The AAPL 2024-2025 Election Ballot was sent on Thursday, April 18, 2024 to all active AAPL members. If you are an active member and did not receive the ballot, please e-mail Jennifer Iams at AAPLassist@gmail.com.

The ballot will close on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET. 

President-Elect 

Zach Brown (Self-Nominated)
Director, Network Development & Outreach
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Columbus, Ohio

Zach Brown, Director of Network Development & Outreach at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, is an experienced healthcare leader with a track record of driving strategic growth. In his current role, Zach oversees a dynamic team responsible for service line growth, network development, and regional initiatives across Ohio.

Zach has a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University and an MBA from LSU Shreveport. Over 10 years in various physician liaison roles, Zach has navigated diverse healthcare environments—from community hospitals to an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and a prominent academic health system. He has been an active AAPL member since 2014 and takes pride in the multifaceted responsibilities of the physician liaison role. His passion lies in fostering enduring collaborative relationships and facilitating innovative strategies to propel organizational growth.

Why I would make a good candidate: 

With over 10 years of experience in various liaison roles, I’ve had the privilege of working across diverse healthcare settings. My expertise spans from community hospitals to an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center and a large academic health system. This breadth of experience provides me with a unique perspective on our members’ needs and challenges.

AAPL Involvement: As an active member of AAPL since 2014, I take immense pride in our organization. AAPL plays a crucial role in supporting the liaison community. My involvement has been multifaceted, including serving on the board of directors, participating in national and regional meetings, contributing to committees, and engaging with special interest groups.

Vision: My unwavering commitment lies in advancing the field of physician liaisons. As a servant leader within AAPL, I aim to foster collaboration, drive innovation, and elevate the impact of our profession.

Future Goals: I envision ambitious growth for AAPL. Leveraging my dedication, strategic vision, and collaborative approach, I aspire to enhance the organization’s offerings and maximize benefits for our valued members.

Treasurer

Lindsay Carillo, MBA (Self-Nominated)
Director of Business Development
UCI Health
Long Beach, California

Lindsay Carrillo, MBA is a seasoned business development professional, with more than 15 years of healthcare marketing and planning experience.

As Director of the UCI Health Business Development team, Lindsay oversees growth initiatives, physician network utilization, community partnerships, and digital network development.

Lindsay started at Banner Health in Arizona, supporting public relations and marketing. She served as a marketing manager at PIH Health in Whittier, Calif. In 2013, she joined UCI Health, in both marketing and business development roles.

Lindsay holds degrees from Arizona State University Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and the Arizona State University W.P. Carey School of Business.

Why I would make a good candidate: 

I have worked in healthcare since 2008, and specifically in the business development/physician liaison field since 2017. I have a passion for this work and elevating the importance of building relationships in healthcare. I have an MBA and I manage an annual budget and a team of 11.

at-large Directors

Lori Carsey (Nominated by a Colleague)
Physician Liaison
Akron Children's Hospital
Boardman, Ohio

Lori is a graduate of The Ohio State University and began her career as a Physician Liaison at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in January of 1999. She was trained by the famous Kriss Barlow!

From there, she entered the adult world as a Physician Liaison at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, Pennsylvania, from 2006-2010. She missed the pediatric world and stayed in touch with many colleagues from CHCA and heard that Akron Children’s Hospital was hiring. Carsey has been with Akron Children’s since April 2010 and has enjoyed watching it grow and being part of that family.

Why Lori would make a good candidate: 

Lori has been a Liaison for over 15 years and knows the role very well. She is highly motivated, encouraging to others, and highly respected by her Providers. She has a lot of knowledge to share!

Trent Hickes (Self-Nominated)
Director, Physician Relations
UCHealth
Denver, Colorado 

Trent is a seasoned physician relations director with a diverse background spanning across Montana, North Carolina, and Colorado. With 14 years in physician liaison leadership, he has fostered strong connections between healthcare facilities and medical professionals in each very unique region. Known for his exceptional communication skills and strategic approach, Trent has played a pivotal role in creating interdepartmental alignment, enhancing referral networks, driving physician engagement, and optimizing access to care. Additionally, his passion for coaching and collaborative mindset translates well in building and growing both individuals and teams, through inclusion, accountability, and data driven results.

Why I would make a good candidate: 

Trent is a seasoned physician relations director with a diverse background spanning across Montana, North Carolina, and Colorado. With 14 years in physician liaison leadership, he has fostered strong connections between healthcare facilities and medical professionals in each very unique region. Known for his exceptional communication skills and strategic approach, Trent has played a pivotal role in creating interdepartmental alignment, enhancing referral networks, driving physician engagement, and optimizing access to care. Additionally, his passion for coaching and collaborative mindset translates well in building and growing both individuals and teams, through inclusion, accountability and data driven results.

Ashley Hilliard (Self-Nominated)
Senior Director of Practice Growth and Referral Relations
Texas Oncology
Paris, Texas

Ashley Hilliard is the Senior Director of Practice Growth and Referral Relations for Texas Oncology, leading the statewide liaison program and supporting practice initiatives and growth strategies. Last year her team of 35 liaisons covered more than 12,700 referring providers, making nearly 30,000 visits resulting in more than 102,000 referrals. Ashley draws from 20 years of field experience in both liaison roles and pharmaceutical sales. Ashley joined Texas Oncology in 2010 and served as an Oncology Liaison and Regional Manager covering the Central, South, and Northeast regions, prior to her promotion to Senior Director overseeing the entire state. Ashley has a Bachelor of Science from Texas Women's University and lives in Paris, TX.

Why I would make a good candidate: 

I direct a team of over 30 oncology liaisons and have been a liaison myself for over 10 years. I feel I can provide insight and perspective from the liaison and director perspective. I have to create strategies for growth to be carried out by our team for the largest private cancer care group in the country.