PAR Team

		MARK DAVIS President & CEO [email protected] 717-236-2374 x101 Mark Davis is President and CEO of PAR, the largest association in Pennsylvania dedicated to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. With a background in education and counseling, Mark's career spans decades in human services, managed care, and provider-led system reform. At PAR, he leads efforts in advocacy, training, consultation, and systems transformation, most notably through the Sustainability Project—an initiative focused on shifting from fee-for-service to value-based care models. Nationally recognized for his leadership, Mark serves as co-chair of the Alternative Payment Model Workgroup and as a member of the Government Relations Committee at the American Network for Community Options and Resources (ANCOR). Mark serves in a volunteer capacity with several nonprofit organizations. Prior to his role at PAR, he was President of the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA), where he championed innovative reforms and co-chaired Advocates for Ohio’s Future, a coalition of nearly 500 health and human services organizations. Mark’s work reflects a deep commitment to advancing sustainable, person-centered supports for people with disabilities. Mark loves spending time with family, especially his four grandchildren. He enjoys long walks, yoga, swimming, suduko, and reading. Mark has been married to his college sweetheart and best friend for over 40 years.

		ILANA GRUBER Policy & Research Analyst [email protected] 717-236-2374 x104 Ilana serves as the Policy and Research Analyst at PAR, where she writes and coordinates public comments, analyzes state and federal policies and regulations, supports the Transformative Service Models Committee, and works on research projects. One of her favorite parts of the job is helping members with their policy questions, especially when it involves digging deep into ODP’s archives. Though she’s only been in the field since 2020, she’s starting to consider herself a bit of a policy wonk. Originally from Northern Virginia, Ilana has called Central PA home since graduating from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA in 2020, where she studied Political Science with a focus on public policy and community development. Outside of work, you can find her painting and selling her art at local markets.

		JACK KANE Policy Consultant [email protected] John A. Kane, Esq. is the Regulatory and Policy Consultant for PAR while simultaneously maintaining his law practice as Principal of Offit Kurman. Also known as Jack, he worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as Chief Counsel to the Department of Public Welfare for twenty three years. During this time he won numerous awards including Government Lawyer of the Year from the PA BAR Association, the American Association of Public Welfare Attorney’s Award, the award for Excellence in Healthcare Law and the award for Commitment to Equal Justice for all Persons from the PA Legal Aid Network. Whew, mouthful. When Jack isn’t busy job juggling, you can find him sipping on the finest wine PA has to offer. LEARN MORE

		MEL KNOWLTON Policy Consultant [email protected] 717-236-2374 Mel is one of the Commonwealth’s most respected and consulted experts in intellectual disability and autism. His lifetime commitment to people with ID/A began as a vocational trainer and he quickly made his way to becoming the first Residential Director at ENCOR (Eastern Nebraska Community Office of Retardation). Mel’s impressive and hard earned accomplishments led him to be recruited to PA where he led many groundbreaking efforts such as developing community residences, employment services and he helped write the first Medicaid waiver for PA. When Mel’s not busy helping the Commonwealth close down state institutions, establishing family support programs and preventing neglect and abuse, you could ask him what it was like having a monkey for a pet when he was a child. Or ask him what it’s like growing up in California where humidity isn’t a thing. LEARN MORE

		NICK KRATZ Vice President of Government Relations [email protected] 717-236-2374 x102 Nick Kratz serves as Vice President of Government Relations at PAR. In this role, Nick leads PAR’s legislative strategy, building relationships with policymakers, and advancing public policy solutions that improve access to critical community-based services. With more than a decade of experience in Pennsylvania state government and advocacy, Nick previously worked in the Office of Legislative Affairs under Governor Tom Corbett and held government relations roles in both the nonprofit and private sectors. His background includes advocating for education, healthcare, economic development, and human services policy at the state level. Nick holds a Master’s degree in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Messiah University. He brings a unique combination of policy expertise, strategic vision, and a heart for servant leadership to his work on behalf of individuals with intellectual disability and autism and the providers who support them. Passionate about inclusion, systems change, and the value of every person, Nick works to ensure that voices from the disability community are heard and respected at every level of government. Outside of his professional work, Nick enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. He enjoys playing games, or simply being together at home, family life is one of his greatest joys and sources of inspiration. LEARN MORE

		JEN LARSON THOMPSON, JD Policy & Government Relations Associate [email protected] 717-236-2374 x107 Jen is the Policy and Government Relations Associate at PAR. Jen helps with advocacy efforts at the State and Federal levels. Jen assists with researching, analyzing, and writing proposed policies, regulations, and legislation at the state and federal levels. Jen also collaborates with the PAR team regarding events, conferences, marketing, and communications for members. Jen brings an extensive work history of nonprofit, marketing, and legal analysis to PAR. Jen holds a Juris Doctor from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Indiana University. Prior to joining PAR, Jen interned with the Pennsylvania Senate and worked on behalf of the Commonwealth at the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. Outside of work, Jen is busy working on home renovations of her historic Midtown townhome, traveling to new places, cooking, attending live music events, cheering on her Boston Red Sox and Green Bay Packers. She also enjoys spending time with friends and family including her chinchillas.

		LISA MATHIS, Ph.D. Vice President of Policy [email protected] 717-236-2374 x106 As the Vice President of Policy at PAR, Dr. Lisa Mathis leads the development and implementation of policy initiatives in support of PAR’s strategic plan. She oversees the work of PAR committees, supports members in resolving complex issues, and spearheads the organization’s educational efforts through PARedu. Dr. Mathis brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the field of disability services. Prior to joining PAR, she served as the Director of Provider Resources at the Ohio Provider Resource Association (OPRA). Her career also includes over a decade of leadership in Northwest Arkansas, where she managed and expanded employment, residential, adult day, and children’s services for a comprehensive provider agency. She holds a Ph.D. in Rehabilitation from the University of Arkansas, a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Kent State University. In addition to her professional work, Dr. Mathis is a passionate advocate, volunteering as a guardian for an individual receiving ID/A services. Outside of work, Lisa enjoys the peace and joy of rural life. She loves spending time with her husband, two dogs, and three horses. Whether she is out on a trail ride or relaxing at home with her husband and pets, Lisa finds balance and inspiration in the simple pleasures of nature and companionship.

		KATHY McHALE Senior Advisor [email protected] Kathy serves as a part-time Senior Advisor and Consultant for PAR, bringing over 45 years of experience to support providers in tackling the complex issues that face PAR members today. Her work focuses on leadership development; PAR’s Institute for Leadership Excellence, Performance-Based Contracting, Membership, and key programmatic and policy matters. Kathy is passionate about helping provider organizations navigate challenges and find creative, effective solutions. Kathy’s career began as a Direct Support Professional while earning her B.A. in Psychology. She later earned an MBA and went on to hold leadership positions at SPIN, culminating in her role as President and CEO from 2011 to 2023. During that time, she also served on PAR’s Board of Directors, including 12 years on the Executive Committee and three as Chair. Now semi-retired, Kathy enjoys contributing as a Senior Advisor and is energized by the opportunity to help launch PAR’s leadership series for the next generation of executive leaders. Outside of work, Kathy is happiest surrounded by her eight grandchildren, who keep her grounded, busy, and laughing. In her downtime, she enjoys yoga, long walks, and time with family. Her guiding values are people first and optimism.

		STEPHANIE PATTERSON Executive Assistant to the President & CEO [email protected] 717-236-2374 x108 Stephanie provides administrative support to the President & CEO and to the Board and Executive Committee. She serves as the staff lead on PAR membership, data, and communications. She will tell you that one of her favorite tasks is ensuring that PAR members have a positive experience at meetings and conferences as she works closely with contracted hotels. Stephanie grew up in Gettysburg, PA and attended college at Millersville University. Having spent almost 20 years working for nonprofit organizations, and another 10 years in corporate sales, she has developed a strong foundation in relationship-building, communication, and administrative management. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys making jewelry for friends and family and spending time with her twin toddler grandchildren.

		KAR'MEISHA SINGLETON, MSHA Policy & Membership Specialist [email protected] 717-236-2374 x105 Kar’Meisha Singleton is PAR’s Policy & Membership Specialist, managing policy initiatives, overseeing all associate member relationships, and engaging members through strategic communication and advocacy. A graduate of Lincoln University, the nation’s first degree-granting HBCU, she holds a Bachelor’s in Health Science with double minors in Sociology and Human Services, a Master’s in Health Administration from Grand Canyon University, and a Certificate in Project Management from Temple University. With over a decade of experience in healthcare and social services—including work in outpatient surgery, phlebotomy, homelessness services, and supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities—Kar’Meisha brings both expertise and energy to her role. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, cooking, collecting unique glasses, and spending quality time with family and friends.

		LAUREN WAGNER Vice President of Operations [email protected] 717-236-2374 x103 Lauren provides support for the overall operations of the organization. Her primary responsibilities are ensuring the organization runs smoothly from financial operations, IT and systems management, compliance, events, and everything in between. Lauren grew up in Mechanicsburg, PA and attended Penn State University where she majored in Health Policy and Administration, with a Business minor. She started at PAR as an intern in 2015 and after a few summer internships, joined the team full time in 2018. In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her growing family – four legged, furry member included – and trying out her hand at cooking up new recipes.

		RHONDA WESTMAN Administrative Assistant [email protected] 717-236-2374 x109 Rhonda provides administrative support to members with all things related to event registrations, member profiles, new member set up and so much more. Rhonda grew up in upstate NY and moved to PA when she married. Having spent almost 20 years as a stay-at-home mom, Rhonda got back into the working world as an admin/ receptionist for a small local business. Here she assisted customers by entering orders and service requests. Her interactions with those customers has given her a “figure it out” mentality, making her the go to person for members looking to attend PAR trainings and events. In her free time, Rhonda enjoys the fiber arts, knitting and crocheting gifts for family members and spending time with her five grandchildren.

		ALLEGHENY STRATEGY PARTNERS Contracted Lobbying Support Allegheny Strategy Partners (ASP) was started from the philosophy that the best vision into the body politic is insight. Insight into the art of advocacy and public affairs is what drives success in the public policy space. ASP is a public affairs and business development firm. From coalition building and issue advocacy to growing your business and boosting your profile, ASP offers a best-in-class team to deliver results.

		M. Christopher Tabakin, M.S. Associate Director of Policy & Government Relations In Memory of our Friend and Colleague \| October 10, 1979 - October 23, 2024 Chris joined PAR after over 20 years working for provider organizations. A summa cum laude graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in Special Education and minor in Psychology, and Eastern University with a M.S. in Non-Profit Administration, Chris had developed diverse skills in nonprofit and especially human services leadership. Through his leadership and accomplishments over the years, Chris had earned several awards and recognitions including not surprisingly PAR’s Advocate of the Year in 2012! He also was awarded West Chester University’s, as well as Delaware County Christian School’s Distinguished Alumni award, and also Main Line Chamber of Commerce Emerging Leader of the Year in 2013, among others. He was an avid global traveler both for fun, but also for his extensive volunteer work overseas in places like Uganda, Iraq, and Morocco. Chris even founded a nonprofit in 2015 to meet needs of VIPs (vulnerable international people). When Chris wasn't globetrotting, he loved spending time with his English Bulldog, Jamilla.