Board of Directors
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.
Director
Christopher Floyd
Christopher Floyd is the CEO and co-founder of Pandemic Patients. During the coronavirus pandemic, Christopher lost several family members to COVID-19, which inspired him to focus on raising awareness about COVID-19 and providing relief to people who have been affected by it. Christopher graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Leadership in 2013.
Chairman
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 Bohemian Rhapsody, based on Mercury: The First Queen. Richard is also a contributor to CNN and CNN International.
Director
Matthew 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.
Director
Sam Norpel, MS
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.
Director
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 member of the Richmond City Democratic Committee since 2008 and served as Secretary and 2nd District Chair.
Director
Andrew Wylam
Andrew Wylam is the President and co-founder of Pandemic Patients. As a lawyer with an extensive background in patient advocacy and government relations, Andrew guides the organization in its engagement with policymakers and the public to provide support and services to people affected by COVID-19.
Andrew graduated with honors from Quinnipiac University School of Law’s Health Law program in 2014 and is licensed to practice law in Washington, D.C.
Director
Staff and Volunteers
Nadia Assaf
Fundraising
Miranda Craig
Miranda Craig has over fifteen years of experience working with and advocating for individuals with disabilities. Miranda has specialized in vocational rehabilitation and workforce development, with an emphasis on rehabilitation counseling and job placement strategies. She has worked with employers throughout South Carolina to ensure proper accommodations for employees. Miranda received her Master's degree from the University of South Carolina in Rehabilitation Counseling where she was honored with the Distinguished Rehabilitation Counseling Student Award. Miranda is proud to volunteer her time with Pandemic Patients to achieve the best outcomes for those living with long COVID.
Development
Liza Fisher
Liza Fisher is a national healthcare advocate and yoga teacher committed to providing education about long COVID and associated conditions. After being hospitalized for months and becoming disabled by long COVID, Liza began working with advocacy, research, and policy. Liza has co-authored research manuscripts, been a patient representative for NIH’s RECOVER Initiative, and testified before Congress. She also serves on the Long COVID Alliance’s Executive Committee.
Advocacy
Ty Godwin
Advocacy
Pam Kraus
Pam has worked in direct-to-consumer retail roles to develop and lead eCommerce, merchandise, and digital marketing strategies for department stores, specialty stores, and, most recently, the biotech industry. Pam became a volunteer for Pandemic Patients after a close friend contracted long COVID in 2021 and she saw first-hand the devastating effects of this condition. Pam assists with managing the Pandemic Patients website and eCommerce platform.
Marketing
Trevor Maat
Comms
Kerri Morrison
Advocacy
Otis Rease
Graphic Design
Greg Surman
Legal Services
Ryan White
Social Media
Pandemic Patients is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.
