Board of Directors
Michael J. Rovito, Ph.D., CHES, FMHI
Chairman & Treasurer
"After a testicular cancer scare when I was 17 and continuously learning thereafter that we were, and still are, surrounded by a community largely lacking in the support of male health, I founded the Men's Health Initiative, Inc in 2010 wanting to improve the lives of males. My passion developed to focus on male behavioral health, whether it be teaching students on gender issues not typically taught, mentoring young guys, or working directly with boys and men in their communities to learn about their bodies. I do this work to support, empower, and provide boys and men, of any age, the opportunity to learn more about what they are capable of."
Michael Rovito is an Assistant Professor of Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida and a certified health education specialist. He holds a PhD in Public Health and a MA in Urban Studies from Temple University and a BA in Geography from Millersville University. His work specializes in testicular self-examination and testicular cancer, male health behavioral change, instrumentation design, and health communication. He is a loving father, husband, son, brother, and uncle.
Robert Resciniti, FMHI
Vice-Chair
Robert "Bob" Resciniti is the Founder/President of the Bobby Resciniti Healing Hearts Foundation and former District Manager for Publix Supermarkets. He is a philanthropist, a dedicated public servant, a nonprofit management specialist, and a loving father and husband.
Bob serves as a director and Vice-chair with MHI along with his own non for profit charity. He brings his passion of serving the needs of others to MHI. Bob is honored to be on the board of directors of Men's Health Initiative. The way he sees it, "Healing Hearts purpose is to help families after the loss of a loved one, whereas MHI's commitment is to create awareness in health and wellness - MHI is trying to save lives!"
Bob has dedicated his life to helping others. We are pleased to have him on the board of MHI and welcome his strong business sense, teamwork, enthusiasm and creative ideas!
Kathy E. Rovito, DrPH (c), MPH, CHES, FMHI
Secretary & Chief Executive Officer
"Knowing that we are all connected in one way or another is significant for understanding how our choices and actions impact the lives of those around us and society at-large. We recognize that health of one individual is interconnected with the health of others and that optimal health and wellness of one sex cannot be achieved without considering that of the other. When we empower boys and men, we empower girls and women."
Kathy Rovito is the Chief Executive Officer of the Men's Health Initiative, Inc., the Executive Director of the Center for Innovative Healthcare, Inc, and a certified health education specialist. She is a DrPH candidate for Health Education at Loma Linda University. She holds a MPH in Maternal and Child Health from Boston University and a BS in Molecular Biology and Microbiology from the University of Central Florida. Her work specializes in social connectedness, positive youth development, motivational interviewing, and program development, implementation and evaluation. She is a loving mother, wife, daughter, sister, and aunt.
Frank Johnson, Ph.D., FMHI
Frank Johnson is the Manager of Integrated Behavioral Health at Spectrum Health Services in Philadelphia. He is responsible for the administrative, clinical, and operational integration of behavioral health and case management services at 3 primary care health centers. Frank specializes in assisting patients in self-managing illnesses, including diabetes, hypertension, and chronic pain; managing mood disorders, and guiding patients toward permanent smoking cessation and recovery from substance use. He also serves as a preceptor for medical students and residents from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harvard and George Washington universities, coaching them in the provision of patient-centered, integrated care.
Prior to working in health care, Frank spent more than 10 years in media as a journalist, radio announcer, and music programming specialist while concurrently teaching at the university level. Frank earned his Bachelor's degree from New York University, Gallatin School of Individualized Study. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), holding master's degrees in public health and social work, and a doctorate in cultural anthropology all from Temple University; as well as a certificate in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work & Social Research.
James E. Leone, Ph.D., MPH, ATC, CSCS, *D, CHES, FMHI
"The strength of a community depends on all of its members, gender and sex notwithstanding." Equity motivates and informs my work in the areas of male health and public health so as to create a future that can benefit all of its members. MHI is one such organization that has a commitment to this level of work in communities aimed at bettering health outcomes for all of its members.
At present, Jim is an associate professor of public health at Bridgewater State University in Bridgewater, MA. He also contributes to the MPH and Physician Assistant Studies programs at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. He teaches courses in human health, rehabilitation sciences, epidemiology, male health, and gender health among others. Jim focuses his research on health equity and policies as they relate to gender and male health. Health disparities and the social determinants of health outcomes also inform his work, particularly as it explains how society tends to normalize poor male health outcomes and subsequent issues (e.g. violence, aggression, masculinity). Jim earned his PhD in health education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, MPH in urban health from Northeastern University, MS in rehabilitation sciences from Indiana State University, and a BS in athletic training from Bridgewater State College. He is an educator, researcher, and writer in addition to being a son, brother, and proud uncle of a niece and two nephews.
Steve Petty, MA, FMHI
Steve Petty is the Corporate Director of Community Health Improvement at INTEGRIS Health in Oklahoma City, OK. He received a MA in Public Relations/Communications from the University of Oklahoma and a BA in Advertising from Central State University.
Donna Walsh, MPA, BSN, RN, FMHI
Donna Walsh is the Health Officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County. As a proven leader in the field of public health and community serve, she is leading Seminole County in becoming one of the healthiest counties in Florida. She serves on multiple community boards, including the University of Central Florida Public Administration Advisory Board, University of Central Florida Institutional Biosafety Committee, Seminole County Youth Commission Board of Directors, J. Douglas Williams YMCA Family Center Board of Directors in Lake Mary, and Healthy Seminole Collaboration.
Staff
Vicky R. Vazquez, MPH, FMHI
Director of Public Health Strategic Initiatives
"My undergraduate research work with Dr. Michael Rovito made me conscious of the need for gender specific health promotion programs to promote positive wellness practices in the community. By implementing innovative male specific health programs that focus on the social determinants of health, my hope is to empower communities to become mindful of their health behaviors and obtain optimal wellness through sustainable action. "
Vicky Vazquez is the Director of Public Health Strategic Initiatives for Men's Health Initiative, Inc. She completed her Bachelor's in Science degree with a focus on Health Sciences at the University of Central Florida. Vicky obtained her Master's in Public Health degree with a specialization in Health Promotion & Disease Prevention at the Florida International University. She is currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Public Health degree at the Florida International University's Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social Work with a specialization in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. Her work focuses on population and community health, health promotion program planning, and health behavior change.
Fellows
Chase T. Cavayero, DO, FMHI
Chase Cavayero received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine-Bradenton. His research interest include men's health, robotic urologic surgery, and osteopathic manipulative therapy.
Michael Craycraft, R.Ph., FMHI
Michael "Mike" Craycraft is a clinical pharmacist, testicular cancer survivor, and Founder of the Testicular Cancer Society. He attended Xavier University and then graduated with a B.S. in Pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati.
Michael Lutz, MD, FMHI
Michael Lutz is an Assistant Clinical Professor of Urology at the William Beaumont School of Medicine. He is the Vice President of MIU Men's Health Foundation/Fight Like a Man in Detroit, Michigan and a partner at the Michigan Institute of Urology with a primary focus on male health.