LEADERSHIP
Alexa Meara, MD
President of the Board
Dr. Alexa Meara is a Rheumatologist in the Division of Oncology, exploring the interface of oncology and Rheumatology. Her clinical and research time is dedicated to defining how cancer treatments disrupt the immune system to create brand-new autoimmune diseases. She is leading research in how to define and classify these new autoimmune sequelae while developing evidence-based steroid-sparing guidelines. She is also directing a novel new clinic called the Immunotherapy Management Clinic (IMC). This clinic is embedded in the Division of Oncology to help Oncologists manage the side effects of immunotherapy and CAR-T.
Monica Welt
Board Member
Monica Welt is a recognized legal and business leader with 20+ years counseling Fortune 100 clients and executive management teams, advising both public companies and non-profit boards on strategic business, legal and risks at critical points of transition. She is the in-coming General Counsel for the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), and previously served as Chief Compliance & Sustainability Officer, and Deputy General Counsel of Big Lots, Inc. Monica is a graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and received dual bachelor’s degrees with Honors from The Ohio State University.
Jennifer Dauer
Board Member
Jennifer Dauer brings extensive experience in healthcare innovation, strategy, and leadership to the FACS executive board. As the Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center and former SVP of Strategy at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, she has driven transformative initiatives focused on improving patient outcomes and access to care. Her 26 years at Procter & Gamble, along with her work with start-ups through the CincyTech venture capital group, bring critical expertise in identifying market opportunities and launching new ventures. Jennifer is deeply committed to leveraging her expertise to support cancer patients and advance the foundation’s mission. Her work reflects a passion for creating lasting impact through collaborative, patient-centered solutions.
Dr. Kara Corps, DVM, PhD, DACVP
Board Member
Dr. Kara Corps is a board-certified comparative veterinary immunopathologist, breast cancer survivor, and advocate for patients and survivors. Kara received immunotherapy as part of her treatment for triple negative breast cancer and recognizes the unique privilege and understanding her professional background afforded her during and after treatment. In addition to her roles as an Associate Professor in the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine and Director of the Comparative Pathology & Digital Imaging Shared Resource in the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center, she is dedicated to helping other patients, caregivers, and medical teams access the same rigorous science-based information, expert medical teams, and support as they navigate expected occurrences during treatment and potential autoimmune side effects.
Pauline Funchain, MD
Board Member
Dr. Pauline Funchain is a Medical Oncologist and Associate Professor at Stanford Medicine, specializing in Melanoma and Cutaneous malignancies. She also serves as the Associate Director for Cancer Research Training and Education, Associate Program Director of the Hematology and Oncology Fellowship, Co-Director of the Immunotherapy Toxicity Program and Co-Director of the Skin Cancer Genomics Program at Stanford Medicine.