Administration
Robert J. Shprintzen, Ph.D. is President and Chairman of the Board. Better known as Bob to those who know him, and sometimes “Dr. Bob” to those he has cared for over the years, he is often credited for having discovered velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) because of an article he published in the medical literature in 1978.
Anne Marie Higgins, R.N., F.N.P., M.A. has extensive experience working in pediatric settings with children who have special needs, and that experience encompasses both clinical care and research activities for over 30 years.
Jodi Bloom joins the Virtual Center for Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome, Inc. as its Director of Development and Community Relations. Jodi has had a long history working in the sector of charitable organizations and community service. She graduated from New York University magna cum laude with dual degrees in Sociology and Hebrew and Judaic Studies.
Fortress Strategic Communications (FSC) graciously provides pro-bono PR consulting to the The Virtual Center for Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome, Inc. Under the leadership of Evan T. Bloom, MSBC, MA, Fortress Strategic Communications provides specialized strategic public relations and crisis communications consulting to companies that offer products, services, and solutions designed to manage and mitigate all types of risk. Fortress Strategic Communications also provides market specific solutions for data breach events and counsels startups looking to enter the risk management arena. The company draws on their executives’ combined 20 years of global experience in a broad array of vertical markets. For more information please visit www.fortresscomms.com or email info@fortresscomms.com
Deborah J. Menter (Debbie) is currently Chief Financial Officer and Director of Human Resources for Voss Signs, LLC, a prominent company in Central New York State that is a major manufacturer and retailer of signs, vehicle graphics, banners, and displays. Debbie and her husband Jim have been involved in charitable work involving velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) for more than a decade, a personal mission driven by their daughter who is affected by the syndrome.
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Margaret Davino is a partner in the New York office of Fox Rothschild, LLP, and a member of the firm’s 70-attorney health law group. Former general counsel to medical centers in New York and New Jersey, Margaret Davino has experience in a broad spectrum of healthcare matters, including transactional, compliance, contractual, corporate, regulatory, governance, managed care/payer (including value based arrangements), and risk management issues.
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Kelvin P. Ringold joins the staff at the Virtual Center for Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome which, in a way, is a homecoming. Kelvin worked as the Administrative Assistant for the International Center for Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome at Upstate Medical University for 12 years where he worked closely with many of our team members.
Christine Phillips joins the staff at the Virtual Center for Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome as she makes a big career change. Christine worked as a teacher to elementary and middle school children for a decade before making this pivot. She is the mother of a disabled and medically complex child who requires many hospitalizations and appointments, thus causing her to find a career that better matches the time demands and flexibility needs of her family.
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