Our Leadership
Guided by experience. United by purpose.
The Susan Terry Foundation is led by individuals who bring experience in healthcare, community service, philanthropy and organizational leadership to help advance Susan Terry’s legacy.
Foundation Governance
Board of Directors
Our board provides strategic guidance and stewardship as the Foundation invests in community-based organizations working to improve health, stability and opportunity.
Board Chair
Thomas Laughery
Thomas Laughery is a former pharmaceutical executive with 30 years of experience spanning marketing, sales, enterprise services and project leadership, including 16 years working in HIV. He has held senior executive roles and brings experience from markets across Europe, Africa, Asia, South America and Australia.
Most recently, Thomas oversaw Global Portfolio Strategy for ViiV Healthcare. He holds an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in geological sciences from the University of Texas at Austin.
Board Member
Rishi Patel, PharmD, MBA
Dr. Rishi Patel is President and CEO of CAN Community Health and has more than 22 years of experience in healthcare services management. He joined CAN in 2015 as Chief Pharmacy Officer and was appointed President and CEO in 2021.
Dr. Patel holds a Doctor of Pharmacy from Nova Southeastern University, an MBA from Florida Gulf Coast University and a bachelor’s degree in microbiology from the University of Florida. His healthcare expertise and strategic leadership help guide the Foundation’s work to improve community health.
Board Member
Mary Lifland, CPA
Mary Lifland is Chief Financial Officer of CAN Community Health, where she is responsible for the organization’s overall financial strategy and direction. She joined CAN as Director of Accounting, later served as Controller and was named Chief Financial Officer in 2019.
Before joining CAN, Mary spent more than 10 years with Cavanaugh & Co. Certified Public Accountants, specializing in audits of nonprofit organizations and common-interest realty associations. She has also served on the boards of several nonprofit organizations.
Board Member
Brett McNeal
Brett McNeal is a healthcare attorney whose experience includes the Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, Medicare and Medicaid requirements, the 340B Drug Pricing Program, HIPAA and provider scope-of-practice issues.
He earned his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Minnesota and has contributed articles to the Health Care Compliance Association and American Health Law Association. Brett has also served as Vice Chair of Publishing for the American Health Law Association’s Fraud and Abuse Practice Group.
Board Member
Joseph A. Puccio, MD, FAAP
Dr. Joseph Puccio is a professor of pediatrics at the USF Morsani College of Medicine. He serves as Executive and Medical Director of USF Student Health Services and Associate Vice President of Health and Wellness at USF.
A board-certified pediatrician and adolescent medicine specialist, Dr. Puccio’s clinical and research interests include women’s health and technology, eating disorders, pregnancy prevention, and sexually transmitted infection prevention and treatment.
Board Member
Marko Radisic
Marko Radisic is Co-Founder and Director of Operations at the Elite Performance and Longevity Center in Sarasota, where he oversees health optimization, performance enhancement and longevity medicine.
He is also an active philanthropist who has led programs benefiting youth, women and underserved populations. His community involvement includes supporting Teen Court initiatives that create meaningful opportunities for young people.
Board Member
James Berthoty
James Berthoty is Susan Terry’s son and spent his teenage years volunteering at the original Community AIDS Network clinic in Sarasota. His connection to the Foundation helps carry Susan’s personal legacy into its work today.
James founded Latio in 2023 to help organizations build their cybersecurity programs after a decade in technical engineering and leadership roles. He holds degrees from Florida State University and The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Board Member
Sandra L. “Sandy” Murman
Sandy Murman has more than 40 years of experience in public service, business and community leadership. She served as a Hillsborough County Commissioner from 2010 to 2020, including two terms as chair of the Board of County Commissioners. Previously, she served eight years in the Florida House of Representatives and became the first Republican woman to serve as Speaker Pro Tempore.
Throughout her career, Sandy has advanced initiatives addressing economic development, transportation, homelessness, behavioral health, substance use, human trafficking and children’s services. She holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Indiana University and continues to support organizations serving children, families and communities across Tampa Bay.
Leading the Work
Staff Leadership
Our staff leadership turns the Foundation’s mission into action through community partnerships, thoughtful grantmaking and donor engagement.
Executive Director
Ray Carson
Ray Carson joined the Susan Terry Foundation in 2024 as its first executive director. Previously, he served as CEO of The ALS Association Florida Chapter, where he led the organization’s growth and efforts to support individuals and families affected by ALS.
Ray also spent more than 19 years with the American Cancer Society in communications, advocacy, operations and executive leadership roles. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and is a graduate of the executive education program at Harvard Business School.
Director of Development
Hillary Dunson
Hillary Dunson is a nonprofit development professional with experience in fundraising strategy and donor engagement. Her work has included individual giving, major gifts, board giving and grant administration, with a focus on sustainable funding and strong donor relationships.
Before joining the Susan Terry Foundation, Hillary served as National Director of Resource Development at Pace Center for Girls. She previously worked as Senior Director of Donor Development for the March of Dimes in the Georgia market.