October 8, 2025

AVERT First Leadership

 

Executive and advisory officer board

 

Multidisciplinary A.V.E.R.T. Harm initiative,

  • Mental health, education, community engagement, and systems-level prevention
  • Healthcare and Human Services
  • Public health and System Leadership
  • Strife Suite: Strife Guard, Strife Advisor, Strife Coach, Strife Guide, Strife Net, Strife Aid, Strife Support.
  • Youth Empowerment Strategies (YES)-Mentorship
  • Youth Leadership Connection-Interactive Peer Mentorship: & Vulnerability and Risk Awareness, Vigilance and Reduction

🧭 A.V.E.R.T. Harm Initiative – Officer & Leadership Structure

🏛 Executive Leadership

Title Role
Chief Executive Officer (CEO),                                                President & Visionary Director:

Dr. Gary Xavier, MD     

Manages operations, funding, and organizational growth. Oversees strategic direction, partnerships, and long-term impact

 

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Dr. Phillip Wong, MD

Coordinates internal systems, logistics, and program delivery
Chief Strategy Officer (CSO)

Dr. Samantha Gomez

Leads innovation, cross-sector alignment, and strategic planning

🎓 Academic & Program Leadership

Title Role
Chief Academic Advisor: Ensures evidence-based practices, curriculum integrity, and research alignment
Director of Youth Programs:

Dr. Kristine. Beecher, MS

Oversees peer-led initiatives, mentorship tracks, and leadership development
Director of Curriculum & Training                     

Dr. Michael Williams, PhD

Designs workshops, facilitator guides, and learning pathways
Director of Research & Evaluation:

Dr, Frederick Sullivan, PhD

Leads data collection, impact analysis, and continuous improvement

🧠 Mental Health & Clinical Oversight

Title Role
Chief Wellness Officer:

Dr. Samuel Agyare, MD

Integrates trauma-informed care, resilience-building, and wellness strategies
Clinical Executive:

Dr. Samuel Agyare, MD 

Oversees licensed professionals, referral systems, and crisis protocols
Director of Peer Support Systems:

Ms. Kristine Beecher,MS

Develops peer-to-peer engagement models and support circles

🌐 Community & Systems Engagement

Title Role
Chief Community Liaison:

Mr. Robert Lei, MS

Builds bridges with schools, families, and local organizations
Director of Equity & Inclusion:

Ms, G. Ramos, MA 

Ensures culturally responsive practices and inclusive outreach
Director of Policy & Advocacy:

Dr. William Shultz

Shapes public policy, legislative engagement, and systemic reform

📣 Communications & Outreach

Title Role
Chief Communications Officer (CCO):

Dr. Sergio Velez

Manages messaging, media, and public relations
Director of Digital Engagement:

Mr. John Gomez, MS

Oversees online platforms, youth-led campaigns, and virtual programming
Creative Director:

Ms. Kiesha Dillon,, BS, AS

Crafts visual identity, storytelling, and campaign aesthetics

💡 Innovation & Expansion

Title Role
Chief Innovation Architect:

Dr. Gary Xavier, MD

Designs new frameworks, pilots, and interdisciplinary models
Director of Strategic Partnerships:

Dr.Michael Williams,Phd

Cultivates collaborations across sectors (education, health, tech, etc.)
Director of Global Initiatives:

Dr. Miguel Santana, MD

Leads international outreach and cross-cultural adaptation

This structure reflects the interconnected nature of A.V.E.R.T. Harm and AVERT First—where leadership isn’t just administrative, but visionary, relational, and deeply rooted in care.

n care.