The people behind Smilo Foundation

Jess Elman

Cancer Biology, Immuno-Oncology & AI Advisor

PhD cancer biologist and immuno-oncologist with expertise in drug development and applied AI. Cancer patient advocate committed to finding, ranking, and prioritizing clinical trials for patients.

George Ansstas, MD

Precision Oncology Advisor

Director of Melanoma & Professor of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine. An internationally recognized melanoma specialist, his research focuses on precision oncology, genomic biomarkers, novel combination therapies, and circulating tumor DNA to improve treatment selection and monitor response. His work aims to advance more personalized treatment strategies for patients with advanced melanoma.

Vikram Bellapravalu

Tech & AI Advisor

Technology executive and AI leader who previously co-founded WiseLayer and sold to BlackLine (Nasdaq: BL). Currently leads the New York AI Hub at BlackLine.

Charles Posternack, MD

Healthcare Strategy & Patient Innovation

A physician, healthcare executive, and entrepreneur with 30+ years of experience. He has held senior leadership roles at Cleveland Clinic, HCA Healthcare, and Florida Atlantic University, and is co-founder of Avulux.

Dina Boulos, PharmD

Clinical Trials Advisor

Research pharmacist with extensive experience in numerous clinical trials working at the world's top cancer hospital, trying to make a difference and extend lives.

Nick Liveris

Strategy & Governance Advisor

Executive, board director, and investor who leads investments and strategic initiatives for the Liveris Family Office. Former CFO of NOVONIX and McKinsey consultant, with experience helping organizations scale through strong governance, strategic partnerships, and capital allocation.

Michael Meng

Healthcare Strategy & Growth Advisor

Founder/CEO of Stellar Health and entrepreneur with more than a decade of experience at Apax Partners, a global private equity firm managing over $50 billion in assets.

Nikki Larson

Marketing & Brand Advisor

Former Chief Marketing Officer at Vuori, where she led marketing, e-commerce, and creative from 2014 to 2024 as the brand grew into a household name. Earlier, she held marketing leadership roles at prAna and Globe International.

Morgan Zanotti

Strategic Advisor, Brand & Growth

Founder and CEO of Waay, a sparkling protein water, and previously co-founded Primal Kitchen, which she bootstrapped to $50 million in profitable revenue and led through its $200 million acquisition by Kraft Heinz. She later served as an Executive in Residence at Summit Partners, and brings deep experience in entrepreneurship, food innovation, and building mission-driven brands.

Josh Mann

Commercial Strategy, Precision Oncology & Global Access Advisor

COO of LARTA Agency with 30 years of leadership across precision oncology, genomics, and global therapeutic access. He helps build pathways connecting patients to advanced therapies unavailable in their home countries.

Michael P. Ritacco

Board Member

Managing Director at UBS Financial Services with more than a decade of experience advising families, foundations and businesses on complex wealth strategies. He also serves as Board Chair of the Ocean County YMCA and a Board Director for the Toms River Field of Dreams.

Justin Skolnick, DO

Strategic Healthcare Advisor

Board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician with extensive experience evaluating complex cases and guiding critical medical decisions.

Jessica Zummo

Integrative Health Advisor

Board-Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine with expertise in holistic health, clinical nutrition, chronic illness, and naturopathic cancer support.

Matt Caiola

Strategic Communications Advisor

CEO of 5WPR, one of America's largest independent PR agencies, helping organizations build visibility, credibility, and national influence.

Anthony Russo

Advisory Board Member

President of the Commerce and Industry Association of NJ and CEO/Publisher of COMMERCE Magazine. He has decades of experience in business leadership, government affairs, and public policy, advocating for New Jersey's business community.

Marisa Berson

Partnerships & Brand Strategy

Senior Agency Lead at Google with nearly 20 years of experience building partnerships and driving growth for some of the world's leading brands.

Jonathan Betley, CPA

Treasurer

CPA and finance executive with leadership experience across major financial institutions, providing financial oversight and governance for Smilo Foundation.

Amber Hunter

People, Operations & Compliance

Business operator with extensive experience leading high-performing teams, managing hundreds of employees, and expertise in HR, compliance, and HIPAA standards.

Sean Wachter

Patient Advocacy & Peer Support

Two-time Stage IV cancer survivor, former professional football player and wrestler, and nationally recognized cancer advocate. Known as "The Cancer Fighter," he has used his platform to raise awareness and inspire hope for cancer patients.

Ron Alfaro

Advisory Board Member

JPMorgan executive, entrepreneur, and investor. He serves on the Board of Trustees of Hackensack Meridian Palisades Medical Center and is committed to advancing healthcare and supporting stronger communities.

Dawn Pizzichillo

Faith & Community Support Advisor

Experienced leader and community builder dedicated to fostering faith, connection, and hope.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." — John 8:12

Christina Marchak

Integrative Wellness Advisor

Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Herbal Educator, Owner of Abide Provisions Wellness.