Sammy Arthur, Chairman
sarthur@hhafonline.org
"Sammy" Samuel Arthur is a native of Ghana and the founding Chairman of The Health & Humanitarian Aid Foundation. He studied mechanical engineering at Kumasi Polytechnic where he later became a lecturer. After being offered a position at The University of Lagos in Nigeria, he moved there and lectured for many years. While visiting cousin's in the US in the 1980's, the coup in Nigeria led him to decide to move to America. Mr. Arthur's uncanny domineer, dedication and compassion allowed him to quickly establish himself in the New York Metropolitan area. However, even though Mr. Arthur was far from his native Ghana, he still felt very close to home and frequented the country to visit family and friends. After several visits, Mr. Arthur became very focused on Ghana's health care system and was compelled to make a difference. Thus, The Health and Humanitarian Aid Foundation was born.
David Chen, President & Treasurer
dchen@hhafonline.org
David Chen heads the Departments of Radiology (Administration) and Faculty Practice-Radiology (FGP-MRI Tech) at NYU Langone Medical Center where he is revered as an integral department head. Mr. Chen's dedication to humanitarian efforts, passion and knowledge of advanced medical equipment brought him to decide to be a part of HHAF. He often tells people, "After the first trip to Ghana, I was hooked."
Elizabeth Gross, Vice President & Secretary
egross@hhafonline.org
Elizabeth Gross graduated from Tufts University and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. She currently works as the Vice President of Operations for MSI Entertainment in the New York Metropolitan area. Ms. Gross' interest and experience in entertainment and documentary film making led her to become interested in humanitarian efforts. Prior to becoming a part of HHAF, she has participated in several humanitarian projects including efforts in Jonestown, Mississippi (the poorest town in the US) and on the Native American (Hoppi) reservation in New Mexico.
Dr. Mendel Markowitz, Chief Medical Director
mmarkowitz@hhafonline.org
Dr. Mendel Markowitz graduated from The Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery. For the past eighteen years, he has been in private practice and served as an attending on the oral and maxillofacial service at St Vincent's Hospital in Manhattan. Dr. Markowitz heads the HHAF medical team as Chief Medical Director and has been responsible for the success of over 35 reconstructive surgeries since the organization's inception.
Jane Zaretsky, Chief Humanitarian Director
Jane Zaretsky graduated from George Washington University with a Bachelors degree in Communications in 1983. She has founded two organizations in the United States: FAST TRAC and KIDS CONNECTED. She has traveled to Grenada, Tanzania and Ghana organizing humanitarian aid and providing medical supplies for those in need and has been active with many non- profit organizations. She is currently working with the non-profit organization Feed My Starving Children to provide a meal supplementation program for orphanages, schools, HIV outreach programs and vulnerable children in Ghana.
David Strauss, Chief Fundraising Director
David Strauss graduated Clark University in 1987 with a BA and in 1990 graduated from Fordham University with an MBA and high honors. Currently, Mr. Strauss is President of Dajon Associates Inc., a contracting company specializing in structural repair and reinforcement of commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. His interest in fundraising started when volunteering in his local community and now his passion is being put to work for HHAF.
Deborah Powell, Public Relations
dpowell@hhafonline.org
Deborah Powell graduated Seton Hall University with a BS in Marketing in 1994. Since then she has been a Home Textile Executive working around the world. Her travels to a number of third world countries sparked compassion and an interest in helping others grow. Since 2004, she has been an active leader in the Lions Heart Community Service Organization that caters to teens giving back to their communities and the world. Currently she is training, troubleshooting and providing assistance to the Executive Director. Debbie has been a member of HHAF since the organization was founded.
Morgan Jones, Director of Communications
Morgan.Jones@hhafonline.org
Morgan Jones graduated University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a BA in Communications and minors in Journalism and Women-Gender Studies. With a focus in Public Relations, she specializes in social-digital media, visual communications, marketing and PR writing.