Staff

Amy Comstock RickAmy Comstock Rick, J.D.
Chief Executive Officer  – Send Amy an e-mail.

 
Amy Comstock Rick is Chief Executive Officer of Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN), a Washington, D.C.-based national Parkinson’s disease non-profit advocating for better treatments and a cure.  In this capacity, Ms. Rick works in partnership with other Parkinson’s organizations and PAN’s powerful grassroots network to educate the public and government leaders on better policies for research and an improved quality of life for people living with Parkinson’s.   

PAN serves as the voice of Parkinson's on numerous public policy issues affecting the Parkinson's community. In addition to continuing its work on NIH funding and research, the Parkinson's community is now a powerful voice on many crucial issues including Parkinson's-specific programs at the Departments of Defense and Veteran's Affairs, FDA drug approval issues, HHS programs (Medicare and Social Security), and the continuing struggle to achieve research freedom for stem cell research.  PAN is the leading voice for patient advocacy in Washington, D.C., working to bring much-needed awareness to the public and lawmakers about the effects of Parkinson's disease. More.



Emilio Arocho
IT & Web Senior Manager

Emilio manages the day-to-day functioning of PAN's information technology.  His duties include design and deployment of web content and other digital communication, as well as hardware and software maintenance.  Send Emilio an e-mail.

 
Emilio is a graduate from Mount Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he earned a philosophy degree and a minor in computer science.  He is delighted to be working with PAN in combating Parkinson's disease.


Carol Blymire
Director of Communications

As Director of Communications, Carol works across the organization to promote communications and education opportunities around PAN’s advocacy, government relations, and fundraising programs.  She works with PAN advocates to help tell their story in the media, and pursues opportunities to educate the public and the media about the importance of federal funding for biomedical research.  Send Carol an e-mail.

 
Carol brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in communications and public affairs across business, public policy, non- profit, and entertainment sectors.  Prior to joining PAN, Carol served as a high-level strategic communications consultant in the fields of embryonic stem cell policy, consumer packaged goods, television entertainment, education policy, agriculture and food, as well as disability advocacy.  Carol has served as corporate spokesperson for MCI, Fannie Mae, and Discovery Channel, and began her career in the speechwriting office for President George H. W. Bush.  Carol earned her undergraduate degree from The George Washington University, and studied in the Harvard-MIT Public Disputes Program.  She is an adjunct professor in the graduate communications program at Georgetown University.


Hayley Carpenter
Deputy CEO/Advocacy

Hayley runs PAN’s national grassroots advocacy program, made up of over 100 volunteer grassroots leaders and thousands of e-Advocates 
from across the country.  In addition, she plans and organizes PAN’s annual conference, the Forum.  Send Hayley an e-mail.
 
Hayley joined PAN in 2006 as a Program Assistant.  In 2008, she became the Director of Outreach, managing PAN’s grassroots advocacy program and the annual Public Policy Forum.  She was promoted to her current positition in 2012.  Prior to joining PAN, she worked at the Campagna Center, a non-profit organization serving the children and families of Alexandria, Virginia.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Virginia Tech.


Michelle Duelley
Manager, Administration and Executive Assistant to the CEO

Michelle assists the PAN CEO and oversees the accounting, administrative, and human resource functions.  Send Michelle an e-mail.

 
Michelle comes to PAN with 20 years of administrative experience.  She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and Political Science.  Knowing from personal experience the effects of Parkinson’s disease, Michelle was drawn to PAN’s mission and hard work in support of the Parkinson’s community. 


Daniela Gori
Development Associate

Send Daniela an e-mail.

 
Daniela joined PAN in February of 2012. Daniela is originally from California and is a graduate from the University of Oregon  with a degree in Political Science.  She is excited to work at PAN and to be a part of the fight against Parkinson’s.


Elizabeth Kwasnik
Advocacy Manager

Elizabeth works on PAN’s grassroots advocacy program and assists with the planning and organization of events such as the Forum.  She collaborates with other Parkinson's organizations to recruit new advocates, and has helped develop programs that encourage the participation of researchers in advocacy work.  Send Elizabeth an e-mail.

 
Elizabeth joined PAN in September 2010 as the Administrative Assistant, after graduating from The College of William & Mary with a Bachelor of Science degree in Neuroscience.  She has since earned a Master of Forensic Science degree from George Washington University.  Having a personal connection to the disease, Elizabeth is proud to be part of PAN and the fight against Parkinson’s.


Catherine Pugh
Government Relations Manager


Catherine provides research and policy-development support for the Government Relations team and meets with Members of Congress and other government leaders on issues impacting the Parkinson’s community.  Send Catherine an e-mail.
 
Catherine joined PAN in January 2011 after earning her Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies with a minor in Public Administration and Policy from American University.  She hopes to put her passion for politics and advocacy to use in helping the Parkinson’s community.


Jennifer Sheridan, MPP
Director of Policy

Jennifer is responsible for developing and advancing policy issues important to the Parkinson’s community and oversees PAN’s government relations team.  Send Jennifer an e-mail.

 
Jennifer joined PAN in July 2012 as the Director of Policy Development. Most recently, she was the Associate Director, Federal Affairs at the Alzheimer’s Association, where she represented the federal policy priorities of the organization before Congress, federal agencies, and community stakeholders. Previously, Jennifer worked at PAN for four years as the Senior Government Relations Manager.  Jennifer received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from James Madison University and a Master of Public Policy degree from George Mason University. She is excited to be working with the Parkinson’s community!


Howard Stregack
Director of Development

Howard oversees PAN’s efforts to fund its vital work through a network of supporters, including individuals, foundations, and corporations—all committed to making treatment and a cure for Parkinson’s a reality.  Send Howard an e-mail.

 
Howard joined PAN in April 2013 with over 15 years in Development and Administration for a broad variety of non-profits in the Washington, DC and Seattle areas, ranging from community agencies and arts organizations to educational institutions and medical research facilities.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Maryland.  Howard is honored to be working with the Parkinson’s community on its important mission.


Jamie Tucker
Senior Government Relations Manager

Jamie manages policy related issues for the Government Relations team, working closely with Congressional staff, federal agencies, and other government leaders to advance the policy priorities of the Parkinson’s community.  Send Jamie an e-mail.

Jamie joined PAN in May 2013 as the Senior Manager of Government Relations.  Previously, he was the Associate Director of Government Relations for Independent Sector, where he represented the federal tax, budget, and health care priorities of the broader nonprofit community.  Jamie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Master of Public Administration degree from Clemson University and is currently pursuing a J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center.  He is excited and honored to work with the Parkinson’s community.