Our Team

Scott Santarella 

CEO

Scott assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer of Global Lyme Alliance in May 2016. As CEO, he heads the leading private nonprofit dedicated to Lyme and tick-borne research and education. Scott directs overall strategy, operations, and fundraising to increase awareness and hasten advances in diagnostics and treatments with the ultimate goal of finding a cure for Lyme and tick-borne diseases.

He brings nearly 30 years of experience as a senior executive with proven track record in strategic planning, innovative marketing and raising public awareness for neglected, underfunded or stigmatized diseases.

Prior to joining GLA, Scott was President and CEO of the Bonnie J. Addario Lung
Cancer Foundation (ALCF) in San Francisco, where he successfully grew the organization from a regional lung cancer research and patient services organization to a globally recognized leader in the lung cancer community as well as the broader oncology research and patient-survivor industry.

Previous to ALCF, he was President and CEO of the American Lung Association of New York (ALANY) and former Executive Director and COO of the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. He received his Executive Leadership Certification from Harvard Business School in 2006.

Timothy J. Sellati, Ph.D. 

Chief Scientific Officer

A noted immunologist and microbiologist, Dr. Sellati has more than 20 years of research experience with Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. He has published more than 40 peer-reviewed infectious disease papers, nearly 20 of which are focused on Lyme disease.  Dr. Sellati is frequently invited to speak about his cutting-edge research at national and international scientific meetings and with news media outlets.  Today he is considered one of the nation’s foremost experts in the search to understand infectious disease processes and improve treatments for patients suffering from Lyme and other tick-borne illnesses. As GLA’s Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Sellati leads GLA’s research initiatives to accelerate the development of more effective methods of diagnosis and treatment of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases.

Prior to joining GLA, Dr. Sellati served as Distinguished Fellow and Chair of the Department of Infectious Diseases in the Drug Discovery Division at Southern Research Institute in Birmingham, Alabama.  Prior to that, he received a BA degree in Biology from Dowling College in 1985 and a Ph.D. degree in Cellular and Developmental Biology from the State University of New York at Stony Brook in 1996.  Dr. Sellati began postdoctoral training in 1996 at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas and completed his training in 1999 at the University of Connecticut Health Science Center in Farmington.  After joining the Center for Immunology and Microbial Disease at Albany Medical College as an Assistant Professor in 2000 he was promoted to Associate Professor in 2005 and earned tenure in 2010.  From 2013 through 2015 Dr. Sellati served as an Associate Member at the Trudeau Institute in Saranac Lake, NY before moving to Southern Research Institute.

Dr. Sellati also was the Immunology Scientific Councilor for the International Endotoxin and Innate Immunity Society, the past President of the Eastern New York Branch of the American Society for Microbiologists, and has served as ad hoc member of a number of National Institutes of Health Study Section review panels and as a reviewer for several scientific journals in the areas of immunology and microbiology.

Robert Kobre 

Chairman

Robert Kobre has been involved with Global Lyme Alliance and its predecessor Lyme Research Alliance (“LRA”) since 2008 as a member of the Scientific Advisory Board and as Chairman of GLA since 2015. In 2013 and 2014, he led the team that drove the merger of LRA in Greenwich, CT and the Tick-Borne Disease Alliance of NYC (completed in early 2015).

He continues to be an active member of GLA’s research effort in addition to his role as Chairman. Robert also is a Vice Chairman of Investment Banking and Capital Markets at the global investment bank Credit Suisse. He has responsibility for covering Financial Sponsors and helping execute high yield, leveraged bank, M&A, IPO and other equity transactions.

Robert holds his undergraduate degree (BSE) from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an M.B.A. from The Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He is also a CPA, having worked at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Charles Balducci 

Vice Chair

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.

Diane Blanchard 

Vice Chair

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.

Debbie Siciliano 

Vice Chair

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 

Treasurer

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.

Brett Kristoff 

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.

Lorrie Nadel 

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.

Ed O’Connell 

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.

Karen Peetz 

Karen Peetz is the retired President of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon), a global financial services company headquartered in New York. Ms. Peetz served as President of BNY Mellon from 2013 until 2016. Prior to joining BNY Mellon in 1998 to run the domestic corporate trust business, Karen spent 16 years with JP Morgan Chase in a variety of sales and business management positions, including an assignment in London.

Karen is a member of the Board of Trustees of Johns Hopkins University and Chairs the Advisory Committee for the Carey Business School. She is a member of the Board of Directors of Ingersoll Rand and The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, and a member of the Business Committee of The Metropolitan Museum of Art. She received a B.S degree from Pennsylvania State University and a M.S. degree from Johns Hopkins University.

Paul Ross 

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.

Board of Directors 

Executive Committee

Robert Kobre, Chairman
Charles Balducci, Vice Chair
Diane Blanchard, Vice Chair
Debbie Siciliano, Vice Chair
Henry Dosch, Treasurer
Brett Kristoff
Lorrie Nadel
Ed O’Connell
Karen Peetz
Paul Ross

Board Members

Ridgway Barker
Chris Corrinet
Nancy Del Genio
David Gerstner
Staci Grodin
Julia Knox-Comeau
Avril Lavigne
Steve Lefkowitz
Lew Leone
Steve Martin
Dana McAvity
Karma Newberry-Mortensen
David Nolan
Peter Norley
Norma Russo
Alexander Tisch
Janet Vaccaro, Secretary
Erin Walker

Mayla Hsu, Ph.D. 

Director of Research and Science

Mayla Hsu, Ph.D, joined Global Lyme Alliance in 2015 as its in-house Science Officer and is now Director of Research and Science. She manages GLA’s research grant program, working with the Scientific Advisory Board and creating viable partnerships to help advance the development of a reliable diagnostic test, effective treatments and ultimately a cure for Lyme.

Mayla, who previously worked as a science writer at the Rockefeller University in New York, has a background in medical virology. She obtained her Ph.D. in 2000 from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, studying the mechanisms of drug resistance in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

She followed this with post-doctoral studies at the Rockefeller University, working on HIV transmission, where her interest in host-pathogen interactions developed. She then decided to pursue more translational research and moved to Bristol-Myers Squibb, where she joined a team developing screening assays to look for new compounds targeting HIV and hepatitis viruses.

Christine Llewellyn 

Director of Finance and Operations

Christine joined Global Lyme Alliance in June 2015. As Director of Finance and Operations, she works closely with the CEO to manage the accounting and finances of the organization, including budgeting and expense management. Christine has broad responsibilities, including preparation of all financial reports and tax returns, managing payroll, overseeing the annual audit conducted by independent auditors and assisting with the preparation of tax returns.

She began her career at John Hancock Financial Services in Boston, where she managed clients in the employee benefits division. She later joined the Waters Corporation to spearhead the global employee benefits function and provide technical expertise to the company’s foreign subsidiaries. Her expertise in finances and human resources also serve her well in the role of mom to her three young children.

Christine graduated from Bucknell University with a dual degree in International Relations and Spanish.

Sara V. Tyghter 

Director of Education and Outreach

Sara Tyghter joined GLA in September 2016 as Director of Education and Outreach. She oversees the development of GLA’s educational platform supporting children, adolescents, adults, and healthcare professionals. Sara is focused on developing multi-channel educational programs that will help increase awareness and prevent the increase of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases as well as support those who are living with these illnesses.

Prior to joining GLA, Sara spent close to 10 years working at the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation as an Associate Director of Patient Programs. She was responsible for developing educational programs for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals as well as overseeing the Patient Support Center. In addition, she was responsible for writing grants, budget management, and managing relationships with key partners.

Sara graduated from Sacred Heart University with a B.S. degree in Business Administration.

Stacy Velarde 

Director of Development

Stacy joined Global Lyme Alliance in May 2018. As Director of Development, she works closely with the CEO to raise vital funds for GLA through major gifts and individual support. Stacy’s responsibilities include business development, building and growing philanthropic relationships, and implementing financial strategies for the organization.

Stacy comes to GLA with extensive academic major gift and development experience most recently as Associate Dean at Northeastern University and prior to that with the University of Connecticut Foundation. She also has extensive for-profit experience in the banking industry specifically with trust and estates, planned giving and business development with high net-worth clients. Previously she worked as a Trust Officer with First Union National Bank in Greenwich, CT, Vice President, Business Development Officer at Putnam Trust/Bank of New York in Greenwich and Bank of America, and as Regional Director of Major Gifts for the March of Dimes.

She holds a B.A. degree in from Tulane and a J.D. from the City University of New York Law School. Stacy was admitted to both the New York and Connecticut Bar Associations but is not currently practicing.

Contact Stacy: Stacy.Velarde@GLA.org or 203-921-7572.

Holly Wainwright 

Director of Marketing and Communications

Holly joined GLA in May 2016 as Director of Marketing and Communications. She brings an extensive marketing and business development background to the organization.

Most recently she served as Director of Marketing at Datto, one of the nation’s fastest-growing technology firms. Previously she was Director, Sales & Marketing for The Forsite Group and held leadership roles in sales and marketing at McGraw-Hill, including BusinessWeek.

Holly’s biggest motivation to create change in the Lyme community comes from her family. Seeing first-hand the effects Lyme and its co-infections have, and wanting to change that, motivates her every day. Holly graduated from St. Lawrence University with a BA in Government.

Contact Holly: holly.wainwright@GLA.org or 203-883-6603

Lindsy Swift 

Senior Manager, Digital Marketing

Lindsy joined Global Lyme Alliance in December 2016. As Digital Marketing/Social Media Manager, Lindsy plans and executes all web, social media and advertising campaigns, designs and maintains GLA’s social media presence and collaborates with internal teams to create landing pages and optimize user experience.

Before joining GLA, Lindsy worked as Production Coordinator, Integrated Media at MediaMax Network. Previously, she was Media Marketing Manager for Got a Laugh Entertainment in Los Angeles and an Associate Client Licensing Manager for Equity Management in San Diego, CA. She received an MBA with a marketing concentration at Alliant International University and a B.S. in Media Studies from Sacred Heart University.

Casie Richardson 

Database Manager

Casie joined Global Lyme Alliance in February 2016 as its Donor and Database Manager. She is responsible for the performance, integrity, and security of GLA’s database, which she uses to generate a range of key administrative, fundraising and grant-making reports. She makes sure that all donations are recorded and acknowledged accurately, as well as integrating information over various platforms. Casie is also the staff troubleshooter for all IT-related issues.

Prior to GLA, Casie was Database Administrator for Legionaries of Christ, Executive Assistant for the Teamsters Union and Senior Project Leader, IT at Clairol. She is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force where she began her IT career. She holds a B.S. in Accounting from Mercy College, New York.

Rona Cherry 

Public Relations Liaison

Rona has worked with Global Lyme Alliance for five years as an independent PR and media consultant.  With extensive experience in print and digital content strategy and development, project management, and public relations for nonprofits and entrepreneurial companies, Rona has a broad range of GLA communications responsibilities.

She has served as Vice President/New Magazine Development for several major media companies, including the New York Times Company, the Golf Digest Companies, and General Media International. She launched and was Editor-in-Chief of several national titles, including Fitness, and prior to that was Executive Editor of Glamour Magazine, and worked with numerous non-profit clients including the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

Rona holds an M.S. degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism, New York, and a B.A. from American University, Washington, D.C. where she has been involved for several years in its School of Communications Alumni Mentor Program.