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MI-RDAC Members

Who We Are

The MI-RDAC is composed of up to 18 members, each bringing balanced and diverse perspectives to help drive evidence-based solutions to the challenges faced by Michigan’s rare disease community.

MI-RDAC membership applications are now closed and will re-open in 2027. For information on how to apply, please see our MI-RDAC Membership Application Information sheet.

MI-RDAC Council Members

  • Elizabeth Ames, MD, PhD - Physician
  • Katie R. Baughman, MD, MA, FAAP - Medical Ethicist
  • Laura Bonnell (Vice Chair) - Parent
  • Caleb Bupp, MD, FACMG - Physician
  • Michael Chesney - Parent
  • Sean Doerr, BFA, MPA, EMT-B - Individual with Rare Disease
  • Donna Hanson-Spencer, MBA, PACS - Individual with Rare Disease
  • Tyler James, PhD, MCHES - Epidemiologist
  • Susan Lerch - Patient Organization Representative
  • Kelly Keener, MS, CGC - Genetic Counselor
  • Kristen Kingzett, MD - Individual with Rare Disease
  • Marissa Penrod - Patient Organization Representative
  • Stephen Rapundalo, PhD (Chair) - Biopharmaceutical Industry Representative
  • Daniel Vogt, PhD - Rare Disease Researcher
  • Michelle Whalen, RN, DNP, NNP-BC, CNE - Nurse
  • Jonathan Hawayek, MBA - National Pharmaceutical Industry Representative
  • Roland A. Cruickshank, MHA, MPA, FACHE - Hospital Administrator
  • Gregory A. Scherle, MD, MS - Health Insurer Representative

MDHHS Staff

  • Dominic Smith, MSA - Manager, Public Health Genomics Section
  • Amber M. Abram, MS, MPH - Coordinator, MI-RDAC
  • Kerri-Lynn Lockwood, MS, CGC - NBS Genetics Specialist