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The Children’s Institute is pleased to announce three new executives officially joined the organization’s board of directors last month.

Dr. Urmi Ashar, MBA, is the managing director at Human Motion Technologies (HuMoTech) and president of TransforMEDx. She is an experienced research analyst for businesses with expertise in the health care, biotech, and pharmaceutical industries. Previously, Dr. Ashar was CEO at Advanced Technology Healthcare Solutions and president and CEO of NACD, Three Rivers. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University and as a board member of Excela Health System. Dr. Ashar earned her M.D. in anesthesiology from the University of Mumbai and her MBA from the University of Colorado Denver.

Dr. Tina Chekan is CEO and superintendent for Propel Schools and Propel Schools Foundation. She began her career with Propel Schools in 2003 as a kindergarten teacher and previously served as a teacher in the Wilkinsburg School District and a behavioral therapist at Pressley Ridge Academy. Dr. Chekan is a graduate of Leadership Pittsburgh and is currently in a cohort of the Pahara-Aspen Fellowship. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Ball State University, a master’s degree in deaf education, as well as her Ph.D. in administration and policy from the University of Pittsburgh.

Tom Doran, FSA, MAAA, EA, is president of HM Insurance Group and chief financial officer for Highmark Health Plan. He oversees sales, operations, strategic partnerships, underwriting, and actuarial services at HM Insurance Group and is responsible for underwriting, analytics, and actuarial and financial planning at Highmark Health Plan. Previously, he served as president of Medical Risk Managers and has actuarial experience at Aetna, Hartford Life, and Aon Hewitt. Doran earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University and a master’s degree in systems engineering from Polytechnic University.

“We are thrilled to welcome three high-energy board members with an abundance of expertise in business, education, and health care to our team at The Children’s Institute,” said Dr. Wendy Pardee, president and CEO at The Children’s Institute. “As we strive toward the goals set out in our Vision 2023 strategic plan, we appreciate each individual’s willingness to share their knowledge and experience as we look forward to an amazing future at The Children’s Institute.”