Let’s get to work
President and Chief Executive Officer
DANIELLE HILLIKER, MSM
Danielle (she/her) is a social justice warrior and community change advocate passionate about issuing societal change in the sector of nonprofit. Danielle serves as the Executive Director leading the organization to expand by way of her expertise in strategic organizational development, capacity building, and fund development. Danielle has consulted and led a variety of non-profits in various sectors; from PYXERA Global to the Capitol of the United States of Americas, Michigan Women’s Foundation. During her tenure, she was awarded as a fellow with the Cross Generational Women Leaders in Washington D.C., to partner young and senior women leaders on keys issues at the local, state and national level.
Danielle has served as a board member for Teen Hype, Community Development Advocates of Detroit and on the D&I Council for Troy School District. She has immersed herself in the fight of systemic change, and she focuses on issues of social justice, equity, social determinants of health, and community development work. Danielle holds a Master of Science from Spring Arbor University, concentrating in management organizational development and is currently pursuing her PhD in public policy and administration focusing on international nongovernmental organizations.
Chief Operating Officer/Chief Financial Officer
JEREMY M. ANDREWS, MPA
Jeremy (he/him) is the number-cruncher behind-the-scenes. Jeremy serves as the Chief Financial Officer maintaining financial operations and conducting account reconciliations. He is the influence operational decision making and finance function, regarding books, records, financial reporting, and statutory compliance. Operating due to budgetary reasons. He is passionate about helping social service agencies and non-profits to help make the world a better place.
Beginning as an accounting clerk with SEMHA, Jeremy now leads the financial strategic operations within the association. His operations include balancing the books, reporting to funders, liaising with a myriad of partnerships, and tackling the many daily challenges that every organization faces. Jeremy uses his operational expertise to ensure SEMHA remains the well-oiled fiduciary machine it is today. He may have a twin, but Jeremy is definitely one of a kind. Jeremy holds a Masters in Public Administration and studied at Miami University.
Executive Administrator & Office Manager
MARIA DE LA LUZ DELUNA
Luz DeLuna (she/her) is our Jack of all trades. Luz serves as Executive Administrator and Office Manager, and has been with Southeastern Michigan Health Association (SEMHA) since, May of 1998. She understands the intricacies of the association and its operations. She is a skilled and a versatile professional. She finds her satisfaction in her knowledge of our policies, procedures, and inner-works. Luz is bi-lingual with a native Spanish tongue. She is passionate about customer service and is always going the extra mile to help others.
Chief Health Equity Officer
LISA M. BRADDIX, MPH
Lisa (she/her) is an advent health leader, passionate about issues related to health disparities and health equity. Lisa serves as the Health Equity Director, leading activities to reduce health inequities among affected populations, in research and surveillance, policy, health communication, prevention, and partnerships.
Lisa currently serves as the Steering Committee Chair for the newly established Center for Health Equity and Community Knowledge in Urban Populations at Wayne State University. She also is the chair of the Michigan Cancer Consortium Health Equity Committee and a co-chair of the Healthy Pontiac We Can! Coalition. She is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) and the Founder and CEO of Glow Up Fitness, LLC. Lisa is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, currently serving as her local chapter’s healthcare and wellness committee chairman.
Lisa is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a graduate of Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biological Sciences. She has earned a graduate certificate in Non-Profit Management from Eastern Michigan University, and a Master of Public Health Degree from the University of Michigan.
Director of Health Equity
ARTHUR HAMPTON, M.ED.
Arthur (he/him) is at the heart of innovation and justice in pursuit of helping populations attain their highest level of health. Arthur serves as the Health Equity Director to advance human equity, well-being, and community health through strategically aligned partnerships and progressive efforts. In his role, he is charged with managing the Health Equity Division’s collective impact initiatives, establishing strong relationships with funders, community-based organizations, and cross-sector partners. Arthur comes to us from Promedica Health’s Social Determinants of Health Institute. His background in social impact lends a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. His experience with the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes consciously addresses systemic barriers affecting large populations, communities, and their living conditions.
Arthur is originally from Birmingham, Alabama, and is a graduate of Alabama A&M University. Arthur has a master’s in education from Eastern Michigan University and is pursuing a master’s in public health in the fall. Arthur is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, and the Detroit Rotary.
Community Health Information Specialist
CHERYL JAMIESON
Cheryl (she/her) is a self-made expert on everything SEMHA, passionate about learning, connecting others, and trying new things. Cheryl serves as Community Health Information Specialist, to provide organizational productivity, and project management towards health equity operations. She works to outline data needs and information in accordance with external clients, and internal staff. She transforms how nonprofits work together to ensure public health equity across the sector health. With Cheryl’s background in data-analytics, she leads in her expertise to deliver the Certificate of Need Annual Survey Database for the Michigan Department Health and Human Services (MDHHS). She supports on-site tech support, special projects and business analytics.
Health Equity Program Specialist
DESIREE CLEMONS
Desiree (she/her) is a devout, self-starter, committed to building a culture of health to achieve health equity. Desiree serves as a Health Equity Program Specialist to provide programmatic assistance and cross-divisional support. Desiree offers experience in human resources and health and wellness. As key logistical support working alongside the SEMHA partners and stakeholders, she lends dynamic skillsets to oversee health equity training, workforce development, and employee health and wellness programs, along with sharing SEMHA’s valuable impact through social media. Her results-driven approach to reaching strategic goals and objectives contributes towards the intended impact of the Health Equity Division. Desiree holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Michigan State University.
Director of Communications and Special Projects
RAVEN THOMPSON
Raven (she/her) is a content marketing professional passionate about human rights, social equity, and engagement. Raven serves as the Communications and Special Projects Director to create and manage communication strategies and support internal processes and cross-divisional projects. Raven works to execute the organizations values and core mission through SEMHA strategic initiatives.
Prior to joining SEMHA, she has worked as a Communications Specialist responsible to deliver change management in support of internal and external communications in workplaces. She worked on the Ultimate Software Human Resource
Information System (HRIS) Implementation, for the City of Detroit and the Electronic Health Record (EHR) Software Implementation, for a national Catholic health system, Trinity Health. She is a self-published Children’s Author, a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV), and life-member of the First African American Sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Incorporated. Raven holds a Bachelors of Arts degree from Western Michigan University.
Chief Human Resources Officer
LA JUAN REESE, MSHRM, SHRM-CP
La Juan (she/her) is a driven multi-tasker passionate about improving the employee life cycle experience. La Juan serves as the Human Resource Director effectively leading administrative tasks and correspondence. She leads a team of HR Specialist and serves as an escalation point for SEMHA partners throughout the Michigan area. Her areas of expertise include compliance and best practices, HR infrastructure, policy and procedure development and employee relations. As a member of the SEMHA non-profit HR team, La Juan strives to promote an environment that embraces diversity and inclusion as a valued benefit to our partners and to the communities we service.
Director of Employee Benefits & Wellness
COLLEEN DIGNA
Colleen (she/her) is an integral driver of employee engagement. Colleen serves as Employee Development and Benefits Director for SEMHA specializing in benefit administration, and cross-sector needs. She implements and manages the employee benefits programs, helping to maintain good health and wellbeing throughout the workforce. With over 25 years of experience working in the administration office, Colleen is able to tailor her skills to meet the needs of the association, alongside serving as the liaison between SEMHA employees, and insurance companies. Colleen is the heartbeat that helps to nourish our movement throughout day-to-day interactions, providing on-going support from onboarding to communicating resources to support cross-sector and employee needs.
Human Resource Specialist
MAHFUJ RAHMAN
Mahfuj (he/him) is a thoughtful intellectual, passionate about learning new things and exploring life. Mahfuj serves as a Human Resource Specialist, to provide decision support and technical expertise ensuring employee growth and satisfaction. He brings experience in ensuring compliance and management with Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS), eHealth Systems, and home health care agencies. Mahfuj holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Technology from Wayne State University.
Director of Financial Services
CAROL AUSTERBERRY, RS, MS, MPA
Carol (she/her) is a conversational, public health, guru, passionate about helping populations gain a better quality of life. Carol serves as Director of Financial Services, to carry out the daily accounting functions, contract administration, grant oversight and to identify sustainable funding opportunities to help position SEMHA as a leading advocate in public health. In her role, Carol heavily supports the expansion of services and the regional public health work of SEMHA.
As a former Medical Technologist for a large healthcare system to provide direct patient clinical services, to the local health department, Carol has enjoyed over 30 years of professionally working in the Southeast Michigan region. With her professional experience to promote preventative healthcare services, developing and implementing personal and environmental public health programs, and leading the largest County in Michigan during the COVID-19 pandemic response, Carol brings to us expertise that she will use to successfully carry out her job duties as the Director of Financial Services for SEMHA. Carol holds a Masters in Public Administration from Walden University.
Senior Accounting Specialist
LAURA MICHRINA-MCGHEE, MSA
Laura (she/her) is an analytical mind and detail-oriented gem. Laura serves as a Senior Accounting Specialist supporting a large volume of financial service needs for vendors and employees. Laura specializes in monitoring budgets, preparing annual budgets, and reviewing and preparing contracts, requisitions, and purchase orders. Her experience in accounting as well as with clients has allowed her to carefully navigate the work of financial services. Laura has spent 30 years in accounting with Wayne County, in this time she has curated an expertise in payroll, accounts receivable, contracts, and budgeting. She has exhibited a passion for finance services and communication with vendors, ensuring accuracy and transparency. Laura holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University.
Accounting Specialist
DIA HARRIS, MS
Dia (she/her) is a problem solver passionate for numbers. Dia serves as an Accounting Specialist preparing financial office needs, tasks, and supporting operations. Dia supports accounting by maintaining important documentations, updating records, and preparing budgets under the purview of senior management. Her energy and hardworking attitude have helped the association to maintain important services within its department. Making her an integral part of the office and resolving many issues. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Information Systems and a Master’s of Science in Information Technology.
Payroll Manager
JACKIE WHITELOW
Jackie (she/her) is a unique blend of leadership, vision, and knowledge in the field of payroll. Jackie serves as Payroll Coordinator, and is the prototype for managing the associations most valuable assets “Human Capital”. Jackie offers over 30 years of payroll and non-profit accounting experience. She attends yearly classes and seminars to identify the changes in payroll laws. She withholds the knowledge to understand and apply the proper laws and rules in payroll. Jackie provides essential payroll documents and services to our clients, auditors, and various government entities. She strives to provide a high level of service to our employees as they serve the needs of the public.