Staff

Dr. Kelly is the CEO of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC), the only global network dedicated to the study and eradication of lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies. She is an internationally recognized lung cancer expert dedicated to providing enhanced cancer care through cutting-edge clinical trials. Her research spans the spectrum of this disease from prevention to treatment. Dr. Kelly is widely published, and she frequently lectures on lung cancer topics, nationally and internationally. Dr. Kelly is a long-standing active member of IASLC, ASCO, and SWOG. She served as the SWOG Lung Committee Chair from 2016 until 2022.

Dr. Kelly earned her medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine. She completed her internal medicine residency and oncology fellowship at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado. Dr. Kelly was appointed faculty at the University of Colorado where she spent many years building her academic career in thoracic oncology prior to accepting a faculty appointment at the University of California, Davis where she held the Jennifer Rene Harmon Tegley and Elizabeth Erica Harmon Endowed Chair in Clinical Cancer Research and was the Associate Director for Clinical Research for their NCI designated comprehensive cancer center

J. Michael Hoehn, Chief Operating Officer, adds extensive experience in business consulting, for-profit and not-for-profit operations, and process improvements, as well as technology start-ups to the IASLC team. Before joining the IASLC, he was the president of an association management company that provided management and consulting services to healthcare associations. Michael has been instrumental in helping organizations evaluate, plan, and implement improved systems and processes, develop growth strategies, and build effective professional teams.  Outside of work, Michael pursues a deep interest in history, fosters dogs, plays an active role in the local chapter of ASAE, and serves as a volunteer and board member for several community organizations.

Since 2015, John has been responsible for all financial planning and daily financial management for the IASLC. One of his favorite aspects of the job is working with the association’s inspiring members and dedicated staff. John’s previous experience includes working in the natural resources industry and the nonprofit sector; he is also a licensed CPA. When not at work, John can usually be found adventuring outside in the Rocky Mountains.

As Chief Development Officer, Matt brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit management and fundraising, including over 20 years working for health-related organizations.  For the past 6 years, Matt has served as the Vice President of Development for the Dental Lifeline Network where he has successfully developed strategic partnerships and doubled annual private revenue. Before that he spent 10 years at the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation in progressive leadership roles. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, program development and management, community outreach, staff development, and allocation of resources. As a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Matt has achieved significant revenue increases for the organizations he has served and has helped to lead cultural transformations within those teams. In his spare time, Matt enjoys a lively game of tennis, traveling, baseball, and has served on many nonprofit boards. 

Tessa coordinates the ILC Foundation’s programs and events and assists with fundraising campaigns. Her prior work experience includes program, event, and volunteer management roles with the Colorado Education Association and the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, Inc. Outside of work, Tessa runs a taxi service for her daughter and she is also a certified REFIT® instructor who currently co-leads two REFIT® classes each week.

As Senior Advisor, Scientific Relations, Becky supports the development, management, and promotion of strategic partnerships and scientific research projects, such as the Lung Ambition Alliance, that advance the IASLC‘s mission. She is also responsible for the coordination of the IASLC podcast program, “Lung Cancer Considered.” Becky loves to hike, ski, bike, travel, read, and spend time with her family.

Mya brings more than 20 years of experience working for professional associations to her role as Associate Director, Conferences. Past association experiences have included the areas of planning and executing conferences, collaborating with subject matter experts and implementing new event technologies in support of virtual and hybrid conferences. In her current role she will oversee the development and execution of IASLC’s Meetings. Outside of work, Mya enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis and enjoying all that outdoor Colorado has to offer.

Casey comes to the IASLC as a recent Master of Public Health graduate of the Colorado School of Public Health where she gained expertise in Research Administration and Nonprofit Management. As Project Manager, Casey supports IASLC scientific projects, including the flagship Staging Project, and she collaborates closely with various scientific committees of the association. Casey is eager to contribute her efforts to several of the IASLC's innovative scientific projects.   

As Editorial Assistant, Bailey supports both IASLC journals, JTO and JTO CRR, and assists with any publishing and administrative needs. Her strong interest in the publishing industry and working with our international membership make her an asset to the IASLC. Bailey earned a Bachelors in Creative Writing from Chatham University and formerly worked in the closed caption industry. She loves spending time outdoors almost as much as she loves trying out new bread recipes, cooking with friends, and catching up on TV shows. 

At IASLC, Kathy directs the full spectrum of human resources, including recruitment, employee development, employee relations and benefit programs. Kathy’s previous employment has included positions in human resources, administration and education. On a personal level, Kathy enjoys spending time with family, singing a cappella music and traveling.

Wanda Folsom, Education Manager, is a Certified Surgical Technologist. In recent positions, she has developed and implemented medical education programs for surgical technologists. Wanda’s passion for medical education will be handy as she supports our continuing medical education program, webinars, and the expansion of IASLC educational offerings.  She enjoys books and movies, cooking, golf, football, and everything Colorado has to offer.

Rory Graham, Web Content Administrator, adds her Digital Marketing experience within the non-profit sector to the IASLC team. Throughout her career, Rory has curated engaging content that showcases the passion behind nonprofits' past, current, and future innovations across all digital platforms.

In her free time, Rory loves to row in a boat with her best friends, explore all that Colorado's beautiful Rocky Mountains have to offer, attend concerts at Red Rocks Amphitheater, and travel the world.

As part of the Member Experience team, Ken is responsible for all things data related. He is the go-to for the association management system (AMS) data analyses and queries. He works closely with all departments to provide data analysis and reporting. He has previous experience with data management in the compensation industry. Ken is an avid sculptor, illustrator and bowler. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife and their rambunctious boxer pup, Zuzu.

Kelsey Hecker has recently joined the IASLC as our Conference Coordinator. She brings extensive nonprofit experience to the IASLC, including volunteer management, project management, and event planning.  

Kelsey’s enthusiasm, creativity, and operational expertise are welcome additions to our team. As a recent transplant from the Pacific Northwest, Kelsey enjoys the sunny weather and outdoor adventures that Colorado has to offer.

Kelly Heemsbergen, Conference Manager, holds an MHA degree in Healthcare Administration with a concentration in Project Management with extensive work for healthcare organizations. In her previous role, Kelly coordinated continuing medical education programs and events for physicians and medical professionals in the field of emergency medicine.

Outside of work, Kelly enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with her family and two dogs.

O'Ryan Jackson is the Development Specialist at the IASLC. Her previous job roles involved legal and administrative support in the fields of real estate, litigation, and nonprofit organizations. She has a demonstrated gift for developing internal processes, implementing improvements, and providing seamless support to the team.

Outside of work, O'Ryan enjoys roller skating, creative writing, and life with many animals on her urban homestead.

During her employment at the IASLC,  Sara has demonstrated a passion for amplifying the voices of patients with lung cancer.  In her role, Sara will manage all IASLC patient advocacy programs, including the Cancer Care Team and Patient Advocacy Educational Award Programs and the successful STARS Program that trains patient advocates to become effective ambassadors for cancer research worldwide.  Sara will also serve as the staff liaison for the Patient Advocacy Committee and the primary contact with other patient advocacy organizations.  With the addition of Sara’s expertise, we are confident that the IASLC’s patient advocacy programs will continue to expand awareness around research and patient-centered care. Outside of work, Sara enjoys cooking, baking, and traveling. Her favorite places to visit are Hilton Head Island and Paris.

Katie Maher joins the IASLC as its Member Experience Specialist. A graduate of Colorado State University in Business Administration, Katie has a wide array of diverse experience in marketing, content creation, customer service, and event planning. And as part of the Member Experience team, Katie will provide incredible support to our members, meeting attendees, partners, and other stakeholders.

Sunhee holds a B.S. degree in Accounting as well as her MBA with a focus on Leadership.  She is also a licensed CPA in the state of Connecticut.  Her deep accounting experience includes previous positions as the Controller at nonprofits and clinics in the healthcare services industry with wide experience in all aspects of Accounting. In her free time, Sunhee likes to hike, paint, travel, and enjoy time with her family.  

Jan Mazotti joins IASLC as the Associate Director of Communications. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, she is a skilled communicator experienced in building strategic alliances, fundraising, program development and project leadership. Formerly the Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations at Project C.U.R.E., Jan is a Colorado native who loves traveling, camping, crafting and is an active “cheer and choir mom.” She lives in Centennial, Colorado with her husband and daughters.

Karen has been working in the field of executive administration, supporting C-Level Executives for several decades. Karen supports the IASLC's CEO, serves as staff liaison to the Board of Directors and oversees the association's administrative staff. Before IASLC, Karen served as Chief of Staff to a U.S. Ambassador, and prior to that served as Assistant to the Chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, also serving as the Program Coordinator for the Thoracic Surgery Residency Program.  Karen enjoys spending time with her family, reading, traveling, writing, organizing, watching old movies, and hiking throughout Colorado.

Kelly Nevins, Associate Director, Education,  adds her extensive experience in continuing medical education to the IASLC team. Throughout her career, Kelly has created innovative live and enduring medical activities and applied her strong background in CME guidelines and instructional design to enhance educational programming for several medical societies.

Kelly is an active member of the continuing education community having served as a past  President of the Illinois Alliance for CME (IACME), an IACME Board member, an ACCME Surveyor, and a lecturer on continuing medical education topics.

In her free time, Kelly loves to cook, go to baseball games, watch movies, attend live music events, and spend time with friends and family.

Rodrigo joins the IASLC’s Marketing Team after more than 25 years of broad experience in the private sector. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing/Communications and Business and certification in digital marketing. Rodrigo led the global marketing efforts for his previous employer with a strong focus on Central and South American markets. He is driven by a strong desire to apply his knowledge and skills for a greater good and looks forward to promoting the IASLC’s mission worldwide. A native of Mexico, Rodrigo is a triathlete, a home chef, and a dedicated dad who enjoys outdoor activities with his family.

Kelsey works to ensure member program activities best serve our members and strives to expand the IASLC's global presence. Before the IASLC, Kelsey served two terms with AmeriCorps, managing a range of projects - from disaster response to organic farming. Kelsey loves taking advantage of everything Colorado has to offer, whether its camping, skiing or enjoying great food. Her favorite place that she has traveled is the Havasupai Indian Reservation.

In her new role as Member Experience Coordinator, Kelly will be a friendly resource for IASLC members and will provide administrative support to the Member Experience Team. Kelly joins us with a degree that concentrated in commercial travel and tourism, and a deep dedication to outstanding customer service.   Before coming to the IASLC, she served as the Assistant Director of Sales at the Colorado Convention Center where she specialized in association conventions. Kelly’s passion for cancer patients and promoting cancer research has led to her extensive volunteer service in the cancer community. Kelly enjoys traveling and is an avid endurance athlete with a love of long-distance cycling.

Murry Wynes leads the scientific affairs department at the IASLC, helping to support its committees with scientific projects. He also plays a significant role in the development of scientific content for the IASLC’s meetings and the ILCN. Before IASLC, Murry worked at National Jewish Health researching idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and the University of Colorado researching lung cancer. Outside of work, he enjoys outdoor activities and spending time with his family.

Kexin works to maintain the association’s financial data and manages workflow within the Finance Department. Before IASLC, Kexin worked as the staff accountant for a construction company and a public accounting firm. Kexin enjoys trying new things and extreme sports. A normal weekend for him includes being outdoors with his family and biking around Centennial, CO.

Flavia Zarcula joins IASLC as the Corporate Relations Manager. In this role, she secures corporate support for IASLC meetings, scientific programs, and initiatives. Flavia brings with her a wealth of experience in research and evaluation, as well as corporate fundraising and grant writing, and management for philanthropic, government, and private organizations.  She is also fluent in Romanian, and conversational in Spanish and French.  Outside of work, Flavia enjoys hiking, skiing, and exploring Colorado’s beautiful outdoors. As a commissioner appointed by the mayor, Flavia contributes her talents to the wider Denver community.