ADVANTAGE HEALTH - Key Persons


April L. Royster - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Treasurer
  • Treasurer of the Executive Committee

Celeste Robinson

Job Titles:
  • Adult - Gerontology Nurse Practitioner

Clifford Owhor

Job Titles:
  • Internal Medicine / Family Medicine

Cornell Batie

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Dr. Alice Kachman

Job Titles:
  • Chief Medical Officer
  • Leadership Member
Dr. Kachman is a board-certified physician in the specialty of Internal Medicine. She has cared for patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings including skilled nursing facilities. She attended Wayne State University School of Medicine. She received her bachelor's degree in radiologic technology from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan. She completed her radiologic technology program at Providence Hospital (now Ascension) in Southfield, MI and worked as an X-ray technologist at Providence. She worked as a Medical Assistant in the early 1980s in Detroit. Dr. Kachman believes all patients deserve medical care equity.

Imani Adegbuyi

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Vice Chair of the Board
  • Vice Chair of the Executive Committee
  • Executive Director for Specialty Centers and Business Development With Henry Ford Medical Group Administration
  • Henry Ford Health As an Administrative Fellow
Imani Adegbuyi is the Executive Director for Specialty Centers and Business Development with Henry Ford Medical Group Administration, Henry Ford Health. She is responsible for strategic outreach and partnerships to improve access to tertiary and quaternary care beyond Southeast Michigan. Imani joined Henry Ford Health as an Administrative Fellow and has demonstrated a proven track record of success leading to her career progression as the system's first Unit Administrator for its Covid+ Ambulatory Overflow Inpatient Unit, Program Director for the 2 nd largest school-based health program in Michigan, and most recently Departmental Director for the Pediatric service line. Imani pursued a career in healthcare with a passion to advocate for the undeserved and educate vulnerable populations about preventative care, leading her to serve on the Board of Directors for Advantage Health. She is a philanthropic supporter of Compassion International and the OKB Hope Foundation, as they strive to meet holistic social and medical needs in communities without access to necessary resources. Imani obtained her Bachelor of Art in Health Administration and Policy with a minor in Social Welfare from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. She then went on to complete her Master of Health Administration at the Pennsylvania State University, while also receiving the MHA Program Leadership Award, the Health Policy and Administration Emerging Professionals Award, 1 st Place in the Residency Competition, and made program history by leading the NAHSE Case Competition Team to the semi-finals. Imani prioritizes developing others by remaining committed to training and mentoring students and young professionals through various programs. She is also a certified professional coach and published author, helping women transform their lives by finding their voice. Over the years, Imani has also enjoyed being a member of many service organizations including but not limited to the National Association of Health Services Executives (NAHSE), Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, Incorporated, and Crossover Church in Southfield, MI. Imani builds her life on her core values of faith, integrity, respect, and perseverance. In her spare time, she loves to travel, sing, try new wine, and spend time with family; preferably all at once. Educational Background MHA - Penn State

Kimberly Gaedeke

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Kimberly Marable

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Lisa Berden

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Secretary
  • Secretary of the Executive Committee

Lowell Fernander

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Member of the Board
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Nicole S. Smith - CFO, VP

Job Titles:
  • Chief Financial Officer
  • Vice President
  • Leadership Member
Nicole S. Smith is the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Advantage Health, a leading healthcare institution in Detroit, Michigan. Armed with dual Master's degrees in Business Administration and Health Services Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Before her current position, Nicole served as a Budget Analyst at the Department of Transportation in Washington, DC. Her dedication to healthcare administration led her to hold pivotal roles at the Institute for Population Health in Detroit, concluding her tenure as Chief Administrative Officer. Nicole's commitment to professional development is evident through her numerous certifications, including an Accounting Master Track Certificate and Six Sigma Black Belt. She is an active member of esteemed organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Midwest Healthcare Executives Group and Associates. Nicole's career embodies a steadfast dedication to excellence and innovation in healthcare management.

Nina Abubakari - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • President
  • Leadership Member
Nina Abubakari, MPH, MBA, JD, FACHE, is the President and CEO of Advantage Health, a leading Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) based in Detroit, MI. With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, she leverages her network of physicians, community, industry, and government connections to spearhead innovative continuity of care models. Through her strategic leadership, Advantage Health has witnessed advancements in process optimization, financial productivity, and business expansion. Before assuming her current role, Ms. Abubakari served as the Director of Quality Improvement at a prominent 404-bed hospital in Detroit. Here, she played a pivotal role in crafting and implementing processes and policies to elevate quality standards and ensure compliance. Notably, her expertise extends to developing compelling business case reports to underscore the financial benefits of quality-driven initiatives, aligning them seamlessly with organizational strategic objectives. Her diverse portfolio encompasses Six Sigma, regulatory compliance, strategic planning, medical management, grant writing, and healthcare law.

Patricia White

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Roderick Strickland - COO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operations Officer
  • Leadership Member
As the Chief Operating Officer at Advantage Health, Roderick Strickland, JD, oversees the strategic planning and execution of operational initiatives within the organization. With a robust background in non-profit management, Roderick is committed to optimizing efficiency, streamlining processes, and enhancing the overall quality of patient care. Leveraging extensive experience in law and healthcare administration, Roderick collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless coordination across departments. Known for his strong leadership skills and innovative approach, Roderick plays a pivotal role in driving performance improvement, cost containment, and compliance with regulatory standards. Through his visionary leadership, Roderick is dedicated to advancing Advantage Health's mission of delivering exceptional healthcare services to the community.

Stephen Ragan - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Board
  • Chairman of the Executive Committee

William Hamilton

Job Titles:
  • Chief Development Officer
  • Leadership Member
William Hamilton, BA, MPA, PhD, is the Chief Development Officer within Advantage Health. Willam is a distinguished fundraising professional with over 15 years of dedicated experience in the philanthropic sector. With a relentless passion for fostering positive change, he has and continues to successfully lea d numerous campaigns and initiatives, raising substantial funds for various causes and organizations.