About

Staff

President & CEO

Polly Parsons, MD Polly E. Parsons, MD, MACP, FCCP, ATSF
AAIM@im.org

Dr. Parsons serves as AAIM President and CEO, a position she started in July 2022. She currently serves as Professor of Medicine Emerita at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont and was Chair of Medicine from 2006-2022. Dr. Parsons earned her undergraduate degree at Radcliffe College and her MD at University of Arizona College of Medicine. She completed her residency in internal medicine and her fellowship in pulmonary medicine at University of Colorado School of Medicine.

Senior Director of Member Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion

Talia D. Austin, MSM

Talia D. Austin, MSM
taustin@im.org

Talia oversees membership operations, member engagement, and diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy for the Alliance. She reports to the Chief Executive Officer.  Talia joined AAIM in 2009 and has a bachelor’s degree in economics from University of Pittsburgh, and a master’s degree in management with a concentration in nonprofits and associations from University of Maryland Global Campus.

Education and Research Senior Specialist

Kristin Barnard

Kristin Barnard 
kbarnard @ im.org

Kristin provides administrative management and professional support for the education and research efforts of the Alliance which includes working with committees, cross-council work groups, councils, and external stakeholders to develop products and services for the Alliance community.  She reports to the Director of Medical Education and Research.  Kristin joined AAIM in October 2023, has a bachelor’s degree in Language and International Trade from Eastern Michigan University. 

Committee Responsibilities: AAIM Medical Education Research Committee, AAIM Research Committee

Senior Director of Education & Research

Margaret A. Breida, MS

Margaret A. Breida, MS
mbreida@im.org

Margaret develops and recommends long-term strategic goals for projects and initiatives related to graduate medical education, medical education research, accreditation, certification, and health policy. She oversees efforts to support physician scientist initiatives, surveys and data, and interactions with key external stakeholders. She reports to the Chief Executive Officer.  Margaret joined AAIM in June 2011, she has a bachelor’s degree in geography from University of Maryland Baltimore County, and a master’s degree in health physics from Texas A&M University.

Director of Membership

BROCKWEB.jpgStephen Brock, CAE
sbrock@im.org

Stephen is responsible for the strategic direction and management of short- and long-term plans for membership development, recruitment, and retention. He reports to the Senior Director of Member Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion.  Stephen joined AAIM in July 2019, he has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Penn State University and is a Certified Association Executive.


Assistant Director of Member Engagement

Tameka Brown Tameka Brown
tbrown@im.org

Tameka oversees and directs member engagement programs and initiatives, as well as supports member volunteer relations and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.  She reports to the Senior Director of Member Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion.  Tameka joined AAIM in January 2020, she has a bachelor's degree in communication from Bowie State University, and a master's degree in counseling from Liberty University.

Senior Director of Special Projects

Sheila T. Costa

Sheila T. Costa, PMP
scosta@im.org

Sheila currently oversees four areas as special projects: communications and branding, governance, publications, and external support. She reports to the Chief Executive Officer.  Sheila joined AAIM in June 1997, she has a bachelor’s degree in English from The College of William and Mary, a master’s degree in English from George Mason University, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
 
Committee Responsibilities: AAIM Governance Committee and AAIM Committee Chairs Group

Conference & Meetings Program Senior Specialist

Jessica DarnellJessica Darnell, MPA
jdarnell@im.org

Jessica provides support to the educational program planning committees, continuing medical education, and other issues related to educational content for Alliance meetings. She reports to the Assistant Director of Conferences & Meetings (Programs).  Jessica joined AAIM in October 2019, she has a bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Eastern Kentucky University.
 
Committee Responsibilities: APDIM PA Program Planning Committee, CDIM CA Program Planning Committee




Marketing Senior Specialist

Nelia DashiellNelia Dashiell
ndashiell@im.org

Nelia is responsible for writing email and communications content in support of current and developing products and services of the Alliance.  She reports to the Assistant Director of Marketing.  Nelia joined AAIM in November 2021, she has a bachelor’s degree in English and Media Studies from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Senior Director of Human Resources

Nancy Dernelle, MA

Nancy Dernelle, MA
ndernelle@im.org

Nancy provides strategic direction for the human resource (HR) functions which includes recruitment, terminations, compensation program, employee benefits’ contracts, employee relations, talent management, professional development, performance evaluation process, and staff retention. Nancy serves as a confidential liaison to the AAIM Board of Directors for the executives’ contracts, executives’ compensation, and the executives’ annual performance evaluations. She reports to the Chief Executive Officer.  Nancy joined AAIM in April 2014, she has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola University of Chicago, and a master’s degree in human resources management from George Washington University.
 
Committee Responsibilities: AAIM Compensation Committee

Member Engagement Senior Specialist

Dionedra Dorsey

Dionedra Dorsey
ddorsey@im.org

Dionedra is responsible for supporting and coordinating member engagement efforts for AAIM, as well as supporting member volunteer relations and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. She also manages the AAIM Higher! and member volunteer recognition programs.  She reports to the Assistant Director of Member Engagement.  Dionedra joined AAIM in May 2018 and she has a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Old Dominion University (Global).

Assistant Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Andrea Giovannucci

Andrea Giovannucci
agiovannucci@im.org

Andrea is responsible for overseeing and directing diversity, equity, and inclusion projects for AAIM. This includes directing committees, task forces, advisory groups, developing metrics for DEI initiatives, developing DEI programming, leading external DEI partnerships, and tracking DEI data for members. She reports the Senior Director of Member Engagement, Diversity & Inclusion.   Andrea joined AAIM in January 2024 and has a bachelor’s degree in English from Boston College.

Assistant Director of Conferences & Meetings (Programs)

Curtis Gore

Curtis Gore
cgore@im.org

Curtis is the staff liaison to the educational program planning committees responsible for the educational content of AAIM’s three in-person conferences. Curtis is responsible for directing a year-long cycle of planning, program development, and program components and directs the processes related to workshop and abstract proposal submissions, review, and selection. He reports to the Senior Director of Conferences, Meetings, & Technology Services.  Curtis joined AAIM in February of 2016, he has a bachelor’s degree in political science from The College of Wooster.
 
Committee Responsibilities: AIM Program Planning Committee, APDIM Program Planning Committee, APM Program Planning Committee, CDIM Program Planning Committee

Membership Specialist

Sara Fogarty
sfogarty@im.org

Sara is responsible for coordinating member services operations and providing customer service, especially as it relates to obtaining membership, accessing resources and communities, and answering questions. Sara provides logistical and administrative support to the Member Engagement, Diversity, and Inclusion Team.  She reports to the Director of Membership.  Sara joined AAIM in April 2024 and has dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Spanish and in Human Services and Social Justice from the George Washington University.

Accounting Manager

James F. Helm, MBA

James F. Helm, MBA
 jhelm@im.org

Jim manages the daily functions of the accounting area including monthly and annual financial closings, accounts receivables as well as additional support for the Finance and Business Operations Team.  He reports to the Director of Finance.  Jim joined AAIM in November 2016, he has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Virginia Tech and an MBA from Indiana University.


Senior Director of Conferences, Meetings, & Technology Services

Steven M. Humphrey

Steven M. Humphrey
shumphrey@im.org

Steven leads the team responsible for Alliance meetings, conferences, and other member education efforts as well as drives AAIM’s IT strategy, influencing strategy for all departments, analyzing user needs, planning and strategizing on future IT programs, researching and recommending new technology, and creating and recommending technical solutions. He reports to the Chief Executive Officer.  Steven joined AAIM in October 2002, he has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from State University of New York College at Brockport.
 
Committee Responsibilities: AAIM Educational Program Planning Committee

Director of Survey Research

Michael R. Kisielewski, MA
mkisielewski@im.org

Michael R. Kisielewski, MA

Michael oversees the development and deployment of AAIM recurring disciplinary surveys as well as non-survey committee data-gathering projects. He provides guidance in response to survey support requests from AAIM members/volunteer groups and stakeholders, advises on the scope of future AAIM data collection, and contributes to scholarly works developed from AAIM research surveys. He reports to the Senior Director of Education & Research.  Michael joined AAIM in October of 2016, he has a bachelor’s degree in political science from George Washington University, and a master’s degree in political science from University of Massachusetts.
 
Committee Responsibilities: APDIM Survey Committee, APDIM PA Survey and Scholarship Committee, CDIM Survey and Scholarship Committee

Assistant Director of Marketing

slawlerWEB.jpgSarah Lawler
slawler@im.org

Sarah is responsible for developing and implementing branding, marketing, and communication strategy and tactics for the Alliance. She reports to the Senior Director of Special Projects. Sarah joined AAIM in July 2019, she has a bachelor’s degree in art history and communications from Simmons University, and a master’s degree in public communication from American University.

Director of Finance

Brian Lyons

Brian Lyons
 blyons@im.org

Brian is responsible for directing the accounting department, providing compliant and accurate financial reporting, including financial forecasting, variance analysis, and budgeting. This position is also responsible for developing and implementing internal controls and for overseeing the annual audit and preparation of federal and state filings. He reports to the Senior Director of Business Operations.  Brian joined AAIM in October of 2016 and he has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Duquesne University.

Web Content Manager

Kayce A. Maisel
kmaisel@im.org

Kayce is responsible for managing www.im.org and the organization’s microsites to reflect the Alliance's digital strategy, including ensuring content is current and accurate. Kayce also manages AAIM’s website software and will provide day-to-day support for the Alliance website redesign. She reports to the Assistant Director of Marketing.  Kayce joined AAIM in February 2024 and has a bachelor's degree in English Literature from Atlanta State College.

Senior Director of Business Operations

Karen M. Majcher, MBA

Karen M. Majcher, MBA
kmajcher@im.org

Karen oversees business operations, which includes finance and business operations, for the Alliance.  She reports to the Chief Executive Officer.  Karen joined AAIM in September 2017, she has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Virginia Tech, and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University.
 
Committee Responsibilities: AAIM Finance and Audit Committee, AAIM Compliance Committee

Business Operations Manager

EMaaim.pngEmily McCarthy
emccarthy@im.org

Emily provides administrative and professional support for internal office operations, human resources, business operations, and manages accounts payable.   She reports to the Senior Director of Human Resources. Emily joined AAIM in July 2014, she has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from University of Mary Washington, and a master’s degree in international hotel and tourism management from Schiller International University.

Director of Medical Education and Research

Valerie O

Valerie O
 vo@im.org

Valerie leads the development of products and services in medical education by working in partnership with cross-council working groups, task forces, councils, and external stakeholders. This position is instrumental in developing opportunities for AAIM to influence educational policy decisions and to elevate and improve stakeholder medical education processes across the continuum. She reports to the Senior Manager of Education and Research. Valerie joined the Alliance in November of 2017, and she has a bachelor's degree in English from Marymount University.
 
Committee Responsibilities: AAIM Medical Education Research Committee, AAIM Research Committee, AAIM Away Rotations Work Group, AAIM Residency Applications Process Work Group, AAIM Post-Interview Communications Work Group, and AAIM Structured Evaluative Letter Work Group

Surveys and Research Manager

Lydia Redway

Lydia Redway 
lredway@im.org

Lydia contributes to the successful execution of annual and periodic survey committee-driven data collection, and developing timely products and services (e.g., survey summary reports and data visualizations, scholarly works, and online resources and new content derived from Alliance research surveys). She reports to the Director of Survey Research. Lydia joined AAIM in June 2023, she has a bachelor's degree in psychology from Franklin & Marshall College.

Executive Office Administrator

Jewel Saunders 
jsaunders@im.org

Jewel provides administrative management and professional support to ensure the effective and efficient management of AAIM executive office’s internal functions, including serving as a liaison to staff team leaders, oversight, and coordination of the AAIM President and AAIM Chief Executive Officer appointment and travel schedules, and as a key contact for both executives when coordinating meetings and events with AAIM’s external stakeholders. In addition, she provides administrative support related to the management of the AAIM Board of Directors and AAIM Executive Committee. She reports to the Senior Director of Human Resources.  Jewel joined AAIM in May 2023 and has her bachelor's degree in business management from University of the District of Columbia. 

Conferences and Meetings Event Manager

Pamela Sharo, MA

Pamela Sharo, MS, CMP
psharo@im.org

Pamela provides multi-faceted support for the execution of AAIM's two large annual conferences, the APM Winter Meeting, and Alliance-sponsored meetings from the AAIM Executive Office and Education and Research teams. Pam serves as site liaison, manages contracts, selects sites, prepares budgets, and provides onsite logistics management. She reports to the Assistant Director of Conferences and Meetings (Events). Pamela joined AAIM in February 2018, she has a bachelor’s degree in public relations from West Virginia University,  a master’s degree in public relations from Quinnipiac University, and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).



Education and Research Administrator

Ardie Stephens 
astephens@im.org

Ardie provides administrative management and professional support to ensure the effective and efficient management of the education and research team (ERT). She reports to the Director of Medical Education and Research.  Ardie joined AAIM in May 2023 and has her bachelor's degree in business management (computer information systems) from Georgia State University. 
 
Committee Responsibilities: AAIM Innovation Grants Committee, Internal Medicine Education Advisory Board, and Project ECHO PDPQ

 

Assistant Director of Conferences and Meetings (Events)

CTWeb.jpg

Christine Tambini, CMP
ctambini@im.org

Christine is responsible for directing the planning, logistics, and delivery of AAIM’s two annual conferences including serving as site liaison, negotiating and reviewing contracts, selecting sites, budgeting, and pre/post-conference planning and oversight, exhibits, partnership programs, and onsite logistics management. She reports to the Senior Director of Conferences, Meetings, and Technology Services.  Christine joined AAIM in August 2018, she has a bachelor’s degree in hospitality and tourism management from Virginia Tech, and is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP).

Technology Services Manager

Brandon Wilkerson
bwilkerson@im.org

Brandon provides internal help desk support, oversight for technology equipment, and software support for key platforms such as the membership database and learning management system. He reports to the Senior Director of Conferences, Meetings, & Technology Services. Brandon joined AAIM in April 2024.

Disclosure

Machine-readable files are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.