CLL Society Staff
The CLL Society team is a small group of dedicated individuals, including healthcare professionals, experienced business executives, educators, nonprofit professionals, patients, caregivers, and more. They are driven by a commitment to make certain that CLL Society is creative, responsive, inclusive, and equitable in meeting the unmet needs of those whose lives have been touched by CLL / SLL.
Learn about them here.
Eric Hawkinson
Interim-President
Eric Hawkinson serves as Interim President of CLL Society, where he works closely with the Board of Directors to execute the organization’s Mission and Vision. In this role, he leads strategic initiatives and plays a critical part in guiding CLL Society through a strong period of growth and innovation.
In addition to his work with CLL Society, Eric is Senior Vice President at Innovatis Group, an association management company that drives outcomes for nonprofit organizations around the globe. Prior to joining Innovatis Group, he served as Vice President of Marketing for Canon Solutions America, a wholly owned subsidiary of Canon USA, where he led go-to-market and product marketing strategy for Canon’s production inkjet business in North America, significantly growing Canon in the rapidly evolving print technology space. Earlier in his career, Eric held a leadership role at SmithBucklin, a Chicago-based association management firm, where he helped launch Dscoop, the global HP user community that remains a model of industry collaboration and innovation.
Throughout his career, Eric has been recognized for his ability to build strong communities, lead dynamic teams, and deliver impactful results for both clients and members. His passion for meaningful engagement and measurable value has made him a trusted partner across the technology and print sectors.
Rebecca Ruhlman
Senior Operations Director
Rebecca Ruhlman is the Senior Operations Director at CLL Society, where she focuses on shaping the strategy and operations of the organization. Her work centers on leading CLLS’ dynamic team and driving outcomes that align to the organization’s priorities & mission.
Rebecca brings a strong background in leading nonprofit user communities and professional organizations. She earned her degree in Health and Society from Michigan State University, originally planning to pursue medicine before pivoting to the association and user-community space – a decision she has not looked back on. She is known for building dynamic communities, creating cohesive teams, and delivering priority-based impact. However, one of her favorite aspects of her role is building meaningful, personal relationships with the volunteers and members she supports.
Outside of work, Rebecca is deeply passionate about volunteering, including traveling to college campuses to facilitate risk management and team-building education for collegiate women. She also works with the Michigan Association of Student Councils, partnering with high schoolers on developing their leadership skills. Based in Washington, DC, Rebecca loves the vibrant city she calls home, even though much of her time is spent traveling professionally and personally. She is elated to be part of the CLL Society team and to support an organization that impacts so many.
Liza Avruch
Program Director
Liza Avruch is the Program Director at CLL Society, bringing over 10 years of program management experience in nonprofit organizations. She supports patients and caregivers affected by CLL through the development and management of impactful, mission-driven programming.
Throughout her career, Liza has directed nonprofit programs at the American Society for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Independent Sector, and the Women Presidents’ Educational Organization. She has extensive experience managing large, complex programs with strict deadlines, as well as conference and meeting planning. Liza holds a Master’s in Public Administration with a concentration in Nonprofit Management from George Mason University.
Liza has devoted her career to mission-driven organizations and brings this dedication to her work at CLL Society. She is a proud mother of two and enjoys spending her free time exploring local museums, playgrounds, and children’s activities throughout the DC metro area.
Ron Katz
Development Director
Ron Katz is the Development Director at CLL Society, where he brings decades of fundraising expertise to support the organization’s mission and improve quality of life for individuals living with CLL and SLL.
Ron has dedicated his career to helping nonprofit organizations raise funds across healthcare, social services, and education. Through leadership roles in development and as a consultant, he has helped organizations raise more than $100 million over the past 30 years. Ron began his career as a policy researcher and advisor at the Connecticut State Senate before transitioning fully into nonprofit work, which he finds both more challenging and deeply gratifying.
Following his own CLL diagnosis in 2022, Ron recognized the opportunity to put his experience to work for CLL Society. Originally a New York and New England native, Ron now lives in Florida with his wife and their dog, Juno. Outside of work, he enjoys tennis, pickleball, fishing, and spending time near the beach.
Brad Hedrick
IT Director
Brad Hedrick is the IT Director at CLL Society, bringing more than 38 years of experience in information technology, including 26 years in the continuing medical education (CME) industry. He supports the organization through technical leadership, systems development, and live program execution.
Brad holds a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from Missouri State University. His experience includes developing data collection software and custom database-driven applications, with specialization in online event management and learning management systems. He has also served as lead application developer on numerous interactive projects, including commercial websites, numerous forms of physical media, shared decision-making tools, and other award-winning digital initiatives.
In addition, Brad serves as a Live Conference Technical Director, overseeing content creation and audio-visual execution for live and online CME programs. His expertise spans live content capture, video streaming, and audience response systems, ensuring successful educational experiences before, during, and after events. Outside of work, Brad enjoys hiking, backpacking, spelunking, kayaking, and beekeeping. He also enjoys grilling on his Big Green Egg.
Sarah Tiwana
Senior Operations Manager
Sarah Tiwana is the Senior Operations Manager at CLL Society, where she supports organizational strategy, operations, and Board engagement to advance the Society’s mission. She brings more than 10 years of experience in association management, with expertise spanning operations, budgeting, and volunteer leadership.
Throughout her career, Sarah has worked across diverse sectors including domestic violence advocacy, healthcare, technology user groups, and trade associations. She began her healthcare association work with the American Association of Homecare Medicine (AAHCM) and spent five years with the Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA). Most recently, she served as Executive Director of the Wallcoverings Association and Program Director for the American Association of Sexuality Counselors, Educators and Therapists (AASECT).
A Chicago native, Sarah is excited to be part of the CLL Society team and is committed to supporting CLL patients and providers. Outside of work, she enjoys discovering new dog parks with her dogs Oliver and Jackson, exploring museums and art galleries with her husband, and reading. Book recommendations are always welcome.
Gabriel Poe-Anderson
Senior Marketing Manager
Gabriel Poe-Anderson is the Senior Marketing Manager at CLL Society, where she leads strategic marketing and communications efforts in support of education, engagement, and outreach initiatives. She brings a patient-centered approach to her work, translating complex healthcare information into clear, approachable resources that build trust and foster community.
Throughout her career, Gabriel has worked closely with healthcare organizations focused on improving patient outcomes through coordinated, whole-person care. She previously served as the public relations manager for Thyme Care, an oncology navigation platform designed to support patients, caregivers, and clinical teams throughout the cancer journey, and as the PR and media manager for Concert Health, a collaborative care behavioral health startup integrating mental health services into primary and specialty care settings. With nearly a decade of healthcare marketing experience, Gabriel is deeply passionate about advancing patient education, reducing barriers to care, and helping individuals access the information they need to make informed, confident decisions about their health.
Outside of work, Gabriel teaches yoga and enjoys dancing ballet, drinking coffee, and going to the movies with her husband, Brett.
Michael Rosenthal
Strategic Partner Manager
Michael Rosenthal is the Strategic Partner Manager at CLL Society, bringing more than 32 years of nonprofit leadership experience in support of medically fragile and economically displaced communities. His work focuses on improving health and quality of life by engaging partners in programs with meaningful outcomes.
Michael has served as Executive Director of the Arizona Hemophilia Association, National Director of the World Federation of Hemophilia USA, and Senior Director of Fund Development and Philanthropy at Native American Connections in Phoenix. He is also a former summer camp director with deep experience serving children with chronic bleeding disorders, cancer, HIV, and those experiencing economic hardship.
In addition, Michael has volunteered on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Florida Bleeding Disorders Association, and Unbridled Pathways. He is a graduate of the Arizona State University College of Business. A native Arizonan, Michael enjoys playing guitar, drums, and bass, and previously spent several years as a food critic for a magazine.
Addy Still
Creative Manager
Addy Still is a Creative Manager supporting CLL Society through brand strategy, design, and creative collaboration. She leads a growing team and helps bring rebrands, marketing campaigns, and visual systems to life with a focus on clarity, storytelling, and long-term impact.
With a background in brand strategy and design, Addy is known for translating research and ideas into modern brand experiences, managing complex projects, and guiding teams through high-stakes work. She brings a thoughtful, people-first leadership style to every initiative.
Outside of work, Addy is excited to welcome her first baby with her husband, Sam, while also building their home on their family’s farm.
Sarah Castro
Program Coordinator
Sarah Castro is a Program Coordinator at CLL Society, contributing her expertise to the Scientific Affairs & Research Team to advocate for better treatments and outcomes for those affected by CLL and SLL.
Sarah’s career has spanned multiple industries, where she led global teams in planning, implementing, and scaling human resources programs and operations. Her work consistently focused on creating positive impact and enhancing workforce experiences. Following her own CLL diagnosis in 2019, Sarah’s passion for collaboration and helping others took on new meaning and led her to CLL Society. After a period of active surveillance, she underwent successful front-line therapy and has remained undetectable since completing treatment in November 2021.
Sarah lives in Gig Harbor, Washington, along the shores of Puget Sound. Outside of her work in the CLL community, she enjoys spending time outdoors, entertaining friends, and sharing life with her husband and rescue bulldog, Hunny.
Perla Salazar
Program Coordinator
Perla Salazar is a Program Coordinator at CLL Society, bringing more than five years of experience in program and education administration across higher education and nonprofit organizations. She supports the volunteer community, support groups, and educational programming with a strong people-centered approach.
Perla holds a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Elon University. Driven by a passion for making meaningful impact, she prioritizes building strong, trusting relationships and believes deeply in the power of teamwork.
Outside of work, Perla enjoys reading, discovering new restaurants in Nashville, watching movies with her husband, and cuddling with her cat, Franklin.
Lucie Potter
Program & Fulfillment Associate
Lucie Potter is a Program & Fulfillment Associate at CLL Society, where she supports organizational operations and fulfillment efforts with a strong focus on helping others.
Lucie earned her Honors Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and the Public from Xavier University in 2024. She brings five years of experience working across nonprofit, political, and government sectors, along with experience in management.
Recently relocated to New York City, Lucie enjoys cooking, reading, and spending time with her roommate and dog, Turtle.
Saira Sultan
Government Affairs Director
Saira Sultan is the Government Affairs Director at CLL Society, bringing more than 20 years of experience representing corporate, nonprofit, and government interests in legislative and regulatory health policy in Washington, DC. Her work focuses on identifying advocacy opportunities and translating them into meaningful legislative and regulatory outcomes, particularly in oncology, rare diseases, vaccines, and specialty therapies.
Saira has worked extensively with federal agencies including CMS and the FDA, as well as elected officials on Capitol Hill. Her experience includes roles with both the House and Senate, work on the Ways and Means Committee, serving as senior legislative counsel for Senator Mike DeWine, and acting as Chief Counsel to a Senate healthcare subcommittee. She played a key role in negotiations related to the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and the first reauthorization of the Prescription Drug User Fee Act.
Previously, Saira’s leadership at the Association of Community Cancer Centers allowed her to build strong relationships within the oncology community and gain insights into the evolving landscape of cancer care. She continues to work closely with oncology organizations and is a nationally sought-after speaker on oncologic advocacy and policy issues.
Brian Koffman
Co-Founder & CMO Emeritus
Brian Koffman, MDCM, is Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer Emeritus of CLL Society. He and his wife, Patty, founded the organization in 2013 with the goal of giving CLL patients and their caregivers a voice through advocacy, education, and improved access to high-quality care.
In September 2025, Dr. Koffman resigned from his employment with CLL Society, stepping down from his roles as Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President effective September 15, 2025. As part of this transition, Brian remained involved with the organization through the end of the year in an Emeritus role. Reflecting on the organization’s journey, Dr. Koffman shared, “My wife and I founded the CLL Society to ensure that all patients had the knowledge and access needed for their best possible care. Its growth has far exceeded my expectations in terms of the cutting-edge education, critical support, effective advocacy and promising research it provides. On a personal note, I plan to continue to dedicate myself to the CLL patient community and the community at-large.”
Under Brian’s leadership and founding vision, “Smart patients get smart care” became the motto that guided CLL Society’s growth into the leading voice in the CLL community, helping thousands of patients gain the education and support needed to live longer and healthier lives. Steven Bloom, Chair of the Board of Directors, shared, “Brian is a giant in the CLL community and is well respected by all stakeholders in the field. His tireless efforts on behalf of patients around the globe has helped transform the field forever. We are grateful for his founding vision, boundless energy and dedication to CLL patients around the world.”
A physician, educator, and patient himself, Dr. Koffman has dedicated his life to teaching and supporting the CLL community since his diagnosis in 2005. He believes his dual perspective as both physician and patient provides a unique understanding that allows him to clearly explain complex medical issues, advocate for fellow patients, and inform healthcare providers – particularly important in the context of a rapidly evolving therapeutic landscape.
Dr. Koffman holds a medical degree as well as a Master of Science in Medical Education. He is board certified in both Canada and the United States and is a retired clinical professor of family medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC. He also previously served as Medical Director of the nonprofit medical educational organization Primary Care Network. Dr. Koffman co-founded CLL Society and served as its Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President throughout its formative and growth years.
