Leadership
Clara Hansen
Executive Director
Executive Director Since 2021
Clara Hansen was appointed Executive Director of Affinity Legacy in 2021 after serving as Vice President & Chief of Staff, Corporate Planning & Initiatives at Affinity Health Plan. During her tenure at the Health Plan, she worked closely with the Board of Directors and President & CEO of the mission-focused managed care organization to establish strategies and drive growth and operational excellence.
As the Executive Director of Affinity Legacy, Ms. Hansen provides leadership and is accountable for the performance of the non-profit as it seeks to meet its obligations following the sale of the Health Plan’s operations in late 2021. Additionally, she oversees the newly created grant program directed at community based organizations.
Throughout her career, Ms. Hansen has developed a broad skillset in the areas of strategic planning and communications, mergers & acquisition and business and cultural transformation. She has been able to draw on her early consulting experience at Mercer, to deliver on a wide variety of operational initiatives, including the installations of a new IT platform and customer service call center.
While at Affinity Health Plan, Ms. Hansen led the project management office, driving the execution of state government programs to support and expand the health plan’s objectives in the areas of community health, primary care and access to care. Additionally, she directed integrated operational planning across all business functions, directing teams through the annual planning cycle to ensure adherence to organizational objectives and federal and state mandates.
She received a B.A. degree in Biology from Barnard College and an MBA from the Yale School of Management.
Board of Directors
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Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez
Board Chair
Board Member Since 2000
Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez is the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Health Plan, a network of community health centers serving more than 60,000 people in the South Bronx and Queens. Ms. Izquierdo-Hernandez is also one of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s appointments to the NYC Workforce Investment Board, which is responsible for effectively connecting New Yorkers seeking workforce services to jobs.
In addition to serving as Board Chair of Affinity Health Plan, Ms. Izquierdo-Hernandez is Vice Chairman of the Primary Care Development Corporation’s board. Her other board memberships include the National Hispanic Medical Association, the Community Health Care Association of New York State, and the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Charter School for Health and Sciences.
Ms. Izquierdo-Hernandez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College; a Master of Science degree from Teachers College, Columbia University; and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. In 2013, she received an honorary Doctor of Social Science degree from Boston College.
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Linda S. Muller
Board Member Since 2016
Linda S. Muller is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Family Healthcare, formerly known as the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. The health center, a non-profit, is dedicated to providing comprehensive, primary and preventive health care services to more than 24,000 adults and children in the Hudson Valley region.
With 25 years of executive leadership experience, Ms. Muller has been recognized by the United States Department of Health and Human Services for her commitment and distinguished service in improving the health status of the medically underserved. In 2011, she was honored by the Orange County Human Rights Commission for her efforts in advancing the human rights of the people of Orange County. She was also noted as one of the region’s top 40 most influential women by the Times Herald-Record and, most recently, she has been recognized by the Hudson Valley Association of Women & Friends as a person in the community who makes a difference.
In addition to serving on Affinity’s Board, Ms. Muller is currently serving on the Board of Directors of Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), Orange County Chamber of Commerce and Elant. She also chairs the Health Care for the Homeless Committee for the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC).
Ms. Muller holds a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Buffalo, and a Masters of Science in Health Policy & Administration from The New School University in NYC.
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Lynn D. Sherman
Board Member Since 2000
Lynn D. Sherman is the Chief Financial Officer of the Charles B. Wang Health Center in New York. Ms. Sherman began her career as a manager at Amherst Associates, Inc. In 1995, she spent five years as the Budget Director for Continuum Health Partners, which forged a partnership with Mount Sinai Medical Center to become the Mount Sinai Health System. She also worked as Administrator of Budget & Reimbursement at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital Center. From 1985 to 1990, she worked as a Consulting Manager at Ernst & Young, where she primarily focused on healthcare business feasibility and reimbursement.
In addition to serving on Affinity’s Board, she is on the Board of the Mental Health Association of New York City. Ms. Sherman is an active participant in CHCANYS, NACHC and AAPCHO. She teaches and mentors new CFOs nationally.
Ms. Sherman earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology and gerontology from the State University of New York at Binghamton University. She holds a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Health Care Administration and Management, from Cornell University.
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Nanette Falkenberg
Board Member Since 2005
Nanette Falkenberg has more than thirty years of experience in public policy, program and organizational development. Her foundation, corporate and non-profit organizational work includes the United Hospital Fund, the Pfizer Foundation, the Tides Foundation, the Primary Care Development Corporation and the Colorado Health Foundation. Ms. Falkenberg served as the Executive Director for the National Abortion Rights Action League, where she developed and implemented political strategies. Previously, Ms. Falkenberg served the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees as a Regional Field Coordinator (AFSCME), Assistant Area Director in Florida and as the Associate Legislative and Political Director. She also served as a campaign consultant in 1974 for the late Maya Miller of Nevada and the late Betty Roberts of Oregon.
In addition to her seat on the Affinity Board, Ms. Falkenberg is on the Board of the Susan B. Anthony Project and the Zoning Board in Roxbury, Connecticut.
Ms. Falkenberg holds a Bachelors of Arts from Bucknell University and a Masters of Public Health, specializing in public policy from Columbia University.
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Verona Greenland
Board Member Since 1986
Verona Greenland has been a healthcare specialist for almost 40 years. During that time, the Morris Heights Health Center Foundation and the Morris Heights Health Center, which she founded, has been a continuous source of health care service to low-income Bronx residents. Ms. Greenland retired in June 2015, after nearly 37 years as its President and Chief Executive Officer. She is the moving force behind Harrison Circle, bringing the $50 million mixed-use facility with 70 units of senior housing and expanded healthcare services to fruition.
In addition to serving on Affinity’s Board, she is on the Board of the Community Health Association of New York State, Bronx Regional Health Information Organization, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, and The Perkins Advisory Council at Bronx Community College.
Ms. Greenland holds a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. She is a graduate of the UCLA/Johnson & Johnson Health Care Executive Program.
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Yvette Walker M.D., M.P.H.
Board Member Since 2003
Yvette Walker, MD, MPH, is the Chief Medical Officer for Zenith Technology Solutions, which provides health care information and financial and technological solutions to health care providers. Ms. Walker is also board certified Internist. Prior to joining Zenith in 2014, she held the post of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Morris Heights Health Center in the Bronx. She also served as the Senior Vice President for the Health Center, which has more than 500 employees, 125 physicians, physicians’ assistants and nurses, and serves more than 220,000 patients annually.
Dr. Walker previously served as the Director of the Montefiore Medical Center at Rikers Island. Earlier, she practiced medicine at Bronx Lebanon Hospital and served as Medical Director of HIV at Catholic Medical Center in Brooklyn.
Dr. Walker earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Utica College. She received a Doctor of Medicine from the State University of New York Downstate, and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University Executive Program.
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Brian McIndoe
Board Member Since 2017
Brian McIndoe has been President & CEO of Ryan Health (formerly known as the “William F. Ryan Community Health Network”) since March 2015. Prior to being promoted to this position, he was its Chief Financial Officer. The Ryan Health network of 19 federally qualified health centers serves approximately 50,000 people in the New York City area. Mr. McIndoe has more than 30 years of administrative health care experience including financial reporting, budgeting and auditing; managed care/regulatory rate development; and bond issues. He has also served as Chief Financial Officer of two acute care facilities in New Jersey.
In addition to serving on Affinity’s Board, Mr. McIndoe is a board member of the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) and the Afia Foundation. He is also a member of the Mount Sinai PPS Board of Managers.
Mr. McIndoe holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Montclair State University and a Master of Public Health Administration from Long Island University.
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Judith Fairweather
Board Member Since 2017
Judith Fairweather possesses more than 25 years’ experience in health care consulting, administration, program development and organizational strategic planning. She has developed a unique skillset and wide-ranging competencies. During her career, Ms. Fairweather has held a number of senior leadership positions within the Morris Heights Health Center, a federally qualified health center. Ms. Fairweather has acted as chief advisor to the President & CEO in developing, structuring and managing corporate affiliations and has led the organization’ compliance activities. Ms. Fairweather has also served as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer with direct responsibility for an annual budget in excess of $50 million and oversight of 30 financial, purchasing and billing professional. Ms. Fairweather has also directed MHHC’s planning, grants management and development functions. She led the development and construction of Harrison Circle, a 112,000 sq. foot community facility that offers housing services to low-income elderly and medical primary and subspecialty care to the Morris Heights community.
Ms. Fairweather is a graduate of Dartmouth College; received her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law; completed coursework for the Baruch College/Mount Sinai Graduate Program in Health Care Administration (MBA) and has completed the Johnson & Johnson/ UCLA Health Care Executive Program at the Anderson School of Management. She is a certified project management professional, PMP©.
Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez
Board Chair
Board Member Since 2000
Paloma Izquierdo-Hernandez is the Chief Executive Officer of Urban Health Plan, a network of community health centers serving more than 60,000 people in the South Bronx and Queens. Ms. Izquierdo-Hernandez is also one of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s appointments to the NYC Workforce Investment Board, which is responsible for effectively connecting New Yorkers seeking workforce services to jobs.
In addition to serving as Board Chair of Affinity Health Plan, Ms. Izquierdo-Hernandez is Vice Chairman of the Primary Care Development Corporation’s board. Her other board memberships include the National Hispanic Medical Association, the Community Health Care Association of New York State, and the Dr. Richard Izquierdo Charter School for Health and Sciences.
Ms. Izquierdo-Hernandez holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College; a Master of Science degree from Teachers College, Columbia University; and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. In 2013, she received an honorary Doctor of Social Science degree from Boston College.
Linda S. Muller
Board Member Since 2016
Linda S. Muller is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cornerstone Family Healthcare, formerly known as the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. The health center, a non-profit, is dedicated to providing comprehensive, primary and preventive health care services to more than 24,000 adults and children in the Hudson Valley region.
With 25 years of executive leadership experience, Ms. Muller has been recognized by the United States Department of Health and Human Services for her commitment and distinguished service in improving the health status of the medically underserved. In 2011, she was honored by the Orange County Human Rights Commission for her efforts in advancing the human rights of the people of Orange County. She was also noted as one of the region’s top 40 most influential women by the Times Herald-Record and, most recently, she has been recognized by the Hudson Valley Association of Women & Friends as a person in the community who makes a difference.
In addition to serving on Affinity’s Board, Ms. Muller is currently serving on the Board of Directors of Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS), Orange County Chamber of Commerce and Elant. She also chairs the Health Care for the Homeless Committee for the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC).
Ms. Muller holds a Bachelor of Arts from SUNY Buffalo, and a Masters of Science in Health Policy & Administration from The New School University in NYC.
Lynn D. Sherman
Board Member Since 2000
Lynn D. Sherman is the Chief Financial Officer of the Charles B. Wang Health Center in New York. Ms. Sherman began her career as a manager at Amherst Associates, Inc. In 1995, she spent five years as the Budget Director for Continuum Health Partners, which forged a partnership with Mount Sinai Medical Center to become the Mount Sinai Health System. She also worked as Administrator of Budget & Reimbursement at St. Luke’s/Roosevelt Hospital Center. From 1985 to 1990, she worked as a Consulting Manager at Ernst & Young, where she primarily focused on healthcare business feasibility and reimbursement.
In addition to serving on Affinity’s Board, she is on the Board of the Mental Health Association of New York City. Ms. Sherman is an active participant in CHCANYS, NACHC and AAPCHO. She teaches and mentors new CFOs nationally.
Ms. Sherman earned a Bachelor of Arts in biology and gerontology from the State University of New York at Binghamton University. She holds a Master of Business Administration, specializing in Health Care Administration and Management, from Cornell University.
Nanette Falkenberg
Board Member Since 2005
Nanette Falkenberg has more than thirty years of experience in public policy, program and organizational development. Her foundation, corporate and non-profit organizational work includes the United Hospital Fund, the Pfizer Foundation, the Tides Foundation, the Primary Care Development Corporation and the Colorado Health Foundation. Ms. Falkenberg served as the Executive Director for the National Abortion Rights Action League, where she developed and implemented political strategies. Previously, Ms. Falkenberg served the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees as a Regional Field Coordinator (AFSCME), Assistant Area Director in Florida and as the Associate Legislative and Political Director. She also served as a campaign consultant in 1974 for the late Maya Miller of Nevada and the late Betty Roberts of Oregon.
In addition to her seat on the Affinity Board, Ms. Falkenberg is on the Board of the Susan B. Anthony Project and the Zoning Board in Roxbury, Connecticut.
Ms. Falkenberg holds a Bachelors of Arts from Bucknell University and a Masters of Public Health, specializing in public policy from Columbia University.
Verona Greenland
Board Member Since 1986
Verona Greenland has been a healthcare specialist for almost 40 years. During that time, the Morris Heights Health Center Foundation and the Morris Heights Health Center, which she founded, has been a continuous source of health care service to low-income Bronx residents. Ms. Greenland retired in June 2015, after nearly 37 years as its President and Chief Executive Officer. She is the moving force behind Harrison Circle, bringing the $50 million mixed-use facility with 70 units of senior housing and expanded healthcare services to fruition.
In addition to serving on Affinity’s Board, she is on the Board of the Community Health Association of New York State, Bronx Regional Health Information Organization, Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy, and The Perkins Advisory Council at Bronx Community College.
Ms. Greenland holds a Master of Public Health from Columbia University. She is a graduate of the UCLA/Johnson & Johnson Health Care Executive Program.
Yvette Walker M.D., M.P.H.
Board Member Since 2003
Yvette Walker, MD, MPH, is the Chief Medical Officer for Zenith Technology Solutions, which provides health care information and financial and technological solutions to health care providers. Ms. Walker is also board certified Internist. Prior to joining Zenith in 2014, she held the post of Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Morris Heights Health Center in the Bronx. She also served as the Senior Vice President for the Health Center, which has more than 500 employees, 125 physicians, physicians’ assistants and nurses, and serves more than 220,000 patients annually.
Dr. Walker previously served as the Director of the Montefiore Medical Center at Rikers Island. Earlier, she practiced medicine at Bronx Lebanon Hospital and served as Medical Director of HIV at Catholic Medical Center in Brooklyn.
Dr. Walker earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from Utica College. She received a Doctor of Medicine from the State University of New York Downstate, and a Master of Public Health from Columbia University Executive Program.
Brian McIndoe
Board Member Since 2017
Brian McIndoe has been President & CEO of Ryan Health (formerly known as the “William F. Ryan Community Health Network”) since March 2015. Prior to being promoted to this position, he was its Chief Financial Officer. The Ryan Health network of 19 federally qualified health centers serves approximately 50,000 people in the New York City area. Mr. McIndoe has more than 30 years of administrative health care experience including financial reporting, budgeting and auditing; managed care/regulatory rate development; and bond issues. He has also served as Chief Financial Officer of two acute care facilities in New Jersey.
In addition to serving on Affinity’s Board, Mr. McIndoe is a board member of the Community Health Care Association of New York State (CHCANYS) and the Afia Foundation. He is also a member of the Mount Sinai PPS Board of Managers.
Mr. McIndoe holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Montclair State University and a Master of Public Health Administration from Long Island University.
Judith Fairweather
Board Member Since 2017
Judith Fairweather possesses more than 25 years’ experience in health care consulting, administration, program development and organizational strategic planning. She has developed a unique skillset and wide-ranging competencies. During her career, Ms. Fairweather has held a number of senior leadership positions within the Morris Heights Health Center, a federally qualified health center. Ms. Fairweather has acted as chief advisor to the President & CEO in developing, structuring and managing corporate affiliations and has led the organization’ compliance activities. Ms. Fairweather has also served as the organization’s Chief Financial Officer with direct responsibility for an annual budget in excess of $50 million and oversight of 30 financial, purchasing and billing professional. Ms. Fairweather has also directed MHHC’s planning, grants management and development functions. She led the development and construction of Harrison Circle, a 112,000 sq. foot community facility that offers housing services to low-income elderly and medical primary and subspecialty care to the Morris Heights community.
Ms. Fairweather is a graduate of Dartmouth College; received her Juris Doctor from the University of Nebraska College of Law; completed coursework for the Baruch College/Mount Sinai Graduate Program in Health Care Administration (MBA) and has completed the Johnson & Johnson/ UCLA Health Care Executive Program at the Anderson School of Management. She is a certified project management professional, PMP©.