The work of Pandemic Patients is overseen by a Board of Directors that is comprised of up to twelve members. Board members may serve on the Board of Directors for up to five consecutive two-year terms. To minimize conflicts of interest in the organization, board members serve as unpaid volunteers and no more than 33% of the organization’s board members may be individuals who have a financial interest in the organization.
Chairman of the Board: Christopher L. Floyd
Dr. Christopher Cooper, MD, MPH
Dr. Christopher Cooper is a South Carolina native and a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine. Prior to graduating from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Dr. Cooper received a master’s degree in public health and bachelor's degrees in biology and chemistry from the University of South Carolina. Dr. Cooper worked as a registered nurse in the ER and ICU at Palmetto Health for several years before studying to become a physician. He has an excellent bedside manner and is highly regarded by his patients and colleagues.
Richard Hack, MS
Richard Hack (Hack-Davis) is a world-renowned author of 32 books and a key activist in the fight against HIV/AIDS, specifically helping children living with the condition. Several of his books have gone on to become Oscar-winning feature films, including The Aviator based on Hughes: The Private Diaries, Memos and Letters and Bohemian Rhapsody based on Mercury: The First Queen. Richard is also a contributor to CNN and CNN International.
Matthew A. Karlyn
Matthew A. Karlyn has 25 years of experience in working with companies in the healthcare, pharmaceutical, medical device, and technology industries on a wide range of commercial life sciences, licensing, and technology transactions. Life sciences clients, including pharmaceutical, medical device, and healthcare companies, rely on Matt for his breadth of knowledge in licensing, collaboration, and commercialization strategies designed to strengthen operations and maximize value. Matt’s clients come from sectors across the global economy and include emerging companies, privately held companies, and many of the world’s biggest brands. Matt was recognized by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly as an Excellence in the Law honoree for leading Morrison & Foerster's pro bono efforts with Survivor Corps, a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting and mobilizing survivors of COVID-19 with the medical, scientific, and academic research communities.
Sam Norpel
Sam Norpel became a patient advocate after she developed long COVID in December 2021. Sam most recently worked as the Chief Digital Officer of JuvLife, a division of Juvenescence LTD, a biotech-healthcare start-up focused on improving health span and lifespan. During her career, Sam developed marketing strategies for many leading brands, including The Vitamin Shoppe, David’s Bridal, Calvin Klein, kate spade, and Levi’s. As a patient advocate, Sam's goal is to "pay it forward" as a way of thanking those who have helped her on her long COVID journey.
Tavarris Spinks
Tavarris has spent his entire adult life uplifting his community. Over the past seventeen years, he's knocked on thousands of doors for over two dozen political candidates, led voter registration drives, and in 2019 he was a plaintiff in a Supreme Court decision to overturn racial gerrymandering in his district. He served as Virginia Young Democrats City/County Chair and received Young Democrat of the Year award in 2019. Tavarris has also been an active, dues-paying member of the Richmond City Democratic Committee since 2008 and served as Secretary and 2nd District Chair.
Andrew Wylam
Andrew Wylam is a co-founder of Pandemic Patients and currently serves as the President of the organization. As a lawyer with an extensive background in patient advocacy and government relations, Andrew guides the organization in its engagement with policymakers and the general public to provide support and services to people affected by COVID-19.
If you are interested in learning more about our Board of Directors, please contact us.