Community Advisors

Individuals are selected for their interest, expertise and distinguished work in one or more areas of the Northern Virginia community. They represent, and have experience in, fields such as business, technology, media and communications, development, education, finance, law, medicine and public health, the non-profit community, public relations, the faith community and public service. The responsibilities include:

• Providing a larger community perspective and professional advice to the Clinic
• Advocating for the Arlington Free Clinic (AFC) within their professional and personal networks
• Bringing to the AFC’s attention issues that might affect the Clinic and its patients
• Serving as a resource for the AFC’s Staff and Board Members in the areas of professional experience and interest

2012 Community Advisors

•    Joseph A. Backer, M.D.
Radiologist, Northern Virginia Radiology Consultants;
Founder, Arlington Free Clinic; AFC Past President; Physician Volunteer
•    Gregory Cahill
Restaurateur, Whitlow’s on Wilson and Restaurant 3
•    Lawrence Cheng
Technology Consultant
•    James B. Cole
President and CEO, Virginia Hospital Center
•    N. Thomas Connally, M.D.
Internist (retired) and Physician Volunteer; AFC Medical Director 2005-2010
•    Peter A. Converse
President, Virginia Commerce Bank
•    Judy Feder
Institute Fellow at the Urban Institute; Professor, Georgetown Public Policy Institute; Dean from 1999-2008 Georgetown Public Policy Institute
•    Doreen Gentzler
NBC News Channel 4 Anchor
•    Raymond Hoare, M.D.
Cardiologist (retired); Physician Volunteer
•    Hon. Edward M. Holland, J.D.
Attorney; Former Member, Virginia Senate
•    Julissa Marenco
President, ZGS Station Group at ZGS Communications
•    Rev. Andrew T.P. Merrow
Rector, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
•    Talal Munasifi, M.D.
Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon, Advanced Plastic Surgery Center; Chief of Plastic Surgery, Virginia Hospital Center
•    John Murphy
President, Washington Workplace
•    Christopher J. Nassetta
President and CEO, Hilton Worldwide
•    Mary Ann Nirschl
Board Member 1996-2008; Board Chair 2000-2001
•    Grace Abi-Najm Shea
Vice President, Lebanese Taverna
•    Matthew D. Shank, PhD
President, Marymount University
•    Thomas Shooltz
Partner,  Ironwood Realty Partners, LLC
•    Reuben K. Varghese, M.D., M.P.H.
Health Director, Arlington County Public Health Division