About
About Us
Healthcare Chamber
The US Healthcare Chamber of Commerce is a collaborative platform bringing together hospitals, healthcare providers, diagnostic centers, wellness professionals, and allied businesses to foster innovation, advocacy, and growth in the healthcare sector. We serve as a bridge between medical professionals, policymakers, and the community—promoting high standards of care, advancing medical knowledge, and supporting healthcare entrepreneurship.
Mission
At the US Healthcare Chamber of Commerce, Our mission is to foster collaboration, advocacy, and professional growth across all healthcare-related fields—by supporting hospitals, small businesses, private practices, service providers, and individuals who help shape the future of healthcare. To empower healthcare professionals and organizations through advocacy, networking, education, and innovation—building stronger, healthier communities.
Vision
To be the leading voice of healthcare excellence, driving collaboration and sustainable growth across the medical ecosystem.
Goals
Advocate for healthcare-friendly policies and regulations. Support professional development and knowledge-sharing. Create networking opportunities and partnerships. Promote innovation, technology, and research in healthcare. Strengthen community outreach and patient-centered care
Executive Board of Directors
Carolyn Tait
Founder & CEO
Carolyn Tait
With 38 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Carolyn Tait is an accomplished leader specializing in business development, community outreach, strategic partnerships, event planning, and census growth. She currently serves as the Director of Business Development for SABA Healthcare, Inc., where she plays an instrumental role in driving strategic growth, expanding referral networks, and strengthening professional and community partnerships.
Throughout her extensive career, Carolyn has held leadership positions across various healthcare organizations, contributing to the successful launch of new facilities, business expansion, operational growth, and the development and leadership of management teams.
Carolyn is the Founder & CEO of the U.S. Healthcare Chamber, which officially launched in January 2026. The Chamber evolved from the Competitors Networking Group, which Carolyn founded in July 2010 with just three members and grew into a thriving network of more than 500 healthcare professionals. Built on the philosophy of collaboration over competition, the organization has become a valuable platform for networking, education, professional development, and community engagement. Through the U.S. Healthcare Chamber, Carolyn continues her mission of bringing healthcare professionals, businesses, and community leaders together to strengthen relationships and improve access to resources and services.
Her dedication to healthcare and community service extends well beyond her professional responsibilities. Carolyn currently serves as President of the Three Rivers Chapter of the Continuity of Care Association and Vice President of the Heritage Corridor Chapter. She also served nine years on the Board of Directors for Senior Services of Will County, supporting initiatives focused on improving the quality of life and well-being of older adults.
In addition, Carolyn serves on the Will County Walk to End Alzheimer's Committee, helping raise awareness, encourage community involvement, and support individuals and families impacted by Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
With a passion for connecting people and creating meaningful opportunities, Carolyn is recognized for her relationship-driven leadership, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to the healthcare community.
Carolyn Tait
Founder & CEO
Sharon C. Newman
Board Chair
Sharon C. Newman
Sharon C. Newman is the Founder & CEO of The Right Choice Home Care, a 3x Award winning agency dedicated to helping families age with dignity and confidence. A Certified Dementia Practitioner and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) with over 20 years of experience in home care, Sharon firmly believes that home is the best place for aging in place. She educates families on recognizing the signs of dementia, the importance of proper diagnosis, and proactive, preventative care strategies. Sharon is known for her integrity, compassion, and unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care to every family she serves.
In addition to leading her agency, Sharon is the host of the Give-A-Care podcast-an informative platform designed to help families better understand essential services and healthcare options available to them. Through education and open dialogue, she empowers caregivers and frequently reminds her audience that, "Knowledge is Power."
Sharon is a former elected official who served as a Secretary of the Board of Education and holds a honorary status with IASB as a Master Board Member. Co founder of Rotary Club of the Southland and Past President. She has also served on the board of the Tall Grass Arts Association and currently as an Ambassador of the US Healthcare Chamber of Commerce. She has been a keynote speaker at community and professional events and the owner of Sharon C Newman Coaching and Consulting LLC where she coaches and guide new business owners.
Born in beautiful Belize and raised in sunny Southern California, Sharon has been married for 27 years and is the proud mother of two beautiful young ladies. She is also a dedicated fitness and wellness enthusiast who frequents the gym five to six mornings a week.
Sharon C. Newman
Board Chair
Nathan Lara
Vice Chair
Nathan Lara
I currently serve as Regional Director of Sales Operations for my family's senior living organization, where I oversee sales, marketing, and business development initiatives across multiple communities. Throughout my career, I have built a reputation for creating meaningful relationships, driving organizational growth, and connecting people with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
My professional background spans senior living leadership, sales, marketing, and community engagement. Whether leading occupancy growth efforts, developing strategic partnerships, or serving in leadership roles throughout the Naperville community, I have consistently focused on delivering results while fostering strong and lasting relationships.
Nathan Lara
Vice Chair
Brett Shepard
Treasurer
Brett Shepard
Founder, Peace of Mind Financial – With a background rooted in healthcare, I bring a unique perspective to financial and estate planning. As a former owner of a home health care business, I had the privilege of working closely with families during some of life’s most vulnerable moments—coordinating care, navigating resources, and witnessing the emotional and financial strain that often comes with unexpected illness or injury.Today, through Peace of Mind Financial, I help individuals and families take a proactive approach to retirement and long-term care planning. My focus is ensuring that families not only have a clear estate plan in place, but also the financial structure needed to cover care costs and protect their legacy. My mission is to help people age with dignity, prepare with clarity, and Live Their Legacy with peace of mind.
Brett Shepard
Treasurer
Board of Directors
John C. Gillmann
John C. Gillmann
John and his team partners with individual investors, families, businesses and charitable organizations to develop strategies geared toward their unique, long-term goals. Whether you need to save for retirement, plan for college, reduce taxes, strategize for life insurance, initiate a retirement plan for your business or plan for your legacy, we are here to help.
I have earned the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, or CFP®, certification. The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification has expanded my knowledge in the areas of financial management, tax-sensitive investment strategies, retirement savings, insurance planning, education planning and estate considerations.
Working closely with you and your CPA, attorney and other professionals as needed, our team will help you determine the most appropriate financial strategy for your priorities. We are honored to be your partner as you organize, build, protect and transfer your wealth in the most tax-efficient manner. Prior to joining Edward Jones, John served clients in banking, trust, guardianship and estate administration with experience planning with multiple generations of families.
As a firm supporter of our community, John is a Distinguished Past President of the Joliet Kiwanis Club, current Secretary of the Joliet Area Chamber Young Professionals, current Volunteer Chair of the Will County Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, and he volunteers with additional community organizations with my family. When not spending time with my clients and in the community, my wife and I enjoy travel, concerts, musicals and spending time with our growing family.
John C. Gillmann
Mohammed Israr
Mohammed Israr
Execution-level executive with over 25 years of global experience in Quality &Engineering, electronic manufacturing, and healthcare services. A forward-thinking leader recognized for driving organizational transformation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. Demonstrated expertise in managing high-value fortune 500 customer &supplier partnerships, implementing large-scale production improvement strategies, and navigating complex regulatory environments. In addition to a strong engineering and manufacturing background, brings C-level leadership experience in running and managing medical diagnostic clinics, expanding healthcare operations, and driving patient-centric care models. Committed to placing clients’ interests first while advancing organizational performance through strategic leadership and innovation.
Mohammed Israr
Sameena Israr
Sameena Israr
Sameena Israr is a visionary healthcare entrepreneur and the Chairman & CEO of both Pioneer Diagnostics & Imaging and Comfort Sleep Clinic. At Pioneer, she has led the company’s expansion across multiple states and Internationally into Dubai, bringing advanced diagnostic and mobile imaging services to new communities. At Comfort Sleep Clinic, she grew a 2-bed sleep lab in 2015 into a state-of-the-art 22-bed facility by 2025, while also advancing remote cardiac monitoring programs. She is known for building and empowering high performing teams, Sameena has integrated cutting edge technologies such as 3D Breast CT, comprehensive ultrasound, and in-home diagnostics to strengthen preventative care. With her entrepreneurial vision now focused on longevity, she is shaping the future of healthcare by driving innovations that help people live longer, healthier lives.
Sameena Israr
Secretary
Melissa Daugherty
Melissa Daugherty
Melissa Daugherty is a dedicated public relations professional with over 20 years of experience in strategic business development and community engagement. As Public Relations Coordinator for the U.S. Healthcare Chamber of Commerce, she brings her expertise in enhancing the Chamber’s visibility through comprehensive public relations strategies, including event photography, media relations, and member communications. Her work helps document and promote the Chamber’s initiatives while fostering connections among healthcare professionals across various sectors.
Drawing from her current role as Marketing Specialist at Freedom HomeCare, A PurposeCare Company – where she has built an extensive network of healthcare professionals, Melissa combines her exceptional relationship-building skills with her passion for chamber development to create opportunities for collaboration that benefit the entire healthcare community across the United States and internationally.
Melissa Daugherty
Public Relations Coordinator
Board of Advisors
Dr. Zia Samad
Dr. Zia Samad
Dr. Zia Samad began his medical career in 2018 as a hospitalist at a community hospital in the Chicago suburbs, where he was mentored by a seasoned physician who helped cultivate his leadership capabilities and dedication to advancing community-based healthcare. In 2019, he was promoted to Hospitalist Co-Director, playing a key role in building a strong hospitalist team that transformed the hospital from a small community facility into a center capable of managing complex patient needs.
He completed his internship and residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in Chicago, a high-acuity, safety-net institution serving a diverse and largely underserved patient population. There, he developed strong clinical skills, experience managing complex medical cases, and a deep appreciation for the importance of equitable access to quality care.
In 2024, he transitioned into his current role as Managing Medical Director for Surgical and Subspecialty Services across several hospitals, including Ottawa, Peru, Princeton, Mendota, and Streator, Illinois. In this role, he works closely with health system leadership to enhance service sustainability, optimize operations, and strategically expand specialty care across the region.
Dr. Samad serves as an advisory board member for Dynamics of Healthcare Leadership through the Physician Leadership Academy, where he has gained advanced skills and strategies for effective healthcare leadership. He is also part of the Certified Physician Executive (CPE) program through AAPL, which endorses his ability to lead large teams, manage budgets, address HR challenges, and apply strategic business insights. The CPE curriculum equips him with the knowledge and competencies to transition into diverse leadership roles.
Dr. Samad is passionate about improving healthcare access in rural communities and aims to bring tertiary-level services closer to patients, reducing the need for travel to urban centers.
Dr. Zia Samad
Jennifer Conniff
Jennifer Conniff
Jennifer has over 30 years working in the Senior Living Industry. Her career has covered in home community based care, older adult protective services, independent living, Assisted living, Memory care and skilled nursing home care. She has worked social service roles, as an Executive Director/Administrator, Regional operations and VP operational roles. She is currently the owner of Oasis Senior Advisors covering Naperville and West Suburbs. Her credentials include a Masters in Healthcare Administration, Licensure: NHA, RCAL, LALD, CSA and HSE Qualified.
She is also the Program Chair at College of DuPage for the long term care administration program.
“To serve people, protect some of society’s most vulnerable, and inspire the next generation of long term care leaders is truly an honor”
Jennifer Conniff
Mary Rossio, MPH, LNHA, CDP
Mary Rossio, MPH, LNHA, CDP
Master’s in public health and has been working in the healthcare industry for twenty plus years that include hospice, hospital, post-acute and PBM. Currently the Vice President of Alignment and Market Growth for Residential Hospice. Proud lifetime Grundy County resident and actively serves on the Board of Directors for Angels of Hope, We Care and of Grundy County, the Grundy County Chamber of Commerce, and the Will-Grundy Medical Clinic.
Mary Rossio, MPH, LNHA, CDP
Dr. Mouhannad Kantar
Dr. Mouhannad Kantar
I was born in Lebanon and moved to the US at the age of 23. Since then the American dream has been a bliss to my family and myself. I completed my medical training, did my family residency in Wisconsin then my geriatric medicine fellowship in NYC. My learning continues, currently completing my board certification in anti-aging medicine and pursuing further training in mental health and cognitive therapy. Healing is a gift and a privilege and pursuing that career with integrity is my intention.
Dr. Mouhannad Kantar
Dr. Michael Akwasi Osei
Dr. Michael Akwasi Osei
Dr. Michael Akwasi Osei is a board-certified physiatrist and Medical Director of Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation at Prime Healthcare – St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet, Illinois. As Co-Founder of Rehabilitation Specialists of Illinois, PLLC, he delivers integrated inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services, specializing in neurologic and musculoskeletal medicine, electrodiagnostic testing (EMG/NCS), and spasticity management using botulinum toxin therapy.
Dr. Osei is widely respected for his patient-first philosophy, evidence-based decision-making, and commitment to restoring independence and quality of life for patients recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, amputation, and complex orthopedic conditions. His leadership reflects a strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, compassionate care, and clinical excellence.
Beyond his practice, Dr. Osei contributes to hospital quality initiatives and serves as a trusted voice in advancing rehabilitation standards and patient outcomes. His dedication to innovation and professional integrity continues to shape the field of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Dr. Michael Akwasi Osei
Kayli Rizzo
Kayli Rizzo
Senior Manager, Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter
Kayli Rizzo serves as a Senior Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, overseeing community development and engagement across seven counties through the Walk to End Alzheimer’s program. With experience in both direct care and marketing within assisted living and skilled nursing settings, Kayli brings a well-rounded perspective on the needs of individuals, families, and healthcare professionals navigating the continuum of care.
Her work is guided by a commitment to building strong, compassionate communities. As a member of The U.S. Healthcare Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board, Kayli hopes to serve as an advocate and connector—helping bridge gaps between healthcare providers, local resources, and the people who need them most.
Kayli Rizzo
Shafeek Abubaka
Shafeek Abubaka
Shafeek Abubaker is a Chicago-area entrepreneur and the founding president of the Illinois Muslim Chamber of Commerce (ILMCC). He has served on multiple government commissions and nonprofit boards. Shafeek forges partnerships across government, industry, and community organizations to expand small-business access to capital, coaching, and contracts. His community work includes workforce-development sprints, supplier-diversity initiatives, and food-access efforts for underserved communities. He also co-owns an adult day care center in Naperville, bringing a hands-on perspective to policy and program design. He lives in Naperville with his wife and two children.
Shafeek Abubaka
Sidney S. Brooks Jr.
Sidney S Brooks Jr.
Sidney S. Brooks, Jr. is a purpose-driven professional whose career reflects a deep commitment to servant leadership, compassionate care, and community advancement. A man of faith, family and friendship, he has over a decade of experience spanning healthcare administration, workforce development, retail leadership, and nonprofit programming. Sidney blends strategic vision and natural sales with heartfelt service to uplift and develop those around him—especially the most vulnerable.
Currently serving as the Director of Business Development for Panoptic Home Health based out of Morris and Joliet, Illinois. Sidney leads strategic initiatives across Will, Grundy, DuPage, Kane, LaSalle, Kendall, and DeKalb counties. He is instrumental in advancing the agency’s mission through innovative, patient-centered care solutions, strategic sales initiatives, impactful community partnerships, and a commitment to operational excellence. Known for his authentic relationship-building and results-driven leadership, Sidney continues to drive meaningful growth and sales in home health services throughout the region.
As a Certified Dementia Practitioner for over three years, Sidney is deeply committed to supporting individuals and families navigating the challenges of aging and memory loss with dignity, empathy, and excellence.
In addition to his work in home health, Sidney was a founding member of the Board of Directors for the U.S. Healthcare Chamber of Commerce, helping establish and advance its mission to support healthcare professionals and organizations across the nation. He currently serves on the Advisory Board, where he continues to provide leadership, strategic insight, and advocacy for innovation, collaboration, and excellence throughout the healthcare industry.
Before transitioning into healthcare leadership, Sidney built an accomplished career in multi-unit management and training with top fashion and retail brands. From GAP Inc. and EXPRESS to AKIRA and The ALDO Group, he led high-performing teams focusing on high volume sales of revenue, shaped customer experiences, and cultivated talent across diverse markets.
Rooted in faith, Sidney’s leadership philosophy is grounded in Colossians 3:23 — “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” He believes his success is not merely professional, but spiritual—marked by his ability to lead with humility, influence with integrity, and serve with compassion.
Sidney’s dedication to community is evident through his active affiliations some since his collegiate years of study such as the Alzheimer’s Association. He has served for over three years on the Will County Walk Committee for the Alzheimer’s Association, sits on the board of the Illinois Continuity of Care Association for both the Three Rivers and Heritage Corridor chapters, and has held numerous leadership roles within his church career, including Programming Coordinator, Youth Ministry Director, Worship Leader both locally and nationally to name a few. He strongly believes in being active and present in the community.
A proud alumnus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Sidney studied Community Health with a focus on Healthcare Planning & Administration. Minoring in leadership and business communications.
A global citizen and lifelong learner, Sidney has traveled internationally as a U.S. Student Ambassador with the People to People Organization, fostering cultural awareness and diplomacy across continents.
Whether leading teams, mentoring future professionals, or advocating for elder care, Sidney is a man of action, faith, and service—passionate about building healthier communities and leaving a legacy of hope.
Sidney S Brooks Jr.
Dr. Jim Nakis
Dr. Jim Nakis
Dr. Jim Nakis is the founder and visionary behind Absolute Integrated Health, a leading Pain Management, Health & Wellness, and Wound Care Center in Plainfield, IL. Under his leadership, the clinic offers a comprehensive range of services, including rehabilitation, physical therapy, pain management, IV therapy, allergy care, natural hormone replacement, aesthetics, audiology, nutritional counseling, and advanced wound care.
Dr. Nakis oversees a multidisciplinary team of doctors, nurses, physical therapists, audiologists, and healthcare specialists, ensuring that every patient receives personalized, evidence-based care tailored to their needs. From chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues to acute injuries, wound care, and wellness optimization, the clinic provides a holistic, integrative approach to improving health, function, and quality of life.
As Absolute Integrated Health evolves into a full-service urgent care center, Dr. Nakis’ focus remains on guiding the clinic’s growth, maintaining high standards of care, and expanding services that meet the evolving needs of the Plainfield community.
Through his leadership, Absolute Integrated Health has become a modern, all-in-one destination for pain management, health & wellness, wound care, and urgent care.