Our Team
Board of Directors
Discover the dedicated team steering the Black Physicians Network towards a brighter, more inclusive future in healthcare
DIANA R. WILLIAMS, MD
Board Chair
- Pediatrics
- Lincoln University, PA, BA. Chemistry
- The Penn State University College of Medicine
- Long Pond Pediatrics, LLP
Bio: Completed Pediatric residency at the Univ of Rochester. Involved in the Rochester Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and The Rochester(NY) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Board Certifications:
CHRISTINE COWARD, MD
Board Vice Chair
- Ophthalmology
- Stony Brook University
- SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- URMC-Flaum Eye Institute
Bio: Dr. Coward, SUNY Downstate Med grad, Chief Resident at NY Med College. Glaucoma fellowship in Pasadena. Now at Flaum Eye Institute, promoting vision health & equity.
Board Certifications:
BRADLEY TURNER
Board Treasurer
- Breast and Gynecologic Pathology
- York College, Howard University
- Rutgers Medical School
- University of Rochester Medical Center
Bio: Dr. Turner is a Professor in the Department of Pathology, breast and gynecologic subspecialty services. His research focuses on cost-efficient biomarker risk stratification of breast cancer patients.
Board Certifications:
SAMUEL AYO, MD
Board Secretary
- Physician
- University of Rochester School of Medicine
- Geriatrics Fellowship at the University of Rochester
Bio: Dr. Ayo, is from Roosevelt, a small town in Long Island, NY. He attended the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education’s combined BS/MD program and is a graduate of Albany Medical College. He then went on to complete his Internal Medicine residency at the University of Rochester in 2022. He is currently a Geriatrics Fellow at the University of Rochester.
SASHA NELSON, MD
Community Service Chair
- Internal Medicine-Pediatrics
- The Johns Hopkins University
- University of Rochester School of Medicine
- University of Rochester Medical Center
Bio: Dr. Nelson strives to provide quality and comprehensive care to her patients. She believes in fostering lasting relationships with her patients. She provides care to individuals of all ages.
Board Certifications:
MARK BROWN, MD
Board Member
- Medical Director
- Brown University
- Cornell University
- Medical Director at Excellus
Bio: Dr. Brown is married with 3 grown children is active in his local church in leadership & outreach. He enjoys exercising regularly reading fiction & gardening. His focus is youth pipeline programs.
Board Certifications:
LISA HARRIS, MD
Board Member
- Internal Medicine & Pediatrics
- University of Rochester
- Morehouse School Of Medicine
- Excellus BCBS
Bio: Lisa Harris, M.D. SVP & CMO Excellus Health Plan. B.S. Neuroscience U of R , MD, Morehouse School Medicine. Med Peds residency Wayne State University President Delta Nu Omega AKA, GRAAC treasurer
Board Certifications:
PENELOPE PARRIS, MD
Board Member
- Pediatrics
- SUNY Brockport
- University of Buffalo
- United Healthcare
Bio: Dr. Parris was in private practice for 14 years and is currently a medical director with United Healthcare. She has called Rochester home for 30 plus years.
Board Certifications:
CHRISTOPHER RICHARDSON, DO
Board Member
- General Surgery (Acute Care/Trauma), Hand Surgery
- Wesleyan University
- NY College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall
Bio: Masters of Business Administration, St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia.-Adjunct Clinical Professor Associate Professor of General Surgery, Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
Board Certifications:
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