Our Advisory Board

Julia D’Mello Gibson brings extensive strategic advising, business development, and organizational efficiency expertise to the Avocet advisory board. With experience spanning both for-profit and non-profit sectors, she is adept at enhancing operational processes, driving growth, and fostering effective communication.

In her current senior role as Executive Assistant for a large international non-profit organization, Julia manages high-level logistical support, oversees critical events, and maintains essential records—all while upholding confidentiality and collaboration. She has many years of experience supporting complex clinical operations, providing administrative and logistical assistance that ensures the seamless delivery of healthcare services.

Beyond her administrative skills, Julia is a strategic thinker and business developer. She leverages her background in advancement, communications, and pastoral work to identify growth opportunities and enhance service quality. A polyglot fluent in Hindi, Marathi, and Konkani, Julia’s language skills enhance her ability to connect across diverse environments. As a first-generation college graduate from a working-class family in the Global South, Julia brings cultural sensitivity and a unique perspective to Avocet’s mission of improving correctional healthcare. Her ability to navigate and understand varied perspectives is invaluable in addressing the challenges of delivering quality healthcare to vulnerable populations, including those within the correctional system.

A graduate of the University of Bombay with a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Accounting and Auditing, Julia is also a Notary Public and proficient in tools such as MS Office, Salesforce, and Raiser’s Edge. Her resourcefulness, attention to detail, and commitment to continuous improvement make her an indispensable contributor to Avocet’s mission and the development of innovative solutions in correctional healthcare.

Brian Koehn brings over 30 years of unparalleled experience in the corrections industry, distinguished by his service in both the U.S. Marine Corps and the Army. His career trajectory—from Senior Correctional Officer to Warden, Complex Warden, and Director of Security overseeing 65 prisons and jails—highlights his profound impact on corrections management. Brian is recognized not just for his leadership but for his commitment to reform, implementing policies that prioritize rehabilitation, security, and staff welfare, establishing him as a pioneer in the field.

As the founder of Social Purpose Corrections (SPC), the nation’s first full-service, IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit in the corrections sector, Brian has championed a transformative approach. SPC’s performance-based model emphasizes safety, wellness, and cultural change, challenging traditional practices and driving significant reforms across the industry.

Beyond his organizational successes, Brian remains an active and influential voice in the corrections community. His strategic insights and contributions to leading industry publications continue to shape the future of corrections.

Brian’s dedication to excellence is also reflected in his personal life, where he embodies resilience and endurance as an accomplished Ironman triathlete. His leadership and innovative vision inspire ongoing, meaningful change, setting new standards of excellence in corrections.

John Pfeiffer brings over 20 years of leadership experience and a unique blend of military, healthcare, and nonprofit expertise to the Avocet Advisory Board. His strategic insight and deep understanding of organizational management are invaluable to Avocet as it seeks to innovate and expand its healthcare solutions for vulnerable populations.

Throughout his career, John has demonstrated a consistent ability to lead complex initiatives, particularly in environments that require a strong focus on technology integration and operational efficiency. His leadership at CoreCivic, where he managed technology, strategic planning, and acquisition integration, directly complements our commitment to enhancing healthcare management in challenging and underserved settings.

John’s role in the healthcare sector, including leadership positions at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Lifetrust America, gave him a robust foundation in healthcare operations and systems management. His experience in launching new facilities and managing large-scale system implementations is particularly relevant to Avocet’s mission of delivering high-quality healthcare to those who need it most.

In addition to his professional expertise, John is deeply committed to social impact, demonstrated by his leadership roles in organizations like Easterseals. His alignment with Avocet’s values and his dedication to improving outcomes for vulnerable populations make him a crucial asset to the Advisory Board.

John’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Belmont University, where he also served as an adjunct instructor. His strategic thinking and hands-on experience in both the public and private sectors equip him to provide valuable guidance as Avocet continues to grow and evolve in its mission to serve vulnerable communities.

Derek Licina is a recognized authority in global health and military health systems. He has nearly 30 years of experience working closely with national and multinational agencies. His extensive background in austere environments makes him a valuable asset in addressing the unique health challenges faced by vulnerable populations in correctional settings.

Derek’s expertise in strategic transformation and capacity building, honed through years of leadership within defense and consulting sectors, is being leveraged to enhance health outcomes in challenging environments. His dedication aligns with our mission to improve health care in correctional facilities and other underserved areas.

Holding a DrPH from The George Washington University and an MPH degree from the Uniformed Services University, Derek combines academic excellence with practical experience, enriching our strategic direction. He serves as Adjunct Faculty at The George Washington University and Adjunct Associate Professor at the Uniformed Services University, underscoring his commitment to health education and making a tangible difference worldwide.

As a published author and recognized speaker, Derek contributes significantly to international healthcare and security dialogues, emphasizing humanitarian assistance, disaster preparedness, and health policy.