Linda Tannenbaum, CLS (ASCP), Founder & CEO/President
The inception of Open Medicine Foundation (OMF) traces back to the personal journey of its founder, Linda Tannenbaum. As OMF’s President and CEO, Linda’s motivation was deeply personal; her daughter, at the age of 16, was struck by ME/CFS, a diagnosis that came without the prospect of diagnostic tests or viable treatments. Confronted with the painful reality of her daughter’s diminished quality of life, Linda was propelled into action.
Her pursuit for answers revealed a stark void in collaborative and transparent research, as well as funding for ME/CFS and related chronic, complex diseases. Determined to bridge this gap, Linda established OMF in 2012, with a vision to catalyze large-scale research efforts aimed at creating diagnostic tools, effective treatments, and ultimately, prevention methodologies for these conditions.
Linda’s professional background as a clinical laboratory scientist, holding a bacteriology degree from UCLA, and her experience managing a clinical laboratory for over 20 years, have all converged to fuel her current mission. With unwavering dedication, Linda Tannenbaum now channels her expertise and passion into spearheading the quest to find a cure for chronic complex diseases, enhance patient care, and restore the lives of millions affected by these conditions.
Kimberly Hicks, COO/CFO/Treasurer
Ms. Hicks has worked with OMF as a board member since 2014, has served in an interim capacity as the CFO/COO, and has joined the team full-time. She is a C-suite Finance industry veteran with over 25 years of leadership, business transformation, business development/sales, merger integrations, and major strategic initiative experience across private and public sectors, and international settings. In the past few years she has transitioned to Health Tech and Healthcare, and has a keen interest and passion for the use of technology to solve big healthcare problems. Ms. Hicks holds an MA in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from St. Mary’s University and a BA in Psychology from The University of Texas.
Jillian Payne, Chief Development Officer
Jillian is grateful to bring her passion for health, science and strategy to OMF in her role as Chief Development Officer. She has 20 years of experience as a leader in the healthcare and education sector. Jillian specializes in nonprofit management, communications, philanthropy and board development from her work in the corporate world and as a volunteer. She received her MBA from University of Redlands and her BA in Communications and Marketing from Union College. Jillian enjoys life in Southern California with her husband, daughters and her constant companion, Oreo, the family dog.
Danielle Meadows, Vice President of Research Programs & Operations
Danielle holds a PhD in biomedical engineering and has dedicated her career to improving people’s lives through advancements in clinical research. She has a wealth of expertise, ranging from wet lab techniques and biological analyses, to longitudinal cohort studies and clinical research operations. Danielle was introduced to OMF through her previous work in Long COVID and couldn’t help but be inspired by the foundation’s mission and the surrounding community.
Danielle lives with her husband and dog, Copper, near her family in Massachusetts, enjoying all that New England has to offer.
Lindsay Daguerressar, Director of Development
Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Communications from California Southern University. She joins OMF after serving in academic medicine and the healthcare field for roughly twelve years. Deeply touched by the mission and values that OMF lives out, Lindsay’s desire to join the OMF team was an easy transition. Lindsay’s experience in philanthropy, communications, and process improvement allows for expansion and greater support in growing OMF’s Development Team. When not working Lindsay enjoys spending time with her husband and three young-adult sons appreciating the activities that California has to offer.
Karolina Kutilek, Director of Communications
Karolina Kutilek brings a unique blend of qualifications to OMF, fueled by a deep passion for healthcare. Holding a Master of Science in health communication from Boston University, alongside a medical degree from Charles University in Prague, she is driven by a commitment to bridge the worlds of medicine and communication.
Karolina’s profound dedication to healthcare advocacy propels her impactful role at OMF, where she spearheads strategic communication initiatives and develops content across all digital channels, including social media, websites, and e-newsletters. Her goal is to share valuable information and content to grow OMF’s mission and help support the patient community.
Karolina currently lives in New York City with her husband and her dog, Brooklyn.
Janis Maslyk, Donor Relations and Data Strategy Manager
Janis brings her strong organizational and project management skills to OMF, providing support to many aspects of fundraising and administration. With a bachelor’s degree in Marketing, she has worked in various other industries but enjoys being part of the nonprofit community with a commitment to making the world a better place.
Bec Morse, Global Operations Director
As OMF enters an exciting growth phase, Bec Morse was engaged to expand operational capacity. After a first career in Financial Services, leading global and local business change programs, Bec transitioned to augmenting and amplifying leadership and management capability in start-ups, small businesses and not-for profits through her own consulting company. Inspired by the work of two innovative surgeons driven to make a difference in the world, Bec decided to make a permanent move to the health sector. Bec holds a Masters in Healthcare Services from the University of Technology, Sydney, a BA in English Literature from the University of New South Wales and has completed post-graduate studies in Organizational Change Management at the Australian Graduate School of Management.
