Meet Our Team

Headquartered in Washington DC, our team includes a growing collective of scientists, physicians, and subject-matter experts spanning the domains of public policy, global health, sustainable development, and national security.

Our Staff
Jason Rao, PhD
Executive Director & Advisory Chair
Executive Director & Advisory Chair

Jason Rao, PhD

Jason is the Executive Director and Advisory Chair of HSP, as well as adjunct faculty at the Cornell University, teaching global health, national security and diplomacy. He is a recognized thought leader of global health security policy and programs. Jason previously served as Senior Policy Advisor to President Obama, in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy where he contributed to the President’s Global Science Engagement, Global Health Initiative, and Biological Threat Reduction policy and program efforts. He is the founder of the U.S. Department of State’s Biosecurity Engagement Program (BEP), launched in 2006 during his tenure with the State Department, Office of Cooperative Threat Reduction (2002-2009). Jason was a Brookings Legis Fellow, serving in the 111th Congress, working on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. In 2011, Jason left government to pursue work in the non-profit sector as the Senior Director for Innovation and International Affairs at the American Society for Microbiology. He holds a PhD in Biochemistry, Cellular and Molecular biology from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and has 20 years’ experience in public health, foreign affairs, national security, biological threat reduction and science policy. Jason has worked extensively in, and maintains active collaboration with South and Southeast Asia, all regions of Africa, Middle East North Africa, Central Asia, and Latin America.


Prasad Kuduvalli, PhD
Director of Scientific Programs and Engagement
Director of Scientific Programs and Engagement

Prasad Kuduvalli, PhD

For over ten years, Prasad has advanced health systems strengthening, health security and science diplomacy efforts worldwide. He is focused on expanding life sciences collaboration, particularly with isolated communities, for sustainable development. He holds a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins University.


Brenda Williams
Director of Human Resources & Talent Development
Director of Human Resources & Talent Development

Brenda Williams

As the Director of Human Resources and Talent Development, Brenda oversees all HSP operations related to human resources policies and practices. Specifically, she provides leadership, guidance and recommendations on the organization’s human resources policies and practices, developing policy change implementation regarding human resources, as well as developing and promoting employee professional development. She works with a variety of national and global partners. Prior to joining the HSP team, she worked at the American Society for Microbiology as the Human Resources Senior Manager overseeing all human resources functions and operations. She brings over 20 years of human resources experience.


Harimala Filate
Senior Financial Manager
Senior Financial Manager

Harimala Filate

As the senior accountant Harimala oversees HSP finances. Before joining Health Security Partners, she worked as a senior accountant manager at neighborhood health association overseeing all aspects of the company finances. She brings extended experience in healthcare finances, nonprofits and grants. Harimala received her master’s degree in accounting and finances at Ashland University and B.S. in Accounting as well as a minor in economics at University of Buffalo. She is based in Toledo, Ohio.


Ciera Reid
Budgets and Communications Manager
Budgets and Communications Manager

Ciera Reid

As the Budgets and Communications Manager, Ciera is responsible for overseeing HSP’s social media presence and managing the budget tracking for grant finances. Her role includes maintaining the HSP website and managing our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts. Prior to her current position, Ciera worked part-time with HSP as a Finance and Communications Associate for two years. Before joining HSP full-time, she was a general education teacher in the DC Public Charter School system. Ciera holds a Master of Science in Education from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.


Alle Taylor
Senior Program Manager
Senior Program Manager

Alle Taylor

Alle Taylor came to Health Security Partners after four years with the American Society for Microbiology, where she developed and managed programming in science diplomacy and public health capacity building in more than 50 countries. Prior to that, Alle supported emergency operations for the U.S. Department of Agriculture where she gained an appreciation for the far-reaching consequences of animal disease outbreaks on health, trade, and the environment. Alle received a master’s degree in public health microbiology and emerging infectious diseases from George Washington University and holds certifications in public procurement. Alle is responsible for HSP’s work supporting the Global Health Security Agenda, specifically efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and the spread of zoonotic disease in South Asia and East Africa. She is based in Seattle, Washington.


Javed Khan
Program Director – Pakistan
Program Director – Pakistan

Javed Khan

Javed Khan serves as Program Director for HSP’s OneHealth work in Pakistan, and supports various health security projects in Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan. Previously, Javed worked at Relief International where he pioneered the organization’s bio-engagement and One Health programs and led these programs in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Yemen, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Somalia. Javed has 22+ years of professional experience in various disciplines including agriculture, livestock management, One Health, biorisk management, and wildlife conservation worked with various NGOs, environmental agencies, academia, and government bodies in Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal, and the United Kingdom. Javed also worked for World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), where he was responsible for managing a program for large carnivores and snow leopard conservation. He has the distinction being part of scientific mission that put a first ever GPS collar on a snow leopard in 2006. Javed has a post-graduate degree in veterinary sciences and animal husbandry and studied dairy sciences in the Netherlands. He is fellow of the U.S. Montana-based Property and Environment Research Council and member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature cats specialist group. He is fluent in Pashto and Urdu.


Jessica McLean
Senior Program Specialist
Senior Program Specialist

Jessica McLean

Jessica works in collaboration with scientific partners in South Asia and the Middle East to implement HSP’s education, training, and capacity building programs. Prior to joining the HSP team, she worked at the American Society for Microbiology to advance education, laboratory strengthening, health security, and science diplomacy efforts around the globe, with a specific focus on Yemen and Malaysia. She brings experience working in partnership with local sister societies, academic institutions, and national laboratories to implement public health and biosafety capacity building programs through developing in-service training and mentoring activities.


Libby Cha
Senior Program Specialist
Senior Program Specialist

Libby Cha

As a Program Manager, Libby supports Health Security Partners’ work throughout the world, with a focus on program support and project development in South East Asia and the Middle East. In addition, she is also responsible for the design and management of virtual curriculum on the principles and practices of global health security for HSP’s fellowship programs. Libby came to Health Security Partners in 2019, following a semester internship in 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. in Global and Public Health Sciences, with a minor in Policy Analysis and Management with a concentration in Health Policy.


Cecelia Madsen
Senior Program Specialist
Senior Program Specialist

Cecelia Madsen

Cecelia serves as a Program Manager at Health Security Partners. Prior to joining the team, Cecelia worked at Cornell University in a number of capacities including as One Health Fellow with the Cornell Master of Public Health program, Nutrition Educator with Cooperative Extension, Assistant Coach of Women’s Rowing, and Project Manager for Cornell’s COVID-19 Behavioral Risk Assessment and Community Health Education Program. She served as U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Mbour, Senegal from 2013-2015 where she worked to increase the food and health security of her community. She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts and Master of Public Health degrees from Cornell University. As a Program Manager, Cecelia supports the development, management, and execution of HSP programs.


India Bowman
Senior Program Specialist
Senior Program Specialist

India Bowman

India Bowman is a Senior Program Specialist with Health Security Partners. She comes to HSP with several years of infectious disease epidemiology training. Prior to joining HSP, India worked as an Infection Control Coordinator with HCA Houston Healthcare. She previously served as program analyst for CSTE managing and improving infrastructure for state and local enteric disease, HIV/STD,and Hepatitis programs. Additionally, she has served as a CDC PHAP and has provided epidemiology support in multiple state and local health departments. India completed her Bachelor's of Science in psychology at the University of Florida and her Master of Public Health at Emory University.


Stephanie Mattoon
Senior Program Specialist
Senior Program Specialist

Stephanie Mattoon

Stephanie Mattoon comes to Health Security Partners from Cornell University, where she was the Associate Biosafety Officer and Alternative Responsible Official for their Select Agent Program. While working at Cornell, she received her Master of Public Health in 2021, with a concentration in infectious disease epidemiology. While pursing her MPH, she worked on several interesting projects including working with the USDA-APHIS to analyze data obtained through the National Tuberculosis Eradication Program and she developed tick-borne disease prevention and education materials for campgrounds and doctors throughout New York State. Prior to working in biosafety, She worked as a scientist for a molecular diagnostics company, Rheonix Inc., where she was part of their research & development team for over five years. Stephanie received her Bachelor of Science from SUNY Cortland in 2014.


Kate Taylor
Program Manager
Program Manager

Kate Taylor

Kate Taylor came to Health Security Partners after two years at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center where she worked for their Cancer Surveillance System, and was responsible for coordinating clinical and epidemiologic cancer data in the state of Washington. Prior to her work at Fred Hutchinson, Kate worked as a clinical research associate for two biotechnology companies, Dyne Therapeutics Inc. and Disarm Therapeutics, informing their therapeutic drug trials for rare disease. Kate received a master’s degree in public health at the University of Washington and a B.S. in Spanish Language and Linguistics at University of Wisconsin-Madison. As a program manager, Kate supports the development, management, and execution of HSP’s projects.


Rebecca Lyerly
Program Manager
Program Manager

Rebecca Lyerly

Rebecca is a program manager with Health Security Partners. Before this, she worked as a research manager with the VA Boston Healthcare System. Rebecca received her B.S. from James Madison University in Health Sciences, and her M.P.H. from Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine focusing on infectious diseases, and an M.A. in political science from Virginia Tech concentrating on global health security.


Renee Travis
Program Manager
Program Manager

Renee Travis

As Program Coordinator, Renee supports the administration and financial aspects of Health Security Partners grant programs. Renee graduated from Arcadia University in 2020 with a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Global Public Health. During her time at Arcadia, she interned with multiple nonprofits in the U.S. and abroad which solidified her interest in working with nonprofits and traveling.


Erin Fink
Program Manager
Program Manager

Erin Fink

Erin Fink is a Program Manager at Health Security Partners. Previously, she worked as an Analyst and Research Associate at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, where she contributed to research efforts focused on countering misinformation, standardizing global outbreak reporting, improving indoor air quality, and many other pandemic preparedness and global health efforts. She has her Master of Science in Biohazardous Threat Agents & Emerging Infectious Diseases from Georgetown University and her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Mercyhurst University.


Rebecca Johnson
Program Manager
Program Manager

Rebecca Johnson

Rebecca serves as a Program Manager at Health Security Partners. Prior to joining HSP, Rebecca worked at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation where she supported the foundation's new business development efforts. She holds a Bachelor's of Science from Ithaca College, and received a Master's of Science in Global Health from Georgetown University in 2019. Rebecca has spent significant time abroad in Bangladesh, completing her graduate thesis research at the International Centre for Diarrheal Disease Research in Dhaka. As a Program Manager, Rebecca supports the development, management, and execution of HSP programs.


Taylor Sturman
Program Manager
Program Manager

Taylor Sturman

Taylor is a Program Manager with Health Security Partners. Prior to joining HSP, Taylor worked as a Project Manager in the Health Policy and Clinical Evidence practice of Economist Impact. In this role she designed programs and led teams to develop policy research and insights across a range of health topic areas, including neglected tropical diseases, mental health, and health system resilience. She holds a Master of Science in Global Health from Georgetown University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia. As a Program Manager, Taylor supports the development, management, and execution of HSP programs.


Rebecca Chevat
Program Manager
Program Manager

Rebecca Chevat

Rebecca Chevat, MPH, is a Program Manager at Health Security Partners (HSP). Prior to starting at HSP, Rebecca was an ORISE Global Health Security Policy Fellow at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rebecca holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) in Humanitarian Health and a certificate in Public Health Preparedness from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Public Health from American University. Prior to obtaining her MPH, Rebecca was a Research Associate on the Board of Health Science Policy, within the Health and Medicine Division of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.


Jamie Li
Program Manager
Program Manager

Jamie Li

Jamie Li is a Program Manager at Health Security Partners. Jamie holds a Master's in Public Health degree from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from San Jose State University. While at NYU, Jamie cultivated experience as a Lab Assistant at the Global Action for Urban Health Lab, providing crucial technical assistance to UN agencies, NGOs, and private partners, driving data-driven decision-making that influences healthcare policies. She has also co-authored a Frontiers in Health Services publication on diabetes self-management education in resource-constrained settings, demonstrating her commitment to addressing global health disparities. Jamie is dedicated to leveraging her public health expertise to support program development and improve global health outcomes at Health Security Partners.


Ashley Avella
Program Manager
Program Manager

Ashley Avella

Ashley came to Health Security Partners after four years providing project management on the USAID Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance project providing support across 18 countries on Tuberculosis detection and prevention. Prior to that, Ashley supported community health programs in Maricopa County in Arizona, and as a special medical coordinator for refugees at a refugee resettlement agency. She received her B.S. and B.A. from California Lutheran University, and her M.P.H. from University of California Los Angeles with a focus in global health. As a Program Manager, Ashley supports the development, management, and execution of HSP programs.


Corinne McNichols
Program Manager
Program Manager

Corinne McNichols

Prior to joining Health Security Partners as a Program Manager, Corinne McNichols played a pivotal role on the USAID Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) project, managing complex programs aimed at strengthening global health systems and enhancing disease detection. Her work included coordinating with international stakeholders, overseeing project implementation, and ensuring the timely achievement of project milestones. Corinne holds a Bachelor of Science degree in International Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master of Public Health from Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. She is based in Denver, Colorado.


Grace Vistica
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager
Monitoring and Evaluation Manager

Grace Vistica

Grace came to Health Security Partners after working in chronic disease surveillance and evaluation management at the Louisiana Department of Health. Her work included implementing statewide data management standards and procedures, designing and executing program evaluations, and new business development. Grace earned her Master's degree in international health and sustainability at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine. Prior to that, she served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Colombia, facilitating language learning and youth development programming with community members. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in human development from the University Of Alabama. She is based in New Orleans, Louisiana and provides monitoring and evaluation support to HSP.


Diandra Cruz
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator

Diandra Cruz

Diandra received her Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Liberty University in 2015 and is in her second year of George Mason University's Master of Science in Biodefense. Before joining HSP, she worked with the Virginia Small Business Development Center. She has also worked as a freelance writer, and spent time working in healthcare as a surgical coordinator, medical scribe, and healthcare administrative assistant. She currently resides in Northern Virginia with her husband, daughter, and three dogs.


Gina Gohl
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator

Gina Gohl

Gina graduated from University of South Florida in 2013 with an MPH in Global Health Practice. Prior to joining HSP, Gina served in Peace Corps and has worked in the non profit sector for much of her career.


Natalie Grande
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator

Natalie Grande

Natalie works as a Program Coordinator with HSP. Prior to joining the team, Natalie served as a Community Agribusiness Coordinator with Peace Corps Uganda and attended graduate school in the European Union’s Erasmus Mundus NOHA program - the Network of Humanitarian Action. With experience spanning government and nonprofits in the US, Uganda, Thailand, and remotely for Afghanistan, she is now based in the NYC metro area.


Emily Hoofnagle
Program Coordinator
Program Coordinator

Emily Hoofnagle

Emily Hoofnagle is a Program Coordinator at Health Security Partners. Prior to joining HSP, she worked as an Administrative Assistant at MDB, Inc., where she assisted the organization with administrative, financial, and event preparation tasks. Emily received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Central Florida and her Master of Arts in Political Science from American University.


Samreen Sarwar
Technical Advisor - Pakistan
Technical Advisor - Pakistan

Samreen Sarwar

Samreen is the technical advisor for Health Security Partners’ programs in Pakistan, which are being executed in collaboration with different national and international organizations to strengthen health security in Pakistan. Samreen is also a reviewer for different grant applications and fellowship programs. She has received two gold medals, several distinctions and the “Best B. Sc Medical Technology Student Award” in her academic career. Samreen is also a qualified ISO 15189 assessor of Pakistan National Accreditation Council and has worked as a coach and master trainer with the Pakistan Biological Safety Association. Additionally, she has worked in clinical microbiology diagnostic laboratories for more than four years, and is former ASM Young Ambassador to Pakistan (2013 – 2016) and Young Leader of ASM Young Leader Circle. Samreen has also published a chapter on tuberculosis with a well-known publisher in the USA, has organized more than fifty workshops, and is a 2015 health security futures fellow!