National Advisory Board

Rhonda Buckholtz, CPC, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CENTC, CGSC, COBGC, COPC, CPEDC, AAPC Approved Instructor, Owner of Coding and Reimbursement Experts and President of the National Advisory Board for AAPC

Rhonda is a healthcare operations and compliance expert with over three decades of experience. She’s known for her deep knowledge of clinical documentation improvements and her passion for making healthcare more efficient. Rhonda has led many initiatives to streamline processes and improve compliance standards across different healthcare systems. She’s also a great teacher, having led seminars, workshops, and training programs to educate healthcare professionals about the importance of accurate coding in patient care and billing. Rhonda is the author of “Consolidation Gaps - Navigating the Layers in Leadership.” She’s also a certified Maxwell Leadership Certified Executive in coaching and speaking and serves as President of the National Advisory Board for AAPC.

Maria Rita Genovese, MHA, CPC, PCS, Director of Revenue Cycle and Business Operations, MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper

Rita has over 35 years of experience working in hospital systems, medical practices, and cancer centers, with exposure to all aspects of the industry. She specializes in revenue cycle and practice management, most recently in the areas of family medicine and medical oncology. Rita received her Six Sigma certification in 2022 and her master’s in health administration in 2023 from Rutgers University. Rita served on the NAB in 2011-2013 and 2021-2024 and served as the co-chair of her membership committee during her tenure. She currently serves as president of the Greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania local chapter, after serving as chapter president and vice president in previous years. She also served on the 2015-2018 Chapter Advisory Board, and she was named 2019 AAPC Officer of the Year. Rita has contributed articles to AAPC the Magazine and she is a frequent speaker at AAPC national and regional conferences. Her passion is mentoring and educating the leaders of tomorrow.

Corella Lumpkins, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CPC-I, CEMC, CHC, CCS, CCS-P, Manager of Coding, Compliance & Provider Education, Loudoun Medical Group P.C.

Corella has over 36 years of experience working in every area of the healthcare revenue cycle. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health services administration and has an extensive background in auditing, billing, coding, CDI, denial management, education, practice management and implementing corporate compliance programs. Lumpkins works closely with providers, staff and students and is a certified instructor teaching both the Certified Professional Biller (CPB)^® and CPC^® curriculum. Corella is a national speaker, author, an AAPC mentor, Project Extern host employer, and President of the Leesburg, Virginia local chapter. Corella also served as a member of the 2022-2025 AAPC National Advisory Board.

Jessica Miller-Dobbs, CPC, CPC-P, CGIC, Director of HIM Solutions and Strategy at Datavant Health

Jessica is a visionary leader with over 20 years of expertise in healthcare revenue cycle management. Renowned for her deep knowledge of medical coding, billing, denials management, and physician reimbursement, Jessica excels in driving operational excellence and optimizing revenue. A top-tier educator and mentor, she is a sought-after speaker at national medical coding and billing conferences, where she inspires and empowers coders, clients, and educational institutions. Jessica is a leader committed to advancing the field through process improvements, staff training, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. She serves on the AAPC National Board, as President of the Chattanooga, TN local chapter, and Education Officer for the Cleveland, TN chapter, and is a member of the National Association of Healthcare Revenue Integrity.

Jacob Swartzwelder, CPC, CPMA, CRC, CIC, CEMC, AAPC Approved Instructor, SAFe 5 Practitioner, Director of Coding Operations, Coker

Jacob has over 15 years of diverse healthcare experience, Jacob specializes in evaluation and management coding, risk adjustment, operational risk reduction, and leadership development. His comprehensive understanding of healthcare processes includes billing, coding, compliance services, patient access, performance improvement, healthcare analytics, operational optimization, and business intelligence. Jacob’s expertise in strategic planning, regulatory compliance, and quality-based healthcare initiatives underscores his dedication to enhancing operational efficiency, reducing risk, and fostering leadership within the healthcare industry. Jacob co-chairs the Career Advancement Committee on the NAB and is a national conference speaker and published author.

Stephanie Tam, MPH, CPC, CPCO, CHC, CPPM, Corporate Compliance Manager, Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital

Stephanie Tam is the corporate compliance manager at Salem Hospital, a member of Mass General Brigham. She is responsible for overseeing the compliance program and management of daily compliance activities. Previously, Tam was a regional compliance manager for the largest physician practice management organization that supports ob-gyn practices in the United States, program manager for an initiative to improve population health, a certified emergency medical technician, a medical assistant in women’s health, and a registrar and pre-certification specialist for a hospital surgery department. She holds her bachelor’s in biochemistry with a minor in child and family studies and her master’s in public health. Tam is the president of the Garden City, N.Y., local chapter and has previously served as vice president.

Elisa LuBan, CPC, COBGC, Vice President of Revenue Cycle Management at Together Women's Health

Elisa leads strategic initiatives to optimize revenue cycle operations, streamline billing processes and enhance financial performance. Elisa brings 15 years of experience in various capacities of healthcare operations including practice management, coding, and denial analysis, and her deep industry knowledge combined with a data-driven approach will seek to develop and implement comprehensive revenue cycle strategies tailored to meet the unique needs of Together Women's Health. She earned her MBA with a specialization in Healthcare Management from Lynn University, her BA in Communication from Florida Atlantic University and has obtained two coding certifications from the AAPC (CPC and COBGC).

Maya Turner, CPC, CPB, CPMA, CPCO, CFPC, CPC-I, Director of Education, Co-Owner of MEdUTrain; Owner and Managing Director Turner Expert Consulting Services, LLC

Maya has 30 years of experience working in healthcare and coding compliance, which includes evaluation and management and non-procedural auditing, physician education as well as designing course curriculums for the latest trends for inpatient and professional revenue cycles. She has spoken at many national platforms including HEALTHCON. She enjoys teaching students the ways of the coder and empowering others with knowledge. She believes positive energy opens the lines of communication and understanding, and spreading positive energy is the means of success to those who give and receive it.

Lisa Baird, CPC, CPC, AAPC Approved Instructor, COO for Aetna Better Health of Kansas

Lisa is an accomplished healthcare executive with over 36 years of experience in the industry, offering deep expertise in healthcare operations management. For the past nine years, Lisa has served as Chief Operating Officer for a large managed care organization with revenues exceeding $1 billion annually. In this role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of managed care plans driving efficiency and ensuring high-quality service delivery. Lisa’s extensive background spans a variety of critical functions, including claims management, provider relations, credentialing, contracting, appeals and grievances, and customer service.

Melissa Kirshner, MPH, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CEMC, CFPC, COBGC, AAPC Approved Instructor, AAPC Fellow, Executive Director, Olympia Medical LLC

Melissa has been involved in the healthcare world for over 30 years, with experience in billing, coding, auditing, education, practice management, and risk adjustment. She is currently the Executive Director of a large provider organization in Southeast Michigan. She is a passionate educator for both the AAPC Live Virtual Instructor team as well as for her own private Certified Professional Coder (CPC)^® students. Melissa is a founding member of the Novi, Mich., local chapter, where she currently serves as chapter President.

Shannon Cameron, MBA, MHIIM, CPC, Chief Operating Officer of AFS at Harvard Medical Faculty Physicians

Shannon is an accomplished leader in the Healthcare Operations and Revenue Cycle industry with 20+ years of experience in operational management with multi-state, multi-disciplinary health organizations. She possesses an in-depth, hands-on knowledge of end-to-end revenue cycle and a strong proficiency with federal regulatory policy and managed care, revenue integrity and finance for both physicians and facilities across multiple specialties. Shannon holds degrees in Organizational Management and Healthcare Administration, an MBA as well as a Master of Health Informatics degree from the University of Tennessee. She is currently pursuing her PhD of Clinical Outcomes and Health Policy.

Christopher Parrella, Esq., CPC, CHC, CPCO, Healthcare defense and compliance attorney at Parrella Health Law in Boston

Christopher has extensive experience in healthcare law, and provides robust legal support in areas including regulatory compliance, audits, healthcare fraud defense, and reimbursement disputes. Chris emphasizes client-centered advocacy. His proactive approach helps clients navigate complex healthcare regulations, ensuring compliant operations and defending against government investigations, audits, and overpayment demands.

Dawn Carter, MHA, CPC, CRC, CPMA, CDEO, CPCO, AAPC Fellow, Director of Product Strategy, Centauri Health Solutions

Dawn’s career in healthcare spans 30 years, which most recently includes developing software solutions and strategic advisory services focusing on risk adjustment and social determinants of health for commercial and government health plan markets. Her experience and subject matter expertise spans all domains of health plan operations, finance and compliance. Dawn is also an independent consultant and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master of Science in Healthcare Administration, and is a Doctoral Candidate in Business Administration and Healthcare Management.

Ellen Hinkle, BS, CPC, CPCO, CDEO, CPMA, CRC, CEMC, CFPC, CGSC, CIMC, COBGC, CPCD, CANCP, AAPC Approved-Instructor, Director, Revenue Cycle Compliance, Bon Secours Mercy Health

Ellen is a seasoned professional in medical billing and coding industry, boasting over two decades of experience. As the current Director of Revenue Cycle Compliance at Bon Secours Mercy Health, she leverages her extensive background to ensure compliance with federal medical billing and coding regulations. Her career trajectory includes pivotal roles such as Manager of Revenue Cycle Consulting at Visionary Health Group and owner of Rizhink Medical Consulting. Ellen's commitment to education is evident through her tenure as an instructor for AAPC's PMCC curriculum and as an online adjunct instructor at Ultimate Medical Academy. Her foundational career began at a family practice in Indiana, post her medical coding education at Indiana Business College. Ellen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, CPC and CPMA, CPCO, CDEO, and CRC certifications, among other specialty credentials, and has made notable contributions to the AAPC community.

Krista Haig, CPC, Revenue Integrity Director

Krista has extensive experience identifying revenue generation obstacles in collaboration with senior leaderships to implement best practices related to the Revenue Cycle. She has worked for 13 years in both hospital and insurance company settings, focusing on billing, auditing, contract management, software implementation, denial management, and payer variance adjudication. Krista recently spent 6 years working at an acute care hospital in Doha, Qatar where she assisted the facility in its implementation of the CPT coding system. She is currently a member of the South Denver local chapter in Colorado.

Carra Benson, MS, CPC, CPMA, CDEO, PPMC, PACS, Director of Practice Management and Payment Services

Cara has approximately 20 years’ experience in health care, working with physician practices and in hospital systems. Her expertise includes revenue cycle management, coding and documentation audits, credentialing, dispute resolution, and business office operations. She holds a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Oklahoma State University and is certified as a professional coder, medical auditor, and documentation expert for outpatient services by the American Academy of Professional Coders. Ms. Benson also received her certification on principles of practice management from the Medical Group Management Association and her prior authorization certification from the Accreditation Council for Medical Affairs.

Ava Johnson, AAPC Approved Instructor, COC, CPC, CPCO, CPC-P, CDEO, CIC, CPB, CPMA, CPPM, CRC, CANPC, CASCC, CCC, CCVTC, CEDC, CEMC, CENTC, CFPC, CGIC, CGSC, CHONC, COBGC, COPC, COSC, CPCD, CPEDC, CRHC, CUC, Director of the Ambulatory Clinical Documentation Quality Improvement, Mount Sinai Hospital,

Ava has over 15 years of experience as a seasoned Medical Coding instructor with expertise in Multi-Specialty Coding, Clinical Documentation, and Physician Education. She is also a Public Speaker with a focus on Risk Adjustment, Career Development, and Leadership. Ava is currently the Director of the Ambulatory Clinical Documentation Quality Improvement department at Mount Sinai Hospital where a key responsibility includes oversight of Risk Adjustment Coding and Documentation initiatives across the organization's metropolitan and downstate New York areas.

Deni Adams, Coding and Implementation Director at Kaleidoscope Health Systems

Deni has approximately 25 years’ experience in healthcare billing, coding, and provider education/compliance. She currently works for a third-party billing office where she is responsible for creating processes both in the billing office and at the clinics, creating provider fee schedules, staying current on payer policies, and using those policies in coding and denial management. Deni is a member of HLA-MN and has served on her local chapter board multiple years.

Amy Lee Smith, CPC, COC, CPMA, CPCO, AAPC Approved Instructor, CIA, CRMA, CHIAP, FHFMA, CHFP, MBA, Director of Internal Audit for Bon Secours Mercy Health

Amy leads a team that performs revenue cycle audits and data analytics for the entire system. Since earning Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Finance from The College of William and Mary, Amy now has over 28 years of experience in healthcare. She has been a member of AAPC since 2007, served as President of the Newport News, Virginia local chapter in 2022 & 2023, and is currently the Vice-President and Education Officer.

Tanisha Grant, MBA, MLS, LSSYB, CCEP, CHPC, CHC, CPCO, CPMA, CPC, Director of Compliance, Cook Children’s Health Care System

Tanisha brings over 15 years of specialized experience in healthcare administration and regulatory compliance. She has experience overseeing compliance programs that encompass the development of policies, staff training, risk assessments, the creation of work plans, and comprehensive monitoring and auditing activities. Grant holds both an MBA and a Master of Legal Studies in health law from Texas A&M School of Law, alongside several industry certifications. Her expertise includes essential healthcare regulations, such as HIPAA, Anti-Kickback, and Stark Law, with deep knowledge in medical coding, billing, and auditing, reinforcing her commitment to regulatory excellence.

Jenny Cox, CPC, CEMC, CPMA, CDEO, President, Elevate Medical Solutions

Jenny has dedicated over 25 years to the healthcare industry, where she has developed a deep passion for her work and the impact it has on her team members and the organizations they support. She is a physician advocate and promotes practices that alleviate provider administrative burden. In her current role Jenny oversees the Operations Division and Business Development for client contracting and delivery of quality RCM services.