Leadership, Expertise,  and Service

The Metis Foundation is guided by experienced leaders, scientific advisors, and professional staff committed to advancing military medical research through collaboration, integrity, and service.

Who We Are

The Metis Foundation is supported by a multidisciplinary team of professionals with experience across military medicine, scientific research, administration, and nonprofit governance. Our structure ensures strong oversight, scientific rigor, and operational excellence in support of researchers and programs nationwide.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Rodney Chan, MD

CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER & BOARD CHAIR

Dr. Rodney Chan is co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer at the Metis Foundation. As an active...

Anders Carlsson, PhD

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, CHIEF SCIENTIFIC OFFICER

Dr. Anders Carlsson is a Co-Founder of the Metis Foundation where serves as the Chief...

Prabh Grewal, DDS

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Dr. Prabh Grewal is one of the Founding members of the Foundation. He’s been instrumental...

Richard Ma, MD

BOARD MEMBER

Dr. Richard Ma is a dedicated member of the Metis Foundation’s board. As a primary care physicia...

Rachelle Mainard, JD, MBA, CRA

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & LEGAL ADVISOR

Ms. Rachelle Mainard is an accomplished executive administrator and leading authori...

Michael Davis, Col. (RET.)

CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER

Colonel (ret) Davis received his medical doctorate (MD) from the Uniformed Services University wit...

SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY BOARD

Kevin Chung, MD, COL (Ret.)

Scientific Advisory Board Chair

Dr. Kevin Chung, a retired Colonel in the U.S. Army, is a renowned expert in multi-organ support an...

STAFF MEMBERS

Noor Obaidi, MD, PhD

SENIOR VP OF REGULATORY & SCIENTIFIC AFFAIRS

Dr. Noor Obaidi serves as Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Scientific Affairs at the Metis Foundation...

Marlene Barrera, MBA

SENIOR VP OF FINANCIAL SERVICES

Marlene Barrera has been the Sr.Vice President of Financial Services at The Metis Foundation...

Samantha Saldana, BA

SR. GRANTS & CONTRACTS MANAGER

My name is Samantha Saldaña. I have a strong background in grants and contracts management,...

Cassandra Tello, BS, SHRM-CP

HR MANAGER

Cassandra Tello is a Human Resources Specialist at the Metis Foundation with experience in bo...

Kevin Arias, MBA

PROCUREMENT MANAGER

Kevin Arias is a procurement specialist for The Metis Foundation. Kevin assists...

Crystal Jaco, MSc

GRANTS & CONTRACTS ASSISTANT MANAGER

Crystal Jaco is the Grants & Contracts Assistant Manager at Metis Foundation with over 13...

Marisa Martinez, MPA

GRANTS & CONTRACTS ASSISTANT MANAGER

Marisa Martinez joined the Metis Foundation team in 2024. She has 5+ years in nonprofit managemen...

Victoria Diaz, RN, BSN

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL RESEARCH COMPLIANCE | QSCARR PROGRAM MANAGER

Ms. Victoria Diaz began her healthcare career as an Army medic, gaining a strong foundation...

Adan Tello, MS

PRE-AWARD RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Mr. Adan Tello joined the Metis Foundation as a Pre-Award Research Specialist, where he...

Nathan Dunn, MSHA

PRE-AWARD RESEARCH SPECIALIST

Mr. Nathan Dunn joined the Metis Foundation in 2025 as a Pre-Award Research Specialist, where he...

Autumn Mains, MSN, RN

DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL OPERATIONS, MICOR PROGRAM

Autumn Mains serves as the Director of Clinical Operations for the Military Cardiovascular...

Jessica Ecke, BSW

POST-AWARD FINANCIAL ANALYST

In her current role as a Post Award Financial Analyst for The Metis Foundation, Jessica is passionate...

Larissa Lopez

PROCUREMENT SPECIALIST

Larissa Lopez joined the Metis Foundation in 2025 as a Procurement Specialist, where sh...

Joseph Rodriguez

HR ASSOCIATE

Joseph Rodriguez is a Human Resources Associate at the Metis Foundation with experience in th...

Connect With Our Team

Have questions about programs, partnerships, or upcoming opportunities? Share a few details and we’ll connect you with the right team member.