Welcome, New RVU Leaders and Board Members!

Karen "Kat" Abernathy, GPHR, PHR, CPA, is the new Vice President of Human Resources. For over 15 years, she has provided strategic leadership in the design, development, and direction for HR departments within organizations at the VP and Director levels.

David Bedell, MBA, MS, joined the RVU Board in August and brings 20+ years of financial and governance experience. He is currently the CFO of HireVue, a leader in the HR technology space.

Carol Blackshire-Belay, PhD, MPhil, is the new Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness. She has served in a multitude of leadership positions including Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at Sonoma State University and Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Naropa University.

Michele Chulick is a new Board member with more than 30 years of operational leadership experience spanning large healthcare systems, academic medical centers, and stand-alone pediatric medical centers.

David Irons, CPA, was recently named Vice President of Finance. He has been with RVU since 2015 and most recently has served as RVU’s Controller. His role continues to grow, especially with the addition of overseeing the financials of the Montana Campus.

Stephen Miller, DO, FACOFP, was named Senior Associate Dean of Clinical Education. His role continues to grow as he is overseeing clinical education on a university-level for three campuses, for both DO and PA students.

Tammy Sala, MBA, is a new Board Member. She is also Chief Human Resources Officer for Medforth Global Healthcare Education. Most recently, she worked as Chief People Officer for eos Products and Chief Human Resources Officer for HMK Holdings.

Beth R. Smolko, DMSc, MMA, PA-C, DFAAPA, is a new Board Member. She is President of the American Academy of PAs, as well as a medical advisor for JPMorgan Chase and founder/President of a nonprofit called The Heart of Medicine, which coordinates volunteer medical trips.