Our Experienced
Team Members
Professionals from the Healthcare
Industry to Inspire Future Leaders
Welcome: A Message from our Program Directors
Welcome to the MAS in The Leadership of Healthcare Organizations. This program is the first Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) degree developed in the University of California system. It was launched in 2001 to provide industry professionals with critical knowledge and skills to become effective managers and leaders in today’s complicated healthcare environment.
Our curriculum prepares students to meet the healthcare industry’s changing needs with a specific focus on process improvement, project management, personal leadership, and organizational leadership. The courses are delivered by UCSD faculty and healthcare professionals, providing students with the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field.
Thank you for considering our program. We look forward to helping you succeed in reaching your career goals.
Sincerely,
Todd Gilmer, PhD
Program Director
Chief, Division of Health Policy
Professor,
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health
Robert H. Kaplan, PhD
Program Associate Director
Professor of Practice,
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health,
Partner, The Torrey Pines Health Group

Collaboration of the Finest
UC San Diego School of Medicine and UC San Diego Extended Studies and Public Programs
The School of Medicine is one of the nation’s top-ranked academic institutions devoted to medical research, education, and healthcare services. Its physicians and researchers have been lauded with numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Prize and the membership of over 80 faculty members in the National Academy of Sciences and Institute of Medicine. UC San Diego Healthcare is known as a center for leading-edge medicine and outstanding clinical programs. Furthermore, San Diego has become one of the most advanced centers in the world for biotechnology, clinical research, telecommunications, and computer software. This is due in no small measure to the University of California, San Diego. More than 90% of the technology companies in San Diego can trace their roots to either faculty or graduates of UC San Diego.
In addition to research and degree work, UC San Diego is home to one of the most diverse continuing education programs in the world. UC San Diego Extended Studies and Public Programs provides critical support for workforce development to San Diego and other partnering organizations. It addresses the lifelong knowledge and skill development needs of individuals, organizations and the community. Every area of study, from biotechnology and the arts, to foreign languages and healthcare, evolves with the community. Courses are refined as the workplace changes and as new ideas and technologies arise.
Program Faculty

Janette Williams, IMBA, PhD
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Anya Umlauf, MS
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Ming Tai-Seale, PhD, MPH
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Kenneth J. Serio, MD
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Steve Martin, MBA
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Adam M. Keene, MBA
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Philip C. Hansen, PhD, MS
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Dan H. Deuprey, JD
+Janette Williams, IMBA, PhD
President/Senior Organizational Design/Development and Business Consultant
Janette Williams, IMBA, PhD has over 29 years of experience in management, leadership, consulting, and strategic business planning. Her various career moves have helped her gain expertise in business development, change management, organizational leadership, networking, and training. She currently utilizes her skills as an Organizational Design/Development and Business Consultant.
Janette holds a BS in Cognitive Science from UC San Diego, an International MBA from the Marshall Goldsmith School of Management, and a PhD in Organizational/Consulting Psychology from Alliant International.
Anya Umlauf, MS
Anya Umlauf, MS graduated from San Diego State University with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a master’s in Statistics. Anya is currently a statistician for HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program (HNRP) at the University of California, San Diego, and collaborates with US and international researchers on studying genetic, neurovirologic, neurobiologic, neuromedical, neurobehavioral, and neuroimaging data. In her role as a statistician, she assists HNRP researchers and trainees with all aspects of designing and implementing medical and behavioral studies, including preparation of grant applications, statistical analyses of the data, interpretation of the results, and publishing those results in scientific journals. Ms. Umlauf has been teaching statistics since 2007.
Ming Tai-Seale, PhD, MPH
Ming Tai-Seale, PhD, MPH is a tenured Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Public Health at UC San Diego in the Division of Health Policy. Her research focuses on the practice behavior of primary care physicians, patient-provider communications, and healthcare economics. Her novel approach towards foundational research in healthcare services, which promotes a multidisciplinary approach to investigations involving the practice behavior of providers, patient engagement, patient-provider communication, and the affordability and accessibility of quality healthcare has gained her national and international recognition. As a prolific researcher, her career publications output includes 92 peer-reviewed works, with 63 original research articles, 42 as first or senior author in such high impact journals in the field as Health Affairs, Health Services Research, Medical Care, and Journal of American Geriatrics Society. She has received numerous awards for her research. Further evidence of her impact as a researcher can be seen in her roles as a panel member and reviewer on various national agencies and editorial boards including the National Institute of Health, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Patient Centered Outcomes Research Institute, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. In addition to her faculty appointment at UC San Diego, she is the Director for Outcomes Analysis at the UC San Diego Health Information Services, and a Consulting Investigator at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation Research Institute. Dr. Tai-Seale earned her Ph.D. in Health Services with a cognate in Economics from the University of California Los Angeles. She also has an MPH from Emory University and received medical training at Jiaotong University School of Medicine in Shanghai, China.
Kenneth J. Serio, MD
Kenneth J. Serio, MD is a practicing Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Physician (Scripps Green Hospital), Co-Director of the Intensive Care Unit (Scripps Green Hospital), and Voluntary Assistant Clinical Professor (UC San Diego). He has spoken nationally and internationally on topics such of asthma, sepsis, and healthcare reform. He has also developed and operates the MD Nexus website.
Steve Martin, MBA
Steve Martin, MBA has over 24 years’ experience in healthcare administration while serving in the U.S. Air Force. He has extensive in-depth knowledge of federal policies with senior level experience developing, optimizing, and delivering cost effective, high quality health care systems throughout military clinics and hospitals around the world. Most recently, he served as the Director of Network Operations, for the TRICARE Regional Office, which oversaw the management of 200,000 network providers and 10,000 facilities providing care for 3 million people across 21 states. Steve has experience in $19B Medical Support Contract transitions, strategic planning, budgeting, cost accounting, medical acquisitions and leadership. He was recognized as the Young Healthcare Administrator of the Year and the Health Plans Officer of the Year for the Air Force. He received his MBA from Columbia Southern University and is a member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
Adam M. Keene, MBA
Adam M. Keene, MBA, has served as Clinical Systems Manager for UC San Diego’s Medical Center since 2010. He fulfills multiple roles encompassing the development, implementation, management, and ongoing support of UC San Diego Health System’s comprehensive clinical information system. He partners with senior clinical and administrative leadership to develop and refine strategies for advancing clinical computing capabilities. Past work experience includes working for Spectrum Health and Bronson Healthcare Group in Michigan as an IT Analyst, and as an Adjunct Instructor at Western Michigan University. He received his MBA with a concentration in Finance, and BBA in Computer Information Systems from Western Michigan University.
Philip C. Hansen, PhD, MS
Philip C. Hansen, M.S., Ph.D., received his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Illinois. He is an Advanced Integrated Technologies Group (AIT) Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a PMP trained Project Manager. He has 34 years of experience in consumer products Research and Development, Project Management, Manufacturing and Operational Excellence, in regulated industries at Pillsbury, Frito-Lay, Nutrilite, OptumRx, Ventura Foods and MedImpact, where he is a MBB Kaizen Facilitator. He is an instructor of Lean Six Sigma Black Belts at UCSD Extension. His experiences span a wide range of consumer products, business processes and contract manufacturing. He is experienced in using Toyota Production System (TPS) methodology, KAIZEN Workshop techniques, QFD, Root Cause Analysis and Value Stream Mapping for process improvement in healthcare and business process improvements in addition to manufacturing operations. He is an excellent problem solver who effectively communicates complex technical information to non-technical audiences.
Dan H. Deuprey, JD
Dan Deuprey, JD has been representing healthcare providers in litigated matters since 1972, including physicians, hospitals, physician’s assistants, nurse practitioners and others. Dan has extensive experience with jury trials, private binding arbitrations, and appeals, and has also served as counsel for physicians and other providers before licensing boards. He has served as hearing officer for medical staff peer review proceedings, and has served as a neutral arbitrator and mediator in resolving disputes involving healthcare providers. For over 20 years he has held membership in national organizations dedicated to education about the civil court system, holding the highest rank of Diplomate in the American Board of Trial Advocates and the rank of Master in the American Inns of Court.
Cynthia Grande
Cynthia Grande, BA
Career Advisor & Outreach Manager, Office of Advanced Professional Education and Development Cynthia Grande, BA, has 5 years of client services experience working in the non-profit sector, customer service, and in higher education. Cynthia serves as the Career Advisor and Outreach Manager for three Master’s programs including the MS in Drug Development and Product Management (DDPM), MAS in The Leadership of Healthcare Organizations (LHCO), and MAS in Clinical Research (CLRE). Cynthia manages all aspects of program promotion, student recruitment, and career development meanwhile creating mutually beneficial relationships between the students and companies. She also oversees the arrangement, organization, and implementation of social and educational events for current students and alumni. Prior to joining UCSD, Cynthia gained experience as Career Advisor within the health field for another nonprofit university in San Diego. Cynthia also has participated in bilingual international study and work experience in Mexico at Tecnológico de Monterrey. As a San Diego native, Cynthia earned her B.A. degree in International Business from San Diego State University, CA.Katherine Lukens, BA
Graduate Coordinator, Office of Advanced Professional Education and Development Katherine Lukens, BA, has 6 years of client services experience working in the non-profit sector, the publishing industry, and in higher education. As the Graduate Coordinator for both the M.S. in Drug Development and Product Management (DDPM), and the Leadership of Healthcare Organizations (LHCO) (LHCO) Katherine provides a range of services and guidance for graduate students and faculty. She also runs the admissions processes, as well as program administration. Prior to joining UCSD, Katherine worked in academic publishing as a Sales Executive in San Diego, advising university administrators, faculty, and students on course materials. In western MA, she completed a year of AmeriCorps Service with Habitat for Humanity as a Recruiter for volunteer support. She also has over a year of international study and work experience in China and East Africa. Originally from the Boston area, Katherine earned her B.A. degree in Global Studies from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY.
Krisztina Hershon, MS
Director, Office of Advanced Professional Education and Development Krisztina Hershon has been with UC San Diego since 2007, working in Professional, Graduate and Medical Education in the past 13 years. Prior to obtaining the Director position for the Office of Advanced Professional Education and Development at UCSD Extension, she has worked for UCSD School of Medicine as their Registrar. As the Director of OAPED, she oversees the student services and fiscal administration of three, self-supporting Health Sciences MS and MAS programs and its administrative staff. Krisztina earned her Master of Science in Environmental Management and Engineering from the Szent Istvan University in Hungary, where she was born and raised.

Gary Rossio
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John E. Mattison, MD
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Nick Macchione, MS, MPH, FACHE
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Nicholas M. Holmes, M.D., MBA
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W. Mitch Heroman, MD, MBA, CPE, FACPE
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Donna M. Fischer, CTRS, CAVS, VHA-CM
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Irma Cota, MPH
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Clyde H. Beck, Jr., MD
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Dan Gross, DNSc
+Gary Rossio
Heath Systems Consultant and Co-Founder San Diego Veterans Coalition Gary Rossio is a Health Systems Consultant and volunteer who has served on active duty in the US Air Force (1971-1975) and in the VA Healthcare System and completed a 38 year federal career. From 1996 until his retirement in 2009 he served as the CEO of the VA San Diego Healthcare System and had a prior stint as COO there from 1989-1994. In those roles and in the career steps post VA work in San Diego, Rossio has been an innovator in service delivery to veterans and their families and a veteran advocate. Rossio helped co-found the San Diego Veterans Coalition in 2009 and helped develop ten veteran coalitions the cover the state of Michigan 2013-2016. Gary Rossio is a native of Detroit, Michigan and is a graduate of Michigan State University and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and is a Life Fellow, American College of Healthcare Executives (LFACHE). He and his wife Beverly, PhD have four adult children, two grandchildren, and are involved in numerous faith based, performing arts, and athletic endeavors in the area.
John E. Mattison, MD
Nick Macchione, MS, MPH, FACHE
Nicholas M. Holmes, M.D., MBA
Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego Nicholas M. Holmes is a native of Washington D.C. and presently resides in Carlsbad, CA. He completed his undergraduate studies at Georgetown University with a B.S. in Biology (Pre-Med) in 1989. He continued his studies at Georgetown in the School of Medicine by completing his doctorate of medicine in 1993. During medical school, he discovered his passion for surgical disciplines and went on for residency training in Urology at the Naval Medical Center San Diego and fellowship training in Pediatric Urology at the University of California San Francisco. In December 2011, Dr. Holmes graduated from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville’s Physician Executive Masters of Business Administration program. During his 15-year career in the United States Navy, he served as the head urologist of the Navy as the Specialty Advisor to the Navy Surgeon General assisting in shaping urology health care policy, manpower, and graduate medical education. He served as the Chairman of the Department of Urology at the Naval Medical Center San Diego from 2005-2007. In 2007, he completed his military service and became the Chief of Pediatric Urology at Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego (RCHSD). During his tenure as Chief, the Division had been named one of the top 30 Pediatric Urology programs by U.S. News and World Report. In 2012, Dr. Holmes was named to the position of Vice President, Medical Director of Surgery for Children’s Specialist of San Diego which is the multi-specialty pediatric medical practice affiliated with RCHSD. In this role, he has focused on ways to improve healthcare delivery systems via a spotlight on quality, healthcare finance and healthcare information systems. In addition to this role, Dr. Holmes served as the Medical Director for Surgical Services at RCHSD providing oversight for quality measures, patient flow, standards and procedures in the operating room. In October 2014, Dr. Holmes assumed the role as the Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer at RCHSD. This opportunity has allowed him to make a positive impact not only in the lives of Urology patients, but for all patients who enter the Rady Children’s Health Network System. In 2017, Dr. Holmes was among the first cohort of physicians to become board certified in Administrative Medicine by the American Board of Physician Specialties. In 2018, Dr. Holmes was honored to receive the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce’s William Jones Lifetime Leadership Award.
W. Mitch Heroman, MD, MBA, CPE, FACPE
Chief Medical Officer, OptumServe Dr. Heroman is a neonatologist and the Chief Medical Officer for OptumServe, the UnitedHealth Group platform that provides information and technology-enabled health services to the Federal health market including the Military, VA, and CMS. As CMO, he has medical oversight of quality and health care delivery including the MHS Global Nurse Advice Line and the 3 VA Community Care Network contracts. He is very interested in value-based care and coordinates telehealth for OptumServe. Most recently from 2013-2017, he was CMO for UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans (UHCM&V), the managed care support contractor for TRICARE West Region. He has expertise in healthcare delivery, in demand forecasting, demand and capacity management, and in mitigation strategies for any gaps. He has consulted in over 250 Military clinics and service lines since 2004, first as VP, Health Plan Design and Management, TriWest Healthcare Alliance and then as CMO, UHCM&V. His military medicine background is extensive and diverse including assignments at Naval Medical Center, San Diego as Deputy Commander, Chief of Staff, TRICARE Management Activity (TMA), Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Commanding Officer, Naval Hospital, Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton, CA and Force Surgeon, Commander, Surface Forces, U.S. Pacific and Atlantic Fleets.
Donna M. Fischer, CTRS, CAVS, VHA-CM
Irma Cota, MPH
Clyde H. Beck, Jr., MD
Community Health Consultant Bud Beck spent seven and a half glorious years at the University of Michigan He then took his MD degree to New York City and the Columbia Medical division at Bellevue Hospital for two years. Subsequent years lead to the Beth Israel in Boston for residency, an MGH Harvard fellowship and ultimately an Assistant Professorship at Harvard. He became the Chief of the Hemodialysis Unit at Massachusetts General Hospital. Research there included studies in decision analysis and hyperalimentation of the critically ill. A professorship and Chief of Clinical Nephrology at UCSD was followed by 10 years practice in nephrology. He then served as executive vice president and Chief Medical Officer at Scripps Health. A great joy has been working with the underserved through board membership and chairing the 211 San Diego Board; this organization helps meet the socio-economic needs in San Diego.