Mental Health America of Ohio’s Board of Trustees oversees the organization’s activities. Trustees meet periodically to discuss and vote on the affairs of the organization. Their commitment to improving access to mental health care for all Ohioans is remarkable.
PRESIDENT
Erin Ryan is the Founder & President of Elevate Advocacy, LLC, where she provides independent consulting in policy, advocacy, and government affairs to drive forward positive change for families, communities, and our society. She brings more than a decade of experience in nonpartisan policy, research, and advocacy, as well as a background in organizing and grassroots fundraising on political campaigns. Erin has been a leading voice in Ohio on early childhood issues, maternal and infant health, and gender justice – building effective relationships with policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and advocates; serving as an issue expert; and advancing policy change at the local, state, and federal levels. She is driven by her commitment to social change, community-focused solutions, and equity. Access to mental health services and eliminating the stigma of mental health are foundational to her justice-driven mentality. She resides in Central Ohio with her husband and daughter. MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2021.
VICE PRESIDENT
A grant professional for more than 10 years, Tiffany is the sole proprietor of T. Nobles Grant Consulting, LLC, providing grants services to nonprofits and small businesses. Tiffany is an active member of the Grant Professionals Association (since 2012) and the Association of Fundraising Professionals (since 2018). Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Washington & Jefferson College and a Master’s of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public & International Affairs. She serves as a Trustee because she believes in the intentional work the agency is doing to remove the stigma of mental health and disparities in accessing quality care, particularly within the African American community. MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2021.
TREASURER
Amanda has 10+ years of solution delivery and project management experience, with eight years in providing advisory & technology consulting services. She assists organizations in the implementation of strategic solutions with a focus on the impact to people, processes, and systems. With great admiration of the services and programs offered by MHAOhio, Amanda serves as a trustee inspired by those in her life who are on their mental wellness journey, and as an homage to those who have passed due to causes rooted in mental health and addiction. Amanda graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting & Management Information Systems. In her personal time, she enjoys exploring cities with her husband, attending concerts, watching documentaries with a cat on her lap, and playing board games with friends. MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2020.
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IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Allison is an Ohio native and has been living in greater Columbus since coming to The Ohio State University in 2007 where she studied Computer and Information Science. She has spent her career working in IT and currently works as the manager of the core engineering team at FMX. Allison was drawn to MHAOhio in 2018 by a lifelong passion for mental health advocacy. She longs to live in a world where everyone can access the mental health resources they need to be healthy and happy. When she has free time, Allison likes to stay active, cook delicious food, watch OSU football, and spend as much time as possible with her friends and family. MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2018.
Nita received her B.A. and J.D. from The University of Texas and her LL.M. in health law from Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She is thrilled to join the MHAOhio Board to work with the organization in its efforts to support the community, provide resources to those in need, and destigmatize mental health issues. MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2021.
Todd is an experienced attorney and state government affairs lobbyist. Todd has worked in multi-state lobbying for more than 22 years with experience in pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and IT industries, consistently adding value to companies through a unique combination of government affairs, legal (JD), and business/sales (MBA) experience. Todd has worked directly for multi-national corporations AstraZeneca, Otsuka, Eisai, TAP Pharmaceuticals, and Bristol Meyers Squibb. He also managed the legislative affairs as a contract lobbyist for Google, Intuit, Symantec, Celgene, Amerigroup, United Concordia Dental, and Fresenius Health Care. The Ohio PhRMA task force elected Todd Chair of the state Task Force representing the industry on issues with the Governor’s office, the state legislature, and various state agencies. Todd received his Juris Doctor from the University of Toledo in 1992, his MBA in marketing from Bowling Green State University in 1988, and his BA in Economics from the University of Toledo in 1986. Todd is active in the community, sitting on the MHAOhio Board and the Breathing Association, and he is a member of the Ohio Lobby Association. MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2018.
Amanda is the Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer at Park National Bank. Amanda received her BS in Human Ecology from the Ohio State University and her J.D. from Capital University Law School. Amanda previously served as a Suicide Prevention Hotline Volunteer through North Central Mental Health and therefore is proud to be on a board where she can raise awareness for access to mental health services and help eliminate stigma around mental health treatment. MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2021.
Nate has been a part of the healthcare industry for nearly 20 years, first in advertising/client services and now as the Director of Human Resources for Syneos Health. Through his professional career and personal experience, he has developed a deep appreciation for the impact mental health conditions can have on individuals and loved ones. He has seen firsthand the important role programs such as POEM can play in supporting the health and wellbeing of people in need. Nate was born and raised in Canton, Ohio. He attended The Ohio State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism/Public Relations and a second major in communication. Currently, Nate serves as the Chair of the HR Committee where he and the committee are focused on ensuring the staff of MHAOhio are empowered and supported to be successful within the organization. MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2018.
Ujjwal Ramtekkar, MD, MBA. CPE is a double boarded psychiatrist and an experienced health executive with focus on telehealth and innovative programs to improve mental health access. He has served in various leadership positions in academic, community and industry settings. Currently, he serves as the Chief Medical Director for Lifestance Health providing oversight of clinical operations and program development for mental health services and provider network management across the United States. In the past, he served as associate medical director at Partners for Kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and associate professor at the Ohio State University. He has been engaged in research and development of several programs and published several scientific articles, book chapters, national and international presentations. He was awarded with the National Exemplary Psychiatrist Award by NAMI for his contributions to the field of mental health and advocacy efforts in response to critical shortage of specialty care, disparities, and inequities in access. In his free time, Ujjwal is an avid reader, food explorer and a professional theater enthusiast. MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2022.
Lisa is the Vice President of Human Resources for Homeport. She has 35+ years of human resource leadership experience, specifically in the areas of leadership development, employee relations and engagement, change management, talent management, organizational design, policy development, performance management, and talent acquisition. Lisa has worked mainly in large organizations over her career and is now focused and dedicated to serving in the nonprofit arena. She is excited to serve on the MHAOhio Board because she is passionate about ensuring women, single mothers, and children have access to adequate healthcare, including mental healthcare, education, and affordable housing. MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2021.
Kyle has spent the last 14 years in the insurance industry in roles spanning sales, marketing, business development and commercial insurance. Leading sales strategy and operations at Grange, he’s responsible for the development and implementation of sales and distribution strategies in addition to daily sales operations and processes. He believes that the mission of MHAOhio is incredibly important to our community and that destigmatizing mental health conversations is critically important work to ensure the well-being of our families and communities. In his spare time you can find Kyle spending time with his wife and daughter or on the golf course.
Nikkia is an Associate in Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP’s health care group. She earned her Bachelor’s of Science and her Master of Health Administration from The Ohio State University, and her Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law.
Nikkia previously worked at National Church Residencies as an analyst and program manager. She is excited to serve on the MHAOhio Board of Trustees to support the organization and help increase awareness of mental health and access to care and resources in the community.
In her spare time, Nikkia enjoys reading, traveling, spending time outdoors, and snowboarding. She has been a MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2022.
Jamie has been an Ohio resident all of her life. She graduated from the Ohio State University in 1985 and started her career at the Limited and then Nationwide Children’s Hospital. Jamie raised her children in Columbus, Ohio while working primarily in healthcare at NCH in Human Resources and OhioHealth in Clinical Research Services.
Jamie is currently a credentialed Life Coach and digital Artist. Both are a passion for her as Coaching helped her build tools to move forward after her divorce. Her art started out as a creative outlet and she is now featured in several shops in Columbus, Ohio.
Being a part of the mission of Mental Health America of Ohio was the right fit for her as she has always been and advocate for mental health care and believes that mental health access should not be a privilege for those who can afford it. MHAOhio works to come along side all people who need support, meeting them right where they are.
Everett has been the Director of Nursing for OhioHealth for more than four years and served in health care leadership for over seven years. He is skilled in emergency services, team building, healthcare finance, behavioral health, and healthcare management. Everett received his master’s degree focused in healthcare administration from Ohio University. MHAOhio Board Trustee since 2023
