Healthcare Leadership

East Lansing – October 29, 2026 -- The Inner Circle has named David R. Neff, DO, a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for contributions in medicine, education and research, citing a career of more than 45 years that spans clinical practice, pharmaceutical leadership and academia.

Neff spent 15 years in pharmaceutical leadership after 20 years in clinical practice

Neff worked in direct clinical practice for about 20 years before moving into the pharmaceutical industry. There he held leadership roles for 15 years, including Medical Science Liaison at Merck and Senior Chief Medical Director for Medicaid Medical Affairs.

When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, he returned to patient care in urgent care and family medicine settings.

Overland Park, Kan. – September 25, 2026 -- Aria Care Partners has appointed Veda Lewis-Simmons, DPM, MHA, as chief medical officer of podiatry, giving her oversight of operational effectiveness and clinical quality for the company's onsite podiatry services across skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).

Aria Care Partners taps board-certified podiatrist to lead clinical quality for SNF foot care programs

Dr. Lewis-Simmons holds a master's degree in healthcare administration and a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery from Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences. She completed her residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and is board certified.

Richmond, Va. – September 16, 2026 -- Donate Life America (DLA) has named Madison Walter-Garcia, MPH, CHES, as its next President & CEO, effective September 21, succeeding David Fleming after more than 30 years of leadership.

Walter-Garcia Brings Nearly a Decade of CDC Partnership Experience to DLA

Walter-Garcia spent nearly ten years at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most recently as Associate Director for Partnerships in the Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases. She built partnership programs from the ground up, cultivated relationships with more than 1,000 stakeholders, and led a gift portfolio through the CDC Foundation exceeding $30 million.