Staff

Kim Thiboldeaux is a seasoned, passionate health care leader with experience in both the private and non-profit sectors, spanning multiple disease areas and health care topics including HIV and AIDS, organ transplant, oncology, caregiving, patient navigation, and health equity.

Kim served as CEO of the Cancer Support Community (CSC) for 20 years, from 2000-2020, leading a global nonprofit network that operates at 175 locations, including CSC and Gilda’s Club centers, and in multiple hospitals and cancer clinics. Combined with a toll-free Helpline, a Research Institute, and a DC-based Policy Institute, Kim grew this network of professionally-led services five-fold during her tenure. In her last year as CEO, the organization provided more than $50 million in free support and navigation services to patients and families.

Kim’s service includes appointments to the nation’s premier health care panels and boards. In 2019, Dr. Francis S. Collins, Director of the National Institutes of Health, appointed Kim to the Novel and Exceptional Technology and Research Advisory Committee. This panel is focused on providing advice and serving as a transparent forum for discussion of the scientific, safety, and ethical issues associated with emerging biotechnologies. In 2017, Kim was appointed to serve on the Biden Cancer Initiative’s Board of Directors.

In serving as a patient advocate on these high-profile boards and panels, Kim has brought attention to inequities in our health care system. In 2019, she joined Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Dr. Jill Biden, and leaders of the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corporation in Arizona to mark the opening of the first-ever full-time cancer and support center on an American Indian Reservation. Kim helped convene key Navajo Nation leaders, private sector supporters, and other officials to establish this culturally-adapted program located in an area larger than the state of West Virginia. That work led to the opportunity to develop a full-length, feature documentary, Navajo Nation USA, about the cancer center and the triumphs and challenges of the Navajo people. Kim is Executive Producer and Writer on the film (www.NavajoNationUSA.com).

In 2020, Stand Up To Cancer appointed Kim to its Equity Breakthrough Research Review Team, focusing on cancers affecting underrepresented populations. In 2019, the International Psychosocial Oncology Society presented Kim with the President’s Community Award for Distinguished Contributions at its Global Congress in Canada.

Kim has led numerous other initiatives to help patients and families in need. Most notably, she launched an emergency fund in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that provided financial relief grants to thousands of patients affected by the economic downturn and expanded the organization’s professionally-staffed Helpline as the call volume nearly doubled. In addition, as part of a two-year collaboration she led with Airbnb, more than 3,000 patients in need were provided free housing while traveling for treatment.

Dr. Cunningham-Hill is an employee health expert known for his ability to create, identify and implement high-quality workplace health programs including prevention and screening, chronic illness interventions, and mental health and wellbeing initiatives. His broad occupational medicine and public health experience encompasses addressing chronic diseases impacting employers, employees and communities within the context of  social, cultural and racial determinants of health.

Mark has served as the Medical Director for Northeast Business Group on Health since early 2018. Until 2017, he served as Senior Director, Global Solutions Center and Head of Occupational Medicine at Johnson & Johnson, Inc . At J&J, Mark led a team of experts covering occupational medicine, health and wellness, personal energy management, EAP and mental wellbeing, and work-life effectiveness, and supported regional operational groups delivering health services to 135,000 employees in 120 companies. Prior to seven years at J&J, Mark spent 17 years at GlaxoSmithKline in both London and Philadelphia, including as Head of Global Operations, Employee Health Management.

Mark received his MB ChB, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Manchester University in the UK. He is a Fellow of both the American College of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine, London.

As Chief Operating Officer of NEBGH, Courtney provides strategic oversight and operational leadership across all of the organization’s initiatives. She applies her expertise in logistics, process improvement, and strategic planning to enhance NEBGH’s programs, conferences, and educational offerings—ensuring efficiency, innovation, and high-quality outcomes.

Courtney works closely with NEBGH’s CEO, Medical Director, and project teams to drive impactful initiatives in key areas such as DE&I, pandemic preparedness, diabetes, cancer, and caregiving. She plays a vital role in ensuring the successful execution of deliverables and maximizing NEBGH’s resources to benefit its members and the broader healthcare community. Additionally, she spearheaded the development of ExpectNY, an innovative platform that provides transparent quality measures and educational resources on maternal care.

Before joining NEBGH, Courtney was Director of Marketing Operations and Infrastructure at the Wall Street consultancy TABB Group, where she led process optimization, technology development, and marketing initiatives. She played a key role in implementing a company-wide CRM system and revamping client research, publishing, and marketing platforms, while also driving operational efficiencies across finance, client services, and marketing. Prior to that, she was instrumental in designing and implementing the life safety and security systems for Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa in Atlantic City.

Courtney holds a B.S. in Information Technology and Criminal Justice from Juniata College and an M.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. She has also earned Master’s Certificates in Black Belt Six Sigma, Green Belt Six Sigma, and Lean Six Sigma from Villanova University.

Janaera Gastón provides oversight for content, design and execution of NEBGH’s educational programs and managing related strategic partnerships.  

Prior to joining NEBGH, Janaera worked for two New York City public hospitals as the special assistant to the deputy chief financial officer at Coler-Goldwater Memorial Hospital and as a human resources manager at Kings County Hospital Center.

Janaera has represented NEBGH on advisory boards and guest lectured at local colleges presenting the employers’ role in health care.  She has served on several local not-for-profit boards.

She received her B.A. from Syracuse University and her M.P.A. from the City University of New York, Baruch College of Public Affairs.

Emily Commer is the Vice President of Membership at NEBGH, bringing nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit communications, fundraising, event management, and engagement. Since 2006, her work has centered on designing and building impactful professional communities.

Prior to joining NEBGH, Emily spent more than 17 years at Cultural Vistas, most recently serving as Director of Alumni Engagement, Emily worked with governments, foundations, and the private sector to design and develop innovative international exchange initiatives. In 2022, she was selected as one of 30 nonprofit leaders worldwide to participate in the Robert Bosch Foundation’s Change Management program where she deepened her expertise in organizational transformation.

Emily holds a Master of Arts in International Business from the Open University of London and a Bachelor of Science in Global Business Management from California State University, San Marcos. She also completed a postgraduate fellowship in Germany and is (pretty) fluent in German.

Based in New York City, Emily enjoys running, Pilates, community gardens, and spending time with her two children as well as friends and family both near and far!

Tanika Smith is an accomplished business development and healthcare strategy leader with more than two decades of experience advancing high‑value programs across employer, provider, and multi‑sector environments. Known for her ability to build strong partnerships, deepen stakeholder engagement, and translate complex healthcare data into actionable strategies, she has consistently delivered initiatives that improve outcomes, enhance quality, and strengthen cost performance in benefits spending.

Formerly the Vice President of Member Services at the Greater Philadelphia Business Coalition on Health (GPBCH), Tanika led regional business development, territory management, and strategic programming for a coalition representing more than 100 employers and over 800,000 covered lives. She oversaw collaborations with hospitals and health systems to advance healthcare quality and patient safety, directed employer‑focused educational programs and events, and managed data‑driven transparency initiatives. Tanika also served as a Regional Leader for The Leapfrog Group and contributed to statewide data governance as a member of the Delaware Health Information Network’s Data Access Review Committee.

Prior to her role at GPBCH, Tanika served as Director of Communications and Program Development for the Teamsters Health & Welfare Fund of Philadelphia, supporting operations for a $2B multi‑employer plan serving more than 20,000 members. She led fund communications, payer collaboration, claims analysis, and member engagement programs that improved outcomes and controlled costs. Her earlier career includes nearly a decade in employer relations roles at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (now City of Hope), where she managed direct to employer oncology programs, regional market development, and large‑scale patient engagement events. Tanika began her career in oncology marketing for a startup bio-technology company, supporting FDA‑compliant promotional review and cross‑functional communications for branded oncology portfolios.

A strategic communicator, collaborative relationship builder, and mission‑driven leader, Tanika brings expertise in cross‑sector partnerships, data‑informed decision making, and value‑based healthcare program development. She is a Bruce Bradley Fellow through The Leapfrog Group and holds dual degrees in Communication Studies and Business Administration from Rider University. Tanika is an active member of the Hemophilia Association of NJ (HANJ) and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. In her free time, Tanika enjoys traveling with her family, coffee dates with her two sons, watching movies in the theater, and cheering on her favorite basketball team, the Philadelphia 76 Sixers.

Ilene’s financial background covers a wide range of experience in both the public and private sectors.  Prior to joining NEBGH, she was Treasurer for Local Initiatives Support Corporation, the largest organization in the country supporting projects that revitalize struggling communities.

Ilene has an MBA in finance and is a Certified Treasury Professional.  Most recently, she received her Masters in Public Administration from NYU.

Adria Subbiondo is Director of Creative Design and Event Operations for Northeast Business Group on Health. She is responsible for graphic design, branding, event promotion and using her creative expertise to showcase NEBGH and its various activities.

Before joining NEBGH, Adria spent several years as Marketing Maven and Resident Artist for The Pump Energy Food (now Dig Inn). She was involved in restaurant openings, marketing, and menu/product design, as well as coordinating special events. Prior to Dig Inn, she was the manager of marketing for restaurant development group Branded Concept Development (BCD).

Adria studied psychology and business at Tulane University, and also attended the Art Institute of New York City where she earned a degree in hospitality management and culinary arts. She is a PADI-rated Master Scuba Diver.

Diane Engel provides administrative support to the team with all things big, small and in-between. She enjoys meticulously working behind the scenes and being part of the NEBGH infrastructure that brings you those informative NEBGH programs. If you are attending one of our programs and wearing a name badge…she created it! Prior to joining NEBGH she provided administrative support in the creative worlds of fashion, interior design and package design, but she knew she was always destined for the nonprofit world.

Shalom holds a Master of Public Health in Health Policy and Management from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, where she also earned a certificate in Health Policy Analysis. She received her Bachelor of Science in Health Education from Howard University, with a concentration in Maternal and Child Health and a minor in Biology.

She began her public health career through early roles at the White House’s Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, and Bristol Myers Squibb, building a strong foundation in health policy, advocacy, and research. Shalom later led operations at a maternal health startup, where she supported cross-functional teams and infrastructure to advance digital health solutions for pregnant women.

Motivated by a desire to expand her impact on chronic disease and employer-driven health solutions, Shalom transitioned into cancer and chronic disease-focused work as a Cancer Research and Project Assistant intern at the Northeast Business Group on Health (NEBGH). She now serves as NEBGH’s Programs and Conference Manager, where she leads planning, strategy, and execution for employer-facing health events and initiatives.

Across roles, Shalom has remained committed to improving population health outcomes, especially for historically underserved communities, by integrating operations, policy, and partnerships.