News

We are proud to introduce the 2026 cohort of the Health Policy Fellowship.

Since the program began in 2012, the fellowship has supported the professional development of health researchers, government staff, and nonprofit leaders committed to improving health policy in Michigan. Fellowship graduates continue to contribute to policy development, research, and community programs throughout the state.

The 2026 fellowship cohort will include:

• Matthew Boak, Policy Advisor, Michigan Senate Majority Policy Office
• Lisa Braddix, Chief Health Equity Officer, Southeastern Michigan Health Association (SEMHA)
• Dr. Antionette (Toni) Coe, Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan
• Matthew Criado-Cano, Legislative Director, Office of Representative Luke Meerman, Michigan House of Representatives
• Erin Dickenson, Chief of Staff, Office of Senator Sylvia Santana
• Jessica Edel, Program Director, Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCEDSV)
• Steven Gilbert, Chief of Staff, Office of State Senator Roger Victory
• O’Nealya Gronstal, Executive Director, Lakeshore Food Club
• Megan Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, Superior Health Foundation
• Dr. Bryant Oliphant, Research Assistant Professor, University of Michigan, and Associate Professor, Wayne State University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Suzanne Owen, Senior Health and Equity Policy Advisor, Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer
• Dr. Michelle Padley, Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan State University
• Isabella Pagogna, Produce Prescription Director, Michigan Farmers Market Association
• Nadia Syed, Community Benefit Collaborative Program Manager, Michigan Health and Hospital Association
• Theresa Uhrich, Chief Operating Officer, Region IV Area Agency on Aging
• Dr. Varun Vohra, Senior Academic Director, Board-Certified Clinical Toxicologist Consultant, and Associate Professor (Clinical), Michigan Poison & Drug Information Center and Wayne State University Department of Emergency Medicine
• Ta’Sheena Williams, Policy Director, Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health (MCMCH)

The program is an immersive four-month experience designed to bring together a diverse group of professionals to strengthen collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and nonprofit leaders working to improve health outcomes across Michigan.

Participants will take part in a series of learning sessions and collaborative discussions designed to strengthen their understanding of health policy and leadership. The program provides opportunities for fellows to connect with peers across sectors and gain practical insights they can apply in their work.

For further information about the CHRT Health Policy Fellowship and to apply for the 2027  cohort, please contact Holly Quivera Teague, Fellowship Program Manager, at [email protected].

###

CHRT thanks its fellowship partners and sponsors for their continued support in helping develop the next generation of health policy leaders.