There is one self-nomination for President - LCDR Kai Elgethun.

LCDR Kai Elgethun

Officer Snapshot/Biography:

Kai is a CO native and Region 8 ATSDR Director since 2016 providing EH support across 6 states, 28 tribes, and 3 ATSDR grantees (CO, MT, UT). Kai and staff give HAZMAT technical support to first responders and perform Superfund site assessments. Kai deploys as sanitarian and safety officer to public health emergencies in the US and abroad and is past Chair of the NEHA Preparedness Committee and current Chair of Graduate Programs for the National Environmental Health, Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC). He worked in academia, state health, and industry prior to federal service.

Reason for wanting to serve on the RMCOA Executive Committee:

Continuing the work of LCDR Merritt, I will promote solidarity and service among RM Region PHS officers. As President, I will continue service and social opportunities for Denver area officers. I will extend RMCOA’s reach to officers in WY and ID and continue involvement of UT officers. As a director working in CO, WY, ID, UT, MT, SD, and ND, I can engage officers in those places in-person and co-sponsor initiatives with other regional COAs. In keeping with my work as EHO liaison to the Colorado School of Public Health, I will increase RMCOA’s PHS CAD recruitment efforts across all categories.

There was one self-nomination for Secretary - LTJG William Valiant

LTJG William Valiant

Officer Snapshot/Biography:

I am a scientist officer in the Ready Reserves based in Denver, CO. My background is in emerging infectious disease research and my civilian position is at OASH working on coordinating the governmental response to Long COVID. I commissioned into the corps in 2022 and have participated in a number of trainings as a reserve officer, but have not yet had the opportunity to deploy.

Reason for wanting to serve on the RMCOA Executive Committee:

As a junior officer who recently commissioned into the corps, I am seeking to become more involved in COA related activities and make connections with other officers in the area. By serving in an executive committee position, I will be able to stay aware of events and updates. Additionally, I am interested in opportunities to develop my leadership skills, and this position will help me to learn from more experienced officers. I am interested in the secretary position because I regularly need to take meeting notes so I am confident I will excel in this role.

There were two self-nominations for Treasurer - LCDR Nadine Barkman and LT Zuleika Aponte.

LCDR Nadine Barkman

Officer Snapshot/Biography:

LCDR Barkman currently serves as the ICE Health Service Corp (IHSC) Field Medical Coordinator (FMC) to the Los Angeles Field Office. LCDR Barkman also serves as a Deputy Regional Officer Ambassador in HHS Region 4 and serves as ​Co-Chair on the American Correctional Nurses Association (ACNA) Communications ​Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. She also holds a Master’s of Science in Nursing and a Master’s of Health Sciences with a Public Health Concentration. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and hiking.

Reason for wanting to serve on the RMCOA Executive Committee:

I would like to continue to serve on the RMCOA Executive Committee as I enjoy the wealth of information received, positive structure and esprit de corps. I am happy to provide services for an organization that values its members.

LT Zuleika Aponte.

Officer Snapshot/Biography:

I am LT Zuleika Aponte. I have a bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and a master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Washington. I currently work for CMS, DCLIQ in the CLIA program providing technical and regulatory assistance based on expert knowledge of quality practices in the clinical laboratory field. I am currently completing an international assignment in Cameroon as part of the CDC IETA program. I love spending time with family, friends, and my two dogs. Enjoy traveling, watching anime and playing tennis.

Reason for wanting to serve on the RMCOA Executive Committee:

As the treasurer for the RMCOA I will have the opportunity to manage budget, track income and expenses, and ensure the organization's financial health. It will be a valuable leadership experience. I will be part of the decision-making process and have a say in shaping the organization's direction. I will develop my skills in financial planning, analysis, collaboration, and problem-solving. Working closely with other committee members will provide me opportunities for learning and personal growth. I will be part of a team working towards a common goal and making a difference to advance USPHS.

There was one self-nomination for Communications Lead - LCDR Twyla Border.

LCDR Twyla Border

Officer Snapshot/Biography:

LCDR Twyla Border is excited to be joining the Rocky Mountain COA! She has recently moved from Dallas, Texas (BOP) to Denver, CO. LCDR Border spent the first decade of her career serving on the Navajo Nation in Northern Arizona. She loves the diversity that the nursing field has to offer and has enjoyed everything from bedside nursing, case management/utilization review, to being a primary care provider! LCDR Border has served a total of three agencies: Indian Health Servies (IHS), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Reason for wanting to serve on the RMCOA Executive Committee:

I served a total of three years as the vice president from the Grand Canyon COA and would love the opportunity to take on and learn a different role with the RMCOA as the communications lead!

There is one self-nomination for Fort Collins Area Activity Coordinator - CDR Grace Marx.

CDR Grace Marx

Officer Snapshot/Biography:

CDR Grace Marx is a medical epidemiologist with the CDC’s Division of Vector-borne Diseases. She is an alumnus of the CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service fellowship, where she was stationed at Tri-County Public Health Department, the largest local public health agency in Colorado. In her spare time, she enjoys rock climbing, running, and skiing with her family.

Reason for wanting to serve on the RMCOA Executive Committee:

CDR Marx is passionate about improving local opportunities for PHS Officership in the Fort Collins area. During her first term as the Fort Collins Area Coordinator of Activity, she developed a local area resource guide, led several athletic events, coordinated and participated in several volunteer activities, and regularly communicated with local officers. Her vision for this position is to further expand opportunities for networking and community service by establishing a local annual PHS social event, coordinating new PHS athletic events, and creating an online local communication forum.