In the Department of Medicine, we have an impressive 15 staff members running for the School of Medicine Staff Advisory Council. The council serves as a trusted platform to elevate staff voices and foster transparent communication with leadership by providing feedback that affects the staff community and working to strengthen the connection between staff members and school leadership to enhance the employee experience. Listed below are the nominee profiles from DOM staff. Please consider voting ahead of the nomination deadline.
Vote here by August 28
Alex Eschenbach - SOM DOM Pulmonary
Dear Selection Committee for the SOM Staff Advisory Council, My name is Alex Eschenbach, and I have been at JHU for almost 10 years. I am currently the Division Administrator for the SOM DOM Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care and the SOM DOM Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. It has been a great pleasure building a career here and engaging with nearly every aspect of our tripartite mission. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council because I care deeply about the success of my colleagues at every level. I have long believed that when our staff enjoys their work, the rest of the University benefits, especially faculty. For us to flourish, it is imperative that our voices reach JHU leadership and that our message supports a more consistent work experience grounded in Johns Hopkins values: respect, dignity, integrity, inclusion, excellence, and diversity. I believe I can be a strong advocate for staff and a liaison to JHU leadership, given my exposure to staff at different levels and roles across the organization, as well as my ability to communicate complex subjects clearly. As a mid-level manager, I interact regularly with staff in direct clinical care and lab bench work, as well as staff in finance and those running entire departments. Regardless of which leg of our tripartite mission we support, we are mission-driven, working daily to help our faculty discover medical breakthroughs, train the next generation of physician scientists, and provide world-class clinical care. Yet despite how critical we are to the University, our voices often get drowned out by the vastness of the SOM and the needs of the faculty. That's why I am glad this Advisory Council is being created — it should elevate our voices so our perspectives are considered in the issues that affect our day-to-day work, and I'd welcome the chance to be part of that process. I bring a diverse professional background consulting, teaching, an MBA, and administration that I believe will help me connect with colleagues across the School of Medicine and relay their challenges and successes to leadership. If that feedback is translated into action, we will all benefit. Thank you for your consideration. Please let me know if you have any questions. Sincerely, Alex Eschenbach.
Michelle Prizzi - SOM DOM Infectious Disease
Hello, my name is Michelle Prizzi. I have been with JHU for 8 years. In my current role, I am a Sr. Research Compliance Monitoring Specialist in the SOM DOM Infectious Disease department. I started my career at Johns Hopkins as a Research Program Coordinator and have held the following roles over the past 8 years: Sr. Research Program Coordinator, Program Administrator, Administrative Research Manager, and now a Sr. Research Compliance Monitor. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council because I believe in advocacy, staff voices, and personal and professional development. I have been lucky enough to grow and learn leadership skills through my positions and feel that I can translate these skills to impact our staff community and help address and hopefully solve some challenges that staff experience here at Hopkins. I am passionate about transparency, cultures of safety and learning, and process improvement. These passions allow me to see the people behind challenges and issues. I use tried-and-true process improvement techniques, leadership skills, and superb communication to get to an acceptable solution. I would love the opportunity to serve on this council and to support my colleagues by helping them advocate and succeed at JHU.
Susan Park Ochsner - SOM DOM Infectious Disease
Hello, my name is Susan Park Ochsner, PhD. I have been with JHU for 2 total years, across two Senior Staff positions. In my current role, I am a Research Program Manager in the SOM DOM Infectious Disease department. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council (SAC) because as an active member of the Hopkins community, I would like to continue to build relationships between different groups within SOM that may not normally have occasions to interact and collaborate. I have served in numerous leadership roles throughout graduate school, postdoctoral fellowship, and positions both within and outside of Johns Hopkins. In addition, I have extensive experience in laboratory research, clinical research, and administrative/academic roles. Being on the SOM-SAC would provide impactful opportunities for staff feedback to be recognized by SOM leadership. I would appreciate the opportunity to partner with the different work areas within SOM and work with leadership to promote the recommendations of the staff community. I commend the opportunity to engage with the Hopkins community that is offered by the inception of the SOM-SAC. I appreciate the consideration of SOM-SAC committee for my nomination and would be honored to serve and represent the Research (Non-Lab) group in order to improve the staff experience as a whole at SOM. Thank you.
Maggie Chahoud - SOM DOM Infectious Disease
Hello, my name is Maggie Chahoud. I have been with JHU for 9 years. In my current role, I am a Sr. Research Project Manager in the SOM DOM Infectious Disease department (Transplant Research Center/TOID Clinical Research Center). During my time at Johns Hopkins, I have worked in the departments of Oncology, Clinical Pharmacology, and Infectious Diseases. I have held positions as a coordinator, senior coordinator, supervisor, manager, project manager, and now senior project manager. My experience has given me the opportunity to observe departments across the SOM through periods of organizational growth and change, and to collaborate with staff and faculty across the university. I understand and appreciate the important role our staff have in supporting the mission of the SOM. I am committed to facilitating collaboration between staff members and university leadership, advocating for meaningful improvements, and strengthening the SOM community for the benefit of all members. It would be an privilege to serve on this committee. Thank you for your consideration.
Mariola Sadowska SOM DOM Gastroenterology
Hello, my name is Mariola Sadowska. I have been with JHU for almost 5 years. In my current role, I am a Sr. Research Program Coordinator II in the SOM DOM Gastroenterology department. I am responsible for the IBD Clinical Trial Unit. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council because I would like to share my experience in research and clinical trials and contribute to more effective process of bringing the clinical studies to JHU and search for new treatment for patients with debilitating diseases. I have also an extensive experience in basic science (18 years) working in the basic research in virology and translational research in oncology; I have MS degree in Biology and PhD degree in Microbiology and Immunology. Thank you, Mariola Sadowska
Ann Wiker - SOM DOM Bay Geriatric Medicine
Hello my name is Ann Wiker. I have been in my current position with JHU SOM for 5+ years. Previous to that, I was an Administrative Supervisor and lecturer for the JHU OSHER program for 5 years. In my current role, I am a Program Manager in the SOM DOM Bayview Geriatric Medicine Department. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council because I think I have a unique perspective and skill set since the research program I oversee is a cross-university partnership. The JH AITC is funded by NIA and is a collaboration between SOM, WSE, SON, and the Carey Business School. I work with PIs from WSE, SOM and the Carey Business School. I supervise two SOM staff, and I work with a GCA and a communications consultant from WSE. In addition, I helped design, open and activate a collaborative research space at the Bayview campus called Geriatric Engineering. My office is housed in this newly renovated suite and I work alongside SOM study coordinators, WSE staff and WSE students. Working within these integrated teams has provided me with some insight that I'd like to provide in discussions about improving staff experience.
Shavon Moore - SOM DOM Cardiology
Hello, my name is Shavon Moore, and I have been with Johns Hopkins University for 1 year and 10 months. I currently serve as a Patient Service Coordinator/Medical Assistant in the School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council because I was honored to be recommended by someone who believes in my abilities and the value I can bring. That recommendation encouraged me to pursue this opportunity, and I am excited about the possibility of serving in this role. I believe the Staff Advisory Council provides a meaningful opportunity to share feedback, offer new perspectives, and collaborate with School of Medicine leadership to help improve the workplace experience for staff. I enjoy working with others, listening to different viewpoints, and contributing thoughtful ideas that promote positive change. I would be honored to represent my colleagues and serve as a voice that supports communication, engagement, and continuous improvement across the School of Medicine.
Molly Bowen - SOM DOM Infectious Disease
Hello, My name is Molly Bowen, and I have been with the School of Medicine for 11 years. I worked for the School of Public Health from 1999 to 2003, at which time the group I was with picked up and moved under the auspices of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (although remained in Baltimore). I worked with that group for nearly 16 years, and I'm now 100% team School of Medicine! In my current role, I'm Senior Communications Manager for the Division of Infectious Diseases. What interests me about joining the Staff Advisory Council is the opportunity to serve as a voice for staff. As a communication professional, interviewing people and connecting with them to serve their needs, and ours as a division, is second nature. There is a wonderful, rich diversity of experiences and perspectives across the School of Medicine, and it's important that people are understood, that I get the story right, and that it translates to impact. I believe my skillset would be a good fit for the Council. I've built 4 large-scale communications programs over the last 27 years, and I am adept at connecting with people, collaborating with teams, helping to craft priorities, building consensus, managing large and complex initiatives, moving conversations from planning to implementation, and producing tangible results. I'd be honored to serve, and I'm grateful for your consideration.
Shondrea Williams - SOM DOM JHH Hospitalist
My name is Shondrea Williams, and I have been with Johns Hopkins University for the past 2.5 years. I am excited about the opportunity to self-nominate to serve as a representative on the SOM Staff Advisory Council. I currently serve as the Division Administrator for the Division of Hospital Medicine at both JHH and JHBMC. Over the past 13 years, I have built my career in healthcare administration through progressively advancing leadership roles focused on supporting clinicians, improving operations, and strengthening the employee experience. In my current role, I oversee physician compensation, workforce planning, financial management, recruitment and onboarding, operational strategy, project management, and process improvement. I am passionate about building systems that make it easier for people to do meaningful work. While I began my career in clinical operations and have had the opportunity to grow into broader leadership roles that support patient care, workforce sustainability, and physician engagement. Along the way, I have learned that the best solutions come from listening first. Whether working with frontline staff, faculty, or institutional leaders, I value understanding different perspectives and finding practical solutions that support both people and organizational goals. I am committed to reducing unnecessary administrative burden, improving communication, and helping teams navigate change with clarity and purpose. I believe leadership is rooted in service, and I strive to create an environment where people feel heard, respected, and supported. One of my greatest strengths is building relationships, listening with curiosity, and bringing people together to solve problems in a thoughtful and collaborative way. I am seeking the opportunity to serve on the Staff Advisory Council because I believe staff perspectives are essential to the success of JHU. Our voices are the connection between strategy and execution. We bring valuable insight into the opportunities and challenges that shape the employee experience. It would be a privilege to represent my colleagues on the Staff Advisory Council. If selected, I would bring a collaborative approach, thoughtful problem-solving, and a genuine commitment to ensuring staff voices are heard and reflected in meaningful improvements.
Christopher Franz - SOM DOM Cardiology
Hello, my name is Christopher Franz. I have been with JHU for over 2 years. In my current role, I am a Medical Office Coordinator in the SOM DOM Cardiology department. I am interested in joining the Staff Advisory Council because I would love the opportunity to share my ideas and thoughts and have a formal conversation regarding work/staff experiences and give my perspective on topics and ideas that I feel I can bring to the table for discussion. I was referred by my supervisor as a good fit for your committee. Best Chris Franz.
Nikesha Goetz - SOM DOM General Internal Medicine
Hello, my name is Nikesha Goetz. I have been with JHU for 20 years. In my current role, I am a Sr Medical Office Coordinator in the SOM DOM General Internal Medicine department. I would love to be considered for the Staff Advisory Council to contribute to positive changes, fresh perspectives, open communication and support and growth for the Team.
Franchone Holloman - SOM DOM Biomedical Informatics Data Science
Hello everyone, my name is Franchone Holloman, known by my colleagues as ""Fran"" and I serve as the Senior Administrative Coordinator for Division Initiatives & Operations in the Division of Hospital Medicine at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center and have been with Johns Hopkins for two years. In this role, I partner with division leadership to manage faculty affairs, operational initiatives, workforce planning, talent acquisition, and high-impact projects that support more than 60 faculty and staff. I am committed to improving processes, strengthening collaboration, and advancing operational excellence across the division. Before joining Johns Hopkins, I served as Chief of Staff and Recruiting Director for Elite Security Services & Solutions, where I helped expand operations from 50 employees supporting three hospitals to more than 150 employees across twelve hospital locations. My career has centered on executive operations, strategic planning, workforce development, project management, and building systems that improve organizational effectiveness. At Johns Hopkins, I have continued that work by leading division-wide initiatives, supporting faculty and leadership, and creating sustainable operational improvements. I am nominating myself because I believe meaningful change begins with listening, collaboration, and representing the voices of staff who make our institution successful every day. Through my work supporting faculty, leadership, and cross-functional teams, I have developed a broad understanding of operational challenges and opportunities, and I want to help shape initiatives that strengthen communication, engagement, and the employee experience across the School of Medicine. Serving on the Staff Advisory Council would allow me to contribute thoughtfully, advocate for colleagues, and support Johns Hopkins' continued commitment to excellence and innovation.
Nilsa Feliciano Rivera - SOM DOM Infectious Disease
HI, my name is Nilsa Feliciano Rivera. I have been at JHU for 2.4 years as an HRG in the SOM Infectious Disease Department. Before coming to JHU, my professional growth was attained through professional development and 25 years of HR experience in diverse organizational environments. The Staff Advisory Council is an opportunity for me to share my peers' perspective, support positive change through communication, and contribute constructive feedback to help meet the needs of our teams and maintain excellence. It is also an opportunity to contribute, build relationships, and strengthen my leadership skills. Serving on the Council would allow me to make an impact beyond my current role and contribute to the broader mission of SOM, beyond my department. I believe staff feedback is essential to improving communication, morale, and organizational effectiveness, and I would welcome the chance to help bring forward the ideas and concerns of my colleagues. Ultimately, we are all here to serve our departments through guidance, support, and leadership, and participating in this Council would be a meaningful way to continue my commitment to JHU.
Lauren Brown - SOM DOM General Admin Chairmans Office
My name is Lauren Brown and I am a Grants & Contracts Manager with the Pre-Award team in the Department of Medicine. We help faculty get their grant proposals submitted to fund the groundbreaking research that we do here at Hopkins. I have been with the team for going on four years now. Before this, I worked for eight years at the University of Kentucky as well as in Kentucky State Government for two years.
Remote work opened up the option for me to be able to work here at Johns Hopkins. This is the best place I have ever worked with the best team. As a remote employee, I also know it can sometimes be difficult to feel connected to campus when you live several states away or even in different time zones. I want to be able to give back to the Medicine community by serving on the Staff Advisory Council and representing the interests of other remote employees.
Julia Kurtz - SOM DOM General Internal Medicine
My name is Julie Kurtz, and I have had the pleasure of working at Johns Hopkins University for the past eight years, growing from a Senior Administrative Coordinator in the Division of General Internal Medicine to my current role as Medical Training Program Administrator, where I oversee the Division's fellowship programs. After relocating to the Atlanta area in 2024 when my husband accepted a new position, I transitioned to working as a 100% remote employee, giving me valuable insight into the needs and perspectives of both on-site and remote staff. I would be honored to serve on the Staff Advisory Council, where I can represent my colleagues, contribute thoughtful ideas, and help strengthen engagement and collaboration across the University.
