Dave Allazetta

Board Chair

CEO - Novum Behavioral Health Systems

Dave Allazetta joined the Brighter Way Board in 2019. He brings over 25 years of experience as a corporate executive, recognized expert in healthcare administration and active leader in community organizations. Previously, Dave was the CEO for UnitedHealthcare in Arizona and New Mexico for all commercial lines. He oversaw the establishment of the first Association Health plan in Arizona under the Presidential executive order signed in 2018. The Southern Arizona Chamber Association now provides affordable health insurance options for thousands of small businesses. In2018, Dave was a key player on the executive team that directed the investment of over$2,000,000 in the community, providing much needed services to over 1,000,000 Arizonans.

Terry Araman

Legislative Liason for United Arizona Veterans; City of Phoenix Military / Veteran - Commissioner

Terry brings a wealth of community service experience to the Brighter Way Board. He is passionate about working with homeless veterans, a dedication that stems from his three years as an Army medic in Vietnam. He is director of the Madison Street Veterans Association, one of the nation's first homeless veteran organizations based on the principle of peer support. Terry has worked and volunteered at the Lodestar Day Resource Center at the Human Services Campus for the homeless in Phoenix. Drawing upon his 25 years of business and education leadership experience, Terry is an invaluable resource and superb leader to Brighter Way Institute, his various charityendeavors, and the veterans he serves.

Charlie Clark, D.M.D.

Past Board Chair

Pediatric Dentist, Pediatric Dental Specialists

Dr. Clark joined the Brighter Way Board in 2016. He has also served in Board Leadership positions for several local Arizona community non-profits with a passion to advocate for improvements in the access and delivery of oral health services to those in need. In 2015, Dr. Clark was recognized by the American Dental Association with the Golden Apple Award for New Dentist Leadership. Dr. Clark received his certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and completed his dental education at the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health. He continues his private practice as a Pediatric Dental Specialist in the East Valley.

Susan Cordts, MBA

Founder and CEO - Catalytic Health Partners

Susan Cordts joined the Brighter Way Board in 2018. As CEO and Founder of Catalytic Health Partners, Susan provides the leadership and vision that enables the integrated health population management company to pursue its mission of reshaping healthcare. Prior to starting Catalytic Health Partners in 2014, she was CEO of Adaptive Technologies, Inc., and CEO and Managing Director of Universal Robot Systems.  She has more than 20 years’ experience including responsibility for directing the marketing activities of one of the largest cardiovascular programs.  She received her AD in Nursing, a BA in Marketing from Midwestern State University, and a master’s in international management (MIM) from Thunderbird, The Garvin School of InternationalManagement.

Jack Dillenberg, D.D.S., M.P.H.

Dean Emeritus, Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health, A.T. Still University

Dr. Dillenberg joined the Brighter Way Board in 2016, the year that Brighter Way Institute was incorporated. He brings a background in public health, having served as the Associate Director for public health programs for the State of California and as the Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services. Dr. Dillenberg continues to serve in numerous leadership positions on the health-related boards and associations. Dr. Dillenberg completed his dental education at New York University and received a Master's Degree in Public Health from Harvard University. He currently serves as the Dean Emeritus of the School of Dentistry & Oral Health at A.T. Still University.

Emelie Gonzales

President, MINEC America, Mega'Gen America

Emelie Gonzales joined the Brighter Way Board in 2022 bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in the area of implant dentistry. She serves as the Head of Education for MINEC America (MegaGen International Network of Education and Clinical Research), leveraging her vast expertise in organizing continuing education courses in the field of implant dentistry. Her dedication and determination are to drive improvement in quality care for patients through education with patient-centered focus and minimally invasive techniques. Furthermore, Emelie’s professional background encompasses a Master's Degree in Business Administration and Management, alongside valuable experience gained across various industries such as the precious metal industry and manufacturing.

Jean Kalbacher

CEO

United Healthcare Community Plan

Jean joined the Brighter Way Board in 2022. She is the Chief Executive Officer for the United Healthcare Community Plan of Arizona serving over 550,000 members and whose mission is to help people live healthier lives. In prior roles, Jean served as Regional CFO for the C&S West Region and has held various CFO positions since joining United Healthcare in 2008. She is a licensed Arizona CPA with over 25 years of health care experience.

Rob Laizure, Sr.

Owner, FullContour Design Services

As a member of the Brighter Way Board since 2019, Rob shares a unique business perspective to the nonprofit. Rob has enjoyed a successful career in the outdoor advertising business for 30 years, having founded Nevada Outdoor Systems in 1992. Through merger, acquisition, and consolidation, Rob grew the business to over 200 billboards and ultimately sold the business to Clear Channel. In 2006, he founded ProCerex Dental Lab which specializes in high quality manufacturing of dental prosthetics and in February 2011, he sold ProCerex to focus his energy onto FullContour, a design service for dentistry. His successful experiences in manufacturing and business consolidation have given him a unique skill set to lead the FullContourteam.

Linda Mettler

President & CEO, Mettler Marketing LLC

Linda joined the Brighter Way Board in 2022 bringing over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry and a true passion for the dental profession! She is President and CEO of Mettler Marketing, a business she founded in 2010 and has worked with 50+healthcare and dental practices. Linda’s background includes previous experience with Bristol-Meyers Squibb and Healthgrades. In addition to serving on the Brighter Way Board and the Brighter Way Annual Charity Golf Committee, Linda is also Vice-Chair for the Colorado Dental Association Foundation and a member of the Colorado Advantage Business Council (CABC). She also co-founded the Denver Dental Advisory Group, a group of Colorado professionals dedicated to the enhancement and promotion of the dental industry. She spends her free time traveling, cycling, and enjoying the outdoors.

Kris Andrew Volcheck, MBA, D.D.S.

Founding CEO - Brighter Way Institute

Dr. Volcheck is the Founding CEO of Brighter Way Institute. He launched the first dental clinic in 2001 with a primary mission to serve Maricopa County’s homeless population. After graduating from Emory University in 1985, Kris moved to Arizona, and opened a private dental practice in Globe, AZ.  Shortly thereafter, he completed his Master’s in Business Administration.  After providing volunteer services for Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) with homeless individuals, Kris sought to meet an overwhelming unmet community need for low-cost comprehensive oral health care for uninsured/underinsured working poor adults and veterans.  Dr. Volcheck then founded Brighter Way Institute, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, and grew the organization to one of the most comprehensive nonprofit dental initiatives in the country today. Kris and Brighter Way have been honored with multiple awards and recognition including:

Gigi Veasey, LCSW

LISAC, CCBT

Board Member

Gigi Veasey joined the Brighter Way Board in 2023. She is a renowned psychotherapist, author, and consultant in private practice in Phoenix, Arizona. Her goal is to help clients find hope as they navigate through everyday life and give them tools needed to handle unexpected situations. Gigi’s expertise is in working along-side clients with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, co-dependency, boosting self-esteem, and confidence. As Founder of Alcohol Recovery Solutions, Inc., she is able to help adults struggling with substance use, find their way through addiction and underlying issues to rediscover self and move toward a hopeful, connected, full life. Over the last 40 years, Gigi helps individuals manage their experiences with grief and loss. She shares her experience, knowledge, and passion through lectures, workshops, and private one-on-one sessions, helping individuals understand that while grief and loss can create foundational changes in their lives, there is always hope for growth and healing.

Corrie Worth

Board Secretary-Treasurer

Freelance Photographer and Community Volunteer

Prior to joining the Brighter Way Institute Board in 2018, Corrie served as a volunteer assisting Dr. Kris Volcheck with growth strategies and the organizational sustainability of Brighter Way. Corrie attended ASU in the field of physical fitness and became a Certified Personal Trainer. After running a small personal training business, she joined an international photography company and became the Director of Operations for their fashion division. After years of traveling and with the birth of her second child, Corrie started her own freelance photography company, Take-Two Photography, and now Corrie Worth Photography. Corrie has used her photography talents to serve several not-for-profits such as CASS, CHILDHELP and various animals rescue organizations.