes in breast imaging and was fellowship trained at Johns Hopkins University Hospital. She completed her radiology residency at Bronx Lebanon Hospital, in Bronx, NY. She earned her medical degree and masters of public health from University of North Carolina- Chapel Hill.
Mahlet Tsegaye MD Secretary
Fasika Woretta, MD
Solomon Harrar, Phd

Scientific Advisiors

Avi Nath, MD
Joseph Berger, MD
David Clifford, MD
Jay Levy, MD
Gene Major, PhD
Dawn McGuire, MD

Legal Advisors

Keith Parnell, JD
Keith is a multi-jurisdictional corporate transactions attorney and business strategist with more than 27 years of advisory experience. Presently, he serves as General Counsel and Head of Americas to a start-up cybersecurity company, Goldilock Secure Limited (www.goldilock.com). Prior to that, Keith was on the executive team at the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA) under a 2-year appointment to the Canadian Government on the Gordie Howe International Bridge Project. Since 2017, he has acted as a Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and National Futures Association (NFA) arbitrator. Keith obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of British Columbia and the University of California, Hastings College of the Law. Additionally, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with great distinction in Industrial Relations from McGill University. Keith has been an active member of the P2P family, serving as legal advisor since 2010. As part of his volunteerism, he also represents Teach For Ethiopia.
Robert Foley, JD

Senior Advisors to the Board and President

Ambassador David Shinn, PhD
Ambassador Konjit Sabati, MD
Prof. Girma Tefera ,M.D
Ahmed Moen, PhD

Other

Zelalem Mekuria ,DVM,PhD International Partnership in Veterinary Medicine
Teodros Gessesse STRATEGIC GROWTH ADVISOR
Tinsae Woreeta, MD Medical Education
Gizachew Beyene, MA Strategic Planning
Steve Brown Neurology Training Program
Aelaf F. Gebrewold Orphan Coordinator USA

14th P2P Global Ethiopian Diaspora Conference on health Care and Medical Education Speakers’

Seble Frehywot, MD, MHSA
Dr. Seble Frehywot is a Professor of Global Health and Health Policy in the Department of Global Health and the Department of Health Policy & Management at The George Washington University (GWU). Currently, she is also the Director of Health Equity On-Line Learning for the Atlantic Philanthropy Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity program and the co-founder of the IT for Health and Education System Equity (ITfHESE) Initiative. She has twenty-five years of experience in international settings spanning Asia, Africa, and the United States, and brings an in-depth knowledge of comparative health systems, communities of practice (CoP), medicine, health policy, and e-learning to the challenges of building the components of a health system. Her main work focus is in lower and middle-income countries. She has comprehensive knowledge of digital health technologies acquired and honed from over ten years of background in digital health education and technologies in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). She also has a hands-on background in strategically coordinating with the public, other sectors, and health systems stakeholders (government ministries, academia, non-governmental organizations, regulating bodies, and the private sector) with regard to health equity issues surrounding health workforce training, quality, and safety regulatory frameworks, pedagogy, e-pedagogy, and e-andragogy. Dr. Frehywot has worked as a Technical Core Group member for the World Health Organization for the development of a number of WHO global guidelines and recommendations related to health systems, namely, the "Task-shifting Global Recommendation and Guidelines," the "Increasing Access to Health Workers in Remote and Rural Areas through Improved Retention," the "Transformative Scaling-up of Medical and Nursing and Midwifery Education Guidelines" and the "Optimizing the Delivery of Key Interventions to attain MDG 4 and 5 Guidelines." Also, she serves in a technical capacity on the WHO Digital Health Roster and the WHO Digital Education for Building Heath Workforce Initiatives. She has provided senior-level influence as a principal investigator and director for numerous multimillion-dollar international projects, including being a PI for the United States funded Medical Education Partnership Initiative Coordinating Center (MEPI-CC) and has published a number of papers related to the health workforce and health systems as well as to the linkages with ICT. She teaches at The George Washington University both in an online and residential format the Global Comparative Health Systems, Global Health and Development, and Global Public Health Culminated Experience courses.
Ann Fitz-Gerald, PhD
Ann Fitz-Gerald is a Professor of International Security and the Director of the Balsillie School of International Affairs in Waterloo, Canada. Prior to this appointment in 2019, she was the Director, Defence and Security Leadership, Cranfield University where she held a Chair in Security Sector Management. She completed degrees in Commerce (BComm), Political Science (B.A), War Studies (M.A) and a PhD. Following an initial career in the financial sector, she worked at the International Lester B Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium and at the North Atlantic Parliamentary Assembly. During her time at both NATO and the Parliamentary Assembly, she focused on the accession strategies of Central and East European countries. She moved to the UK and completed her PhD in 2001. In 2006, she designed and developed the Masters programme in Security Sector Management, which is delivered in both in the UK and East Africa.</p> <p>Ann has advised, and has been seconded to work with, Governments of a number of transitional countries on issues relating to national security policy/strategy issues (including Nigeria, Ukraine, Poland, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Nepal, Botswana, Sierra Leone, Trinidad and Tobago, Albania, Montenegro and The Gambia). In 2011, Ann supported the AU High Implementation Panel during the post-referendum peace talks between North and South Sudan (security issues).</p> <p>In November 2012, the Government of Canada awarded Ann with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal for her contribution to post-conflict resolution and dialogue. Since 2013, she has served as a Senior Security and Justice Adviser to the UK Government and is a member of the United Nation’s Rule of Law and Security Institutions’ expert roster.
Ashenafi Tazebew, MD
Dr. Ashenafi is an Assistant professor of Pediatrics and child health at the University of Gondar, College of Medicine and Health sciences (CMHS). He is involved in teaching both undergraduate and postgraduate students in the University. He also serves as a post graduate and research coordinator in his department. His responsibilities as the coordinator include community outreach and engagement, proposal development, grants management, evaluation, project coordination, and supervision of staff and postgraduate students.
Honorable Berhanu Nega
Professor Berhanu Nega is the Minister of Education of Ethiopia. He did his undergraduate degree in economics at the State University of New York at New Paltz and got his PhD in economics from the New School for Social Research, in New York City. During that time, he became one of the organizers of an annual conference on the "Horn of Africa" that debated and analyzed the political, social and economic conditions in the sub-region. For over five years, it served as a forum for intellectual dialogue among political leaders, policy analysts and researchers interested in developments in that part of Africa.<br /> Having completed his PhD studies, he joined the faculty of economics at Bucknell University, where he became a lecturer in economics for three years. Later he founded Imbilta, a bi-monthly magazine focusing on economic, political, social and current affairs in Ethiopia and he was the founding chairman of Ethiopian Economic Association.
Honorable Liya Tadesse, MD
Dr. Lia Tadesse Gebremedhin became the Minister of Health of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in March 2020. Prior to this appointment, she served as State Minister of Health since November 2018, leading the national health programs under the Health Sector Transformation Strategy.<br /> Dr. Lia is an obstetrician and gynecologist with extensive experience as a clinician, in health care leadership, academia, and hospital and program management, with over 20 years’ experience.<br /> Prior to joining the ministry of health, Dr. Lia Tadesse served as Program Director at the University of Michigan’s Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT) in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she has successfully partnered with several institutions, in both Ethiopia and Rwanda, to increase the quality of reproductive health services and training.<br /> Serving as the CEO and Vice Provost of St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC) in Addis Ababa for seven years, Dr Lia led the hospital’s services and academic reforms, including forging collaborative relationships with several national and international stakeholders. Dr. Lia was also Project Director of USAID’s Maternal and Child Survival Program (MCSP) at Jhpiego-Ethiopia prior to joining CIRHT after leaving SPHMMC.<br /> Dr. Lia’s passion is strengthening and reforming health systems, and she has received recognition for her accomplishments and advocacy for gender equity in access to quality health services and training.<br /> Dr. Lia Tadesse earned her medical degree from Jimma University, specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology from Addis Ababa University, and a master’s degree in health care administration from Jimma University
H.E Amb. Seleshi Bekele Awulachew
H.E Ambassador Seleshi Bekele Awulachew is the current Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of FDR Ethiopia to the USA. He is also a member of Parliament. He has extensively worked in ministerial and senior-level positions in national, regional and international institutions. His rich public service experiences are listed below.</p> <p>October 2021 to January 2022: Advisor to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, and Chief Negotiator of Transboundary Water and Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) at a Minister level. He retains the Chief Negotiator on GERD role at a Minister level besides the Ambassadorial functions,<br /> 2016 – 2021, Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy,<br /> 2014-2016, Senior Inter-Regional Advisor at the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) in New York,<br /> 2010-2014, African Climate Policy Center (ACPC) of UNECA, as Senior Water and Climate Change Specialist,<br /> 2004-2010, Regional Representative and Head for International Water Management Institute (IWMI),<br /> 2001-2004 Dean and Leader of Arbaminch Water Technology Institute (AWTI), which he built it to be a full-fledged university.<br /> Lecturer and head of institutional research (1991-1995) and Graduate Assistant (1987-1989)<br /> Ambassador Seleshi has published over 30 referred articles, book chapters and books, over 60 research reports and working papers, and numerous conference papers and lecture materials. He served as a Resident/Guest Professor at various universities in Ethiopia and abroad. Served as a board member of universities, research organizations and business companies</p> <p>Ambassador Seleshi is married with two sons. Ambassador Seleshi enjoys reading and playing basketball.
Abiy Debay
Abiy Debay is the Director for Accreditation at the Higher Education Relevance and Quality Agency. Mr. Abiy worked at Dessie Health science college after earning his MSc in Environmental science/Geology from Addis Ababa University. He has published on Land use/Landcover Dynamics and Soil Erosion Risk Analysis for Sustainable Land Management.
Ayano Berasso Hula, Ph.D.
Dr. Ayano Berasso is the president of Hawassa University.
Dawit Teklu, PhD
Duguma Adugna Debele, PhD
Dr Duguma Adugna Debele is the President of Arsi University. He worked as the dean of Agriculture at Jimma University and was the founding president of Selale University. Dr. Adugna earned a degree in plant science and a master’s degree in Horticulture from Haramaya university. He did his PhD at Wageningen University & Research (WUR).</p> <p>Dr. Duguma received the "2021 LEADS Africa's Patriotic Academic Award " in the Higher Education Leadership category. He also received "A Rising Star in Leadership Award" in 2019 from P2P. He was also appointed by Man Hee Lee HWPL Peace Advocate as a member of the HWPL Peace Advisory Council. Dr. Duguma has published a number of scholarly works.
Faris Delil, PhD
Dr. Faris Delil is the president of Wolkite University. He inaugurated the “Zero Plan” center, a center that works on Gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS and Unwanted Pregnancy. Dr. Faris Delil was the guest of honor at the International Conference on “Indo African Businesses-Strategic Perspective”
Petros W. Woldesenbet, PhD
Dr. Woldesenbet is the president of Bonga university. He has worked as the Director of communication at the Ministry of Education. Dr. Woldesenbet is the author of “Pastoralism /Nomadism/ and Education in Ethiopia: The Case of Surma.”</p> <p>Dr. Woldesenbet earned his degree in History from Addis Ababa University. He did his Ph.D. in Sociology of Education at Tampere university.
Tesfaye Mersha, PhD
Tesfaye Mersha is a professor at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and University of Cincinnati, where he leads the Population Genetics, Ancestry and Bioinformatics Laboratory. His research combines quantitative, ancestry and statistical genomics to unravel genetic and non-genetic contributions to complex diseases and racial disparities in human populations, particularly asthma and asthma-related allergic disorders.<br /> Mersha is a recognized expert in the field of genetic ancestry, race, admixture mapping and mining functional genomic databases related to complex diseases. Among his significant contributions, his team developed AncestrySNPminer, the first web-based bioinformatics tool to retrieve ancestry-informative markers from the genomic databases.<br /> He has received multiple awards and honors, including a Faculty Research Achievement Award from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and African Professionals Network Business and Professional Achievement Award.
Yeshi Gebremariam, MSN, RN
Yeshi Gebremariam is an experienced Public Health and Critical Care Nurse with a demonstrated history of working in the biotechnology industry. She is skilled in Public Health, Research, Critical Care Nursing, and Leadership. Yeshi earned a Master's degree in Public Health from Grand Canyon University.
Yonas E. Geda, M.D.
Dr. Yonas E. Geda is a Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry. He is a Consultant in the Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, and Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic. Following a formal search process, Dr. Geda was recently named Associate Dean for Diversity and Inclusion for all the 5 colleges/ schools at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Dr. Geda earned his doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree from Addis Ababa (Haile Selassie) University, and subsequently pursued his trainings in Psychiatry, Behavioral Neurology, and a Master’s of Science (MSc) degree in biomedical sciences at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. His research examines the impact of lifestyle factors and neuropsychiatric symptoms on brain aging and mild cognitive impairment. He has published over 115 peer reviewed papers in major journals including in Neurology, JAMA Neurology, JAMA Psychiatry and American Journal of Psychiatry. Dr. Geda has several institutional, national and international leadership roles. He is a member of the Science Committee of the French Alzheimer’s research group (Groupe de Recherche sur la maladie d’Alzheimer; GRAL). He is the current chair of the award committee of the Neuropsychiatric syndromes professional interest area (PIA) of the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). He is a recipient of many awards, including a medal from the City of Marseille, France in 2003, and from the City of La Ciotat, France in 2016 for his contributions to the field of Alzheimer’s research.<br /> As a resident, he won the prestigious Mayo Brother’s Distinguished Fellowship Award.