The North Valley Health Education Foundation is guided by a dedicated group of volunteer leaders who bring diverse experience from healthcare, education, and the community.
The NVHEF Board of Directors provides strategic direction, fiduciary oversight, and community leadership to support the Foundation’s mission of advancing healthcare education across Northern California’s North Valley.
Board members play an active role in scholarship stewardship, organizational planning, and strengthening connections between students, institutions, and the communities they serve
The North Valley Health Education Foundation (NVHEF) Board of Directors includes representatives from key educational and healthcare institutions that play a vital role in preparing the region’s healthcare workforce:
This collaboration strengthens alignment between education, training, and community healthcare needs.
Email the Board of Directors: board@nvhef.org
Joe Adema has been connected to the Foundation for over 40 years, beginning when he catered meetings as Director of Dietary Services at Chico Community Hospital. Now retired, he serves as Board President and brings a long-standing commitment to its mission. Joel enjoys time in Montana with his wife, a retired nurse.
Amy Brusie is a retired funeral home administrator and was third-generation owner of the Brusie Funeral Home family business in Chico. A longtime board member and current Vice President, she brings deep community roots and steady leadership. Amy enjoys spending time in her beautiful Chico garden.
Rob Van Nuys is a retired pharmacist who spent over 20 years at Chico Community Hospital. He joined the Foundation after a friend told him, “It’s easy—you’d be perfect.” These days, he enjoys helping “pass out money” to students. A great golfer, you’ll often find Rob at Canyon Oaks Country Club.
Jan Ellis is a retired nurse and healthcare leader who spent 37 years at Enloe Health, ultimately serving as Vice President of Nursing. She later taught nursing leadership at Chico State. Jan is passionate about supporting future healthcare professionals and enjoys horseback riding and bowling in her free time.
Jennifer Brunner is a nursing instructor and Assistant Director of Nursing at Butte College. A first-generation college graduate, she is passionate about student success and community health. During the pandemic, she helped lead student vaccine efforts locally. Jennifer is dedicated to preparing the next generation of nurses
Jim Cuneo is a retired flight paramedic who spent his career in EMS beginning in 1982. He stays involved with the Foundation to promote health education and support future professionals. Jim brings strong connections across the local medical and EMS community
Scholarship Chair
Donna Davis is a recently retired respiratory therapist and educator who led the Respiratory Care program at Butte College for many years. With over 35 years of experience, she is passionate about preparing students for critical roles in healthcare and supporting the next generation of professionals.
Ken Fleming is a retired emergency physician who spent his career at Enloe Health and trained at UC Davis. He now enjoys supporting the next generation of physicians, often saying it’s simply “a joy to meet young people and give money.” He and his wife, Liz, love to travel.
Jami McNamee is a community leader in Chico and recent President of Soroptimist International of Chico. With a background as a respiratory therapist, she is passionate about supporting women and girls through programs that empower and uplift. Jami brings a strong spirit of service to the Foundation.
Virginia Merica is a longtime board member with deep roots in the Chico community. She spent her career supporting healthcare operations as a medical staff coordinator at local institutions, including Enloe Health. Virginia brings a steady, long-standing commitment to the Foundation’s mission.
Dr. Alyssa Milliron is a board-certified internal medicine physician serving the Chico and Oroville communities. A local from Oroville and former NVHEF scholarship recipient, she is passionate about giving back and supporting future healthcare professionals. Alyssa recently welcomed her first child and enjoys this new season of motherhood.
Phil Price is a retired attorney Phil Price is a retired attorney whose career focused on civil litigation and estate planning. He serves on the Foundation to honor its roots—his father helped organize the original Chico Community Hospital Foundation. Phil enjoys photography and prefers being behind the camera.
Appointee, CSUC School of Nursing
Gema Knipe is an associate professor of nursing at Chico State with over 40 years of experience in pediatrics and nursing education. A longtime scholarship recipient herself, she values the difference they make in shaping careers. Gema enjoys kayaking, camping, and supporting the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Appointee, UC Davis Health
Adam Peterson is Associate Director of Enrollment Management at UC Davis Health, where he supports medical students through admissions and financial aid. He represents the UC Davis School of Medicine on the Foundation board and is passionate about helping future physicians navigate their path into healthcare.
Appointee, Butte College Allied Health
Emilie Wilson is the Respiratory Care Program Director at Butte College and a registered respiratory therapist. She is passionate about preparing students for careers in healthcare and often leads them in community service and health initiatives. Emilie brings a strong commitment to education and regional workforce development.
Appointee, Enloe Health
Dawn Winter is Director of the Education Center at Enloe Health with over 25 years of nursing and healthcare leadership experience. She is passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning for healthcare professionals. Dawn brings a strong commitment to education and workforce development in the North State.