Allen Meadows, MD, is Clinical Instructor of Internal Medicine and Clinical Instructor of Family Practice at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and a solo community-based practitioner at the Alabama Allergy & Asthma Clinic in Montgomery, Alabama. He is Chairman of the Advocacy Council of the ACAAI and past president of the JCAAI, and serves as the Chairman of AfPA’s Respiratory Therapy Access Working Group.

Julie Owens is an early childhood specialist, educator, and consultant, who has dedicated her career to improving young children and their families’ lives, proving she’s a trusted ally and a voice for the voiceless. Alzheimer’s/Dementia, Thyroid Eye Disease, Graves’ Disease, and Acromegaly are all medical diagnoses she’s all too familiar with and, unfortunately, has first-hand experience. Julie’s journey and work with the Alzheimer’s Association and AARP have more than prepared her as an activist. Spotlighting attention on the inequities, broken legislation, and policies on health care translate to the betterment of all. Her yearly travels to Tallahassee, FL, and Washington, DC, to share her story while meeting with local, state, and national legislators have helped to shape policies and programs that benefit the underserved.

Like many, Ava Zebrick’s experiences with obesity began at an early age, significantly shaping who she grew up to be. Her struggles with obesity and with access to care inspired her to become an advocate for patients like herself. In 2014, she became an active member of the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC), serving as a volunteer on the Access to Care Committee and Convention Planning Committee. Her advocacy work includes numerous Capitol Hill visits for the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act. Further changing her life, Ava obtained her Masters in Healthcare Management and began working in the field of Patient Experience. She began consulting as a patient partner and co-investigator on Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute funded studies. She has spoken before audiences of scientists and medical providers, the National Alliance of Healthcare Purchaser Coalitions, and the Louisiana Association of Health Plans Board of Directors.

Chief Executive Officer | Woodberry Associates

Amanda Conschafter leads Woodberry’s Washington, DC headquarters, where she oversees the delivery of client services and supports the firm’s growing team of professionals. Amanda successfully led the firm’s Strategic Communications team before becoming CEO, and she continues to oversee the division’s operations.

Amanda’s career spans two decades of communications, policy and public affairs experience. Prior to joining Woodberry Associates, she provided communications support for Fortune 500 clients and nonprofits alike through both agency and contract work. She previously served on the legislative staff of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.

Amanda holds a B.A. summa cum laude in English and a master’s in English education from Converse College.

Josie Cooper serves as executive director of the Alliance for Patient Access. At AfPA, Ms. Cooper has worked in stakeholder and clinician mobilization, developing policy and educational strategies to improve patient access to care.