Our Team

Paul Ross is a former business development executive with Ernst & Young and several other major corporations. Lyme disease cost him his career and dramatically altered his life and that of his family. He is passionate about furthering the success of GLA so it can be part of the solution to this mystery that is Lyme disease and alleviate the suffering of millions of people who are forced to endure, often silently this awful illness.

He received a B.S. degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University and a J.D. degree from the Maurice A. Deane School of Law at Hofstra University.

Dr. Armin Alaedini is an internationally recognized expert in Lyme disease research, bringing over 20 years of experience to Global Lyme Alliance (GLA). Before becoming the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at GLA, Dr. Alaedini played a crucial role on the organization's Research Advisory Committee and served as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board.

Dr. Alaedini has an extensive background as a principal investigator and senior manager in both academia and industry. His leadership experience includes overseeing large research teams, managing operational budgets, developing research strategies, and contributing to clinical trials. Dr. Alaedini is also deeply committed to mentoring young scientists, fostering the next generation of researchers in the field of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

With his wealth of experience and dedication to advancing scientific knowledge, Dr. Alaedini's leadership will continue to propel GLA's research initiatives forward. Under his guidance, GLA is committed to advancing scientific initiatives to combat Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, driving innovation and hope in the fight against these debilitating diseases.

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Diane Blanchard’s personal experience and professional background have made her a leader and spokesperson in the quest to conquer Lyme and tick-borne disease.  After a career in business and marketing, Diane utilized her expertise to become Co-Founder of Lyme Research Alliance (LRA) in 1998. She served as Co-President of LRA until she became Vice Chair of the merged organization, Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), in 2015.

Diane has served as a strong voice and advocate within the Lyme community for nearly 20 years. As Co-President of LRA, Diane managed operations, development, and directed overall strategy. Today she continues to play an important role in supporting GLA's mission and development.

She is an Advisory Board member of the Columbia Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center, as well as the recipient of numerous honors. Diane received Greenwich Magazine's “Light a Fire” Award in 2008 and was recognized by her community with the “YWCA Spirit of Greenwich Award” in 2013.

She received a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and an M.B.A. in Marketing from Adelphi University.

Charles Balducci is cofounder of the Snyder/Balducci Group, a multi-family office within the Wealth Management division of Merrill Lynch. He oversees a team of over 20 professionals dedicated to assisting ultra-high-net-worth families and individuals reach their goals.

Charles was named to On Wall Street’s “Top 40 Advisors Under 40” list for seven consecutive years from 2009 through 2015 and to REP Magazine’s “Top 40 Wirehouse Advisors Under 40” in 2014 and 2015. In addition, Charles has been named as one of Barron’s “Top 1,200 Financial Advisors: State-by-State” since 2014 and as one of the Financial Times’ “Top 400 Financial Advisors” in 2013.

Charles received a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Pennsylvania State University. He and his wife, Amy Marisa, live in Greenwich, Connecticut, with their three children.

After receiving a B.S. degree in Business Administration & Marketing from the University of Rhode Island, Debbie Siciliano married and moved to Chicago where she began a career in sales. She later moved to London and more than 20 years ago moved to Greenwich where she raised her three children.

A few months after moving to Greenwich, she found a tick on her seven-year-old son. Soon thereafter he became ill. Thus, began Siciliano’s dedication and focus on a little-known pathogen, soon to become widely known as Lyme disease. She co-founded and served as co-president of Lyme Research Alliance (LRA), eventually becoming Vice Chair of Global Lyme Alliance when LRA merged with Tick-Borne Disease Alliance in 2015.

She is an Advisory Board member of the Columbia University Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center, and was recognized by her Greenwich community with the “YWCA Spirit of Greenwich Award” in 2013. She has lent her energy to many other organizations as well, including Families for Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich Public Schools, Watch Hill Light House Keepers Association and the Administrative Management Society.

Henry Dosch is a Certified Public Accountant with 30 years’ experience. A trusted business advisor and financial management consultant, he now serves as Treasurer of Global Lyme Alliance.

Henry has worked as Chief Financial Officer for Cheil Americas. He joined Cheil following a distinguished career at Omnicom Group, where he held CFO positions at multiple operating companies within their portfolio. Prior to this, he managed merger and acquisition activity for Omnicom’s largest sector, the Diversified Agency Services Group. Previously, Henry held executive consulting roles at Arthur Andersen, Ernst & Young and PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

An outdoor enthusiast, he first got involved in helping to raise awareness for tick-borne diseases in 2010, when he joined the Board of Directors of the Tick-Borne Disease Alliance, a GLA predecessor organization, and later by serving as Secretary.

A graduate of Adelphi University, Henry resides in suburban Westchester County, New York with his wife Tamara.

Ed O’Connell is a partner with the accounting firm of WithumSmith + Brown, PC. He is a licensed certified public accountant in New Jersey, New York and Iowa, a certified fraud examiner, certified in financial forensics, and a chartered global management accountant. Ed specializes in accounting, auditing and consulting services for public and private companies in technology and life science industries. He is the Team Leader of the firm's International Accounting & Auditing Services which includes Multi-National Corporations and International Financial Reporting.

Ed is a graduate of Rider University and was one of the honorees of the 2008 “Forty Under 40” list by NJBIZ, a program which recognizes a commitment to business growth, professional excellence and to the community. He has been a member of the board of directors of Global Lyme Alliance and its predecessor organizations for over 10 years. He currently serves on the executive and finance committees and is board liaison to GLA’s Young Leaders Council.

After 10 years as a Senior Art Director at the advertising firm Young and Rubicam, Brett Kristoff turned her talents to philanthropy. She served on the board for the Stepping Stones Museum for Children in Norwalk, Connecticut, and took part in securing support for the building and development of the museum and co-chaired numerous fundraising events such as its annual Gala and golf tournament.

Her next challenge was to help the Lyme disease community. She joined the Board of Lyme Research Alliance (now Global Lyme Alliance) and in 2013 co-chaired its highly successful “Time for Lyme” Gala. Since then, she continues to support GLA’s mission through her diverse and creative marketing skills. Brett received a B.S. degree from the University of Delaware, where she majored in Visual Communications. She lives in New Canaan with her husband, Mark, and their children.

Passionate about raising public awareness and finding a cure for Lyme disease, Lorrie Nadel first became involved with Turn the Corner, later renamed the Tick-Borne Disease Alliance (TBDA), in 2004. She was actively involved with TBDA, serving on its executive committee, as its director of patient information, and working on its fundraising galas.

Lorrie continues to help patients from around the world. She answers their questions about Lyme disease and provides information about resources and knowledgeable doctors.

Prior to helping the Lyme community, Lorrie worked as a business analyst and in sales for Dun & Bradstreet in Missouri, California, and New Jersey. She received her B.A. degree in Telecommunications from Indiana University. She lives in Northern New Jersey with her husband, Jarrod, and her two college-age daughters.

Kenzie Vath is a dedicated professional with a passion for driving innovation and making a difference. Currently serving as the Vice President of Strategic Innovation at Pacific Hospitality Group, she oversees the development and implementation of forward-thinking strategies to drive growth and competitiveness in the hospitality industry.

In addition to her role at Pacific Hospitality Group, Kenzie Vath is deeply involved in philanthropy and community impact. She is the President of Impact 100 OC, a transformative organization that empowers women through collective giving, and sits on the board of the Global Lyme Alliance, where she contributes to the organization's mission of combating Lyme disease through research, education, and awareness.

Kenzie is also the owner of Holistic Umbrella, a company dedicated to offering holistic health products and services. Through her business, she is committed to promoting holistic well-being and empowering individuals to live healthier, more balanced lives.

As an author, Kenzie has published "The Ignored Pandemic," a book that sheds light on the stories of those affected by Lyme disease. Through her writing, she aims to raise awareness about this often misunderstood illness and advocate for those impacted by it. 

With her diverse background and unwavering dedication to making a positive impact, Kenzie Vath continues to inspire others and drive meaningful change in the world.

Executive Committee

Paul Ross, Chairman

Charles Balducci, Vice Chair

Diane Blanchard, Vice Chair

Debbie Siciliano, Vice Chair

Henry Dosch, Treasurer

Brett Kristoff

Lorrie Nadel

Ed O’Connell

Nancy Del Genio

Ridgway Barker

Erin Walker

Board Members

Rose Anastasio
Chris Corrinet
David Gerstner
Karen Kelly
Julia Knox-Comeau
Steve Lefkowitz
Lew Leone
Steve Martin
Dana McAvity
David Nolan
Brent Patry
Norma Russo
Aziz Syriani
Alexander Tisch
Janet Vaccaro, Secretary

* Some members not listed. For a full list of our team, please email info@gla.org

An experienced leader in development, Steve has directed campaigns and fundraising teams worldwide, working with major medical centers and regional and national charitable organizations. Steve draws on his broad experience in as aspects of fundraising, his skills in communication and his passion for the mission of GLA as a Lyme survivor to build our philanthropic community to defeat Lyme disease

Steve has a bachelors degree from Trinity College (CT) and a masters degree from Emerson College (MA). He was awarded a CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) from the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

Lindsy Swift has served as Global Lyme Alliance’s (GLA) Director of Marketing and Communications since August 2020, leading the organization’s marketing strategy to drive awareness, engagement, and support for its mission. She oversees digital campaigns, strategic partnerships, and content initiatives that amplify GLA’s impact, ensuring the organization remains a leader in the fight against Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

Lindsy first joined GLA in December 2016 as the Digital Marketing and Social Media Manager before being promoted to Senior Manager of Digital Marketing in 2018. With a strong background in digital marketing and communications, she has played a pivotal role in expanding GLA’s reach and deepening its connection with the Lyme disease community.

Her experience spans multiple industries, including entertainment, advertising, and brand licensing, where she has successfully executed high-impact marketing initiatives that drive brand growth and audience engagement.

Lindsy holds an MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Alliant International University in San Diego, CA, and a Bachelor of Science in Media Studies from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. Her strategic vision and dedication to GLA’s mission continue to elevate the organization’s reach and influence in the Lyme disease community.

Dori joined Global Lyme Alliance in October 2019 in a dual role as Office Manager and Executive Assistant. Dori keeps our office and teams running smoothly. Prior to GLA, she worked in both the publishing and health-related businesses, where she held various human resources positions that supported training, recruitment, employee relations and salary/benefits administration. Most recently she worked five years as an Office Manager at an architecture firm.

Dori is an active volunteer, sitting on the local swim club board and enjoys volunteering in the community with her family. She holds a BA from the University of Hartford.

Dr. DeAngelis joined the Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) in 2022.  As Director of Research, she manages the research grant program and communicates the significance of scientific discoveries made by our funded investigators to the broader GLA community.  She also works with the Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Timothy J. Sellati, and the Scientific Advisory Board to advance the development of reliable diagnostics and treatments for Lyme Disease. 

Dr. DeAngelis comes to GLA with a background in bacterial research.  She was a postdoctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Rocky Mountain Laboratories training with Dr. Frank Gherardini, where she studied antibiotic sensitivity in the Lyme bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi.  Dr. DeAngelis received her Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology and Immunology from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences under the mentorship of Dr. Jyl Matson where her research focused on cholera.  She holds a B.A. from Ohio Wesleyan University in Mathematics and Pre-Professional Zoology. 

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Kristen Harris has spent her 15-year career working in marketing, public relations, nonprofit fundraising, packaging design and textile manufacturing. After 5 years working in the apparel industry, she realized her true passion was helping others and returned to non-profit development in 2020. Once a GLA Ambassador, Kristen is passionate about spreading knowledge and advocacy regarding Lyme disease and tick-borne diseases. Kristen has a bachelor’s degree from Pace University in Communications and Marketing. In her free time, she enjoys any outdoor activities, cooking Gluten-Free cuisine and traveling the world with her family.