Thomas Laughery, Chair
Tom is a former pharmaceutical executive with 30 years of experience across marketing, sales, enterprise services and project leadership, with 16 years of that time spent working in HIV. Having served in several senior executive roles, he brings a broad range of functional expertise as well as HIV experience in international markets including Western and Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, South America, and Australia.
Most recently, Tom oversaw Global Portfolio Strategy for ViiV Healthcare where he shaped the portfolio vision and integration of ViiV medicines. Prior to that, Tom led the global commercial efforts on the Dolutegravir franchise of HIV medicines including new product introductions in regions around the world. Highlights included interaction with global HIV treatment experts and community members, reimbursement of medicines across major markets, and adoption of dolutegravir as a global treatment standard of care by WHO and UNAIDS.

Tom is known for clever strategies, critical thinking, team leadership, and ability to communicate and collaborate with stakeholders of all levels.

Tom has an MBA from Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, University of Virginia and a BS in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin

Rishi Patel, Board Member

Dr. Rishi Patel is a visionary leader in the healthcare industry, leveraging his extensive experience to drive success as CEO. With over 22 years of expertise in healthcare services management, Dr. Patel has established himself as a prominent figure in the field.

Equipped with a Doctorate of Pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida Gulf Coast University, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology from the University of Florida, Dr. Patel possesses a well-rounded educational background that combines scientific knowledge with business acumen.

Dr. Patel’s journey towards executive leadership began in August 2015 when he joined CAN Community Health, as Chief Pharmacy Officer. Through his strategic thinking and innovative approach, he played a vital role in cultivating the growth and success of the company. This soon culminated in his appointment as President & CEO by the Board of Directors in 2021, a testament to his outstanding leadership abilities.

Recognized for his exceptional contributions to the industry, Dr. Patel was recently inducted into the esteemed Florida Council 100, an honor reserved for top-tier business leaders. This recognition further solidifies his status as a respected figure within the healthcare sector.

As CEO, Dr. Patel’s wealth of industry knowledge, strategic thinking, and customer-centric approach continue to guide CAN Community Health towards exponential growth and unwavering excellence. His leadership is instrumental in ensuring continued impact in improving the lives of patients and enhancing the healthcare landscape as a whole.

Mary Lifland, Board Member
Prior to joining CAN Community Health, Lifland was an associate with Cavanaugh & Co. Certified Public Accountants for over 10 years specializing in audits of Nonprofit Organizations and Common Interest Realty Associations. She acquired her CPA license in 2014 and joined CAN soon after as Director of Accounting, she was promoted to Controller and in 2019 Lifland was named Chief Financial Officer. In this position, Lifland is responsible for the overall financial strategy and direction at CAN Community Health. Within finance, she guides the controller, treasury, accounting, tax, and internal audit functions to pursue the company’s aggressive growth strategy and meet its clients’ expectations. Lifland has served as a board member for various non-profit organizations including Girl Scouts of Sarasota County.

Brett McNeal, Board Member
Brett McNeal is a native Minnesotan who received his undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of Minnesota. His professional experience has concentrated on fraud and abuse issues in the healthcare industry, including, without limitation, the Stark Law, the Anti-Kickback Statute, and the False Claims Act. He also has extensive experience providing practical advice and guidance on a range of regulatory issues and matters impacting the healthcare industry. That has included, among others, Medicare and Medicaid program and reimbursement requirements, the 340B Drug Pricing Program, HIPAA, and provider scope of practice issues. He has written articles that have been published by Health Care Compliance Association and the American Health Law Association. Brett is currently serving as the Vice Chair of Publishing for American Health Law Association’s Fraud and Abuse Practice Group. Brett lives in Sarasota with his wife and their four children.

Ray Carson, Executive Director

Before joining the Susan Terry Foundation in 2024 as its first executive director, Ray Carson was CEO of The ALS Association Florida Chapter, where he led the organization’s growth and efforts to support individuals and families affected by ALS. Prior to that, Carson spent more than 19 years with the American Cancer Society, including serving as director of media advocacy for their Cancer Action Network, overseeing media advocacy efforts across 24 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Carson also held senior positions at the American Cancer Society in Florida, including chief operating officer, senior vice president for support services and vice president of communications and marketing.

Carson holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and attended Albion College as well as the Gerald R. Ford Institute for Public Service. He is a graduate of the executive education program at Harvard Business School, where he expanded his leadership capabilities.